The LinkedIn Era

Having been an expressive writer for God knows how long, it’s now a pretty interesting time to be on LinkedIn. 

Learn what’s more current about my life and business there. Join me at https://linkedin.com/in/ofosuadaakuammah

See you soon!

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You’re doing well

I scribbled a whole lot earlier and fell asleep in the process. It reminds me of Naa now. Tired, exhausted and fussing herself silly, anything but allowing herself to fall asleep. 

It doesn’t take away the magnitude of things that were on my plate. But a nap did wonders. At least, after I was fully awake it did. 

Hunger, sleep, things that change my perspective. I was asked to breathe this weekend, breathe and just be. And allow God to be God as well. Over my life and over my situation. 

I’m at one of those activity peaks now. A first child turning one soon, a new mum in her mid thirties, a new employee in an unfamiliar industry, 2 exams in 2 very new fields to write in the next 2 weeks, absent child support for these same 2 weeks, a lot of work at work, big changes in the family dynamics (dynamics that are older than 20 years), an ongoing visibility promo for Enosua’s heArt, an uncomfortable financial situation for Enosua’s heArt, the economy as it is now… shall I list more?

No need. Because in the spirit of being, I will pause to acknowledge this much: “Girl! You’re doing a lot! And you’re doing well… just so well… past Ofosua should see you now, and future Ofosua should stand proud. Just for “being” alone… see, see what the Lord has done, be expectant of the more He will do.”

God is good, Ofosua. God is good, boss-chick, employee of the past month, mummy dearest, supportive wife, double student, proud daughter, praying sister, citizen of Ghana. 

God is good, Ofosua, and you’re doing well. God bless you. 

22:08

Mompreneur/Sidepreneur  |  Sunday, 30th October, 2022  |  Baby at 11 calendar months, 5 days

“Martha, Martha, Kanban…”

Growing up, I remember struggling to understand these verses from a well-loved story: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

I mean, why on earth would a guest (the Lord) tell a busy host (Martha) this when she only asked him to tell her “distracted” sister (Mary) to help her? I mean how? It was a no-brainer to me. We’re two sisters who have guests, we must make sure everything is in place for the guests to be well cared for in this very moment, but Mary doesn’t do anything but sit by a guest and listen to Him when there’s work to do! 

I could always bear with Martha’s frustration but found it hard to understand what the Lord meant. So I settled with the explanations I was given and eventually made peace with it. 

Till I recently discovered the joy of actually practising Kanban, one of the agile methods, and now these verses take on a whole new meaning from me especially “it will not be taken away from her” 

Kanban as an agile method not only relies on having our “to-do list” arranged in a certain way on a board we can “always” see, but also relies on us focussing on one thing at a time till it is done before moving on to the next priority, only pulling in another priority task to do when the prioritised task a person is working on is done. It’s interesting to read more about it online, please do!

If Mary used a personal Kanban, she would have been focussing on the task important to her: listening to the Lord, a guest Who wouldn’t always be with her but had so much wisdom He could share with her then. 

Now my humorous self can’t seem to get this image out of my mind 😂😂: The Lord saying ever so serenely to Martha, “Martha, Martha, Kanban…” I’m in tickles already! 

When I began using Kanban, I discovered my priority tasks were no longer being “taken away from” me by distractions, seeming emergencies, less important and less urgent things. I was getting things done and done well because I gave myself the permission and the space to focus in spite of everything. Just like Mary. 

And funny enough, I was getting even more things done in a day when I used my Kanban than if I were to run around and do many things at once, start many things before finishing one to move on to the next.

My personal Kanban allows me to:

1. List everything I need to do including the “many things” that leave me “worried and upset” when they aren’t done
2. Prioritise the “few things” that “are needed”, and 
3. Choose “indeed only one” thing to work on. 

If you’re familiar with this Bible story and experienced in using Kanban you may understand the light bulb moment I just had these few days ago after being retrained by IQ business on Kanban amongst other agile concepts. I’m now an absolute Kanban believer!

