Two nights in Serenity

 Hi guys, I’ve been reflecting a lot ever since Zoe’s birth, and by the way, here’s a heads up to expect a lot of Zoe-related posts going forward. (As it should be).

Thinking about the entire birth process, I can’t help but be grateful for the environment we’ve found ourselves in. I mean, there’s always been complaints and chatter about how the NHS has been failing a lot of people, and especially expectant mothers. Not to diminish the claims or doubt them, I’m just very grateful to say that there was nothing of the sort with our experience.

The Midland Metropolitan Hospital, where we elected to give birth, is a gigantic complex properly staffed and run professionally. So we had earlier taken a mini tour of their maternity facilities and to be honest, we were blown away with what we saw. There’s nothing like having peace of mind knowing that that aspect of the birth process has been covered quite nicely.

We were shown their low-risk birth wards…. appropriately named “Serenity” wards. They were a series of spacious, well-equipped and very comfortable rooms which in truth, looked more like a spa room than a labour ward. This was where we were checked into as soon as Chioma’s labour had progressed to the active stage.

Dimmed, tranquil, mood-focused lighting designed to induce a sense of calmness, acoustic music playing ethereal notes from speakers everywhere, a very spacious pool-like bathtub, available as a water birth option, monitoring equipment beeping softly everywhere and being monitored by two wonderful midwives stationed permanently in the room. All in all, a very well-equipped, modern version of where you’d want to bring life forth.

Of course, the first night went by in a blur of labour pains, gas and air consumption, cuddles and constant reassuring support on my part, and even though it all eventually culminated in us being moved to another labour room, once the progress was not moving swiftly enough, it all ended in praise.

The only sour part of the process was when they were insisting on us leaving for home on the same day, once Zoe and Chioma had been checked and treated. Apparently, the hospital policy dictates a same-day discharge for new mums. This didn’t sit well with me, and I had to insist (a bit forcefully at some point) that we would want to stay overnight and make sure everything was okay before being discharged. They eventually relented, and we had a second night in Serenity, our first together as a 3-member family. It turned out to be a good thing as Chioma later developed some chest pain in the night, which they had to get a Cardiologist to look into.

Thankfully, both of my girls were given the all clear, and we were able to go home the next day to start the rest of this new phase of life.

I’m just honestly grateful for the experience and thankful for being in a position to avail ourselves of this level of care and expertise.

Zoe

 Hey there, people.

First post of the new year. Late as usual. However, it’s bringing awesome tidings.

Drum roll………………..

We have ourselves a beautiful new baby girl!!!!!

It’s amazing how your life can change in an instant. 

Even though we’d been preparing for a while now, as i stood, frozen but functional, behind Chioma as she strained and cried out in the labour room at the Midland Metropolitan hospital, the absolute realisation that things would never be the same for us again hit me like an overhand right from Riddick Bowe.

Bruh…see all those tales of labour room encounters? You’ll never know the half of it till you’re there in the thick of things. IT WAS AN EXPERIENCE.

My darling Chioma was an absolute warrior!! She had been on gas and air for quite a bit to try and manage the pain throughout the night but I could sense she was already getting tired but yet I could see and feel the absolute determination and amazing energy that she summoned up from deep within, which was practically FLOWING from her entire body as she lay there wracked in pain. I could literally see her transform into someone else entirely right before my eyes. God, this woman is something else!

Fortunately for us, the midwives and staff at the hospital were amazing, and I doff my hat to all of them. In the midst of all the drama and me almost losing my cool when things weren’t progressing as much as I thought (insert eye roll), they were professional and very calm…just another regular Sunday for them 

We had been in active labour for about twelve hours from the previous evening, and my nerves were already nearing breaking point. So when things didn't progress as they had planned and we had to leave the initial birthing room allocated to us and move to the general labour ward,(something only done when the risk factor gets increased!!), you can imagine how my tension ratcheted up. 

However, God is always God, and he remains faithful as always. 

Ladies, Gentlemen, good folk, and all our fans, say hello to Miss Zoe Chizara Ibemere, our amazing miracle baby girl, delivered safely by 10.15 am on the 18th January 2026, weighing approximately 2.9 Kg and healthy as a racing horse!!

So, I’ve always wondered when folks talk about Love at first sight and all that jazz…it’s happened to me now. Since our little munchkin popped out and was dropped unceremoniously on Chioma’s chest, I took one look at her little scrunched-up face and fell in love all over again!

Bruh.. your guy has finally become a dad o!!

Once she had finished wailing and admonishing us all for disturbing her with this undignified, un-princess-like experience, Madam Zoe got cleaned up and lay on her mom’s chest, staring very crossly at everyone above her.  There was this awesome sense of achievement flowing through the room. Chioma was looking well pleased with herself, the midwives were all smiling happily and exclaiming about how full Zoe’s head of hair was, and as I was handed the scissors to cut her umbilical cord, the reality of the whole thing struck me again and I started laughing quietly to myself. 

