Simple people, Amazing lives

16 years in the Lord...

2011-08-12T16:33:00.007+08:00

Today I turn 16 in my Christian faith as a Jesus-follower.

I've learnt much...

I've grown much...

Still more to learn...

Still more to grow...

Thank you Lord for the past 16 years... Here's to the next few years of growing more in love with you Jesus, my Lord and my Savior. :)

Balik Kampung, OoooOooo, Balik Kampung... (7-10 August 2011)

2011-08-11T11:33:00.044+08:00

Balik Kampung! That was where Papa and Mummy brought me over the National Day Weekend; back to Mummy's Kampung.

Papa put me in the car and we zoomed up to KL to meet some of Mummy's friends for dinner. Thankfully I could sleep in the car now so the journey wasn't that miserable. Was just glad to be picked up from the car seat when we got there.

At dinner, I saw Jonah (Uncle Jon and Aunty Lemon's baby) who would be my playmate when I come up to KL. Don't have to be entertained by the adults all the time. Jonah quickly come play with me when you can ok? I also saw Uncle Kelvin and Aunty San. She's carrying a baby friend for me and he'll come out to play with me in December. Yay! Another friend to play with. Thank you Jesus for giving me so many friends! =)

We went to Uncle Daryl and Aunty Hui Yin's place to stay for the first night. They live in a very big house in Klang with rivers and bridges and playgrounds too. When I can walk/run I'll want to climb onto those things. See if my parents can catch me then! Hah! :) I wasn't used to this new hoe so had to stay near Papa/Mummy before falling asleep. At least those were safe arms I trust. =P

Went back to PorPor's house the next day where I was welcomed by my Momo; my eager beaver ayee. Actually I can't determine who is the biggest fan among my ayees cos they love me a lot. No need to compare I guess. Thank you Jesus for my Ayees who shower me with so much love. =)

Here are some of the things I did when I was there:

Cycling at Pulau Ubin

2011-07-26T19:33:00.049+08:00

Papa brought Mummy and I to Pulau Ubin as part of the staff cohesion day. =)

It was so fun cos I got to ride on a ferry boat as well as on the bicycle with Papa!

Woopiee!! My first time on a bicycle and I really enjoyed myself! =)

I must have fallen asleep along the way cos the next thing I know I was at home liao.

When are we going Pulau Ubin again Papa? =P

Vrrroooommmmm....

Perhentian Trip (5-8 June 2011)

2011-06-11T10:42:00.017+08:00

Woohoo!! Caleb is now a certified islander!! Well I'm counting the fact that he actually had to take plane, car then boat just to get to our destination (not ot mention it was on an ISLAND!). But we eventually made it to Bubbles Dive Resort! We as in the entire Lim Clan + Leem siblings in the package. Woot! :)

It was a packed trip for Fannie as she was on a mission - to get her diving license! Everyone else was chilling on the hammocks, snorkeling, playing 'Pass the Bomb' and busking in the sun while Fannie had to study and do a crash course with Pei See.

Jee Yen and I took the time to go diving (5 in all!) and were wondered by the vast amount of sea creatures in the deep. Too bad didn't take any pictures underwater but it was totally breath taking. We saw turtles, sting rays (even an eagle ray at a distance!), moray eels, shrimps, sharks and all kinds of fish! Its a totally different world down there. Thank you Lord for showing me a glimpse of your wonders! God's creation is too amazing to put in simple words. Indescribable!