If you feel you want to understand my lightbulb moment, I’d encourage you to: 

• Read Luke 10:38-42
• Read more about Kanban
• Create your personal Kanban and follow it, and
• Discover your own joy of being more productive so that what’s important to you is “not taken away”. Just like Mary. 

Feel free to send me a message if you get stuck, and I’d be happy to help. 

Enjoy your day! Kanban, anyone?

8:38am

Mompreneur/Sidepreneur || Friday, 21st October, 2021 || Baby at 10 calendar months, 26 days

10 Letters - Letter 10

2 weeks ago, 14 nights ago, I was preparing to leave you behind for more than 24 hours for the first time in my life, Gladys. 

Daunting, no? I was gone for 7 days and 7 nights. And when I got home you were asleep! 😂😂😂

But it was beautiful thing to have you latch on at night as if nothing had changed. It was adorable to see you laugh and crawl so quickly! Yes, I know. You still move on your fours in slow motion but girl have you improved! I sometimes still see you getting weighed down by your own head from a small miscalculated coordination attempt, at times to the point of tripping as you crawl. But ooo it’s so adorable to see the progress you’ve made. 

Your soul piercing gaze still warms my heart. This is you, our Frances, and we love you to absolute bits. 

I do thank Ariel, Amanda over again for their care for you whilst I was away but I haven’t paused to properly say thank you to you, Naa. 

Thank you, Ameley, for: 

- Not stressing your Dad and Auntie Amanda too much 

- Staying healthy; I know it’s not all you but I’m grateful you were

- Your smiles and laughter when you recognised me during video calls 

- Hanging in there without me, whether or not you truly missed me or didn’t realise what was going on 

- Craving for my breastmilk while I was away and letting me know you did when you saw me on our video calls. Really glad you didn’t kill the appetite. You made all my expressed milk worth it. 

- Just being you, Ms. Ammah, in all your cuteness, your fondness and your bea-U-ty! 

I have more to say but my sleepy mind isn’t allowing it to flow as freely. 

All the same I want you to know… our baby girl… know that Mummy loves you waa. To the moon and back and back again with an Uber rider to the main Mamprobi lorry station. 

You’re our lovely darling, and it’s good to hold you close again… over and over again…

22:17

1st baby diaries || Friday, 14th October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 19 days

10 Letters - Letter 9

Tonight, Godwilling, tonight…

Tonight, I’d hold you in my arms

Tonight, you’ll suckle by my side

Tonight, I’d hear you breathing, asleep 

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight, I’ll see you smile at me

Without a screen between us three

Tonight, I will delight in your laugh

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight, your eyes will look into mine

Piercing my soul, traversing time

Glittering with sleep, or thought or more

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight, I’d feel your heartbeat sync with mine

Tonight, our rhythms will sing our old rhyme

Tonight, I’ll feel your warmth again

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight, I’d count these my many blessings one more time 

Our answer to prayer, our girl who arrived in perfect time

Tonight, I’d hum a song of praise 

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight, Daddy may get some deserved sleep

Tonight, I’m on duty automatically 😂😂

Tonight, I’d hear you fuss again

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight, I think I’d finally shed that tear

The joy of finally having you near

The week is over, I’m coming home

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight! Our N’am’ley, did you miss me?

Tonight! It’s been an incredible week!

Tonight, it’s you I get to see 😍😍

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight, I’ll drown the whole world out 

Tonight, they can go and figure it out

Tonight will all be for my family

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight, I’d hold you in my arms 

Tonight, I’d kiss you with wet eyes

Tonight, I’d smile a thousand smiles

Tonight, Naa Ameley, tonight

Tonight, God willing, tonight 

Tonight… 

8:29pm WAT 

1st baby diaries || Saturday, 8th October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 13 days

10 Letters - Letter 8

Guess who’s seeing you tomooorrroooooowwwww!!! 

Mummy dearest, that’s who! 

Oh my baby, I’ve missed you! They did say babies grow so fast but say whaaaaaatt???!! 

