Living out Faith

Time always flies when you're having fun! I've spent probably more than eight months looking forward towards summer and viola, it's coming to an end so soon. However, honestly, this has to be one of the best summers that I've ever had. And this is without me heading to States! Well, this is true because States came to me! Eve came and visited and brought shopping to me! So from my last post, we just came back from Maldives. A week after Maldives, we, as in mum, Joanne, JC, Cha Cha and me, left for Redang in Malaysia. We flew from Spore to Redang. When we got to Redang, honestly, I was disappointed. The last time, I was there eight years ago and it was beautiful then. The corals were alive, loads of fishes in the sea and at that time, I totally loved it. But this time, I stood there kinda saddened by what had happened to Redang. I never really took it seriously when I was doing my bachelor in hospitality and was told that tourism can kill the natural attraction. But wh...

Time always flies when you're having fun! I spent probably more than eight months looking forward towards summer and viola, it's coming to an end so soon. However, honestly, this has to be one of the best summers that I've ever had. And this is without me heading to States! Well, this is true because States came to me! Eve came and visited and brought shopping to me! So from my last post, we just came back from Maldives. A week after Maldives, we

The Seet family is back in Spore for a summer break. Haven't had time to blog. Been too busy with family and friends. We arrived on the 12th of July. Just Cha Cha and me. Cha Cha did perfect on the flight considering that it was his first time flying. Babe arrived on the 16th. Days were filled with bringing Cha Cha for Gymboree classes and then Babe had to fly to Bangkok for work. Cha Cha had great time hanging out with his cousin, JC. It's fun to watch them play and then get into flights. Totally hilarious! On 26th July, we left for Maldives without Cha Cha. Sure, we were worried, wondering if he's going to be fine without us. But thank God, he was fine. He had lots of fun hanging out with his cousins. He didn't seem to have missed us when we came back this morning. Anyway, enjoy the pics. We're about halfway through summer holidays. Dreading when it ends. Little Cha Cha slept through most of the flight. Did very little crying. Cha Cha hanging out with his cousin a...

We were at court yesterday with Cha Cha. It was probably the second most important day of my life. The first being the wedding. During the court hearing, I was kinda overwhelmed but at the same time, I had to keep everything in. Dana and Pauline were with us at the court. When I look back at the past six months. I must say that we've come a long way with Cha Cha. The past six months were kinda nerve wrecking as well because there were times that I thought that his birth mum might come back. Truth be told, if she did come back, I would surrender him to his mum and yes, will be sad but I know it's God's will. But thankfully, his mum didn't want him back. She did however leave a letter for him. Which we will give it to him in due time. The first few weeks when we had Cha Cha, it was really difficult to a certain extent because I've never really been a mum before. What do I know about raising a four month old? Thankfully, there was support from home. Mum and Jacqui flew...

Very often we get people who comment or tell us that Josias is very lucky to have us as parents. And very often we tell them, no, he's not lucky to have us as parents. And quite often, they give us the bewildered look. The truth of the matter is that we are blessed (I refused to use the word lucky because I don't believe in luck). When Josias' birth mum decided that she was going to give Josias up for adoption, there were lots of couples like us that are waiting for a child to be matched with them. We met and know a few couples that are waiting to be matched and they are all wonderful people. They are like us, they are able to provide him with a loving home and be able to provide financially for him too. So in other words, there's nothing special about us. He can be blessed (lucky) as much as being in another family. They might be even be able to provide more financially to him. Maybe in another family, the mum is a stay at home mum who is able to send him to every conc...

