Sarah's Turns 27 months!

The upload for Sammy's birthday looks too daunting to undertake for the time being. Sammy went into a 3 day fever days just after his birthday. His nites were disrupted, not to mention, mommy's nites. But we are truly truly thankful he is well now. So, a little diversion before the entry on Samuel's birthday.

Our dear little Sarah turns 27 months [pardon her blackish teeth:)]. She is really growing - Since a few months back when we 1st learnt the ABCs in School of Tots, she has learnt to sing the Alphabet Song again and again and again. I think there were at least 2 days when she sang this song all the time, at home, at Grandpa & Grandma's house and at Agong & Ama's house. She does it pretty well and goes into momentary gibberish when it comes to "L, M, N, O, P". And she counts 1 to 10 well. The other numbers beyond 10 that she knows well are 16 and 18 cos we always press the lift numbers to go to our home or Grandpa & Grandma's house. Haha...

Next to posting photos of the budding photographer with the kid's camera that Auntie CC, Shu Shu David and Shu Shu Darrell bought for Sarah's 2nd birthday, mommy is proud to present Sarah's masterpieces. These are done entirely on her own. Remember, only the truly gifted are able to recognize the work of the gifted [Just couldn't resist this extension of the Emperor's New Clothes]. 

Masterpiece 1 - 'The Singapore Flyer & Fishballs'. 

Masterpiece 2 - 'The Frog Ate the Flyer' 

Our Little Sarah & her many gifts which we enjoy:)

I Turned One!

We celebrated Sammy's birthday on 18th July. It was a comfortable occasion where we caught up with ole friends & family. I will update more photos [taken by CC, who turned photographer that day] soon when I have time. In the meantime, School of Tots reopens after a long 1 month break and I think we are all looking forward to that again. This sem, I think we might be seeing some new friends join us.

Here is our dear little Samuel [during his birthday, before his haircut:)

I am 33!

I remembered sitting at Prof Tay's office during my last visit before the big operation. And he looked at my particulars and commented, "Maybe we can operated you on 18th July because it is your birthday". When I heard that, I was excited...imagine my son having the same birthdate as me. Well...it was not to be. Because of the schedules of other doctors involved in the operation and other considerations, Samuel was to be taken out of me on 15th July. 

It was a good operation...but this time round, the post operation complications were really complicated. On 17th July, at about 1 am, I felt excruciating pain in my abdomen. It was a relentless sharp pain that refused to go away. I think I held my breath for the longest time. When I looked at the clock, it was 3 am and the pain did not let up. By then, I could not remain silent and started beeping the nurses. At 5 am, Dr JJ Chee appeared at the door. She is such a nice doctor who took special care of me and never did I expect that she would come down from her home to see what was wrong with me. They did some checks but no one could figure out what was wrong. By then, with some painkillers, I was much better but the pain still resonated. As morning came, I think I was tired from the pain and not being able to sleep the night before. I knew that I needed help so I smsed my sister and my mom-in-law. That morning, 2 of them came down and they did not know what was the problem but they tried and did all they could to make me feel comfortable. Massaging my abdomen and back ....I had no idea what they knew cos I think they did not know anything. But the amazing thing is they managed to work my intestines and it started to 'wake' up. From morning till late afternoon, they massaged and took turns with great patience and love. I will never forget those hours because the pain gradually went away. 

My surprise birthday party on 18th July was thwarted by this episode. But this episode showed me how much pain one could and would experience and I only marvelled at the 9 months that God took me through for I felt literally no pain through the previous 2 operations as well as the chemotherapy. 

That was my birthday last year. Well, you know, when you come from a devastated past, everything ahead only looks beautiful and you are filled with thanksgiving. That is exactly how I feel. To be able to gather family and friends and remember God's goodness is a tremendous blessing to me. I am glad to be able to do so this year and I pray for years to come. 

A tribute to Our Great God

Little Samuel Through the Months

Chiaochyi's Creation of little Samuel. So lovely:)

Living Theology: Our God is a God who Hears

To able to experience firsthand who God is  - is one of the hardest thing to do but the most blessed. We all know that 'God hears us' - but to believe 'God hears us' amidst the most difficult circumstances is a test of faith and the definition of faith itself.  My definition of Faith = Faith is believing with all our hearts, knowing in our mind and living it out in our actions that God is who He said He is, regardless. 