Daddy gave me an update tonight. Girl, you’re grown!! 1 week! Just a week and you’re crawling with confidence, defending your turf and not just investing your newfound super powers in throwing tantrums 😂😂😂

You look taller too! A lot can happen in one week. My heart is already in Ghana, my body is here and my mind is definitely in a deep sleep 😂😂 Ameley, I’m so tired I can’t even think. 

Today and yesterday have been spiritual journeys. Bad states are good things if they trigger great actions, and I’m on to my new adventure. The exhaustion did a number on me but it made me vulnerable. And this vulnerability was good. You know how I’d love you to follow your dreams with pride, passion and responsibility? Well I hope we can look at this week and go like, “My mum made a life changing choice, and this is where it all began” 

The mystery… looolololl… but the future will prove it or not. 

It’s been a good ride, Naa. So glad my employer gave me this chance. Happy to be coming home to Daddy, you and the rest of the family soon. Till then, where’s that “new” to do list? 

Love you now and always, our Naa Ameley. 

22:04

1st baby diaries || Friday, 7th October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 12 days

10 Letters - Letter 7

It was lovely seeing your angelic face as you slept this morning, Naa. I remember when people kept saying you looked so peaceful in sleep. To me, all babies did but today I got it. Your face, your eyes, there was something absolutely calming about you and it made me feel peaceful. 

I didn’t see you much today after that. Can’t remember where you were but I spoke with your Daddy and knew you were closeby.

Speaking of peace, today, I chose me. Not intentionally but I kinda got so exhausted I skipped class and talked with Uncle Yaw, who had come to the hotel to visit, till late. It was nice. I needed that rest. It felt like I’d stepped off the rat race for a moment, still tired but less strained. Enjoying laughs and the fellowship of a friend. 

It’s been a good evening. And guess what? I’m in bed before midnight! Whoop whoop! Before 11pm even! Hurrrayyyyy!! 

I’d be sleeping right after this letter to you, Naa. I hope when you grow and you start choosing, I hope you choose what’s best for others and best for you. I had unconsciously begun thinking angry thoughts about others when I was hungry over the last few days, not realising the strain this week had had on me. I wasn’t becoming a good version of myself for others or for me.  

Naa, one 3-day intense training from Monday to Wednesday, an engaging conference today and tomorrow, the night online classes that starts at 5:30pm Ghana time to close about 11pm SA time (I’m 2 hours ahead of you), the expressing of milk, the long shopping walks, the ad hoc emails, the urgent texts, the low sleep, the constant urgent and important mode, the jet lag, the colder weather and freezing air conditioning, the cold that doesn’t heal fully. Mummy’s been through quite a bit this week and has a few more days to go to see you. 

Tonight’s break was not an option. It was unintentional but it was key. And I’m so grateful God was gracious enough to orchestrate it for me. 

So when you start making more choices on your own, Naa, I pray that when God grants you rest, you’d take it. Don’t worry about tomorrow or the work left undone. He’d either clear it away or help you make up for it at a better time. So please take it when you recognise it. Thanking Him for His opportunities to rest… 

… like I am today. 

I love you, our Remote-Inspector. May God grant us a beautiful tomorrow in Him. 

22:45

1st baby diaries || Thursday, 6th October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 11 days

10 Letters - Letter 6

Talk about long hard days, Naa Ameley! Eish! 

3 minutes to half past midnight, Naa. And Mummy is still up. 

I always wondered why people hated travelling on company trips. Now I understand even more. I thought it was just the flight (which I’d gladly skip if teleporting existed) but eish! The work after work is just hectic! Aowwuuuu… 

That said though, I’m loving the opportunity. And the chance to eat and try foods I normally won’t eat 🤩 I have a senior colleague who actually hates this point but today, I’m so glad I’m not that senior colleague because I am loving it! She’s Ga like you, by the way, and food without an impressive dose of pepper gets to her. So imagine the week she’s having…  

The milk bit is a downer though… milk and cheese. I can do butter, mozzarella and cheddar and small amounts of fresh milk or UHT but anything outside this does leave me feeling bloated and gassy at times. Why they’re putting generous amounts cheese and fresh milk almost anywhere and everywhere is beyond me! Eish?