Last Sunday, was our first Fathers' Day. I was looking back and remembered last Fathers' Day I was on the plane back to Hong Kong from Singapore. How time flies. To a certain extent, I didn't expect that we'll be parents this year. Yes, at times I'm still in awe of it all. Can't believe that we have little Cha Cha now. Anyway, this post is for Babe. I must really give him the credit for stepping up to being a great dad. When Cha Cha first arrived, Babe was a little overwhelmed. The reality is that as much as we think that we're prepared to be parents, we were not ready at all. There were heaps that we had to learn and to adjust to. But these couple of months, Babe has been doing a great job. Babe travels and whenever he comes back from his travels, he never fails to want to spend time with Cha Cha. And I suspect sometimes, he tries to wake Cha Cha up when he comes home late. Sometimes I'll bring Cha Cha for dinner with my friends and Babe would call and ...

Let me first say this. After 5 and half months of being with Josias or parenting Josias, it does not make me to be an expert. That is number one. And secondly, these are my random thoughts and it may or may not be right. And yes, I've done my fair share of mistakes. And so before you start stoning me, just read and take everything with a pinch of salt. Over these couple of months, I've really come to realise that parenting is not an easy role. And in parenting there are several ways to see one thing and yet come out with a million other decisions and outcomes. What suits A may not necessarily suit B. And in parenting, there's always a dilemma. For me, it's time and opportunity costs. Every day after work, I tell myself, it's time for gym class but it's hard because I want to spend time with Cha Cha. Even now as I'm blogging, I know that if I catch the bus at 4.30, I'll be able to make it to gym class. But I'm thinking, Cha Cha is asleep now and when ...

When one is homesick, God brings her best friend to her. I've been feeling homesick for a while now. I think our social worker said it best 2 weeks ago. He was at our home for a home visit. He said that there's a difference between not being able to leave the country and choosing not to leave the country. That's right. We can't leave the country together because of Cha Cha and it is difficult for me. So as I was feeling homesick, missing family and friends, Stanley, one of my best friend sent an sms that he'll be visiting Hong Kong to attend a wedding with his wife. Sure, I was elated. I missed him. I missed being able to call him and meeting him for lunch. I miss those times that we'll meet for meals, coffees or cakes. Sure, we meet whenever I head home but sometimes it's hard as our schedules don't sync. Anyway, he came over the weekend and we had a great time hanging out. Oh yes, he brought satay for us too. Apart being my best friend, oh, he's on...

Last week, at church, I heard this phrase and I started to ponder upon it. It's quite apt for me. Waiting seems to be such a part of my life. I remember before Babe and I started to date, I prayed for him and prayed that he'll be the one and then the waiting. Then we started to date and yet again the waiting started. We dated for 10 years before getting married. After getting married, we waited upon the Lord to start a family. We waited upon the Lord for basically anything and everything. Sure, there were many times that I wished that I didn't have to wait. There were so many times with the adoption, I felt that we were ready and the timing should be now. It's always Lord, why not now? But when I look back, I understand the timing. Babe was working from home at that time. And looking back, I don't think he would be able to cope if we had a child at home and he had to work. It would have driven him mad. Then when he headed back to Spore to work, if we were matched, h...

Dear Cha Cha, This morning as I was at work, I was thinking of you. I wished I were at home hanging out with you. Thank God, work is not far from home so I can head back for lunch almost every day. Cha Cha, this is the first letter of many to come that I'm going to write to you. When you're old enough, I'll print them out for you and then bind them into a book for you. Maybe this might be a wonderful 21st present for you. It'll bring back wonderful memories. Anyway, Cha Cha, the very first thing that I want you to know is that, you're adopted. That's the truth and daddy and mummy will be the first ones to let you know. However, the reality is that God has chosen YOU to be our son. When daddy and mummy got married, we were not in a hurry to have kids. As time went on, daddy and mummy heard a call from God. As time went on, the call became louder and clearer that we are to adopt the first child. And the first child is you. Cha Cha, we prayed very hard for you. We ...

