Tea Time

My Mommy Identity

2011-08-24T06:49:00.000-05:00

Hello! I'm back after some time away from my blogger screen. I've contemplated for some time whether to continue blogging or not. Between an active 11 month old, an apartment which entails up keeping and an amazing and loving husband I have plenty to keep myself busy. From time to time as I encounter life I say to myself, "this would a be a good thing to blog about". Whether my blog is read by friends or a stranger, I hope it brings a little of something that wasn't there before.

My Mommy Identity

I've come to realize that becoming a mommy can be like entering high school all over again. I have found myself trying to decide what type of mommy I want to be. There are so many options out there! The mommy who blogs, the mommy who grows her own garden and makes her own soap, the well put together mommy, the artsy and crafty mommy, the mommy whose house always clean, the mommy who fulfills all the previously mentioned and more! Do I want to be the trendy mommy, the simple mommy, the play date mommy, and the list goes on! Sorting this out can be such a trouble some thing. Then after you've decided what type of mommy you wish to become comes the "then just be" part. It's just like choosing a costume and playing the part! We all know that's so not true. As a result of my frustrations and identity crisis, I've decided I want to want to be the mommy who simply reflects the love of God before her children. I can sometimes drive my husband crazy with a quote of mine, "what will it matter in a million years???" Well, this will definitely matter! Whether I'm a blogger, gardener, well put together or crafty will probably not matter much. My response unto Him who has saved me and the reflection my children see of that will totally matter and can possibly affect the lives of generations to come. I hope to remind myself of this when I encounter that daily nagging identity struggle.

Whipped & Creamy

2011-06-30T19:46:00.000-05:00

My heart was set on making Shaun some 4th of July cupcakes today. In the midst of chicken soup brewing on the stove top and a fussy little cranky but handsome baby at my feet I realized I failed to buy butter cream icing!? Instead, I bought whipped and creamy =( BIG MISTAKE!

So instead of....

I was really looking forward to trying this! Perhaps I should take a
cake decorating class prior to attempting this!

...it was...

There was no way my whipped and creamy icing was going to do
anything but look whipped and creamy :) Lesson learned!

Goals for July

2011-06-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

Considering today is the last day of June I thought it would be nice to have some goals for the coming month. So here they are...

July Goals

Finish reading A Tiger in the Kitchen: A Memoir of Food and Family by Cheryl Lu-lien Tan. This book has been such a great read for me. I first read about it in the Houston paper. It has helped me in understanding as well as appreciating the Singaporean culture just a little bit more.
Get both Shaun and I vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis). According to the CDC, "pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, whooping cough may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants. Whooping cough is most contagious before the coughing starts. The best way to prevent it is through vaccinations. The childhood vaccine is called DTaP."
Organize what ever mess I have hidden under my bed over the past couple of months.
Take a cake decorating class at Michael's craft store. This one is pending the approval of my CFO. ;)
Utilize and follow my new little menu planner in which I have made in order to prevent me from stressing out about to cook over the course of the next month. Hope to alleviate impulsive and rushed trips to the grocery store.
Complete my online self defensive driving course. Enough said. =(

As you can see my intent is to cook 3-4 times a week. :)

With Great Pleasure and Joy

2011-06-28T19:38:00.000-05:00

The last two days have been out of the ordinary compared to the norm. Shaun has been homesick. Those of you who know my husband very very very well know that he very rarely gets sick and hardly stays home as a result of being sick. When he called me yesterday during the late morning to inform me he was coming home early (4pm) because he was feeling ill, I knew he was going to come home with more than just an ache or a sore throat. Yes, your read right, 4pm is way early by his standards. Well, it just so happens that today I too have joined the sickly crowd. Thank you Eve!? For those of you who understood, I appreciate your sympathy. Nine months ago I would have taken my "woe is me" little self and jumped right into bed with my heating pad and a bottle of Midol. Not the case today! By God's grace alone I rose up out of my warm and comfy side of the bed to nurse and care for my wonderful husband. It was then that I was reminded of how during my single days I held a strong desire and urge to be to a loving wife to a godly man. God in His perfect plan and timing delivered me to him. In our talks about our future together we agreed the plan was for me to stay home once babies joined the Tan clan. I can recall being at work as a newly wed daydreaming as I stared out my window wanting to do nothing more than being at home supporting my husband. Whether it meant folding towels, preparing dinner or making a bed my desire was for my husband. There are many wonderful ways in which amazing wives support amazing husbands, but this was the way I desired to do so. To some these tasks may sound menial, but to me it was and is still a sweet offering not only unto my husband, but unto the Lord. I now stay home with our nine and a half months old son during some of the most influential years of his life. I cook, clean, wash, dry, iron and change diapers, but I also witness some of life's most precious and beautiful moments as well as receive into my arms an amazing and hard working man at the end of each and every day. Therefore, today while my husband is home ill and my adorable little son is hungry and cranky it is with great pleasure and joy that I serve both them and my God.