Speaking of milk, Naa, I’m expressing once or twice a day for you and I’m glad with my progress. I know some Mums don’t get this chance or have to choose to not keep up, so I’m so grateful that I can. Looking forward to your right of refusal (self-weaning) or your weaning at aged 2. Till then, let’s keep getting you some milk. 

You’re probably asleep by now, my love. Sweet dreams our famous Ariosua, our Ganyobi who loves pepper… Please give Daddy a good night’s sleep too… Mummy loves you waa! Keep remembering this… 

00:38

1st Baby Diaries || Thursday, 6th October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 11 days

10 Letters - Letter 5

We’re almost there, Ameley. A few letters more and you’d be in my arms again. 

I must say the letters are helping. I’m not struck with absolute guilt or worried uncontrollably. Perhaps I’m busy… they do say work is a distraction for mums and it seems to be working for me now. Also your amazing Dad is doing a lovely job 😍. Still, writing to you each day is comforting. 

I loved your extremely broad smile when you saw me tonight. Pure joy. I was so happy to see you but thrilled when you broke into that beautiful smile of yours, our Gladys. It’s the first time I’ve seen you smile so broadly during our video calls, and yes, I fell in love all over again, our Frances. 

It was nice going for a swim after. I’m trying to remember the last time I swam and I can’t really recall anything beyond 2019. It’s amazing, Naa. One day we’d go to the pool together.

One day some day soon but tonight though, I’ll acknowledge that amazing swims make for deeper rests — but I still need more time to benefit from it. This was a hectic day that was totally made by your brilliant smile, our Piesie. It was such a beautiful experience: that spontaneous bloom of your expressions. Thank you for sharing it with me 😘

Mummy loves you. Fondly… 

00:35

1st Baby Diaries || Wednesday, 5th October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 10 days

10 Letters - Letter 4

You won’t imagine what happened last night, Naa… I sent our letter to the wrong broadcast list. Guess when I realised it? Just a few minutes ago. If I were white I’d be totally red right now. 

For some reason though, WhatsApp allowed me delete for everyone. I hope it worked. Even if it didn’t, aahhh well, we’re human. I won’t be the first or the last to do so… lol… 

Speaking of firsts and lasts, tonight was the first time you protested during our video call. It was rather hilarious you trying to throw a tantrum because you could see my breasts and not reach it. Sad? Yes? Cute, yes too. I hope you laugh with us about it when you’re older. It’s amazing how your brain works and I was delighted by it. 

We also noticed at the end you were throwing a tantrum for Daddy’s phone. Well, you won’t always get everything in life, but it doesn’t stop you from asking, even better, from asking nicely. Were you throwing a tantrum all along? Naaahhh, we won’t think so even if you were. Missing you is precious now. And to see you break into a smile during that same call as I spoke with you and tempted you to smile was just the highlight of my day. Nope, we won’t let that moment go… you smiled for me and cried for your milk with me. I no bore… lol.

It’s been a long day and it’s really late. My brain is doing that thing where it’s following the time back home so it isn’t sleepy yet. We’ll see where that will land me. I’ll try and sleep soon. I hope you’re doing so same and not giving Daddy a tough time tonight. 

Sleep tight, my love, our Gladys. It’s nice imagining you closing your eyes right now and drifting off to dreamland… 

22:53

1st baby diaries || Monday, 3rd October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 8 days

10 Letters - Letter 3

10 letters - Letter 3

It’s been a loooonnng day. Very long. Too long. Bad night, jet lag, fatigue and a mall “trek” that went searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s annoying to have limited funds, Naa Ameley, but we still count our joys. 

And today one of my greatest joys is you. The video your Dad sent me of you made my heart sing, your delightful laugh melts my heart. It was nice seeing you do so. 

And it’s motivations like you that keep us going, Ameley. I mean, what else would drive me to spend time manually extracting milk when I could be adding to my minutes of much needed sleep if it weren’t for you? 

When things get tough, remember your motivations and delights, Frances, and remind yourself of why you’re doing what you’re doing and who you’re doing it most for. 

