Today was the first time we brought both Little Chung and B2 for church service after one month of hiatus. The doctors have advised that we not bring B2 to confined and crowded areas. After much deliberations, we decided that today will be the day, by faith, to bring the boys to church. For me, it was a good time to worship Him with the rest of the congregation. Little Chung was overjoyed to step into the creche again. B2 was feeding most of the time.
We had cell meeting today after church. Mr. Chung had to attend a meeting so I attended the cell with B2 while Little Chung was parked at my in-laws' place. It was a refreshing time. Though I couldn't participate much (cos B2 kept nursing), I felt encouraged and renewed. It was good to just catch up with the ladies in the group.
The other day, Brenda brought Keia to our house for a playdate. What a lovely time it was. We missed Lyndis and her sweet little Kate. Next time, ya? It was amusing to see Little Chung trying to impress Keia with his mountain load of toys. Will post pictures of them hugging soon.
Singapore's weather has been crazy for the past few weeks. It has been increasingly hot and humid. It is times like this that I wished for the weather in Qinghai - cold and dry. I so miss China.
Course registration for my studies has started. I am excited and wished I could take more modules but I need to remember that I am now a mother of two. My priorities are now different. B2 might join mummy in the class. I am not sure yet. Remember us in your time.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Life thus far
Ah.... finally found some time to blog when the two boys are sleeping. It has been a busy period for the Chung family especially with B2 coming home. No, we are not complaining. Just sharing how the past few weeks have been. Mr. Chung and I attended a workshop on parenting. The seminar was pretty good. The best part? Exchanging tips and ideas with fellow parents who have young children themselves. B2 was the youngest participant. Well, he has to come with us because that's where the milk source is.
Mr. Chung and I have been talking about our future plans recently. We dialogued alot on when we should start preparing to return to China; how we are progressing in our studies; any change in plans etc. The more we talked about it, the more we are excited... It probably will be another 2 more years before we can head back but we need to start preparing now.
Mr. Chung and I have also started looking around for school. Little Chung is of the age where he 'should' be in pre-nursery. In addition, with me resuming my studies next year, we have to ensure that he is taken care of. He enjoys the school-hunting - running off to the classroom and picking out books to read while we talk to the teachers and tour the facilities. We have not made a decision. In the meantime, he is at home with mummy.
Mr. Chung and I are constantly amazed by the progress which B2 is making. He has been feeding very well. The doctors are happy with his weight gain. He is currently 4 kg (doubled his discharged weight of 2.3kg on Sept 14). There are still some issues with his eyes but we are in good hands of the eye specialists who have been doing regular checks. It probably will resolve by itself when B2 grows older. We trust in His daily grace.
I am enjoying this period of being a stay-at-home mum and will relish every moment. Next year will see some changes when I return to my studies. However, I trust that He will work out the best arrangements for us.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Presenting to you - B2
After 78 days in the hospital, B2 is finally back home with us on Sept 14, one day after Mr. Chung returned from his overseas trip. Little Chung loves his brother to bits - planting kisses on B2's forehead and trying to poke him when we are not looking. We have to remind Little Chung to be more gentle. B2 has been feeding and sleeping well. We are thankful for that. More pictures to come. Stay tune.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
It has been a while
It really has been a long while since we last updated the blog. B2 is currently still in the hospital but we are expecting to have him home with us really soon.
The past few months have been a flurry of activities - Mr. Chung in China; Little Chung having pyjamas parties at his grandparents' place; B2 having his hernia operation; me visiting B2 in the hospital; attending a wedding - hence the lack of updates here.
We have been so blessed by dear friends, church mates and family members. They came in strongly to support, encourage and pray for us.
We promise to post pictures of the family soonish....
The past few months have been a flurry of activities - Mr. Chung in China; Little Chung having pyjamas parties at his grandparents' place; B2 having his hernia operation; me visiting B2 in the hospital; attending a wedding - hence the lack of updates here.
We have been so blessed by dear friends, church mates and family members. They came in strongly to support, encourage and pray for us.
We promise to post pictures of the family soonish....