Spanish, Mandarin and English???

2011-06-28T09:17:00.000-05:00

Spanish, Mandarin and English??? I've come to realize that becoming a trilingual family has to be intentional! Speaking Spanish around Zachary has not come as natural as I thought. With our primary languages being English, both Shaun and I often forget to turn on the switch and speak in our native languages while Zachary is around. Though, we're not quite sure how this will all work out, we feel confident that it will. During my alone time with Zachary I attempt to speak only Spanish to him. As Zachary and I make our way around the apartment I find random topics fur us to talk about. Our conversations may center around the platano (banana) he has smothered all over his high chair to the secadora (dryer) he loves to bang on as we spend time in the kitchen. As I wake in the mornings I find Shaun speaking to Zachary in several different languages. Whether it be Mandarin, Cantonese or Hokkien, both Zachary and I share the same confusion. Fortunately one of us will eventually understand. While my efforts may seem futile at times, I try to remind myself that there is no better time for Shaun and I to share with our son the languages that have become our avenues of communication with some of our most dearest loved ones.

Happy Tummy = Happy Baby

Play time in the kitchen!

BBQ Cupcakes

2011-06-17T11:30:00.001-05:00

I can recall during my preteen & teen years my mother baking on regular basis. If she wasn't making wedding cakes, her and I were making classroom treats, cakes or pumpkin pies. Though I never learned to make Mexican rice, tortillas, or any other dish for that matter one thing I will always keep near to my heart is baking. Let me not mislead you, I'm no cake boss! I'm more of a Betty Crocker/Duncan Hines kinda girl-right outta the box! Since marrying Shaun I've thoroughly enjoyed baking for him. I love to love him this way! I mostly bake for his colleagues more than I do for him. I love love love sending him off to work with a sweet treat for his department. Also a good way to win him some favor with the big boss! ;) Hopefully favor and not disgust! :) This week I scrambled the web for a Father's Day celebration treat and found cutest little cupcake idea! I failed to take a picture of my finished product :( so instead I've pasted a picture of the one on the web.

Keeping It Simple

2011-06-14T15:12:00.000-05:00

Okay here I go! It's been a while since I've made time to blog. I've got approximately 52 minutes until our little one is due to wake and demand my attention. Zachary is a few days away from turning 9 months! Down below are some tidbits.

Things Zachary enjoys...
1. smiling for the camera
2. watching bubbles float in air
3. taking a bath
4. hitting surfaces from the tub, window sills, TV console
5. hanging out in the bathroom, closet
6. sitting on the kitchen floor playing with Tupperware
7. saying, "ma-ma-ma-ma", "pa-pa-pa-pa", "ba-ba-ba-ba"
8. being thrown into the air
9. eating paper
10. playing with springy door stopper

Things Zachary dislikes...
1. diaper change
2. being prohibited from crawling into a closet or bathroom
3. being put down to sleep

Social Butterfly
We are so thankful that he continues to be a happy baby full of laughter and smiles. We're convinced he'll have no problem making friends. As of yet he's not hit any major stranger anxiety. At this time we consider that a major plus! An extra set of hands is always helpful! He loves to stare and laugh at other children. Women go crazy over his one-dimpled smile.

Chomp-Chomp-Chomp
After returning from Italy we were welcomed by our smiling baby and his two bottom teeth. Two months later Zachary's two front teeth are making their debut. My do they look big! I will have to take credit for that.

Keep It Simple
Recently, I feel the Lord encouraging me to grow in certain areas of my life. One area being my possessions.