Because Mummy is exhausted, I’d say bye for now, our Naa Ameley. Sleep tight when you do ❤️

8:12pm

1st Baby Diaries || Sunday, 2nd October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 7 days

10 letters - Letter 2

10 letters - Letter 2

I’m at the airport, Naa. And I can’t help but imagine what I would have done if I saw your eyes that can peer into a soul gaze at me when we drove away. Or if you cried, knowing you weren’t necessarily crying for me but crying because Ariel gave you back to Amanda after letting you sit with us as we backed out of the yard. Each would have broken my heart for sure. 

Thankfully, I didn’t see either. So my heart is intact. And I’m just numb. Not a bad numb, just not feeling anything. Not feeling like I’ve left you behind… yet… 

And perhaps that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Maybe I’ll feel it tomorrow morning, or in the plane tonight, or tomorrow night when I’m snuggled up alone in my bed without you, without Ariel. Or when I wake up in the dead of the night reaching out for your dummy or your bottle or for you even to breastfeed and realise none are there. 

Am I overemphasising all this perhaps? No… I know I’m not. I know it’ll hit me eventually. But maybe these letters may speed up the process or simply delay it. I don’t know and I don’t care honestly. I do know these letters will help me cope, help me feel connected and maybe reduce my Mama’a guilt if I happen to feel it. 

One thing I do know is I love you so so much, I’m going to enjoy these days without you, and yes, I’d miss you too. Don’t miss me too much, and ooooohhh dear! I just remembered I left my breast pump! Ok! Operation dry not is now hotter than ever. 

Let me send this now before the data cuts. I love you, our Ameley. To the moon and back and back again with a Trotro ride to Boadi Junction. Kiss kiss! 

22:26

1st Baby Diaries || Saturday, 1st October, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 6 days

10 letters - Letter 1

It’s the night before I leave you behind, Naa Ameley. It would be our very first night apart since you were born. 

So I’ve decided to write 10 letters. 10 letters to you, Gladys, till I’m back home. 10 letters of love to our first child, Frances. 

But first, let me start with a story. One you may have heard over and over again. 

Grandma Frances got the opportunity to travel abroad and study for her PhD when I was just 3 months old. She almost never went if it wasn’t for Grandpa Kofi who promised to write Grandma a letter every day to let her know how I was doing. You’re 10 months now so imagine what Grandma had to go through! I can’t imagine it. At all. 

But I do imagine missing you each day we’re apart. And I am confident that I would not be able to wait to see you soon. 

But tonight, I’ll hold you close. Cuddle you like I don’t normally do. Enjoy the warmth of your touch and pray you don’t get a cold, my love. 

Because I’ll miss you, my love. My one and only Piesie, our answer to prayer and our pure delight. 

It’d be our first time apart, and I’d write to you everyday… just like Grandpa did for Grandma when she had left me and the rest of the family behind.

Don’t miss me too much! Mummy loves you, Ameley… 

  

23:23

1st Baby Diaries || Friday, 30th September, 2022 || 10 calendar months, 5 days

Intentional

 In the midst of trying to find my feet at my new job, working on Enosua’s heArt whilst working in it, and practically staying afloat, I realised I was neglecting one thing: my family. 

Don’t get me wrong. My husband isn’t abandoned and my daughter doesn’t not know me anymore. But I did realise I had become comfortable working alongside everything! A day with the family was a day with my screens by my family. Breastfeeding Naa meant Naa saw my face less than she saw the back of my device. And now, she was so used to not making eye contact that when she did, she could look on listlessly as if I didn’t exist. 

Our other “twin” baby would barely calm down if he were upset and I tried to console him. Not so for Ariel, the relationship had been built to be different. 

I used to be happy when Naa cried for her Dad instead of me. It was the sound of upcoming relief from minding her. Freedom to get along with other things. 

But now I realise that we do not reap where we do not sow. Even with babies. It’s not Naa’s responsibility at this age to invest in our relationship. It’s mine. And I should invest in the relationship I want to have. What we feed grows, what we starve dies, and I know the road I was on was full of hunger strikes when opportunities to be well fed abound. 