Saturday, July 04, 2009
My reflections
Mr. Chung has been the one doing the updates while I was in the hospital. I thought perhaps it is time that I write from my own perspective about the whole thing. Well, if you have not heard, the stork has arrived. B2 arrived into this world on June 29, 2009 at 7.13 am. He came out early at almost 3 months ahead of his expected due date of September 20.
It has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me. The three-week stay in hospital was not exactly an enjoyable experience for me. But it was certainly made more bearable by the numerous visits from cell group mates, church mates, close friends and parents. Of course, the daily visits from Mr. Chung and the occasional star appearances by Little Chung were bonuses.
There are so many things to pen down. And I really do not know where to start from.
Perhaps, I can start from my expectations. I had expected this pregnancy of B2 to be smooth sailing. Morning sickness and cravings eluded me for most part of this pregnancy. I ate well and was zipping around as usual - from my classes, to driving lessons, to cell group and to staying up late writing my papers. It was an ideal pregnancy. I have expected that I would carry B2 to full term. He will be a good size baby because he was gaining good weight as compared to Little Chung. But things were not meant to be. I started leaking amniotic fluid on June 5 and was admitted to KKH on June 9. That marked the beginning of an arduous journey into my third trimester.
The stay in the hospital was filled with anxiety. The initial determination of making the stay a positive one soon dissolved into gritting my teeth to go through each day. It was not a restful stay with blood pressure and temperature check every three hourly; blood test every two days for infections; ultrasound scan twice weekly; IV drip every four hourly for the first week; CTG monitoring twice daily; trips to the labor ward every other day due to the contractions, bleeding and baby’s erratic heartbeat. It was all too nerve-wrecking. But the three weeks are now over.
The delivery of B2 is one which I will remember for a long while. For mums who are reading the blog, you probably are interested to know how it went. It was an 8 hours long, epidural-less, no cut, no tear, 2 pushes and B2 was out labor. Mr. Chung was very encouraging and co-coordinated in clamping the gas mask on me whenever I have contractions. He kept quiet most of the time – not even touching me. He has learned well from the previous labor. The worst part of the delivery was when the umbilical cord snapped (after it was cut from B2, thankfully) and the medical officer could not pull the placenta out. We prayed and by His grace, a more senior consultant came, instructed that Mr. Chung clamp the gas mask onto me and did what was the most excruciatingly painful thing which I ever experienced – she literally, according to Mr. Chung shoved her whole hand in to extract the placenta. I felt like my whole gut was pulled out. Anyways, the delivery is now over.
B2 is currently still in NICU. The doctors have mentioned that he is doing clinically well. Mr. Chung and I have been visiting him often at the hospital. Mr. Chung joked that we should apply for some form of privileged membership since we will be making trips there in the next couple of weeks.
Little Chung seems to be adjusting well without much presence of mummy around. He enjoys the grandparents and they love having him around. Little Chung spent the evening with me the other night. It was nice to cuddle and hold him. To smell his baby smell. It hit me that I missed him, my firstborn so, so much.
Mr. Chung. My dear husband. He has been a pillar of support for me during this period. He has taken on such much while I was in the hospital – a chauffeur; a domestic worker; a mum to Little Chung; a counselor to an emotional wife; a liaison person to update our friends how we are doing. And a husband who ‘in sickness and in health’ stood by me. Thank you, dear for walking this journey with me.
==============================================================
Throughout all this, I have often been reminded about God’s daily grace and provision to the Chung family. Even till today after B2 has been born, that each second, each minute, each day, each week and each month is a grace from Him. I should not take it for granted. I do not know what the future holds for us as a family but I do know that I can rest in His perfect and good will.
It has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me. The three-week stay in hospital was not exactly an enjoyable experience for me. But it was certainly made more bearable by the numerous visits from cell group mates, church mates, close friends and parents. Of course, the daily visits from Mr. Chung and the occasional star appearances by Little Chung were bonuses.
There are so many things to pen down. And I really do not know where to start from.