For those of you that know Shaun well, you know he is quite simple and cautious with his spending. You can just imagine the conversations we've had about needs v. wants. Two years ago this would have been the last thing on my list to work on. Recently Shaun shared a story of a girl who only owned 100 personal items. I was impressed but not moved because I knew I could never never ever own 100 items! "Good for her!, I thought. I later shared this with Shaun and he then said, "maybe you're not the girl who owns 100 items, but 500 items". I thought, "hmm..that's possible! I can do 500." I'm convinced this was the Lord's gentle way of saying I was a bit excessive. Since then I've been filtering through our things and ridding ours lives of the extras. Please don't be deceived, I'm not keeping count of what we own, our lives are still quite comfy, but I am reconsidering the need for things that simply down make much of a difference. Some day, if the Lord permits, we hope to move overseas to serve the needs of those in south east Asia. We're not sure when, where or how or even if. Well, Shaun is pretty sure about the "if". :) We do know that where God leads, we will follow. When that time comes we'll have to pack our belongings and sell the rest for a fraction of what we paid or to be donated. This definitely encourages me to consider the cost of what I'm paying and whether I'll be okay receiving a quarter in exchange for it a couple of years later. More than what we may lose or gain it is the mere fact that the less we take for ourselves the more we are able to give away. That, I absolutely love!!!

ML

Italy-Day 1 Mosch Mosch

2011-04-12T13:10:00.000-05:00

Day 1-Mosch Mosch

Our flight from Houston to Frankfurt, Germany went well. The drama began once we arrived in Frankfurt. Our flight to Verona was CANCELED and rescheduled for 4 hours later. Okay, so no big deal we thought to our selves. A free lunch on behalf of Lufthansa Airline and a cat nap in between with some leisurely reading did the trick. It was during this time that I was so so thankful that we left our sweet little Zachary behind. That was until we found out (4 hours later) that our flight to Verona was canceled altogether. We would now have to haul our behinds (in a hurry) plus our carry on luggage half way across(there was an elevator and several flights of stairs involved) the airport to catch a flight to MILAN and then take a 2 HOUR chartered bus ride to Verona. Come again!?!? We finally arrive in Milan about an hour or so later. Hooray!!!! Almost there! Oh wait, where's our luggage???? It's in FRANKFURT, GERMANY!? It was at this point that I wanted to shed a tear or two. The airport then make arrangements to have our luggage delivered to our hotel the next day at 10pm. Let me repeat that, THE NEXT DAY AT 10PM. The airport provided two toiletry bags each filled with a size XX white cotton T shirt, tooth brush, tooth paste, and all the fixings to help us get thru the next 24 hours. Sigh... We were then sent on our merry little way to board a chartered bus heading to Verona. Our intent was to have arrived at 2pm having been strolling together hand in hand under the beautiful Italian sun sharing a yummy gelato cone. WRONG!!! It was now 8pm riding along in a stale smelly charter bus under the weary Italian moon. My father in law's wonderful and gracious friends await us at the Verona airport (they themselves having been driving back and forth all day every which way to pick us us). We then headed to Sirmione where we would be staying for the next couple of days. After a nice dinner and a very much needed shower we were out!

Lunch in Germany :)

Cute little dessert after dinner in Sirmione.

That's me on the web enjoying pictures of Zachary posted by my family since he's arrived in Brownsville.

Little tidbits

2011-03-08T14:43:00.000-06:00

My post this morning originally started off as an e-mail in which I was writing to a close friend. What was suppose to be a quick question about care packages turned into an e-mail with a couple of updates on life. Then I thought, "Hmm..why not a post?" Two birds with one stone! :) So here it is....

Graceful & Loving

There's a lovely woman who I have met at our church about a year ago. Her name is Dee. I met her while taking a Perspectives Class on world missions. She's been such a blessing to me since we've met. Reminds me of how the Lord is so merciful and so good to provide for us in new seasons and places.

Dedicating Zachary

Our church recently held a "Parent dedication and infant presentation". Shaun and I took part in this and dedicated our sweet Zachary unto the Lord. :) It really was a special moment for us. I am continuously reminded of how we have been entrusted with such a sweet little soul. Knowing he does not belong to us but unto the Lord really does bring comfort to my heart.

Green Beans & Uninterrupted Sleep
Can't believe he's already 5 and 1/2 months!? He started on solids at four months. He's doing well with the exception of green beans. It's quite obvious he does NOT like green beans! :) He face he makes after being given a spoonful of green beans is the cutest! He's sleeping through the night! Hooraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!! It feels sooooooo good to get some uninterrupted sleep again!

MOPS

I've also been so blessed by the MOPS group that meets at our church twice a month. There are so many young mommies who have chosen to put aside their professions and stay home with their babies/children. Their love for God and for their families brings me much encouragement. The Lord has again provided great company and conversation as I continue to take this amazing and drama filled path called motherhood.