So Naa, now I look into your eyes much more when you breastfeed. I cuddle you close when I can. I shut the laptop for you or move towards you if work has to eat into your time because it isn’t theirs. I pause work for you after working hours, I come at your call to be held, to be fed because it’s your time not theirs. 

I’m more intentional now, because I don’t want to lose you having created that loss. I want to be the change I want to see. I want to be close to you and that starts each day. So I draw close. I’ll invest our time in you. I love you. 

You’re important to me, our relationship is too, the relationship with our family is as well, and now I’ll be more intentional… because I can’t miss this, miss you, miss all this whilst I’m right here. 

Intentional… 

23:45

Mompreneur/Sidepreneur diaries | Monday, 26th September, 2022 | Baby at 10 months, 1 week, 1 day

Yɛabɔ o, hyira yɛn

Songs We Grew Up On and what they still mean to me - An Enosua’s heArt series 

“Yɛaba o, hyira yɛn” is an Akan song that is one of the features in this series. This video describes what it still means to me after so many years of singing it.

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Me, my business, my baby, me…

After realising my home isn’t being run the way I wanted it to run, I learnt a big lesson today as a Mompreneur and Sidepreneur: no matter how busy I am, no matter how exhausted I am, and no matter  how much I can outsource anything even if that thing is my emotions, at the end of the day, I’m still responsible for taking care of me, my business and my baby the way I want it to be taken care of. 

No one else but me…

I’m responsible for asking God for help and allowing Him to guide and release me… 

I’m responsible for my own rest, down time and sleep hours.

I’m responsible for keeping my daughter fed well at all times and for keeping the quality of my gifting top notch for my clients. Not the supplier, not my family, nor the clients. Me… 

That doesn’t mean I must do all the work, no… but it does mean I should ensure the work is done satisfactorily, with an outcome that doesn’t stress me. That’s my Boss Mum job, not someone else’s. Especially when outcomes are subjective in the hands of others. 

I recently listened to the book, E-myth Revisited: https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/e-myth-revisted/34474?refId=40779&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oe5rsuF1wFsxqxbFe49RJ-4Y83Hq-wvYmB4CBOWCTxz6NGTw7UfpPLRoCCQEQAvD_BwE)

It’s a book that has useful nuggets for startups, including building systems that make your business run successfully. Funny enough, when I read it, I didn’t imagine myself building systems for my  home as well. But now I do… systems that not only work for my workers, my delivery, my family, my baby but for me too. 

Realising in all honesty today that I couldn’t outsource my meals and go to bed, and still expect our family budget to stay on track or our food to stay healthy, I may adopt the system my mum used so well… a workable menu and a reasonable price list! Wish me luck! 

Realising that a delivery company is giving me heartache, I honestly can’t expect them to make me happy… honestly! I should be the change I want to see and move on to a courier service that does better even if it means it costs more for the priceless peace of mind. That’s my Mom Boss side hustler job, not my service provider’s.

And if I’m truly concerned about my daughter’s skin, I’d ensure she gets to the hospital and not hope someone else would ensure this. If I’m truly concerned I’d do something about it. One hospital visit coming up! 

Some things are really no-brainers when written out and read. But it’s a beautifully humbling experience when you’re faced with the reality of such a no-brainer with some time to actually correct your own flaw… 

And that’s where I am tonight. Such a beautiful place before I fall asleep. Back in the place I should be: increased supervision with any outsourced tasks within a framework that actually works for the desired outcome: a rested responsible with her achieved goals who relies on God for every work, home, side hustle step…

Such a beautiful place to be: of conviction, of repentance, of hope… my baby, my business, me…

10:39pm

Mompreneur/Sidepreneur diaries || Monday, 29th August, 2022

At the touch of love

It’s been an incredibly hectic week. A hectic month so far even. And I’ve had to make sacrifices, go on different pauses, just for the sake of good health and sanity. 

It’s been an incredible week all the same. I would even do it all over again. But I’m proud that in many cases, I chose our Naa Ameley. No, she didn’t have her usual access to me all the time, but she did have me every day. Every single day, we spent good time together. 