Fannie was able to join us on our last dive and I have a confession to make: I spotted a shark sucker following Fannie and was so excited to see it near her. So I to get her attention I grabbed her and turned her around and pointed frantically to that sucker. Turned out I was the 'sucker' cos Pei See had just signalled to her of a SHARK just ahead. But cos I turned Fannie around to see the shark sucker, the shark swam away before she could refocus on it. Sorry dear.. =( Hopefully next dive we can see some more amazing sea creatures ok? =P

Caleb was spoiled all trip with his 3 ayees + grandmother crowding over him all trip. He never had a dull moment on the island with so much attention showered on him. But that also meant we (the parents) could do our diving. :) We brought Caleb sea swimming which was a major event for him with SO MANY supporters cheering him on his inaugural sea swim experience. This little fellow just doesn't like large water masses. But he did settle after awhile; especially after I 'dunked' him in the sea. Heh. More swimming lessons to come for sure! :)

On our last day we also got to see a female turtle surface to lay eggs on the beach! We also got to transport some of the eggs and put them in a safe hole where the poachers can't find them. Poor things get their eggs poached in the market which is causing the turtle numbers to drop drastically. Lord you must feel for the lost of your creation. Forgive us for not being good stewards to take care of your creation. Have mercy on the little turtles Lord. :)

Here are some of the pictures of the trip to put sight to my words. Enjoy!

Daryl and Hui Yin's Wedding

2011-06-04T11:07:00.008+08:00

We drove up to KL for the "wedding of the year" - Daryl and Hui Yin's wedding! :)

Its been a long time coming and its finally here. So happy for them as they've come a long way, been through much, and now happily married.

We played small roles in the wedding:
I (Kevin) was invited to be the worship leader at church.
Fannie was invited to make a speech during their dinner.
Caleb was given the role of entertaining the OCFers and his ayees + grandmother.

It was also a great time to catch up with overseas friends like AnneMaree, Myra, the Keasberries and the KL folk. Weddings have such abilities to bring friends together. :)

Caleb in a suit together with Daryl and the Kwans

In all we are happy to be part of this special day in their lives.

All glory to God. :)

Who's wedding would we be attending next I wonder? =P

Funny Moments Collection #1

2011-04-23T10:57:00.001+08:00

River Dance Prodigy

Feeding frenzy

Boot2 Face

@my playgym while mom's on her laptop

One of the infamous butting backwards moment

p/s: Found him sitting up in his cot when I got up this morning! Boggles the mind... especially Kevin's.

Caleb's Developmental Milestones

2011-04-05T14:32:00.215+08:00

He turns 6 months today.

As he gets to know the world around him and the people in it, we're also learning much about who this little fellow is.

Girl got him this coinbank sometime back..

"Active and humorous with the loudest stomp in the swamp"

I think the description is somewhat accurate. Since birth, he was on several occasions given the unofficial award of being the loudest baby in the nursery. And he's since lived up to that reputation. Crying, laughing, burping, talking, farting, sighing, poo-ing... all also loud.

His first chuckle was heard before he turned 3 months. He's a rolly polly at the moment, just happily rolling around and at times "belly-ing" around like a worm. Loves to stand & sit, bite his nappy cloth (which by the way is his fav "toy"), watch his fairies go in circles and talks a lot in his husky voice. Loves his milk and cereal and we believe anything that we put into his mouth eventually. At this moment he seems to be a people baby. Doesn't mind being carried by our friends/family who are complete strangers to him on numerous occasions.

He's not a fan of his car seat but thank goodness he's growing more and more accustomed to it (in recent days he can doze off on his own while traveling). He can be quite impatient when it comes to his feeds and he doesn't hesitate to let you know how he feels. He has a beautiful smile and when he laughs, we'll definitely laugh with him. The term "bundle of joy" is very very apt.

The first 6 months we've been watching him grow... the next 6 months, he will be watching us more closely as he learns the ropes in becoming a little person.

Here are some of your funny and beautiful pictures captured in the past 6 months Caleb..

Of course there were plenty of other moments which could not be captured by technology.. but I'm thankful that I could capture it to memory. Too many thoughts which can't be penned down now but just let me put in an excerpt which is recorded in the Bible (Joshua 14: 6-12), of what the man whose name we named our boy said:

“You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’

“Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”

What big shoes to fill... then again... God has your exact shoe fit so if He's made the shoe, your feet would fit.

What are you fighting for?