This is probably the 2nd time that I'm home alone with Cha Cha and our helper. Babe is away and will be back tonight. In the past, whenever Babe had to travel or when he lived in Singapore for a couple of months, I didn't miss him as much. But now, even two nights seemed long. I kinda had a little trouble falling asleep. We are glad that Babe's boss didn't send him on many trips when the adoption happened. But we're kinda prepared that in the coming months, Babe might be travelling a little more. And yes, I thought I was used to him travelling but how wrong have I been. When I woke up yesterday, Cha Cha crawled into the room to greet me with his wide and beautiful smile. I asked him, 'Where's dada?' He looked at me and he started to clap. My heart just melted. Babe loves to clap with him and guess that's their little game. And maybe Cha Cha associated Dada with clapping. It was so cute. Last night, I missed Babe putting Cha Cha to sleep. I'm sure...

A week or so ago, I received news, or rather got the new via Facebook, that a family friend of ours went home to the Lord. She was suffering from cancer for a long time, maybe close to 10 years or so. My mum was quite close to her as they formed a firm friendship in the last few years. They would text and encourage each other. On the surface, I may seem to be taking her going home quite well. But inside, I do miss and feel for her family. I've know her and her husband for a very long time. As a young teen, I attended their wedding in church. Saw them get married, have kids, moved to Hong Kong to work, moved back to Singapore, taught one of their kids Sunday School, saw her falling sick, fighting cancer, watch her win cancer (so we thought), saw her battle cancer again and finally when she went home to the Lord, we won't there. Yes, it's sad and hard. But at the same time, I'm thinking, isn't it better for her that she's home with the Lord. The battle must have t...

So, Cha Cha has been with us for the past 4 months odd. We're going through the last sprint of probation with him. It's so so close and yet so far. Every day, I'm reminded of God's blessing upon us and at the same time, I know and understand that Cha Cha is on borrowed terms. Even if we pass our probation, he is still on borrowed terms as he is and never will be ours. He is on loan from God. Having Cha Cha in our lives, completely changed us. We're learning patience every day. Just when we thought that he's stopped whinging before sleeping at night, he starts again. And now, we're back to teething as his top 2 teeth are making their appearances. Every day is a new experience with Cha Cha. Even simple things like clapping his hands and picking food and putting into his mouth are huge milestones. We celebrate little things like these. I've had family and friends that remark that Cha Cha is so blessed and lucky to have us as parents. I tell them other wise....

So it finally hit me. I know what's wrong now. Two nights ago, I was chatting with a colleague when we had time to spare before the school concert. She was asking me if I was heading back to home for summer. As we were chatting, it finally dawn upon me. I am slightly homesick. Yes, going to admit it. I miss my family, JC, food and lots of food and my friends home. This is the longest stretch for the 5 years that I've been away from Spore. Comparing to last year, I was home almost every month. The last time I was back was in January for the school trip and then that was it. I miss JC. I miss cuddling her and talking to her. I miss having my huge family get togethers with my uncles, aunties, cousins and yes, my grandma. And now, my two grandmas. A couple of days ago, I was on Facetime with JC and when she said goodbye, she gave me kisses, flying kisses and then the screen kinda blacked out and my mum was yelling, she's giving you a hug! JC was hugging the phone. It's hard...

I've lost my voice for a couple of days. It started with last Friday when I woke up with a sore throat. Saw the doc and was told that I had swollen tonsils. Stayed at home but I had to work on Saturday, it was parents' day. Sunday came and went and I was still fine but when Monday hit, I had no voice. Like seriously no voice. Tuesday rolled along and yes, you guessed it, still no voice. I still went to work but after work I went to the doctor. Got myself three days off work. Which in a way is good because I get to rest my voice and hang out with little Cha Cha. I was thinking about my voice. The last time I lost it was about 5 years ago when I was still working in Singapore. At that time, it was almost an annual thingy that I'll lose it. And it was those moments that I really appreciate not being able to speak. Moving to Hong Kong, it didn't happen till now. But am I peeved that I lost my voice? No, actually, to a certain extent I'm glad. I get to talk less and list...