It’s still so surreal. 

I’ve always been an active Uncle in the lives of my nieces and nephews but this is a whole new ball game. There’s this little human being that’s going to be dependent on you for a very long time to come, and you can’t return this one to her parents cause guess what? You are IT and in charge of making sure she stays alive!

O boy!!

All in all, an experience I wouldn't have missed for all the money in the world.

God bless you, my baby, Zoe. As all the nights before you were born, I repeat my declarations for your life.

You shall be a healthy, happy child. You shall break boundaries and be great in your life. You will surely make this family and the world proud of you. You shall live a long, happy life filled with love and prosperity. The stars will have no choice but to always align for good in your favour. 

To all this I say a big AMEEEN!!

Fear nothing in this world, my love. You have parents who will slay dragons and move the earth for you. Go forth and prosper.

Of endings and beginnings

 Hey guys how far.

Yaay… so it’s the last day of the year. 2025 is officially one for the records.

Wow!! What a year its been. 

For me, personally, I honestly can't complain. It's been a year of progress, answered prayers, new experiences and continuous growth.

Yes, it’s also been a shitty year in many respects but when put on a scale, the triumphs far outweigh the low points.

I just want to take time to acknowledge the people and things I’m grateful for, and even though they are always to be appreciated at every single moment we have, there’s never a better time to do so than at the close of one year and the birth of a new one.

So firstly, as always, all thanks always go to the Almighty. For his favours, mercies and blessings. Honestly, we’d be nowhere without our faith in God and his works. He’s always looked out for us, provided, protected and promoted. For all these, we give him all the praise and glory! E mena Papa!!

To the absolute love of my life, my baby girl Chioma. All I can say is thank you for being who you are, for loving this craseman with all my flaws, for being the pillar of our home and my backbone all through the years. I honestly can’t put my feelings into the right words, but all I can say is that you’re my life and my world. I love you. You’ve been truly exceptional all these years, and I can only wish us all the best of the many years ahead.

To our family who’ve always been there for us. Lolo. Nnamdi, Uche and Ugo, Thank you for being our support system and giving us a reason to push on. God bless you all at every point of your needs and may he bring ease into all our lives in the coming year. We pray for reconciliation, prosperity and provision for us all and our families in 2026 and may there never be any cause for sadness or sorrows. Thanks also go to my in-laws who are the most amazing people ever. Mama, Ify, Gbenga and Ik. God bless and protect you all.

Thank God for good workplaces for both of us. Perk has been such a blessing in many ways, and I continue to declare it to be a prosperous environment where I can thrive and grow even more than my current status. Thank God also for Chioma’s workplace, Remote. Our story can most certainly never be told without this fantastic company. They’ve been there in so many ways for us, and honestly, it’s a blessing just being associated with them.

I’m so grateful for the United Kingdom. This adopted land of ours has given us so much and improved our quality of life dramatically. It’s a no-brainer to state that, even with all the stress and attendant issues with living here, the UK has been a blessing to us all, and i go ahead to declare that we shall prosper in this land and it shall flourish because we are here!! Shandaaa!!

Grateful for good family and friends, especially here in Birmingham. This Evenbrook community of ours has become a lifeline and such a wonderful support system. I know it would have been so much more difficult without having them in our lives, so to the Agomos and the Osarenkhoes, I say a big thank you.

Finally, thank you, Lord, for answered prayers (Watch this space!!). We are grateful for all your gifts and our ability to provide. We look forward to an awesome 2026 ahead. 

See y’all in 2026!!

Happy New Year!!

It's the lingo, innit?

 Hey fam, 

So recently. I was chanced to listen back to a call recording where I was talking to a British client of ours. Joanne is the quintessential Brit lady…. All posh, polite, ‘’darling’’ this and ‘’that would be absolutely lovely’’ that.

As I listened to the slightly unrecognizable accent coming from my end, the code switching in accents was so noticeable as to actually be slightly jarring. Initially, I wasn't sure why I felt a bit of a fraud as I heard myself adopting the Brummie accent, spiced with British fluency, and actually being quite successful with it. Joanne even commented on how glad she was about the conversations we had.

As I reflected on the experience later, it occurred to me that there was actually no reason to feel this way, because, to put it bluntly, code-switching is very useful. It’s a part of surviving and adapting to the realities of being in a foreign land. This ability to flow in correct pidgin when gisting with Nigerian office colleagues and then switch effortlessly when sitting in meetings or hanging out with my white friends is something to be admired. I realize that to some ears, it might sound a bit fake and duplicitous, but in the end, I believe that this ability to suppress your natural inclination to speak a certain way and adopt another is a remarkable adaptation strategy that is rooted in existentialism and survival.