2011-03-30T00:09:00.004+08:00

I think its a must for every guy to answer this question "What am I figthing for?" for it boils down to what's on our hearts. And it should be something bigger than ourselves and our partners.

Failure to have any clue could result in aimlessness.

For example, from a military point of view, if we give a peasant a dagger to defend his city from invasion, the peasant would make full use of the dagger and his limited combat skills he possess. On the other hand, you give a knight a broad sword and full plate armour but do not tell him what they are for, he'll only find them heavy to bear.

And here's the thing: I truly believe there's a knight in EVERY single guy on earth! Because I also believe God made us that way. To be conquerors and warriors. To fight. To stand our ground. To defend the weak.

If only every guy knew their gender calling... the world would be won for Christ in a decade! (or less!)

So my friend, "What ARE you fighting for?"...

Swimming Adventures (and discovering Caleb's love for dogs..?)

2011-03-29T23:31:00.066+08:00

We've brought Caleb to swim before when the Yoons were in town a month ago but that attempt was shortlived as it started to rain soon after we dipped him. :(

Today was our 2nd attempt! *Jeng jeng jeng jeng* It was staff cohesion day a.k.a. recreation time so Fannie and Caleb came along to join in the fun!

Thankfully it was cloudy so not too hot for the little fella but water still a bit too cold for him. Had to go in twice and only at the second time was he able to settle down. Maybe when he's a little older he would be able to enjoy it more. :)

Caleb's entry:
I was moody after the swim. But things took for a turn when "Picollo" appeared! He was Uncle William & Aunty Iris' doggy "Picollo". He makes me laugh and I'm not afraid of him coming close to me. I want to see him again. Mama was thinking of doggy-sitting him while Uncle William and Aunty Iris were away but Papa was against the idea.

Dear Picollo, when will I see you again? :(

A walk in the park

2011-03-29T11:22:00.008+08:00

Today Papa was off today so he told Mama that he'll take us for a walk at the nearby park.

We saw flowers, pigeons and I got to touch a leaf!

Morning exercise is tiring. Glad we were only out for a short while. But when I'm older, I wanna go run about in the park and play at the playground there. Can't wait! :)

Apron strings

2011-03-19T16:22:00.001+08:00

It's been a week since Caleb moved back to his own room.

In his initial 1.5 months of life, he slept in his cot until we decided to put him with us (for sanity sake) and he stayed in our room since. Kevin and I always knew that we wanted our children to sleep on their own but during those few months that Caleb slept with us, I sort of gotten used to his presence in our room! I enjoyed watching him lift his head when he wakes and how he scouts his surroundings. Of course things progressed when he learnt how to roll over and we had to start putting pillow barricades around him. There were also moments when he wakes up before us (actually MANY of such moments) and sometimes he doesn't cry. He'd just play on his own and occasionally stared at us (I peeked!) until we open our eyes and then he cries.

So when we decided to move him back, I had somewhat a slight heavy heart to "part" with him as our room-mate. And that's when I started reminiscing the time when he was still in me. I realize that this move was just one of the many such moves that would take place. First he left my body. Then he left our room. Eventually he'd take an even bigger parting step when he moves out of the house to build his own home. Now that would be such a physical and emotional parting I can tell you.

I guess it's never too early to prepare myself for the inevitable... Cutting off apron strings. Then again... Caleb's only 5.5 months now. Maybe I can hold on for a while more.

Night Training Begins...

2011-03-10T23:02:00.003+08:00

This is it! Today is the day we put Caleb through the night training.. partly to liberate us of the night shifts but also we feel its time (about time!) we let him sleep on his own...

so here's the plan:
1) Put him down to sleep at bedtime (around 10pm)

2) Let him cry it out on his own (for maximum of 45mins)

a-i) if still crying after 45mins = pick up and soothe for 15mins and restart another 45mins (and hope for the best!)

a-ii) if still crying after 45mins = pick up and latch to sleep = night training FAIL! =/

b) if stop crying before 45mins = Rejoice! (be on standby for night shift crying)

3) if cry in the middle of the night = allow him to cry for maximum of 45mins

a-i) if still crying after 45mins = pick up and soothe for 15mins and restart another 45mins (and hope for the best!)

a-ii) if still crying after 45mins = pick up and latch to sleep = night training FAIL! =/

b) if stop crying before 45mins = Rejoice! (prepare emotionally for the next day's training)

Dear God, we're at your mercy. Please help us through this period. Help Caleb to sleep through the night. In Jesus' Name. =)

Money or Life?