For the last two weeks we've had a couple of visitors. It started with mum coming in and then Jacqui. They were enroute to China to bring grandma home. So they stopped by in HK to see little Cha Cha and hung out a lot with him. Jacqui working out with Josias. She used to work with Tumble Tots and she's an expert in this area. Cha Cha totally love playing and working out with her. Mum playing with Josias. Sorry, not a very flattering picture of her. She brought and bought him heaps or clothes and toys. Very loved child! Right after mum and Jacqui leaving, Babe's parents arrive to meet Cha Cha. I was kinda surprised to how they took to him. They totally love him. They would wake up early and play with him. They can't stop carrying and cuddling him. It's truly a blessing to know that Cha Cha is really loved by all his grandparents. He's such a blessing to us. Then yesterday, Uncle Larry and Aunty Amy stopped by in Hong Kong for a day. Uncle Larry is my dad's br...

Yesterday when church service ended, we went to the creche to pick Cha Cha up. Babe went to the elevator while I was trying to out our huge SUV stroller out at the stroller parking area. After moving and pushing, I got to the elevator and found Babe laughing and talking to someone. Someone that I didn't know. I was kinda surprised. If you know Babe, he doesn't talk much to people. So I was like, Hey Babe, and you are? Babe quickly told me that he was his ex-colleague in Singapore. I was like, huh, what? Then Babe's friend explained that they were in HK for a holiday and decided to come to church. So I asked how did they find this church that we're at. Babe and him didn't keep in contact after Babe left his company and move back to HK. He basically told us that someone recommended them to attend our church. What he said next, was what got to me. He told me that when they came to church, he knew that he was going to meet Babe at church. He knew somehow that he was goi...

Last Sunday, after church we were in Zara before heading home. I was looking at buying little Cha Cha a pair of denim shorts. Babe picked out a black top and asked me to get it as he thought it would look good on me. I looked at the price and went, 'What HK400? That's a lot of money, you know?' Babe stared at my quizzically, and he said, 'No, it's not. Get it if you like it.' So I did get it. Then I thought to myself. Well, before Cha Cha arrived, I would buy it without second thoughts. Why would I be mulling over to buy or not. Then Thursday came. Mum arrived and we went to meet Babe for dinner before heading home. Mum was looking at a bag and she bought it. I saw a bag that I kinda liked. But again, I mulled over it and thought over it. This time, it was 10 times the price of my shirt in Zara. Finally, I told Babe, no, I'm not getting it. He was like, why? Thought you love it, it's in your favorite color too! On Monday night when I was having dinner wi...

I know this post might offend some people but seriously, if you're offended, that's good! I'm glad that you're offended because it's people like you that irk me! I've been reading some stuff on some Singapore mummy forums and been reading a bit about Singapore's news online about helpers also known as maids in Singapore. Well, let me put out this disclaimer, it's not perfect in Hong Kong as well. There has been cases of helper abuse and helpers that abuse their kids. But it's not always reported in the English newspapers so I might be ignorant of them. Anyway, some of those things written and reported really annoyed me! Helpers need their days off is the first thing that I don't understand why do people have a problem with. When I was growing up in Spore, we always had a helper. And our helpers always had at least a day off once a month. That was mandated by the government. The current helper that we have in Spore has been with the family for mor...

Dear Grandpa, Last night as I was falling asleep, I thought of you. Well, quite a bit has happened since the last that I wrote to you. But all good, nothing bad at all. Firstly, I'm glad to let you know that grandma will be heading back to Spore in about 2 weeks' time. We got her a new passport, her fine for overstaying in China has been paid. Mummy and Jacqui will be flying in and then bringing her back to Spore. We're all quite excited about her heading home. We believe that it'll be good for her mental and emotional well-being. The rest of the family except for Babe and me saw her over Chinese New Year. She's doing great. They've told her that she'll be heading home and she's glad about the decision. When grandma gets to Spore, she'll live with mum for a while till she and Jacqui get an apartment. Well, I don't really know when will that happen. Don't have the details but I know that Jacqui is looking into that. We know that grandma likes ...