G's Emotions

[S] I gotta say, G's 5 month birthday was a magical moment for me. Before 5 months, I was still frazzled as a mother, just getting the hang of the ropes and keeping my head above water. As people asked how motherhood was, my response was/continues to be "G makes it really easy for us." I don't really know what else people look for in response to their questions.

Especially when G turned 5 months old, she made my words come true. She really does make it easy for us. G has yet to get sick, eats well, sleeps well, goes about her business really well. She plays well by herself, she's smiley, she gives us pity laughs at our lame jokes. What more can I ask for? (Please, don't mistake this post as a bragging one, I'm getting to the good part - the part where I get convicted!)

Every once in a while, we have relapse days. Not necessarily because she's extra fussy. But you know what I'm talking about? Just an off day.

Today was one of those days. As it was nearing G's bedtime, she started doing her normal "tired" routine: doing faceplants during tummy time, whining when we put her down on her back, always wanting to be held, etc. This is something she normally does, but for some reason (I blame the humidity) I started getting frustrated. In my failed attempt to overpower her cries, I sternly said, "G! STOP!" Even as I recount this event, I feel guilty. In my heart, I knew that she is just a baby and not aware that her actions have such effect on us. In my head, I was listing all the things I needed to get done after I put her down to sleep and wanted to get through the process as quickly as possible. But when I raised my voice, I just got her riled up. She started screaming and crying.

Suddenly, the verse from Colossians 3:21 popped into my mind: "Fathers (and mothers), do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." Gah. God certainly does have great timing, doesn't He? I quickly came to and told G I was sorry for getting angry at her. That very second, it was like a rainbow shining through clouds and drizzles. She suddenly quieted down, closed her eyes and soon thereafter fell asleep!

Ironically, two days ago I read an article about babies at G's age. The first two lines of the article says:

Baby smiles at people he knows and may even get concerned when he sees someone else tear up. This is part of baby's process in learning how to express emotions and sense what others are going through.

It really is amazing to know that G picks up on my emotions and reacts to my expressions. If she can already pick this up at 7 months, I'm really going to have to emotionally get in shape for when she's much more aware. Eek! Hopefully God can really work in my heart gradually and through each learning event. 

Anyhow, for your viewing pleasure - bathtime/bedtime pictures! She really is the cutest during bathtime/bedtime.

Pre-Bedtime - Matching with Daddy!

Notice it's still light outside? Yes, because her bedtime is seriously so early.

Thank you, Lord for such a joyful baby! :) 

Motherhood

[S] While visiting a Bible Study group, I was truly humbled. At a random point. But of course, God knew what I needed to hear and allowed my ears to hear this thought that wasn't really a point from the actual study (which was about the resurrection of Christ - but of course, that is important too!).

The point was based off John 20:17 when Jesus tells Mary not to cling to Him. Then the speaker went on a tangent to talk about how as mothers, we need to tell the same to our children. Do not cling onto mommy or daddy. Find God and cling to Him. I think this is one line that I will be repeating to myself over and over and over again as G gets older. It amazes me that in the past 6 months I have already made countless mistakes. It also amazes me that for the rest of my life, I will be making these mistakes as a mother. The fact that G might need therapy later on is almost inevitable! But come on. I'm only human. I'm a broken sinner. That is why I pray that G finds Jesus (like tomorrow) so that I can rest assured that she will be healed from my mistakes. 

G - if you read do end up reading this blog years from now. Please, do not cling to mommy or daddy. We are not perfect and can only help you so much. Find God and cling to Him. 

Now, for the main attraction...

So happy to go out... :P

Sharing daddy's passion - watching sports

How G looks after a full meal

Practicing standing - aka people watching

We don't look like we smother her... right? :P

Tribute to my beloved wife

This post is way overdue.  I started it about three weeks ago.

[M] My wife is so incredible.  I've met very few people in this world who are as patient and as caring as she is.  She is so gracious with her time for me and for G; not to mention the many other people in her life.  She has this uncanny and contagious joy to her - that even when you're down, if you're near her long enough, your spirit will eventually be lifted.  It's an amazing gift.  And this is just a small snapshot of what I get to experience everyday.  But like many things in life, one can so easily take these blessings for granted.

The reason I mention this is because I re-realized this once again last month.  For a period of about two weeks, I was sick with some bizarre sinus/respiratory/virus/infection - yes, that was the official diagnosis.  And while I was sick during those weeks, my wife took care of both me and G.  She was simply amazing.  Because I needed the rest, she took all the night shifts w/ G.  And on top of that, she still kept up with all the duties around the house.  And she did all this with joy!