2011-02-19T01:12:00.000+08:00

I was reminded of the childhood game we used to play:
"Money or Life or Your Bald-Headed Wife?" :)
This is where friends would come up to us and ask this question
(Bald-Headed Wife was added later for fun and rhyme)
If we chose Money, we'd get 'beaten' (tickled) by our friends.
If we chose Life, we'd have to 'give up' all the money we had to save ourselves from the 'beatings'.

Usually the answer would be rather simple: We'd choose Life. We rationalise that we could always earn back the money we lost.

Here in Mark 10:17-31, we see the same questions being asked though in a different light.

The rich young man had the money (v22) and he was seeking eternal life (v17).

Jesus' reply was: Sell everything and follow Him (v21).

The man's face fell and he went away sad.

He chose Money.

Its interesting to note that although the man had 'eveything' in his wealth, Jesus still said there was one thing he 'lacked'. (v21)

And that was he loved his money more than eternal life.

His love for money, for whatever reason (security, power, pleasures of the world etc), was hindering his access to eternal life.

At the end of the day, we all have to answer this question, Money or Life?

Choose wisely my friends.

A mother under construction...

2011-02-10T15:44:00.003+08:00

All along there have been many comments that sing praises of the sacrificial love of a mother. As much as I’ve never disputed the truth in those comments (especially having the mother that I have!), I’ve gained some personal insight ever since joining the ranks of motherhood.

Yes there have been loss of sleep, adding new foods into my diet which I’d never have lifted a finger to put it in my mouth previously, cutting down on foods which I use to eat happily with all fingers, and some other things laid on the altar of sacrifice in the name of parenthood. But at the same time, my selfish nature becomes more apparent during these 4 months as well. How I’d want Caleb to sleep in a little longer so that I can have some “me time” (like now), and when he stirs I’d quickly pat him back to sleep so that I can have some more “me time”. How I’d want Caleb to be awake so that he can “entertain” people, sometimes feeling that my freedom is clipped with a little one tagged to me…

Our viewpoint on children really reflects the condition of our hearts. And my selfish nature rears its ugly head time and again. That’s probably why at times children seem like an inconvenience to our lifestyles rather than a joyous addition to the family.

Oh boy.. much to learn. Long way ahead!

My First Chinese New Year - Day #2

2011-02-05T22:39:00.009+08:00

I enjoyed my second day of visiting though it was a tiring day! Daddy tried various ways to keep me entertained during the journey so I won't cry. For some reason I could sleep! =D

First stop: Great-Grand Aunty Daisy's place where she showed us pictures of daddy and uncle kenneth when they were much younger. I look like them when they were around my age!

Great-Grand Aunty Daisy

Daddy at 3yrs old

Uncle Kenneth at 3 months old

Next stop was uncle Daryl's parent's place. We didn't get to take a picture with them but at least we took a family picture! :)

Daddy, Mummy and Me (KFC!)

Third stop was to Aunty Sandy's place.

Uncle Daryl, Aunty Sandy, Mummy, Aunty Lena and Baby Adele

Last stop was Uncle Chooe's place where we had dinner with his parents and Gor Gor Kai Jin and Jie Jie Kai Ann. We didn't take any pictures there cos daddy's camera battery went flat! :( But we did take a video on the fire crackers the uncles were playing. :) I was a brave boy and was not afriad of the sounds they made.

Oh what a long day! Till tomorrow where the adventure continues! :)

My First Chinese New Year - Day #1

2011-02-03T22:59:00.003+08:00

It was a busy first Chinese New Year for me!