Perhaps, I can start from my expectations. I had expected this pregnancy of B2 to be smooth sailing. Morning sickness and cravings eluded me for most part of this pregnancy. I ate well and was zipping around as usual - from my classes, to driving lessons, to cell group and to staying up late writing my papers. It was an ideal pregnancy. I have expected that I would carry B2 to full term. He will be a good size baby because he was gaining good weight as compared to Little Chung. But things were not meant to be. I started leaking amniotic fluid on June 5 and was admitted to KKH on June 9. That marked the beginning of an arduous journey into my third trimester.
The stay in the hospital was filled with anxiety. The initial determination of making the stay a positive one soon dissolved into gritting my teeth to go through each day. It was not a restful stay with blood pressure and temperature check every three hourly; blood test every two days for infections; ultrasound scan twice weekly; IV drip every four hourly for the first week; CTG monitoring twice daily; trips to the labor ward every other day due to the contractions, bleeding and baby’s erratic heartbeat. It was all too nerve-wrecking. But the three weeks are now over.
The delivery of B2 is one which I will remember for a long while. For mums who are reading the blog, you probably are interested to know how it went. It was an 8 hours long, epidural-less, no cut, no tear, 2 pushes and B2 was out labor. Mr. Chung was very encouraging and co-coordinated in clamping the gas mask on me whenever I have contractions. He kept quiet most of the time – not even touching me. He has learned well from the previous labor. The worst part of the delivery was when the umbilical cord snapped (after it was cut from B2, thankfully) and the medical officer could not pull the placenta out. We prayed and by His grace, a more senior consultant came, instructed that Mr. Chung clamp the gas mask onto me and did what was the most excruciatingly painful thing which I ever experienced – she literally, according to Mr. Chung shoved her whole hand in to extract the placenta. I felt like my whole gut was pulled out. Anyways, the delivery is now over.
B2 is currently still in NICU. The doctors have mentioned that he is doing clinically well. Mr. Chung and I have been visiting him often at the hospital. Mr. Chung joked that we should apply for some form of privileged membership since we will be making trips there in the next couple of weeks.
Little Chung seems to be adjusting well without much presence of mummy around. He enjoys the grandparents and they love having him around. Little Chung spent the evening with me the other night. It was nice to cuddle and hold him. To smell his baby smell. It hit me that I missed him, my firstborn so, so much.
Mr. Chung. My dear husband. He has been a pillar of support for me during this period. He has taken on such much while I was in the hospital – a chauffeur; a domestic worker; a mum to Little Chung; a counselor to an emotional wife; a liaison person to update our friends how we are doing. And a husband who ‘in sickness and in health’ stood by me. Thank you, dear for walking this journey with me.
==============================================================
Throughout all this, I have often been reminded about God’s daily grace and provision to the Chung family. Even till today after B2 has been born, that each second, each minute, each day, each week and each month is a grace from Him. I should not take it for granted. I do not know what the future holds for us as a family but I do know that I can rest in His perfect and good will.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
happy father's day, to myself...
While Mrs chung continues her stay in the hospital, and little chung with the grandparents, and me who is nursing a cold (not going to pass the bug to anybody), I have decided to cook myself a nice and simple meal (picture above) to celebrate father's day.
I'm alone but not lonely... and my second son (B2) had given me the best father's gift that I wanted this year, that is to stay inside mrs chung. Well done, B2!
Happy Father's day, me!
Friday, June 19, 2009
mrs chung hospitalised... part two...
We found encouragement from our churchmates during this tough times. From the brother who I shared to, and the few closed ones we asked for prayer, practically within days the whole church came behind us to support us through prayers and words of comfort. Ladies who had similar experience shared with mrs chung what they went through and it brings comfort and peace to her.
and our parents and siblings came in strongly too to help in any way possible. Little chung is especially excited and happy with the sudden extended stay with the grandparents which translates to unlimited access to cartoons, yakults, french fries and apples... we are thankful that he bonded very well with the grandparents that he is not missing mummy at all, and daddy could freed up to take care of mummy in the hospital. We are really thankful that at least we are in singapore now, with help and support from our famiy and friends.
currently, mrs chung is in hospital probably all the way till she delivers. The first priority for the doctors is to keep B2 in mrs chung as long as possible, and we are praying that B2 could be in till at least 34 weeks. By the time this entry made it to the blog, mrs chung has already been in the hospital for over two weeks and B2 is in his 27th week. 7 more weeks, or 1.5 months to go...