Waves

I do miss home and everyone there. It seems to come in waves, as one friend said it best. Lately I've hit a bigger wave than usual. With Zachary growing up so fast, I wish family and friends were around. At times I go off into my little dreamland and imagine going over to my parents house with Zachary and watching him play with my nephews or going over to a girlfriend's house and chatting about life while our babies play together. I think back and consider, "what if I had resisted my husband's plan for us in leaving Brownsville? What if I had resisted the idea of coming to Houston so that I could transition more easily when we leave the states not to mention him growing professionally in his career and seeking advancement so that we could transition to Singapore thru a company here in Houston. (Forgive my run on sentences.) I quickly realize that it would have been so much more difficult to leave the states for Singapore after having been in Brownsville any longer than we were. Also, I'm more than positive the Lord would have brought some times of brokenness due to my resistance of my husband's leading as well as His own. I know that I know we are in the right place at the right time. I'm continuously humbled by how undeserving I am and how merciful and loving He is. Time and time again He is faithful even when I am not.

Sweet Little Updates

2011-01-30T20:51:00.000-06:00

Hello. Zachary is taking a late afternoon nap and so I thought I'd type just a bit before he wakes. Thought I'd share some little updates regarding Zachary's development.

Rice Cereal

We just recently started Zachary on solids. Rice cereal was our first very exciting venture out into the world of solids. At first Zachary was a bit upset to find that his BPA-free munchkin spoon does not provide a free flow of milk like mommy or his nightly bottle. He was sure to express this frustration Shaun and I. After a a couple of more days he has become much better as accepting his rice cereal as an additional component to his breakfast and lunch.

Not looking too happy here

Looking a little happier here

Daddy's turn

Yum yum!

Second time around! Forget the bib! We're using a towel!

"Sleep Training"

Sigh..now here's something to talk about!? Or maybe not!! About a week or two ago we started to encourage Zachary to go down to sleep without having to be held or soothed. Tears were indeed shed! Both Zachary and I cried. But after a couple of days we could see the fruit of our labor. He now (for the most part) goes down very easily and calmly! Hooray!!!!

Sleeping Through the Night

Zachary is starting to sleep through the night! Yay!!!! After a rough two weeks of 1am-4am play time due to him being jet lagged from the 14 hour difference in Singapore, he now sleeps at about 8ish and wakes at about 6ish! He does wake up in between in which we at times respond with a comforting "pat-pat-pat" on his bottom in addition to a "shh-shh-shh". Other times we wait just a minute to respond and back to sleep he goes. Amazing!!!

Shrieking & Squealing

Zachary has finally discovered that he has a voice box! He shrieks & squeals when he's happy and when he's mad. At times he sounds like a little baby kitten outside our window looking for his mommy.

Rolling Over

Zachary can now roll over onto his tummy & back! This is exciting and yet a little scary. I'm constantly keeping an eye on him as he sleeps to make sure he's able to breath okay. Even when I attempt to turn him back on his back he seems to turn himself back on to his side or tummy.

Swaddle Free

No more swaddling for our little Houdini! He is now able to sleep without being swaddled!!!

Here are a few other sweet moments...

Sporting his U of M winter wear on a chilly night

Daddy & Zachary reading "Brown Bear"

The End

Due for an explosive diaper anytime now!
On his way to our neighbors apt while mommy goes to the dentist.

3am and 5 days later

2011-01-18T04:37:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess 3am is better than 1am! Yesterday was a hard & long day for baby & I. Zachary is not happy about being put down and out of mommy & daddy's arms. Not good! Singapore was full of open arms embracing Zachary morning, day and night. Not so back home. As much as I'd love to hold my darling little baby all day long it's just not possible nor is it healthy for him. So Zachary as a result is no longer being rocked to sleep nor sleeping in mommy or daddy's arms. This is definitely a hard transition for us. In the mean time we take it moment by moment and continue to reassure our sweet little baby that we love him dearly. Sigh...

This morning he woke at 3am and wanting to play. Considering we're all still a bit jet lagged it's only fair to let Zachary play a bit. After all, mommy's been getting up at all crazy hours of the night to play. Daddy on the other hand has been sleeping well. Argh!? :)

3am Moments

1am and 4 Days Later

2011-01-17T07:29:00.000-06:00

It's 2am and 4 days later and my sweet little Zachary has not fully recovered from his jet lag. Who can blame the little guy!? Shaun and I are still struggling to adjust as well. I've convinced myself to endure for a week. The same occurred in Singapore. After a week he was back on schedule. Unfortunately, two weeks later we packed our back and headed back home. Now we're back at square one. As I finish up this little post type Zachary is laying next to me swinging his feet in the air while being mesmerized by the lights on our little Christmas tree. Yes, our Christmas tree is still up and running!