Morning went around with Daddy and Mummy for visiting. I fell asleep or was feeding at most of the stops so didn't take many pictures. When I woke up I was in the car on the way to KL to see Popo and my Ayees. The journey was long and Daddy tried to keep me distracted but I did not like sitting in the carseat at all! I protested and cried for a long long time; all the way till we arrived at Popo's place. Hmph! >:(

Better not put me through that torture again or suffer the wrath of me!

Here are some of the pictures from the first day:

My Daddy, Uncles and Mah mah

Me practising my Gong Xi Gong Xi!

Are we there yet?

Chillax!

All snuggled up in my carseat reading my book

Get me out of here!

I'm a little Tigger! roar

2011-02-01T15:09:00.002+08:00

Met daddy and mummy's OCF friends at Vivo City Marché. It was cold so everyone took turns to hug me just to keep warm. Being a little Tigger is hardwork. BUT I LOVE IT! *purr*

Can't help it if I'm cute and cuddly can I? Kudos to my mummy! :)

Uncle Kenneth and Me

And here are daddy and mummy's OCF friends

2 Tales of Catching Fish

2011-01-31T12:08:00.001+08:00

The bible gives us accounts of Jesus and his disciples and their fishing experience. Here are how the stories go:

Scene 1 (Before they encountered Jesus)
See Luke 5:1-11.

Note Peter's response: He fell at Jesus' knees and begs Him to go away, recognising his own sinfulness.
And Jesus responds: "Do not be afraid" (Luke 5:10); "Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17)

This was the first time Peter, the Zebedee brothers (James and John) met Jesus. They had not yet witnessed the miracles that Jesus later performs before their very eyes. Jesus invites them to follow Him.

Their response: They pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:11)

Do you remember the first time you encounted Jesus? And His invitation to follow Him? It must have felt so fresh and filled with anticipation as to what adventures awaited you. I think this was the same thoughts the disciples must have had then when they left everything, to follow Jesus.

Scene 2 (After Jesus was crucified)
After Jesus' death, the disciples returned to their former traits as fishermen to the same sea though different location. (See map of the Sea of Galilee here). Here we see a similar scene as to the first. The main casts are the same (Peter, Zebedee brothers and Jesus) as well as the activity (fishing and the miraculous catch).

See John 21:1-14.

Note Peter's response this time: As soon as soon as he heard it was the Lord, he jumped into the water and swam to Jesus.
And Jesus again invites them to be with Him: Bring some of the fish you caught and come and have breakfast.

The disciples recognised the act of catching a net full of fish and they knew it was the Lord (John 21:12).This time it was different; they had spent 3 years with Jesus and witnessed countless mircales happen before them. But it is Jesus' question to Peter that sets the 2 scenes apart:

"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"

Some of us may have known and followed Jesus for a few years now. At the end of the day, that is the question each one of us must answer. Do we truly love Jesus? Our Lord asks us the same question today, 3 times. Just to be sure. Not for us to reassure Him. But for us to be sure of our love for Him. It goes beyond head knowledge, down to our hearts and then to our innermost being.

What would your answer to that question be today?

As for me, I'm stuck at question 2. As I examine my heart, I know there are things I need to surrender and seek our Lord's forgiveness before I can honestly say, I truly, love Him.

Lord help me love you more each day; starting from today.

Adventures at a Youth Retreat

2010-12-17T18:31:00.040+08:00

Mama and I followed Papa to the Year-End-Youth-Leaders-Retreat at Changi from 13-15 December 2010. :p

Make-shift bathtub

Jungle Walk

It was my first camp experience as I also had to adapt to the 'harsh' living conditions and participate in the activities. *phew* But I was able to 'survive' the retreat and I got to know many Kor Kors and Jie Jies there! :)

Retreat was tiring! *phew*

Me crashing the meeting

Maybe when I'm older I'll enjoy the adventure more. :)

Tripping to KL with Mom

2010-12-09T23:16:00.002+08:00

Mama wanted to send Grand-Aunty Christine (Mama calls her Ai Ayee) and Aunty Cheryl off cos they were heading back to Sydney so I accompanied her back to KL from 7-9 Dec 2010.