Please pray alongside with us, for mrs chung and B2.
Thank you.
and our parents and siblings came in strongly too to help in any way possible. Little chung is especially excited and happy with the sudden extended stay with the grandparents which translates to unlimited access to cartoons, yakults, french fries and apples... we are thankful that he bonded very well with the grandparents that he is not missing mummy at all, and daddy could freed up to take care of mummy in the hospital. We are really thankful that at least we are in singapore now, with help and support from our famiy and friends.
currently, mrs chung is in hospital probably all the way till she delivers. The first priority for the doctors is to keep B2 in mrs chung as long as possible, and we are praying that B2 could be in till at least 34 weeks. By the time this entry made it to the blog, mrs chung has already been in the hospital for over two weeks and B2 is in his 27th week. 7 more weeks, or 1.5 months to go...
Please pray alongside with us, for mrs chung and B2.
Thank you.
mrs chung hospitalised... part one...
Beginning of June, which mrs chung was in 24th week plus of pregnancy, one fine morning she was found to be leaking aminiotic fluid. The medical term is actually premature rupture of membrance (PROM), basically which means that the water bag which B2 is in, cracked and the aminiotic fluid within leaks out. This should not be happening until the day that Mrs Chung is ready to deliver B2, or by calculation anything after 37th week.
By leaking, it meant that mrs chung is going into labour soon if without any treatment, this is basically not ideal for B2 who is only 24th week old inside mummy (he actually had at least 13 more weeks to go), at the same time, it also meant that B2 is not in a sterile environment anymore inside mummy because of the crack... both mrs chung and B2 are suceptible to infection.
We immediately went to our gynae, who had advise us to admit mrs chung to the hospital. The objective is to control the leak, and also to stop any labour process that might induce B2 out at this stage. We are not expecting this complication at all. It is about a week before we set off for our church camp, and suddenly everything goes into a different drive, which we had not prepared for or discussed about.
We are really afraid, because we do not know what is happening and what will happen. All we know is that a life is at stake here, and that is our second child, B2 and our only aim is to make sure we have done whatever we could to make sure he is safe, be it to continue to stay in mrs chung, or in the event that he was to pop out of the womb, he will recieve the best medical care...
Decision were made instantly to adjust the family's situation. Mrs Chung in hospital, and little chung ended up with my parents who will take care of him in the event that I need to rush to the hospital and spend time with mrs chung.
Even though we trusted God, we are still asking the Lord, why? why us? why is this happening? we can easily accept God's will in anything for us, but when it involves another life here, a matter of life and death, it was really difficult for us to let go and said,"God is in control...". Many thoughts went through our minds, why make mrs chung go through this? why let B2 suffer in this manner? etc etc... we don't have an answer at all.
that very sunday, i was in church all by myself, and it was miserable, being alone... all i could think of was, I have a family, but i am worshipping God alone today. at the same time, there was where I draw my strength and comfort from too. As i walked into the church hall, a brother was walking past me and asked how am I, and I was just being casual and replied "I'm fine"... A second later, I actually turned around and said to him that I am actually not fine. I shared with him what happened to mrs chung and he prayed for me... there and then, I actually broke down and cried. I am an emotionally-controlled person and i have been in church for almost twenty years, that is the very first time I actually cried because i am really overwhelmed by the situation and by the prospect of what we are going to face. The brother continue to encourage me to trust God even though it's such a cliche to say that, but both mrs chung and I knew, that is the only thing that we could do, and the only motivating element that kept us going in this really difficult time.
By leaking, it meant that mrs chung is going into labour soon if without any treatment, this is basically not ideal for B2 who is only 24th week old inside mummy (he actually had at least 13 more weeks to go), at the same time, it also meant that B2 is not in a sterile environment anymore inside mummy because of the crack... both mrs chung and B2 are suceptible to infection.