So at the end of one to these pressure-packed sprints at work, as I took a break from the late nights and long days and simply caught my breath, I wasn’t surprised that in a single moment I was in deep awe of Naa Ameley’s hands in mine. Thankful to be alive, thankful to be her mum. 

And this inspired not only the poem below but the video as well. 

The month has been so quick and quite hard so far. And unfortunately, the stress hasn’t quite ended yet. However, as I unwind this Friday night, reminiscing my chance to feed Naa from my plate and my breast, with the knowledge that the night was mine to enjoy, it’s no wonder to me that in my choice to act, to choose in love, to choose Naa again and again, I became a poet. 

I hope you love the poem and video as much I did… and experience just a little taste of world tonight… 

Your hands so sweet in mine

Your fingers are divine

My heart just swells for you

My darling, I love you

You remind me of what’s right

For you, I’m back up to fight

My heart sings because of you

My darling, I love you

No, you’re not all roses and kisses

Still you’re more than a thousand wishes

You make me laugh till I’m in stitches

My darling, I love you

Your hands: just sweet in mine

Your fingers, so divine

My heart, it swells for you

My darling, I love you

“At the touch of love, every man becomes a poet” - Plato

10:24pm 

1st Baby Diaries || Friday, 26th August, 2022 || 9 calendar months, 0 weeks, 1 day  

A Thousand Random Things

I sprayed breastmilk in my face by mistake a few seconds ago as I wondered if I had run out of it or Naa was just too sleepy to suckle. I guess the latter was true. And I remembered how far I’ve come with this milk journey and how every mother has a unique story around it. From those that stopped producing and totally ran out of milk a week after resuming work to those that couldn’t produce milk for days after birth (like me). Not forgetting the many that got home with engorged breasts and had to make some plan for extracting at work. Not forgetting the baby formula that our babies preferred or not. It’s amazing how far we’ve all come. Me? I’m amazed… 

A thousand random things… 

I was also thinking of what to write today. There’s time to sit and breastfeed this particular morning so I’m taking advantage of it to type and my mind kept jumping to the different things I could write about. One being how the babies (yes, we have two at home) stopped wailing when I switched the channel to the Teletubbies show. It was hilarious, in that brief moment, I realised how I loved Teletubbies myself, even up to University but not once did I think my own baby would find it pleasantly calming and maybe even quietly hilarious like I have. And yet, here we were, watching Lala count 3 big flowers over and over again amidst her own giggles and all 4 of them giving themselves a “biiig huuug”… lol… the journeys we have… 

A thousand random things… 

Another thing I wanted to write about was a willingness I had recently developed to stop explaining. I feel I’m one of those people who value “why” so much that I give reasons even when it isn’t needed. And yet recently, I find myself stopping at what is essential to say in everyday conversations and correspondence. No “because of”, “this will help to”, “since there is”… it’s like a tap is gradually closing on this one. It started with my clients at Enosua’s heArt and made it’s way to conversations with friends and emails to colleagues. It’s like suddenly my brain became more aware of it and started feeling lazy. Those who know me may not see the difference as much as I do… but I’m amazed… I wonder if it’s going to be a 9-day wonder but whatever it is, I’m pleasantly intrigued… the progress we make… 

A thousand random things… 

Now I realise that those thousand and one things have just left the building. I can’t remember all the many things I wanted to type… typical 😂😂😂 I do know I’m starting to do things that “help” with not being as forgetful. Like setting up calendar invites just to do stuff. Or setting alarms on my phone to do same. Let’s not start about how I got here though, I was forgetful before Naa came along and now I’m not sure if I’m better or worse. What I do know though is, surprisingly, I’m getting so many names right at my new job. Like! Like I’m thoroughly impressed! No lie! Maybe I should buy myself a treat… or better yet, just take a long lovely walk in our neighbourhood to celebrate this “achievement”. It’s interesting how in this moment I’ve suddenly thought of rewarding myself with something that isn’t necessarily pampering or indulgent for celebrating an achievement. It’s funny though, I may stop saying, “if I do X, I’ll buy myself Malt” and replace it with “if I do X, I’ll take a lovely walk” 😂😂😂 There could be something here. A whole business plan or lifestyle change, but let me not get ahead of myself. I’ll take that walk soon and then see where the rest takes me. 