Can you find me? :p

I got a fair share of pampering when I was back in KL from all my Ayees and Por Por. :)

FLY Youth Camp - Live Out Loud!!

2010-12-07T10:03:00.026+08:00

Attended the youth camp (3-6 December 2010) and woohoo!! I feel young again!! (NOT!) :P

Such a blessed time! The face of youth ministry has changed much. I've got a lot to learnt; a lot of names to remember; a lot of praying and seeking the Lord as to what I'm here in Frontline Youth for in such a time as this.

But one thing I'm already burdened for is that I see how they respond during camp and can't help but feel that it might be temporary. I question hpw many of them would still be 'on fire' for Jesus say in March? Sadly my cynical mind tells me this is just a 'camp high'. I broke down pleading that it would last.. this feeling of being close to God.. Lord burn deep in their hearts and be ever so real to them..

Lord these are the young ones that ypu've entrusted into my care for the next few years. May I be able to lead them in the way of the Lord and help them step into their spiritual destiny of sons and daughters of the Living God!

What would 2011 bring? Lord lead on... show us yor wonders... take us to another level with you...

Faces of the month - November 2010

2010-11-30T20:05:00.001+08:00

So fast its November liao!!

Here are the best of Nov's collection. Enjoy! :)

It takes 2 to ...

2010-11-21T20:51:00.002+08:00

It's not rocket science:

God intended that it takes 2 (a man and a woman) to MAKE a baby.

It's no wonder :
It also takes 2 (a father and a mother) to RAISE a child.

Already having Fannie as my teammate in this child rearing business is tiring enough. Hats off to all you single parents out there for whatever circumstances, you have to do it alone. I commend you! You are doing a great job in doing whatever you can to provide for your little one. Keep pressing on. Their bright futures would be your reward! It'll all be worth it. :)

My Full Month Celebration (Kuala Lumpur)

2010-11-16T22:45:00.019+08:00

Por Por wanted to throw me a full month party for her family and friends so Daddy and Mummy brought me up to KL= I got to travel out of Singapore! :)

There were so many people like the one in Singapore but I had a little more rest so wasn't as cranky/unfriendly as I was for my previous party. Was able to take some photos with some of Por Por's family and friends too. To be honest I could see that they were getting all goo goo gaga over me but it's ok, I'll get used to it (I hope!). In any case, I feel special being loved by so many. :)

Here's some of the pictures of the party:

That's the way they communicate...

2010-11-12T20:59:00.003+08:00

I have to admit I have had times when I get frustrated at the little one for his constant crying and I have to firgure out why he's crying and how to make him stop. I find myself losing my anger at him at times too. :( But a light bulb went on when Fannie shared these simple yet profound truth about the crying...

"That's how babies communicate dear. They can't talk and tell us what's wrong and the only way of telling us that they're hungry, the temperature is not right, need a diaper change, scared, need a hug, unwell etc... is by crying. And so as an adult who can communicate and understand, we shouldn't expect a baby to 'tell' us how they feel. We just have to figure it out and attend to him accordingly."

I paraphrased but the important thing that helped me deal with the crying is to know that that's how babies communicate! (Like duh!?) And I never got angry when Caleb cried again! :)

Such wisdom my wife has...

First time at Church!

