Life So Far

So yes, there's a shift in lifestyle. Not a major one but there's a little someone that we consider when we make our plans. It's no longer just what we like but rather how feasible would this be with little one.

For the longest time, I did what I wanted or what Babe wanted. We went to the restaurants that we liked and bought stuff that we like. And yes holidayed where we liked too. But things are kinda different now. Even meals with the ladies are fewer than before and yes, they are making the huge effort to come to Park Island. Love them for making the effort.

Last week, I was in Spore for a school trip. If Josias didn't arrive, I would have left one night earlier and came back one day later and Babe would have joined me in Spore too. He would have planned a work trip to Spore. But well, things change and it was strange being in Spore alone without Babe and going to bed without Babe too. And that was when it hit, yes, lifestyle change.

This morning, we woke up at least 4 times because Josias was crying a bit. We think he might be teething and thus the little cries. Crawled out of bed and checked and then checked and checked. I was thinking, we're giving up our sleep. And do I mind? Well, there are times I wonder would I ever be able to wake up at 7.45 anymore? And what about my Sat mornings sleep in? No more? But when I look at little Josias precious smile, it's all worth it.

There are sacrifices to be made. I understand that. And yes, there maybe times that I grumble and whinge but deep down, I can't thank God enough for sending me a little cutie. And again, I'm really thankful for the family support. Jacqui is here now and she's doing a great job with him. Can't be more thankful for them.

Support

We're very thankful for the support and well wishes from family and friends. Support from family and friends is very important and it's more so when there's a little one in the family. And it's especially more so when we live away from family and friends.

When Josias arrived, I texted a few people and namely, family and the well wishes were quite overwhelming. I was very touched by it. Mum flew into Hong Kong on the second day Josias came home. Close friends of mine have been wanting to meet him. But sometimes it's hard because Josias kicks a mini fuss if he doesn't get home by 9ish to sleep every night. So meetings with friends have been limited to Saturday's lunches or early dinners. So ladies, sorry, will try to get Josias out to meet you soon.

When I told a couple of close friends that Josias arrived, Stanley wanted to be his godfather and of course I agreed without hesitation. I asked Eve if she would be his godma and she's totally agreed too. We were out for lunch with Pauline and she couldn't stop cuddling and carrying him and I jokingly said, well, he can be your godson and she's like, of course! It's amazing how much love and support that we're getting. Friends have been calling to congratulate and sending messages through Facebook too. This boy is so filled with love.

I'm leaving tomorrow for a school trip to Singapore and mum is leaving on Fri back to Singapore too. I was getting concerned and worried about Josias. Then a colleague gave me a number of an ex-student's mum and I called her and she readily agreed to help out. Jacqui texted and asked if I needed help and she would fly in a couple days earlier to help us out too. So Jacqui would be arriving on Sunday. Our helper's visa is processing and initially, I was worried thinking how are we going to cope in the meantime but God provided people and help. He gave us the reassurance that things would be fine. We're very thankful for everything.

Anyway, enjoy couple of pics that we're taken so far. Parenthood is a learning journey every day but every day is a little adventure in faith knowing that God, our heavenly father, would provide wisdom and providence for every thing.

Does Pauline look good with Josias. She wouldn't let him go. We almost had to pry him from her hands!
Lina aka Qiao Yun, she's my oldest and closest friend. Well, she's my cousin and so I've known her for forever. She was in HK for a holiday and well, she didn't know that he arrived till a few days before she arrived. She was super excited meeting him.
Mum and Josias having fun together. Mum loves him heaps! She has been a great help. Especially when he does his little vomit. His nickname is Vomitty Boy!
His little Baby Seat that Joanne got for us. The baby seat couldn't fit him so we put him into ours. But not that ours fit in better but he was just glad to be able to be sitting at the table with everyone.
Little Josias getting a little manicure. Yes, he does have a worried look. Well, that's expected as I nipped him the other day. Poor boy cried a little and then he was fine. So this time when cutting his nails, he was looking intently making sure that I don't nip him again. Isn't he looking just cute? Love that adorable look!

The Bestest Christmas Present!

So I was at Sanatorium Hospital in Hong Kong having lunch with Dana after my LASIK procedure. After lunch, my phone rang and it was my case work for adoption. He told me that we were matched! I was so excited that I opened my eyes wide and told Dana the news. Well, I wasn't meant to open my eyes. I was too excited.

A flurry of text messages flew in and out and then was reminded again, can't read and focus too much. The next morning, I woke up bright and early, couldn't really sleep. Guess I was far too excited to meet him. It was Christmas Eve and that was the first time that we met. Totally fell in love with him. The next day at Christmas Service, I was about to cry and thank God with all my heart. But remembered, LASIK, no crying. My heart was just overflowing with joy and gladness and thanksgiving! God did what He set out to do for us. It was the best present ever. For the next week, we did the visits and hung out with him.

On the 31st of Dec, we brought him home. And....Tada....this is him! His name is Josias Noel SEET Yong En. Josias is a variant of Josiah. King Josiah was the youngest king in the bible. He restored God's Temple to its glory. His name means healed by God, supported by God. Babe chose Noel because he came to us during Christmas and it's the best present ever. Yong means forever and En means grace, put them together, it's means forever grace. Babe chose the Chinese name.

However, the adoption is not completed. We're under probation now and we're praying that this is really God's will. The adoption will be completed by the end of June and we'll be spending summer in Spore. Won't be travelling to States as we think that the journey might be too much for him. He was born on the 13th of August. Looking back at everything, we see God's hand in joining and panning everything out for us. We had to move and He found a place that has a dryer. This is probably the first apartment in HK that we have seen a dryer and the dryer has been working hard every day for us. We have more space and even with Babe's job, God really had His hand in everything.

Pray for us as we raise a young man in God's word. We don't want to be good parents. But we want to be Godly parents who listen to God and bring our son and future children in God's path. Here are some of his pics. Enjoy! Once again, thanks for all the prayers. We really appreciate it!

Our first meeting.
Second meeting and Babe mucking around with him.
Getting ready for bed and Happy wants to kiss him good night.
A happy little boy in his little bumbo! He's a good kid. He sleeps through the night. Doesn't cry much except when he's tired or hungry. Does a little vomit here and there. But overall, he's really good and we love him to bits!

Year so Far

So this is already the 4th of Jan. Time kinda flies doesn't it? How do I like my year so far? Well, not really complaining.

Mum arrived on the 1st for a short vacation. Guess she's liking it so far. But then again, maybe not. Will have to ask her later. Babe left for his work work trip of the year this morning too. He'll be back on Friday. Me, I'm back at work. Not really complaining. I've gotten to know some of my colleagues and actually find coming to work sometimes enjoyable. And yes, I look forward to having little chit chats with them and the students.

I didn't make any resolutions for the new year. Or rather, have not been making them because why do I need to wait for a new year to make a change in my life. If I think changes should be made, I'll make it there and then. No point waiting. Well, I've not had a smoke or drink in years. So in that department, I've been good. The last year saw Babe and I learning and growing more and we've come to realise that not trusting in God would lead us in a wild goose chase like the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. And trusting and having faith in Him makes everything fine. So motto for this year, In everything, have trust and faith in the Almighty One'.

This year, we're also looking forward to more visitors in HK. It started with mum arriving on the 1st and then Lina is coming on the 9th and then everyone in the family in late Jan, Pastor Andrew in Feb and the list goes on. It's going to be a great year because there's going to be a whole lot of trust and faith in Jesus! Have a great year ahead everyone!