I wanted to write a 'Year in Review' post last night but my heart was still reeling from the news of the Air Asia #QZ8501 tragedy. I grieve with those families who have suffered such painful personal losses - their loved ones snatched away from them in an instant, without any chance to say their last goodbyes. Just weeks ago, we've also stood with a couple who buried their baby girl due to SIDS. It breaks my heart to see my Grandma getting frailer and reduced to bones on our weekly visits, … [Read more...]
Thankful Tuesday: A Poem for AJ
Sharing a tender moment... In a twinkle, our once wrinkly baby is 3 months old. Gone are the newborn onesies which you outgrow. In its place a tubby winsome bud who coos and smiles, Affirming that big leapt of faith we took to go the extra mile. For this child, we tarried and prayed And 3 months ago, we heard God said, 'Go ahead'. From the moment you were placed in our arms, you snuggled cosily right into our hearts. For all the tears that God has bottled How precious to … [Read more...]
Life is Beautiful, or is it? Raising Super Hero Kids for the Real World
I don’t know about you but I’ve not been watching the news lately. Just for the sake of keeping myself current, I listen only to the news headlines over radio and would skim across the headlines of our daily Straits Times subscription (I actually have half a mind to stop newspaper subscription too.) Why? The world these days is a sad and messed up place. Every piece of news in the media is about atrocities, tragedies, disasters, epidemics, corrupt governments, pet cruelties, infidelities, … [Read more...]
NYC for Kids: Visiting Ground Zero and Remembering 9/11
The good, the bad and the unforgettable – Celebrating the Human Spirit in the 911 aftermath, 13 years on.One of the reasons we travel is to learn the culture and history of a country and her people. Most often, on the itineraries would be attractions that depict the positive aspects of the country. Occasionally, there would be historical accounts of wars and natural disasters but most would be far too removed in time or remote geographically for us to really feel the impact. Not so, with the … [Read more...]
Thankful Tuesday: Counting The Little Blessings…
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 … [Read more...]
P1 School Balloting: A nerve-wrecking, ball of an experience
It’s kind of like seeing a ghost - you never quite believe what others go through until it happens to you. So here I am, sitting alone in my car, parked in the compound of what I hope would be my child’s future school. I said a quiet prayer, switched off the car engine, armed the alarm and walked towards the school office - conscious that I would return in less than an hour’s time with a reality that either my wife and I have hoped for or…otherwise. Yes, I am here to … [Read more...]
Standing The Test of Time – My Queenstown Heritage Trail
I've always just driven by the town....until now.As a history buff, I have a penchant for old buildings and structures. From Borobudur to Stonehenge, I’ve been there, hugged that. Whenever I 'disappear' when we were on holiday, my wife would know where to find me – just look for an old church, an art gallery or a museum. Strange then that I should end up in Singapore – a young progressive nation that seems to be tearing down old structures faster than we can reproduce. Even a grand dame … [Read more...]
For the people, by the people, of the people – National Day Parade 2014
Same same but different this time around.This is perhaps one of the most difficult post for me to write. Why? Well, I’ve experienced a myriad of activities over the past month or so that has left me a tad overwhelmed. I suspect primarily that it has brought out the ‘little boy’ within me. I mean how can a ‘little boy’ contain his excitement when he had the opportunity to go on-board an actual warship and was taken on a Fast Craft Utility (FCU) ride during the annual ‘Navy@Vivo’ event. The … [Read more...]
Parenting with Empathy…Even When It Feels Hard
Baby AJ turned 1 month yesterday. As an adoptive Mom, I'm not entitled to maternity leave* so the husb and I have been trying means and ways to juggle work and caring for the new-born simultaneously from Day 1. My Mil was kind enough to fly from Penang for 10 days to aid in the transition; my Mum comes over in the mornings on most days but from dusk to dawn (the dreaded witching hours and night feeds), we are all on our own. In our sleep-deprived and exhausted state, the patience wears … [Read more...]
Hello, meet Alexander
Our hearts whispered his name...and God answeredAnnouncing the birth and adoption of our son, Alexander Born and placed in our arms on 23 June 2014So much love from Big Sister DanaWith a new-born in the home, there are bottles to be washed, nappies to be changed, baby to bond with so blogging will have to take a backseat till we find our footing again. We may not be able to update the blog as frequently as before but do tarry and connect with us through our social … [Read more...]