I’ve been tagged by a dear Mommy friend, Justina of Mum in the Making for this Thankfulness Challenge that’s been making its round on Facebook: 3 things to be thankful for 5 days, and then tagging 2 other friends each day to do the same.  I’ve been thanking God with Dana nightly when I kiss her goodnight and in private contemplation before I go bed but I guess there are merits in being more intentional in counting our blessings.

Today, I thank God for:

1. The miracle of the adoption of baby AJ

Buddy’s turning 9 weeks tomorrow

It wasn’t that long ago that the dream of having a second child seemed so far-fetched and impossible. But Dana’s been yearning for a sibling so much that each time when I told her she would most likely by our only child, my heart ached and withered a bit more. When she brought home a Sunday school newsletter bearing all the families of her Sunday school friends, we counted less than 3 families with only one child. Infertility really sucks. If we had a choice, we would gladly parent 3 or 4. But David and I, we prayed, surrendering our desire to God, embarked on the Home Study Report, taking the 1st step towards making the adoption a possibility. Now, we are proud parents of this happy, chubby little boy. He came as a colicky, jaundiced babe 9 weeks ago but has won over our hearts through and through. The road to adoption wasn’t easy (oh the hurdles and red tapes we have to cross) but when I look at him, I know we’ll empty our savings to take the plunge again all in a heartbeat. 

2. The sibling connection

The JieJie and her ‘bro’…

We were worried that the big sister would feel left out or side-lined with the buzz and excitement over AJ’s arrival. We worry about the large 6 years age gap and wonder if they would ever grow up close as siblings.  Turns out all these were unfounded. On the very first day of school, she excitedly announced (with our permission) to every person she meets (from school bus aunty, the driver to her teachers and Principal and classmates) that ‘I’ve a baby brother! I’m a big sister now…” She took on her sisterly role like a fish to water, always volunteering to help with diaper change, burping and feeding. She kisses him the moment she reaches home from school and rushes to pacify him whenever he cries. Last night, as I was rushing some work on the laptop, she babysat her brother (whom she affectionately terms, ‘Bro’, like hip-hop lingo ‘Whatssup Bro’) by feeding him water and then pacifying him in a sing-song, musical-style (thanks to all the musicals she’s been watching!).  I wanted to laugh but teared instead. My heart swells with pride at her maturity and initiative…she has been ready to welcome a little bro. all along – even before we did.  For her who first gave me the title of ‘Mommy’, I give thanks.

3. The second-time Dad

Daddy’s Buddy

I know I don’t say this enough but I really thank God for my husband above all else. He sees my insecurities, wipes away my tears, supplicates for my needs and puts up with all my mood swings and depressive tantrums. The second half of 2014 started off in a manic pace with increased responsibilities and stresses at work but He stood by me through it all. When we contemplated adopting, he sought the Lord in quiet solitude each morning before proceeding to work and finally with peace said, ‘let’s proceed’. On evenings when he could come home early, he would bring the daughter for a cycle or scoot in the neighbourhood then read to her and help with AJ’s last feed.  After the kids are asleep, he would help with blog posts to keep our online journal alive.  We have lesser time for each other as a couple (we do miss our movie nights out) and we are not wealthy materially but our hearts are full and content, knowing that in having each other to have and to hold, we are already blessed beyond measure. For the committed Dad and faithful Hubby that he is, I can never stop shouting God’s praise.