My Son, My Friend

2009-10-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

Blessed 2009

2008-12-30T04:37:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-08-09T19:58:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

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

Your Third Month

2007-11-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Dylan,

We went for our first family photo shoot today. And for the first time, the word "Family" has a new found meaning for daddy and mummy.

We are now able to share our love and lives with you. With your arrival, we have also formed our very own family.
As you turned 3 months old, we also celebrated mummy's birthday together. This is also your first experience to a birthday celebration, where wishes are made, candles are blown and cakes are cut. I am sure mummy will treasure her first birthday celebration with you as much as daddy is looking foward to the day when you can back me up in singing the "happy birthday" song... :)

Throughout these 3 months, daddy has also realised that you have a tremendous appetite which clearly explains why you are growing taller. When mummy tried to put on the "tigger" costume (which is for 3 - 6 months old) for you, we realised it was not only tight fitting but has also become much shorter. Apart from your increse in height, your features have also become more defined! You are not only adorable in your own rights but also sauve from my standpoint. Even Rae couldn't resist to give you (our little handsome boy ) a kiss during the photoshoot! :)

As we continue to journey our lives together as a family, there is something you must always remember, whenever you feel alone or sad and when troubles seems uphill, your family will always be there for you.

Because "FAMILY" means, Father And Mother Is Loving You.

Happy 3 months, my son.

Love

Dad

Your Second Month

2007-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Dylan,

The love of every parent to their child rides above all difficult situations.

To me, you deserve no less of that love but even more. During your second month, mummy and I had our first heartaching experience of seeing you coming down with fever. Barely 9 weeks old, you had to encounter your first battle with the flu bug.

You just had your milk and I was putting you to sleep. Then, your sudden cry seemed to tell me that you were feeling uncomfortable and in pain. I held you close to my cheeks and felt the unfamiliar temperature of your face, quickly we took your temperature with the thermometer, it read 37.8 degree celsius. You were running a fever.

Mummy and I took turns to sponge you hoping to bring the fever down. However when we took your temperature again, it was 38.2 degree celsius, the fever didnt seem to be giving in. It was 2am in the morning then, we tried calling to find a 24 hour clinic. When we located one at Hougang, to our dismay, they do not see infants. Finally, we recalled that Thomson Medical Centre, the place you were born, had a 24 hour clinic. We wasted no time in rushing you there. Even though the doctor that attended to us was a GP, we felt that we needed someone with a professional medical background to advise us or at least to be able to prescribe suitable medication for you, our precious little one... we just couldnt take chances where your well-being was concerned.

The medication helped a little through the night but the fever resisted and fought back the next afternoon.It raged to a high 38.9 degree celsius. So mummy and your grandma had to rush you to consult a pediatrician at Mount Alvernia Hospital. This time, thank God, the medication managed to conquer the fever and once again, we were able to see your smile.

Through it all, we experienced the unconditional love of a parent to a child. A love that cannot be expressed through the vocabulary of words but can only be fathomed by giving you our best.

Happy 2 months old, my son.

Love,

Dad.

Your First Month

2007-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Dylan,

The joy of cradling you to sleep in my arms always rekindles the moment when I first held you when you were born. I always marvel at those sparkling eyes (I would like to claim some credit for that) : ) and the redish soft lips you inherited from your mummy. Occassionally you throw in a surprise smile at me and it just warms my heart and melts away any tension i have...

We celebrated your full month today (8 Sept 07) in the company of your grandparents,uncles, aunties and close friends. It was amazing how you could sleep through the wholetime even when you were surrounded by a cacophony of voices "oohing" and "ahhing" over your cute face ... :)

As I look back at how time has passed and the changes it brought along within a short span of one month, I am still thankful for the changes . However, I would be lying if I were to say fatherhood is an easy feat. The initiation process and the learning to understanding your needs and different cries carry along a string of values: - Patience, Care and Love.

As we continue our journey together and to create more fond memories of your growing up, I will still hold dearly the days of initiation and the 40 winks at night :)

Happy full month my dearest son and may our good Lord bless and guide you as you grow each day !

Love, Dad.

Your Arrival

2007-08-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Dylan,

The miracle of Life is so amazing and it always brings along exuberance and joy to the doorstep of every hopeful parent. And through God's grace, we are able to share this moment with you.

On the night before your arrival, mummy was busying cleaning up your room, changing bedsheets, packing some of your little clothings and accessories into our travel luggage. It was as if it was some kind of mother's instinct that transcends our doctor's forecast of your estimated delivery date, which is another 10 days ahead.

Above pic : My Son, My Friend.

And yes mummy is always right. She spotted your "note"(in red-ink) in the early morning that you have decided to book your "birth-ticket" on the 8th August 2007. Although you had kept the hour a surprise for us, but we were too excited to stay at home to wait. So we took your que and headed to Thomson Medical Hospital.

The "waiting" for your arrival was physically painful for mummy. The contractions were frequent and sharp. And with each wave of pain that comes along, testing her threshold of endurance, she held on to the goal of being able to see you at the end of this ordeal.

As the labour pain got more challenging, mummy had to find strength to counter the battle. TGFE (Thank God For Epidural), although it was no any less painful when receiving the epidural initally, but it definately had made the contractions pain more manageable and reserving her strength for delivery. Lunch time passed and it was almost tea-break, the gynaecologist came and checked, it was time.

This was the final exam. All the theory and practical pre-natal classes that daddy and mummy have attended and the 9 months of preparation was finally here.
Above pic : Mummy's greatest achievement !

It was no-easy feat for mummy, but she scored 101 over a 100. When mummy did her final "push" and daddy saw you coming out from mommy's birth canal, there was such an immense flow of joy over-running inside me.
Finally, after 9 months of waiting, my son, my friend, you have arrived.

Taking the que from the gynaecologist, I proudly took the scissors and snipped your umbilical cord to welcome you to the family.

Name : Dylan Matthew Pang

D.O.B : 08 / 08 / 2007

Time : 14: 53

Hospital : Thomson Medical Hospital

Love,

Dad

My Messages to You

2007-08-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Dylan,

By the time you learn to read and eventually start to explore the computer, I will not be surprised that you might start your own blog effortlessly.

This is daddy's first time starting a blog, so feeling alittle shy for the simple design and original layout. Nevertheless, I thought this might be a channel for mummy and daddy to share with you the joys and challenges while watching you grow up. And maybe one day when you become a parent, you will take our messages of love with you and share with your children.

While writing this blog, you are still inside mummy's womb, kicking and elbowing her at every opportunity. But it is a joy to watch and feel your active movements beneath the layer of mummy's stretched tummy. And we realised that your movements are more intense whenever we played the Mozart Effect CD.

As both of us await your arrival, we just want to tell you that we both thank God for you and indeed you are a blessing, a gift from God. And that is why we gave you the name Matthew for your baptism. As for your first name Dylan, it means "Son of wave", although both mummy and daddy are neither sea sportsman nor sportswoman, we both agreed that the name Dylan will be the choice name for our son, who will be able to ride through any rough waves and to succeed in life.

See you soon, my son.

Love,

Dad

Below is a photoshoot we had while you were 28 weeks.