Blessed 2009

Dear Dylan,

As I was looking through some of your growing up photos and video clips of your first CNY, it is amazing to see how much you have developed over the span of 16 months. Not only you are able to walk steadily but also run adventurously.


Of course as we all know 'adventure is just another romantic name for danger', so it was quite anticipated that it wouldn't be long before you put our parenthood to the next level of test - The
Panic Fall.

When Mummy found out that you had cut your lips during your fall (I supposed you must have exceeded your speed limit at home again) and saw the inflamed lips which drove her to a panic call for assurance, Papa had to calm her down and assured her our strong boy would be alright, but advised her to check your temperature later just in case. As I put down the phone, somehow inside my mind I can hear myself saying, my son is getting more adventurous each day, and this is only the begining. :)

Not only you have developed your dexterous motor skills, but also your cognitive ability to recognise words like 'clap, 'tiger', 'hands', numbers and body parts. You are able to recognise the alphabets A-D,G,S,Z and your favourite number is 9. Papa also realised your motivation to learn spurs from positive encouragement and praise. It was a victorious moment for Papa, when you were able to sit in the car without disturbing me for 1 round the carpark :)...praising really works, next challenge 2 rounds..maybe to pick mum from work !

As the new year unfolds a myriad of economic uncertainties, job securities, heavier work loads and many more unperceived change, it would be challenging to stay focus. But nevertheless, my son, you be in our thought at all times, always.

May the Good Lord bless you with good health and may His angles watch and keep you safe.....from every sharp corners.

Happy New Year, my son.

Luv...

Dad

Your 1st Birthday. 08/ 08/ 08.

Dear Dylan,

As the world celebrated this auspicous date ubiquitously, with couples tying the knot, enthusiastic mothers checking-in the delivery room, excited fathers waiting to snip the inaugural moment of their new born, and nations being dazzled by the grand opening ceremony of the Bejing Olympics, ... in this heart of mine... my champion boy turns 1.

It was your 1st birthday and Mummy and Daddy had a celebration planned for you.

The preparations preceding your birthday celebration was overwhelming. Mummy had searched all possible sources for the perfect cake for you and also a personalised gift for our guests, with pictures of you printed on the labels of the gifts.

Towards the last week of your eleventh month, you surprised us with your new found ability - to walk on your own. I remember the day when I returned home from work and was delighted to see you walking towards me with open arms. Such a joyful moment !

Many of your relatives and friends came to celebrate your birthday with you. It's amazing how fast our champion boy has turned 1 year old.

Although, you looked a little bewildered by the crowd of people cheering and singing you the birthday song , i think somehow you must have felt that this must be a special day.

You got the opportunity to take your first bite of a chicken drumstick, ride on your new tricycle, and the first taste of your birthday cake.

Happy & Blessed Birthday Son!

Luv

Dad

Your Ninth and Tenth Month

Dear Dylan,

We went for our family photoshoot again. It is amazing to see how much you have grown since the last photoshoot. Needlesss to say, your inquisitiveness goes in tandem with your development.

For the past 9 to 10 months, you have experimented how to switch on a t.v, opening a bottle cap, and even turning on the 'high beam' in Daddy's car, of course that is with my permisssion.

You have learnt how to stand up on your own and soon you'll be able to take your first few steps. Apart from your dexterous movements, you've also acquired the ability to express your emotions (through yelling and resisting) when your sense of ownership (toy) is challenged (by Rae-your dog).

Perhaps it is still pre-mature to share this with you, but I suppose by the time you are able to read your blog, this would be a thought worthwhile for you to ponder...

In life, there will be many challenges awaiting us. Some small ones, some big ones, some frustrating, some exciting, some painful and some enlightening. Regardless of the complexity of every challenge, the end result is not always the important one, but what you have learnt and how you have grown through it, that makes you a better person than before, is the key lesson for every test in life.

As you slowly progress in your attempt to walk, you will find it is much easier and faster to get around by crawling than having to balance each step by walking. And it is true, since you have not developed your walking skills, you would tend to fall back to your 'spider-man' movement. But I know that even so, your adventurous nature will still push you to challenge your ability to walk.

