Aberdeen Maternity Hospital welcomed an extra-special Christmas gift this year with the arrival of twins, Karney and Veny Chima. Born just a minute apart on December 25, the twins delighted their proud parents, Mercy Simons and Chima Amanze, from Tillydrone, marking a moment of double holiday happiness for their family.
Karney, a healthy baby boy, arrived first at 4.45am weighing 5 lbs 4oz, followed swiftly by his sister Veny at 4.46am, who weighed 5 lbs. The twins, who are the first babies born to Mercy and Chima, were also the Granite City’s first Christmas arrivals of 2023.
“We knew we were expecting twins, but we didn’t know they’d be a boy and a girl. We are thrilled, but absolutely knackered!” Mercy said while cradling her newborns, adding that the surprise made their Christmas even more magical.
The happy couple was still at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital when Press and Journal photographer Darrell Benns captured their heartwarming first family photo.
A Joyful Milestone for Aberdeen
Not only were the twins the highlight of Christmas in Aberdeen, but they also represented the first of Tillydrone’s festive newborns, making it a memorable occasion for the hospital’s maternity staff.
Maternity units in Elgin, Peterhead, and Inverurie are still awaiting their first Christmas babies of the year, but the Chima family’s special double bundle has certainly set a celebratory tone for the season.
First Christmas Baby in Scotland
While Karney and Veny hold the honor of being Aberdeen’s first Christmas twins, the title of Scotland’s first Christmas baby reportedly goes to parents Alyshia Glen and Daniel McGhee from Bellshill. Their daughter, born at 1.35am at University Hospital Wishaw, weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs 6oz, making her the very first arrival on Christmas Day in Scotland this year.
A Festive First for the Chima Family
For Mercy and Chima, this joyous double arrival marked their first venture into parenthood. Their holiday season promises to be one filled with love, laughter, and probably a few sleepless nights as the new parents adjust to life with two little ones. The family is looking forward to bringing their babies home soon to celebrate their expanded family.
Congratulations to the Chima family on their beautiful holiday surprise!