Bitter Sweet

2011-01-14T21:15:00.000-06:00

Our three weeks have finally come to an end. Both bitter and sweet it is to leave Singapore and return back to the states. Each time we leave I can't help but feel sad about Shaun leaving his loved ones and his homeland. Airport good byes are always a teary one for me when we leave his family. Though we're sad to leave, we are also eager to head back home and begin the New Year with our little family of three. With all the visiting and food craze there's not been very much time to reflect on the past year and anticipate what's to come this year. This will also be the start of my season with Zachary with out family around to help. My mom as well as Shaun's mum have been around to support us for the last 3 1/2 months. So graciously and selflessly they served our new little family. I'm positive it will be a definite challenge attempting to juggle house chores, caring for Zachary, and much more but I eager and excitingly accept the challenge!

Below are some pictures during our last week here in Singapore.

New Year's Eve Steam Boat. Every has their own little pot where they can fish for yummy
foods like fish, seafood, chicken, beef, veggies, etc. Very cool idea!

Shaun's godson and his daddy opening Christmas present from godpa. This gift took up half a suit case!?

Great grandma

Great grandma feeding Zachary

Happy Birthday Ryan!!!

Daddy & Zachary play a game on the ipod

Sweet Baby Zachary

On the MRT/train. Talk about invasion of my personal space!?

To the front...

...to the back.

Love this!!!

Out with our friends Wendy & Nino

Yummy shaved ice for dessert!

What a sight to behold. Shaun and I returned from our little outing to find our sweet
Zachary holding on tight to my rolled up shirt!

Laksa! Love this! It's a noodle soup with seafood & poultry in a coconut curry sauce broth.

Chicken Rice!

On the bus

Need I say more?

Zachary still in modeling mode

Out and about

Zachary enjoying tummy time Asian style. Neat little tummy plat form that spins.

Can't wait to see Zachary standing on his own

At a house church service-HMCC. Shaun's church from
Michigan started a church in Singapore

Zachary's hang out place while mommy puts her make up on

Auntie Candy feeding Zachary

Poor daddy. About to embark on a shopping trip

Zachary at the end of our shopping trip

Fish head curry. Very spicy!!!

One of Shaun's fav ice creams treats

Yum yum!

Only in Asia

Interesting bus stop

Steam boat again!

Lou Hei-means to mix & to raise. Chinese New Year custom.

So yummy

Everyone ready???

Mix & raise!

and now to EAT!!!

Auntie Josephine feeding Zachary

Great grandma singing Zachary to sleep. Priceless!

Grandpa Tan feeding handsome Zachary

Comfortable & Familiar

2011-01-03T05:03:00.000-06:00

Hello! It's been a few days since I've posted. Between then and now there's been much much eating! Typically I tend to lose weight during my trips back to Singapore. Main contributors to my weight loss are hot hot temps, foreign foods & stresses of hopping from one social gathering to the next. This being my third trip to Singapore I can definitely say that I've become more comfortable & familiar with sunny Singapore, her natives and cuisines. So much so I think I've put on a couple of pounds!? I can recall my previous trips and how I became home sick so quickly. I would count down the days for our return back home. The duration of this trip is 3 weeks long! Our trips back here are typically only 2 weeks long. Surely I've become home sick by now!? Nope, can't say that I have. I do miss my family & friends dearly. In the mean time I'm enjoying the wonderful company of those around us as well as the yummy food!

In the "crying room" at church

More like Zachary's personal massage room!

"Ohhhhh so nice!"

"Yeaaaaaaaaah"

Zachary has found a new toy-his hand!

Zachary entertaining himself while daddy plays with his army buddies

Army Buddies + kiddos

Hawker Center: large groupings of informal open-air food stalls -- were Singapore's answer to fast and cheap food in the days before McDonald's and are still the best way to sample every kind of Singaporean cuisine. The traditional hawker center is an outdoor venue, usually under cover with fans whirring above, and individual stalls each specializing in different dishes. In between rows of cooking stalls, tables and stools offer open seating for diners.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/singapore/0077026705.html#ixzz19xzcoBsk

Trying to smile for the camera and yet stay focused on the objective ahead-FOOD!!!