Regardless of the outcome, learning to walk is when you choose to experience to fall and fall again. And as you rise from each fall, you'll find that you will get better balancing your next step. Of course it can be a challenging cycle, but my son, my champion, you can do it !

My son, my friend, Happy 10th Month.

Luv

Dad

Your Seventh and Eighth Month

Dear Dylan,

Today you had your first
'swimming' experience at Safra Tampines. The weather was perfect. As Daddy and Mummy were getting excited over preparing your swimming 'equipments' and dressing you up in your wet suit, we noticed that your energy level had also elevated, as if you knew that something thrilling was going to happen today.

We double-checked your 'field-pack items' (a term we use in the army to describe a backpack filled with personnel equipping) and set off before the weather decides to take a change.

As this was your first experience in a much bigger 'bath-tub' as compared to your private spa-tub, we got you a companion, an inflatable turtle, just to make sure you have fun while staying safely afloat.

We fitted you comfortably into the seat with cut-open holes for your legs to tread the waters beneath, as you begin riding through the waters with your turtle friend.

We were amused when you started to splash the water with your small dimpled palms which sent ripples of pleasure along with your new found adventure.

However, it was not surprising that such moments were shortlived, as your adventurous nature got the better of you and had you climbing out from Mr Turtle... So, Daddy had to help you put on your life-jacket as you attempted your first swim.

.

Although your swim only lasted for an hour (we were concerned that you might catch a cold if you had stayed longer), we hope that you have enjoyed your first swimming session and continue to enjoy the many more to come.

Well ... if not, at least the nice warm milk after the good work out ya ? :)

Happy 7th and 8th months, my son.

Love

Dad

Your Fifth & Sixth Month

Dear Dylan,

Dad has missed writing your blog during your fifth month as my workload has been rather heavy lately. However, despite my busy schedule, updating your blog has been at the back of my mind. I keep telling myself to find some quiet moments to write to you... So, here I am tonight my little darling... Daddy has so much to share with you.. :)

It has been an amazing experience watching you grow each day.. You never fail to surprise mummy and me with a "new antic" everyday. From your crawling stage to learning to sit steadily and now standing up on your own ! I am sure that driven by your adventurous nature, it will be very soon that you will attempt to take your very first step.

Your sanguine nature always brings a smile to our faces as we look forward to coming home each day after a long and hectic day at work to spend time with you, our little "sunshine ".. :) All our weariness just melts away the moment we hear your gurgling and see you flash your adorable dimpled smile to welcome us home !
As you turned 6 months old, we celebrated our very first Chinese New Year as a family. We shopped for your new clothes and shoes. It was fun fussing over you and dressing you up ... And oh boy! You looked really suave and charming in your little blue shirt and draw string pants . You also collected your very first ang pow from your grandparents and relatives.

Dylan, Daddy and mummy hope that you have been able to feel our love for you.. how much we are trying to be good parents to you and how much we want to give you the best childhood filled with our love, support and guidance.

We are not perfect parents but our little darling, you must always remember that daddy and mummy will perpetually strive to provide you with the best ... Not only the best in material needs and comfort, but more importantly the best family to grow up in... A warm, loving and happy family that you will always be able to feel and find love, support and comfort.

Happy 5th and 6th month my son.

Love

Dad.

Your Fourth Month

Dear Dylan,

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God...

We celebrated your infant Baptism on the 2nd of Decemeber 07 at the Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mummy and I had agreed that it is important to sow the seed of faith in you from birth, so that you will experience God's perpetual love and guidance as you allow him to journey with you through life. Your grandparents and godparents were also there to witness this sacred moment.

As I watched the priest carefully pouring water over the back of your head and baptising you, I began to reminisce what he had said a week before, during our preparation for the baptism. He said, "This child is on loan to you by God and he belongs to Him. But God has chosen you both (mummy and daddy) as the best parents to be in his life." Although I have to confess that I did not received his words wholly, deep inside I know that you are a gift from God. And having to be your "earthly parents" it is only right that you get to know your heavenly Father too.

Below are some pictures taken during your Baptism.

Happy 4th month, my son.

Love

Dad