As we prayed for little Samuel last year, we prayed that he would be able to absorb all the good nutrients from the food I took but that God would shield this little boy from the effects of chemo. We needed to cling on to the theological truth that God delights to hear His children call out to Him and depend upon Him. Truly, the Lord has heard! 

Before I was wheeled into the operating theatre, there were about 20 or more family and friends who have gathered outside to pray for me and with me during the operation. It was a tearful 'send off' - because after a long 7 months since Jan, we really didn't know what to expect after the surgery; What would happen to me? or What would Samuel turn out to be? I remembered an old lady in church whom I have grown to adore, came all the way to the hospital, though more than 70 years of age, just to hold my hand and wish me peace and tell me that she has been praying for me. My daddy in his simple way, held my shoulder and said, "You can do it", my sister in her usual emotional manner said through her tears, "I love you, Bee"... but when I saw my husband fighting back his tears as he gave me the final push through the sliding doors, my floodgates flew wide open. As the doors of the operating theatre closed and I was separated from everyone, nobody but a nurse knew that I sobbed like a baby. It wasn't a outburst of fear but rather a release of an immeasurable height of uncertainty that has been culminating throughout the months and brought to a climax that very moment. It was really between God and me now. Perhaps, mostly God because I laid on the operating table, helpless. It felt like the stage was set for God to demonstrate who He truly is. It was spectacular but so awesome that I really really couldn't bear it. Well, God brought comfort in an interesting way - the surgery assistants, anesthetist, nurses and surgeons were all very gentle and patient to me, perhaps, they read about my case and had great pity for me. 

I believe we witnessed a demonstration of God's power, mercy, grace & love on 15th July to the praise and glory of our God! I was expecting a bald Samuel, just like his mommy - but he had a chock full of hair. His hearing was good, his blood counts were normal and he was such a beautiful tiny creation. Through my groggy eyes, I could see that God kept His promise to me:)

little Samuel, one day old.

Truly, Samuel = The Lord has Heard!

Why We Named him Samuel

I think I know at least of dozen of Samuels and at least 2 other Samuel Tans. So why Samuel?

I believe names are important and thus the processing of naming is important. In the Bible, people who were used of God were given specific names by God. Whilst God doesn't commonly reveal to us names nowadays, I am convinced that for Christians, at the least, naming of our children is a prayerful exercise with God right in the middle of our decision making process. 

The greatest significance of names has to be the "Name above every Name' - and that refers to Jesus Christ our Lord. That name holds with it many meaning -  Messiah, Saviour, Counselor. His name reflects His purpose on earth - to save, to conquer, to lead and to guide. There is great power & significance in Jesus' name. By the Name, the blind man see and the lame man walk and the oppressed are healed. By the Name, we are saved from the penalty of sin and declared righteous and put on the righteousness of Christ. What a Name!

At least for me, it didn't matter if my children's names were the least trendy. It must be biblical. Last year, as I read the book of Samuel, the Lord showed me how precious & blessed Samuel was in the bible. 

• Samuel was a boy borne out of his mother's cries and pleas to God 
• Before Samuel came to serve fully in the temple, the land was devastated with the absence of the Holy Spirit. This was to me, one of the saddest verse I have ever read and a very personal one because I felt that it to be true in my context. "And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation" 1 Sam 3:1
• That God called Samuel to His work in the tabernacle at a very early age. Eli was the priest then. Though filled with many years of experience and knowing the ins and outs of temple procedures and work, Eli never heard the Lord speaking to him. But little Samuel heard the Lord's voice clearly - not once but three times. 
  
• Samuel remain true to the calling of God till God took him home. This verse kinda sealed it for me "So Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground"  1 Sam 3:19
• Of course, I mustn't fail to mention that Daniel felt the Lord impressing the name Samuel on his mind. 