A thousand random things… 

Speaking of rest. It was a very adorable thing cuddling with Naa as I ended my work for the day yesterday. It was one of those “work weekends” so finally finishing what I wanted to do, and then closing my laptop, it was so cute seeing Naa reach out to me. Her hands open and raised with her fussy voice and eager eyes looking at me. It was nice to pick her up, rest her in my bosom and experience her falling asleep as I caught up on social media. It’s one of those everyday things and yet one of those everyday blessings too. Knowing you love someone who loves you too. Knowing you’re needed and have the chance to give off your best to the ones who adore you. Knowing you have many chances to cuddle with your baby whilst it lasts… it’s a beautiful thing. Our lives are filled with so much beauty in spite of all our pains and frustrations. And cuddles with Naa is one of my beautiful havens in life. 

A thousand random things… 

8:15am

1st baby diaries || Sunday, 17th July, 2022 || 7 calendar months, 22 days 

Priority

Tonight I got a call from the hospital; we have to return tomorrow to ensure any red flags from our labs earlier today are put in check. There wasn’t enough info from the labs to say there was a serious issue or a rather benign one. At some point in the conversation, the doctor said, “Oh, please come ooo”. That’s when I caught myself a little distracted by my planning. I was already thinking of what to tell my boss, how we’d meet this very important global deadline at work, how we can still work remotely with the hospital visit tomorrow. No… not at all, I wasn’t even considering not going to the hospital. “Oh no,” I replied, “we are very clear who the priority is, she’s priority, always. We’ll be there tomorrow.”

And that’s when it struck me. Naa Ameley will always be priority, family will always be priority, no matter what. 

Yes, there would be days Naa won’t get to play with me just because I’m home. There are days she gets shipped out of the room because she wants to “say some” during my work call 😂😂. And there are days she may wait an hour or 2 longer to suckle after I close from work because I had to leave the office later than usual. Yes, there may be many days like that. Honouring God in my work is important. And yes, there are days Ariel may have to wait with Naa outside our bedroom so I can complete an important call with an Enosua’s heArt client. Those days will come, but that doesn’t mean my family isn’t priority. Naa, if you or any of your siblings are reading this, know that the times you have to wait “your turn” doesn’t mean you aren’t priority. You are. Always. Just not a first pick as a constant, but when it’s really important, when it boils down to choosing one thing over my family, like my last job move was, you, my family, will always always be priority. 

It spooked me. The very thought. That one day I could walk away from a good career prospect or a great Enosua’s heArt break because my priorities are clear, our priorities are clear: Family first. 

Yes, it was spooky but “boy!!!” did that make me proud! An unwavering conviction, when push comes to shove, no one shoves my family out. 

Will I be irresponsible when choosing family over all (please don’t add God to the “all”… lol… that’s also very clear to me)? Hell no? I don’t plan to be and hope I meet people with grace who call that out if I ever do so blindly. I’ll do my very best to plan or mitigate, so I can honour God in honouring my family. And honour God in every other aspect of my life. I may pick work calls in the car at a hospital, if needed. Or wake up really early to fulfill a client’s order. And for sure, I would work late like I’m doing today to make up for “borrowed” time from my day job or other responsibilities. But will I put them first over you, Naa? Over our family? No… no, I won’t. God forbid that I do. 

I really ask for grace to keep us first, Naa. Speeches are easy, and announced convictions can be glamorous. So we thank God that grace abounds. 

That call has shaken me because of this thought that it generated, Naa. Thankfully the content of the call itself wasn’t scary. However, I’m thankful I’ve gotten those shock waves this evening. It’s a humbling reminder why I work, why I chase my dreams, why I love being a Mum, a Wife, a Daughter of God too. Typing this out has strengthened my resolve, and ooo am I grateful that I had this experience tonight. 

Tomorrow, we’d make it. Come hell or high water. And may we be given many opportunities to make it when it counts… for you, for family, for us…

6:38pm

1st Baby Diaries || Thursday, 14th July, 2022 || 7 calendar months, 19 days