I first experienced this when we went out once with my cousin Vanessa some time ago in London. She’s been in the UK a bit longer than we have and effortlessly switched to a very passable British accent when talking with the staff there. It struck me again that it’s a very useful survival adaptation, especially when dealing with clients on a daily.

It's such a weird thing, though. I can never seem to replicate this while speaking with black people or when I’m at home with family. Also, to be perfectly honest,  i dont think it’ll ever get to the point where I’ll only be able to speak with a British accent and not be able to successfully code switch back to Naija lingo on request.

Anyhow sha… let’s just agree that i’m not going to be an ‘’innit bruv’’ anytime soon

Its the most wonderful time of the year

 Merry Christmas people

Its been such a slow period for my writing. Haba!! Not sure why but, I’ve been in a terrible funk when it comes to trying to update here.

Anyway, there’s so much going on and i promise to update a bit more regularly as the days go by.

There’s also very exciting news coming but as i said, all in due time.

We’ve had a low-key Christmas celebration this year. We went for the vigil mass yesterday evening already and since we didnt make any travel plans, unlike last year where Chioma was in Naija and i was here, we spent xmas day wrapped up in the house savoring the quiet day, making calls back home to the fam and everyone else that rated being called, and later on heading over to our Evenbrookers EOY gbedu.

We had it in the Osarenkhoe’s (Joy and Jerry) house and as usual it was fun galore! There was tons to eat, drink and lots of games and gifts to enjoy. Thank God for this community here.. It would have been a very boring day.

All in all, a very good day.

Merry Christmas my beautiful people.

This debit life of ours..

 

Most times it’s always in the dead of night when all peaceful, law abiding citizens are deep in repose.

It matters not if you’re ready for them or not

The sneak in every month end, stealthy little fuckers who don’t make the customary noises you’re used to from your device.

Like the saying goes, the only certain things in life are Death and Taxes.

I say the only sure things in Life are death, taxes and Direct Debit alerts!

Omo, my tired is tired.

It’s 4.30 am on the first day of a new month and like most other days, my insomniac routine kicks in. After re-booting and calibrating myself, I pick up my phone to see how much sleep i managed to put away

Unlike most other days however, the notification bar is absolutely popping off!!

Before I can fully process or remember what day it is, I slide it down and sigh. 

An increased number of ‘’happy new month’’ WhatsApp messages mixed with all the usual message notifications from the groups I’ve stubbornly clung to (Despite Chioma’s threats), a medley of other app notifications, Google reminders and du dun dun….. The amazingly long drop down list of Direct Debit alerts from my HSBC account.

Insert deep hiss and weary sigh.😩😩😩

I mean, can’t somebody catch a break? Don’t I have one unknown ancestral relation who has decided to will me an Island in the Caribbean? 

Yes, I already know what you’re going to ask and the answer is NO. 

There’s no option of me choosing NOT to set up debit alerts because all the items which are being paid off are mission critical to survival over here in the UK. Unfortunately (lol), the responsible thing to do is to set up payments for them all and move on with life. Being a responsible someborry as i was taught to be, this is the most logical option.

Doesn’t stop it from being very annoying sha.

Council tax, car loan repayment, Insurance payment, car tax, electricity bill, Water bill, Rent, phone bill, WIFI payment,...Aaaarrrghhhh!!.. There’s one really really annoying one that comes quarterly. TV License bill. Can you just imagine? Actually paying the government to watch your own tv o!!. Like i said, If not for doing the responsible thing, (and Chioma’s knife-on-my-throat insistence)..wetin concern me and TV licence payment?

Bruh, if you see me anytime, biko press some forex into my hand. Life adiro easy at all.

New whip.. who dis?

 

So after all the dilly dallying, rationalizing and procrastinating, we finally convinced ourselves of the need to join the rank of car users in the UK. Recall that i had earlier undergone the driving theory test, which i passed with flying colours (before nko), however, the practical test is a whole other story.

After trying relentlessly to book a date, I finally managed to get one in..wait for it…. March 2026!!!

Bruh…

Truly, even my tired was tired.

No worries though. After weighing all the probabilities, we decided to go ahead and buy a car and at least get started on using it and getting familiar with the road networks and driving system over here.

Seeing as I’ve always named all my rides in the past… Sophie, Brutus etc…Ladies and Gentlemen, i present to you…AXEL

Axe is a beautiful Peugeot 2018 model, which full disclosure, is a used vehicle, but still very sound and can very easily pass off for new.

We got it at a bargain deal from one of the numerous used car websites and after all the usual senrenren associated with getting anything officially done here (I had to go to the gov.uk site to register, tax and research insurance providers)

Of course, we had to use bank financing to pay off the cost but I still believe it was very well worth it.

Funny enough, I’ve already started driving places and to be honest, it’s just like riding a bicycle. You never ever forget how to.

So here’s to many many smooth, enjoyable drives, no accidents, no breakdowns, no need to join or call AAA and many happy years of seamless conveyance with Axel.