So many times I can't believe she's in my life.  She is an extension of God's grace to me.  Grace is getting something you don't deserve.

Here's some pics of us back when we used to get sleep:

Our first date: Georgetown and Lincoln Memorial

At Georgetown.  A special place for us as a couple.

Watching a Phillies home game at Nationals Park.  Yes, a Phillies home game.

Our honeymoon cruise.  Good times.  [We went with the Costa cruise line.  They recently shipwrecked a cruise ship and another ship lost power in the middle of the ocean.  Even before all this happened, I wouldn't have recommended them.]

Greek Islands.  We hope to make it back there one day.  Maybe with G.

Speaking of which, here's a little something to get your fill of G.  Hopefully, we'll post some more pics of her soon.



This was about a month ago.  She sneezed so I copied her sneeze and then she started laughing.  So naturally, I milked it like crazy.  You can tell at the end that she's not as amused.  She almost gives me a pity laugh.  Also, just for future reference, she doesn't find this as funny any more so if you see her in person, please don't fake sneeze all over our baby daughter.

Picturemania!

[S] G is nearing 3 months, I can't believe it! Time has gone by so quickly... and G teaches us lessons almost every second she's awake. Even today, as we were getting ready to depart for Grandpa and Grandma Yi's house, she hollered at us (literally) to slow down and take it easy. In the midst of packing and getting everything ready we forgot that this week was supposed to be a week of restoration and prayer. Thanks for the reminder, G. Mommy and Daddy will try to hear you out more. Can you do us a favor and take your time growing up?

On the drive up it was gloomy, raining, and foggy the whole way, but as I sat in the backseat with G I was hit with G's beaming smile. :) Made me think of "My Girl" by The Temptations and started singing to her, which only spurred more and more smiles! It really made the car ride go by alot faster. Sorry M missed her Happy G show. Also sorry that I didn't get a video of it. :( 

Which brings me to say, time is always going fast around G. I can pass by hours (hours, literally!) just staring and playing with G... it makes me wonder how God perceives time with us. Does He wonder where the time is going while watching me grow? Does He sit and think, "How did my baby girl grow to be 25 already and married and with a child? It was just yesterday I was forming her in her mother's womb... just yesterday when I was writing out her days in my book" (Psalm 139). I guess it's just one of those questions I will have to wait to ask when I see Him in Heaven. Hahaha, wonder how that conversation will go! 

If you have F@cebook, you can probably skip the next part of this post. Just posting pictures for family and others who have not joined the F@cebook world. 

Waiting for Daddy to wake up so we can celebrate NYE!

G gave up.

With Grandpa!

G: Uh... can you dry me off...

G: Isn't there an easier way to get under my rolls??

G: Are you going to use this pictures as blackmail when I'm grown up?
S: Yes.

G was extremely happy that we pulled out my SLR to take pictures

G: Why didn't you use this camera before??

G: It's ok! I forgive you!

M lovin' on G. G a little bit dazed.

G pretending to be from the hood.

Sharing good times with her monkey friend.

Drool.

Stared at her feet for a good 5 minutes.

Got her to look up. Drool.

Already posing for the camera

G: Boring. Can we do something else now?

G: Stop smothering me!

God Lesson #43 - The Joy of Hearing a Voice

[M] G has taught me and S so much about God.  I can't even possibly describe all the insights I've gained since becoming a parent and a father.  But I'll try my best to share a thought once in a while.

So one revelation that dawned upon me happened during some quality time with G.  When G was first born, she didn't smile a whole lot, but when she did, it was at random things (or after passing gas).  But I'll never forget when she first heard my voice and smiled.  It was a great moment of a child hearing and recognizing a parent's voice - and responding with joy.  It reminds me of when I first heard God's voice and responded with joy.  Below is a clip of what I mean:



That realization on its own is pretty great, but then God gave me further insight into His perspective - of how much He delights in us...especially when we hear His voice and respond.  In other words, what you don't see in the video (but maybe you hear) is my absolute joy and elation over G recognizing her daddy's voice.  And God was giving me a peek into His heart and an opportunity to experience a small glimpse of how He smiles upon His children.  I just smile thinking about Him smiling on me.

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."- Zephaniah 3:17

People ask me what a relationship with God is - I think it's just that.  Smiling because He smiles on us first.  Simple. Thanks God and thanks G for teaching me this.

Here's a longer, but cuter video of G with S.