We immediately went to our gynae, who had advise us to admit mrs chung to the hospital. The objective is to control the leak, and also to stop any labour process that might induce B2 out at this stage. We are not expecting this complication at all. It is about a week before we set off for our church camp, and suddenly everything goes into a different drive, which we had not prepared for or discussed about.
We are really afraid, because we do not know what is happening and what will happen. All we know is that a life is at stake here, and that is our second child, B2 and our only aim is to make sure we have done whatever we could to make sure he is safe, be it to continue to stay in mrs chung, or in the event that he was to pop out of the womb, he will recieve the best medical care...
Decision were made instantly to adjust the family's situation. Mrs Chung in hospital, and little chung ended up with my parents who will take care of him in the event that I need to rush to the hospital and spend time with mrs chung.
Even though we trusted God, we are still asking the Lord, why? why us? why is this happening? we can easily accept God's will in anything for us, but when it involves another life here, a matter of life and death, it was really difficult for us to let go and said,"God is in control...". Many thoughts went through our minds, why make mrs chung go through this? why let B2 suffer in this manner? etc etc... we don't have an answer at all.
that very sunday, i was in church all by myself, and it was miserable, being alone... all i could think of was, I have a family, but i am worshipping God alone today. at the same time, there was where I draw my strength and comfort from too. As i walked into the church hall, a brother was walking past me and asked how am I, and I was just being casual and replied "I'm fine"... A second later, I actually turned around and said to him that I am actually not fine. I shared with him what happened to mrs chung and he prayed for me... there and then, I actually broke down and cried. I am an emotionally-controlled person and i have been in church for almost twenty years, that is the very first time I actually cried because i am really overwhelmed by the situation and by the prospect of what we are going to face. The brother continue to encourage me to trust God even though it's such a cliche to say that, but both mrs chung and I knew, that is the only thing that we could do, and the only motivating element that kept us going in this really difficult time.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
when mr chung writes...
Because blogging is now officially a luxurious hobby which requires my reflection (not thinking too much recently), wit (not thinking too much recently), logic (not thinking too much recently), philosophy of life (not thinking too much recently), that I do not exactly possess at the moment...
according to Austin Power, I probably have lost my mojo somewhere... but the crucial point is, is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that.
Having to sit in front of the computer, reading articles and typing report... blogging seems to be the least exciting thing at the moment, between hammering the keyboard and staring at a banana, I probably will choose the latter. Is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that.
Not that life is boring, meaningless and full of thorns... but just that, after trying so hard to understand what the textbook is trying to tell me what is the thinking pattern of the Apostle Paul (Jewish monotheism vs hellenlistic thinking), the last thing you probably want to do is to write into the blog the following, " dear blog, today i learn about Paul from the bible, and he is a true bloody Jewish Christian who believes in the faithful God of Israel who had send his son, Jesus Christ, through death and resurrection, to redeem the world!", that is practically like living the nightmare twice (not the Jesus part, but the reading and writing part). Is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that.
I think I have not express my opinion about being a student again publicly... but here goes... I think I loathe it!!! I come to realise what I am good at, and what I really suck at... getting things done, working with my hands, getting my feet dirty - that's my cup of tea. Christian theory, theological arguements, systematic thinking... woe... it doesn't rhyme with my name at all... Is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that.
I think I loathe it... but ironically, I am learning so much too... fascinating isn't it?... for me, my life is probably at its greatest, weirdest, unexplainable, once-is-enough ironical experience...living in the "You do not want to do that certain thing, but yet you want to do that certain thing" paradox...
The question is, is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that neither...
ah... this entry should be under the 'raw and senseless' category, or simply straight to the 'deleted post' area... Is that a good or....
nevermind.
according to Austin Power, I probably have lost my mojo somewhere... but the crucial point is, is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that.
Having to sit in front of the computer, reading articles and typing report... blogging seems to be the least exciting thing at the moment, between hammering the keyboard and staring at a banana, I probably will choose the latter. Is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that.