2010-11-07T13:29:00.008+08:00

Caleb's entry: My parents brought me to church today. My first time to church and meeting SO many people! They all seemed excited to see me and reacted as though they've known me for a long time. Hello? I'm only like 1 month old? Cut me some slack will ya? :P

Daddy's comments: Caleb slept through the worship part even though the music was blasting at the back. He only started to cry when he became hungry which was when Fannie and I started to panic and went to the holding room to hide. Heh. Nonetheless, an adventure to be out of the house with the little one. Something which we got to get used to sooner or later I guess. Lord help us! :)

My Full Month Celebration (Singapore)

2010-11-05T21:51:00.007+08:00

Mah Mah and Gong Gong threw me a Full Month Party at their place. Lotsa people came and ate the delicious food. Mostly Mah Mah's family and daddy's ex-colleagues from MCYS came. Not forgetting PorPor, Aunty Jessica (Momo) and Grand Aunty Magdelene were there too! :)

At the end of the day I was dead tired from seeing so may people and being carried a lot that I started to fuss at the end of the day. So daddy and mummy quickly brought me home to rest. We all knocked out after that! Too much for a full month old baby like me..*yawnz*..

Meet the Manns...

2010-11-01T10:15:00.003+08:00

What a way to start the month with the Mann family (Dave, Heather, Jonathan, Ethan and little one in the tummy) coming over to visit. :)

Its nice to see little kids (especially Ethan) showing such love and care for a baby (a crying one for that matter). Caleb got hungry/cranky after awhile and Ethan was desperately looking for and pulling out tissue to comfort him. He even pulled a chair along side Heather so he could climb and wipe the tears from Caleb's eyes. Ethan also wanted to hold and have a picture with Caleb just like Jonathan did. It's so nice to witness such genuine love from a young heart such as this. :)

Here are some pictures of their time here:

Faces of the month - October 2010

2010-10-31T21:47:00.044+08:00

At the end of every month, I (Kevin) will attempt to post some the month's collection of pictures of Caleb with my favourite one right at the bottom.

Let us know which is your favourite and why. :)

Kevin's Favourite of the Month!

This picture was taken a few hours after his birth and it portrays a very peaceful sleep in the midst of a choatic world. Also cos its the first few hours since I got ot see him 'live' in person. *hugs* for his cuteness! :)

Simply amazing but weird!

2010-10-20T22:45:00.017+08:00

This baby does the weirdest things (so far)!

This morning on a routine diaper change he did a #2 which was so powerful it shot through his room! (see photo below) Simply AMAZING! O.o"

Liquid poo shot 3 square tiles away from his change table!

He also has this candid liking of tilting his head upwatrds (see photo below). Simply WEIRD! O.o"

What you looking at baby?

The Mid-Wife from Down Under!

2010-10-19T18:28:00.006+08:00

Grand-Aunty Lai Wah (was a midwife) came to visit us today. She took care of Papa and Mama when they were students in Adelaide. Nice of her to come by to see us. :)

Grand Aunty Lai Wah

I Felt Helpless...

2010-10-14T18:29:00.000+08:00

Caleb had jaundice (7.8) so had to undergo photo-therapy to bring it down. As Fannie and I were eager to bring Caleb home we opted for the DIY-machine which cost us $150 to rent over Dr Simon's advice to admit him for a 3D2N in-house treatment. We thought we could follow the instructions and work at it from home. We were wrong!

We failed to put it to good use and often not succeeding in having poor Caleb under the machine long enough. (10-15hrs a day!) It was hard work and it made everyone so misearble hearing him cry all through the therapy.

Went back for review on Saturday (9th Oct) but the jaundice level went up (13.3) which was way unacceptable so Dr Simon insisted Caleb be admitted to stay 3D2N (9-11 Oct) for in-house treatment. Fannie and I reluctantly admitted him again for the therapy and had to go home without Caleb.

I broke down thinking how helpless I was as a father; unable to do anything to keep Caleb at home. I felt as though our baby was being taken away from us and there was nothing I could do about it. But we knew it was for the better and we were able to catch up on some much needed rest while Caleb was in the hospital.

At lest we were able to go see him when we went to deliver some expressed milk to him. :') Thankfully he got better after the treatment and was able to come home with us again.

We went to visit Caleb in the hospital while delivering some expressed milk

Note to self: Listen to the Dr's advice and leave baby in the safe hands of the professionals.