With all the circumstances surrounding little Samuel's conception, growth and existence, Dan and I know that he belongs totally to God. Samuel is but placed under our charge so that we can train him in the way of the Lord to be an instrument for Him. If the Lord is to call little Samuel to serve him at an early age, we would provide him the necessary training to do so, be it education, theology training, or other skills needed. We only pray that little Samuel would know the Lord early and know the Lord for the rest of his life. 

With no apology, we want everyone to know that our children come from a family who fears God just by hearing the names Sarah and Samuel [I was pleased when a stranger in Malaysia remarked that same sentiment when she asked about the names of my 2 children] . And we hope that their names would unfold 2 special stories - of how God has been faithful and gracious and merciful in their lives. Lastly, that their lives would be beautiful portrait of the true  biblical meanings of their names - to the praise and glory of their God! 

For our little Samuel, my heartfelt prayer for him till the Lord takes him home -  is that Samuel would grow and that the Lord would be with him all the days of his life and that Samuel would not let any of God's word fall to the ground. 

Remember what God has done..July 2008

Since last week...the events that happened a year ago have been vivid in my mind and I am rendered speechless everytime I look at myself and Samuel now. Our lives and state of health we have now is all owed to Him, to none of our credit. Particularly, this week a year ago, our hearts were hopeful but wrenched with fear at how the major operation on 15 July 2008 would turn out to be. There was so much, so much, so much uncertainty. But still much hope as we waited to see how God would fulfill His promise to us. It was a sober and thoughtful and prayerful week for many.

The entries for this week would be devoted to my God and how He has kept His promise & delivered me and Samuel from the throes of danger, uncertainity and death to the wonders of His love, His work, His miracle and life. 

To Him we owe...

Everything and More

Thank God for Life

It was a bizzare 2 weeks that gone by

• I got the mumps and couldn't put my toothbrush into my mouth for a few days 
• Samuel had fever for 8 days and it finally went down and rash came out
• Sarah had cough
• Rubi, my helper fell ill for the 1st time since she worked with us
• Daniel went off for his reservist
• My MIL's helper flew back to her country

I went for my 3 monthly check yesterday and scan and I really praise and thank God for life again - not just for my life, but for my children's, my husband's, my family's and my church. I can never imagine how precious everyone is and how really everyone is meant to live for God and for each other. Reading is 8.6 - a tad higher than the last but nonetheless, a good result. 

Family & Friends

We thank God for giving us special friends - Daddy has special friends, Mommy has special friends and even Sarah & Samuel has special friends. And perhaps, one does not need many friends in a life time, just a few good, special friends who love God. Four [to be specific] is enough. Haha...just one for each corner of the bed so they can lower us to see Jesus in time of need [translated = so they can carried us to the throne of grace in time of need]. Amen:)

June Hols: The Great Upload and Offload [Literally *Phew*]

It was yet again, a self declared school holidays for School of Tots. This was a busy but blessed June Hols for family. So here are the events, in not too much of a chronological order...

Jonathan & Karen celebrated their son's 1st birthday much to Sarah & Samuel's delight. Sarah was even more excited to see her favorite cartoon character: Cailou [cos Aidan was a wonderful look-alike]

Auntie Emily turns 10 and it was yet another cosy Seethor family get together. Blessed birthday dear Emily:)

Sarah & Hannah & their mommies hopped onto a free Thomas & Friends kiddy ride. It was fun.

Sarah finally made a trip to the dentist cos her stained teeth was disturbing mommy quite a bit. Though she did not get her teeth done, it was a GOOD first visit and mommy is delighted. Thanks, Godma!

Auntie Nat and Auntie Em stayed over at our place while their parents went off to their church retreat. Sarah had the most fun playing with her Aunties again & again & again & again

'

We took a walk at Kent Ridge one morning and the colors of the morning were beautiful.

Sarah learnt how to use the chopsticks this June. Pretty impressive for a 2 year old:) For the rest of the mornings, Sarah busied herself with her favorite activities and did I forget to mention, one of them was to make a big mess of the entire house. Haha....

Yup, I've signed them up. Sarah and Samuel are now official members of the National Library of Singapore. *Woohoot*

We went off for a back to basic church retreat in its physical & spiritual sense of the word. Caught a streak in the sky whilst taking photos with my friends. Much more about this in other entries. [....ok, now I am really zonked out]