Not that life is boring, meaningless and full of thorns... but just that, after trying so hard to understand what the textbook is trying to tell me what is the thinking pattern of the Apostle Paul (Jewish monotheism vs hellenlistic thinking), the last thing you probably want to do is to write into the blog the following, " dear blog, today i learn about Paul from the bible, and he is a true bloody Jewish Christian who believes in the faithful God of Israel who had send his son, Jesus Christ, through death and resurrection, to redeem the world!", that is practically like living the nightmare twice (not the Jesus part, but the reading and writing part). Is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that.
I think I have not express my opinion about being a student again publicly... but here goes... I think I loathe it!!! I come to realise what I am good at, and what I really suck at... getting things done, working with my hands, getting my feet dirty - that's my cup of tea. Christian theory, theological arguements, systematic thinking... woe... it doesn't rhyme with my name at all... Is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that.
I think I loathe it... but ironically, I am learning so much too... fascinating isn't it?... for me, my life is probably at its greatest, weirdest, unexplainable, once-is-enough ironical experience...living in the "You do not want to do that certain thing, but yet you want to do that certain thing" paradox...
The question is, is that a good or bad thing? I can't answer you that neither...
ah... this entry should be under the 'raw and senseless' category, or simply straight to the 'deleted post' area... Is that a good or....
nevermind.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Because Mr. Chung is not writing ...
I really need to get down to writing my papers. But instead I felt that I needed a break from the research on counseling theories; the doctrine of God and predestination. So here I am writing something for the blog. So much for trying to de-stress.
Some had asked if this pregnancy is different from when I was expecting Little Chung. I feel pretty much the same save for some night sickness and feeling tired. One noticeable difference is that I seem to have gotten bigger sooner. In the first pregnancy, Mr. Chung drew much flak for calling me a ‘fatty’ when I was 21 weeks pregnant. But this time round, he started calling me ‘fatty’ 15th week into my pregnancy. Thanks lor. Some had said that you get bigger earlier for the second pregnancy. Maybe it is B2 growing. Or maybe it is really just fats. You know, spare tyres?
Anyways, on a different note. How have we been doing as a family?
Well, there are definitely ups and downs; good and bad; sunny and rainy; wonderful and not so wonderful. Perhaps it is the reality of being back in Singapore that hits us – finally… or eventually. I don’t know. Different expectations from ourselves of ourselves. Different expectations from people around us. So much to do but so little time. The joy of studying but the struggle to keep myself awake at night for the readings and paper writings. The rush of each morning to prepare for school (my school) and for Little Chung to have his breakfast but the importance of taking it slow to enjoy the presence of God. The scarcity of time but the significance of spending quality time with friends who need a listening ear.
Where is the balance to this all? I guess I just have to plod slowly and find my way around.
Some had asked if this pregnancy is different from when I was expecting Little Chung. I feel pretty much the same save for some night sickness and feeling tired. One noticeable difference is that I seem to have gotten bigger sooner. In the first pregnancy, Mr. Chung drew much flak for calling me a ‘fatty’ when I was 21 weeks pregnant. But this time round, he started calling me ‘fatty’ 15th week into my pregnancy. Thanks lor. Some had said that you get bigger earlier for the second pregnancy. Maybe it is B2 growing. Or maybe it is really just fats. You know, spare tyres?
Anyways, on a different note. How have we been doing as a family?
Well, there are definitely ups and downs; good and bad; sunny and rainy; wonderful and not so wonderful. Perhaps it is the reality of being back in Singapore that hits us – finally… or eventually. I don’t know. Different expectations from ourselves of ourselves. Different expectations from people around us. So much to do but so little time. The joy of studying but the struggle to keep myself awake at night for the readings and paper writings. The rush of each morning to prepare for school (my school) and for Little Chung to have his breakfast but the importance of taking it slow to enjoy the presence of God. The scarcity of time but the significance of spending quality time with friends who need a listening ear.
Where is the balance to this all? I guess I just have to plod slowly and find my way around.
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