Future Playmate in the House!

2010-10-11T21:30:00.001+08:00

Uncle Kenneth and Aunty Suyin brought Gor Gor Brian to come see us today. It was my first time meeting Aunty Suyin as she was overseas when I was born. They were so excited to see me! :) I feel loved and secure in the caring arms of Uncle Kenneth in this picture. But I wonder why Doraemon is camera shy? Anyway, I can't wait for the day where I'll be running around with Gor Gor Brian. But for now, I'll stay in the comfort of adults' arms. Heh.

Uncle Kenneth, Aunty Suyin, Gor Gor Brian, Doraemon and Me

The Introduction...

2010-10-08T20:48:00.002+08:00

Hello World!

This is me...

Caleb Goh Jia Le

well at least this was what I looked like when I first came out of Mummy's womb and into the world...

and this is my 'score card'..

Many came to see me as they were excited to hear of my arrival. These were some of the people who came to visit my parents and to see me in the hospital:

Uncle Richard, Aunty Sylvy and Uncle Joe

Aunty Fion

Aunty Amy and Aunty Elizabeth

What's in a name...

2010-10-07T15:06:00.018+08:00

I had the awesome privilege to name baby today, officially.

Went down to the admin office to register baby. It was a simple process really, but it was very special.

The admin lady asked me if the name and Chinese characters were correct. It was as though I was God and I was giving this new life a name. I mean, baby didn't have a choice, it was his parents that gave him his name. And so we named him Caleb. After the bible character who had faith to believe that God was bigger than the giants of the land despite 10 others who saw otherwise. We pray that baby would have the same kind of unwaivering faith to believe that God is bigger than... and his Chinese name would bear the same sound like the bible name albeit with his own meaning "Jia(1) Le(4)" which stands for the "Joy of the Family".

Announcing, the proud arrival of Caleb Goh Jia Le into the family. :)

The miracle of child birth...

2010-10-06T22:09:00.000+08:00

And so we are parents.. its still rather surreal to think that we have a little one in the family.. another addition to the Goh family.. what's most amazing is the sheer timing of it all. Still can't forget when we first went to a GP to confirm the pregnancy and the Doctor said the EDD was 3rd Oct 2010! That happened to be my last day of work at MCYS! Well it was close but the cool thing about it was that I JUST returned my laptop to HR on 4th Oct and was gearing and ready for baby's arrival. And sure enough, God decided he was ready to come out to meet us the very next day. Shall attempt to log our adventure to the delivery ward till baby's arrival from my point of view...

Was told to 'check in' at 9am to be preped by the nurses. This was the ward that we were in...

Amazing thing was that when Doctor Poon checked Fannie, she was already 4cm dilated! (She didn't even feel anything!?) Praise God for the Doctor said it was a good sign cos it menat he didn't need to induce. So the waiting game began. I thought Fannie was sleeping when she was quiet so I kept wanting to wake her up to let her listen to Kai Jin's encouragements. Turns out she was actually feeling the contractions at that time and was trying to be still/quiet for those moments. *oops!*

It was only till about 4pm that the Dr came to check again that Fannie indicated she was ready (feeling like pushing). So it all happened rather quickly and Fannie was assisted into position. 2 midwives came and helped and I was there together holding onto her. Could see that she was really pushing very hard and I could also see progress as baby's head came out slowly! It was only when Dr suggested to use the vaccuum thingy that baby came out a lot faster. All in all I think the labour period took about 35-45mins. It was just amazing seeing the whole baby come out of Fannie! *whoosh!* Such an amazing experience! I was then allowed to cut the ambilical cord *coolness*. They quickly wrapped baby and weighed and measured him. They also counted his fingers and toes and put him to Fannie. Here are some of the pictures from the hospital.

Our First Family Picture

Baby and Fannie

Wrapped up right after delivery

And so it came to pass, at 1634H, 5th October 2010, baby was born to us! Here are some of the hospital pictures taken while in the hospital. :)

The MIRACLE