Hot & sticky pose for the camera

Cooling off with one of my fav Singy drinks-Sugar Cane Juice!

Thanks for lunch Dad!

Roasted Duck! Yummy :)

Beef Hor Fun: Fun yum yum it was!!!

As Singaporeans say, "Don't waste, don't waste!"

Now off to do some shopping

Silly smile

Sweet & tiresome sleep

Sweet sleep didn't last too long

Okay, time to play with daddy while mommy finishes her post :)

Sleepy time

Sushi, Chocolate and The First Move!

2010-12-30T21:38:00.000-06:00

Sushi conveyor belt!

Hmm..what should I have?

Think I'll take these!

and these!

Cute little salmon eggs! Yummy!

Love these little guys!

Soft shelled crab

Tofu

Little baby squid

Yummy roll!

Family pic

Auntie Mel teaching Zachary about sushi

Sweet baby Z

This was right before daddy began complaining about his arms hurting :)

The making of a chocolatey drink

Cute little cup with a candle underneath which melts chocolate
and then add milk in order to create your chocolatey drink.

My "chocolatey chai"

Yay! Play date!

Sweet Arrielle sharing her play mat with Zachary

Arrielle boldly makes the first move! Zachary's not sure what to do next!?

Looks like Arrielle's a little fustrated with Zachary's next move!

Tummy time! Once again, Arrielle waiting on Zachary to catch up!

Arrielle spotted wearing Zachay's bracelet!! Wonder what this could mean???

Looks like Zachary's taking a peek at the wrong Hardoon girl!

Giggles & Smiles

2010-12-28T22:16:00.001-06:00

Giggles n' Smiles
With the 14 hour time difference Zachary's little schedule is now literally a difference between night and day. So thankful he's adjusted well. Shaun and I are so amused by his smiles and giggles right after his diaper changes during the wee hours of the night and early morning. As much as I try to remain serious so not to encourage play time it's hard to resist at 2am. The night before was such a rough night for him. He was not a happy sleepy baby. Lots of crying on his behalf as well as lots of pacing and "shhing" on ours. Last night went so much better!

Highlight, Low light
At the end of the day as Shaun and I are winding down I'll ask him to share his "highlight" and "low light" for the day. It's a nice way to end our baby crazed evenings. :) So I thought I would share some highlights and low lights from our trips thus far...

Highlights
1. Watching Shaun's father meet our sweet Zachary in person for the very first time. It's a sight I've been anticipating for months now! It really was a sweet moment to behold.

2. Seeing all the "aunties" & "uncles" interact as well as carry Zachary with so much joy and excitement. In Singapore everyone outside your family is referred to as an "auntie" or "uncle". From the trash man to the your best friends mom. It's a respectful way of addressing those who are older than you. I like it :) Thought it does feel a bit odd for me, being from outside the culture to address them as such.

3. My time during with my darling husband as we chat at all sorts of crazy early morning hours. Going back to bed after Zachary's feedings & diaper changes has been quite difficult. I'm sure the jet lag is a major contributor. It's been a time of sweet conversation as well as a time for snacking :) I blame the snacking on the jet lag ;) Love you baby...

4. The realization that this being my 3rd trip to Singapore, I've adjusted so much faster & easier. On my prior trips I would count the days of our return. I'd feel so out of my comfort zone..the culture, food, climate, etc. Our trips to Singapore are always two weeks long. The duration of this trip will last 3 weeks. I can honestly say I am at ease and happily by my husband's side as we are out each day as he revisits with those who are dear to him. Yay! Thank you God :)

5. This being our third visit back, it's so nice to be able to continue to build and reinforce the wonderful relationships I've built here in Singapore..from family to friends.

6. I was finally able to meet my friend Mel :) Mel is good friend of Shaun's from his Jr high days. Mel & I have been e-mailing back and forth and back and forth for more than a year now without ever meeting face to face. I had such a fun time going on our little brunch/lunch family date :)

7. Seeing our friends Wendy & Nino (from Brownsville) who have been sent here for work purposes and who we've not seen in about 6 months or so...

8. There will continue to be more highlights!!! :)

Low lights
1. It's always a little emotional for me to see Shaun's parents seeing us off at the airport. It's obvious his parents miss him dearly. Now that Zachary has joined us, I'm sure it'll be even harder for everyone. I want to tear just thinking about it...

2. I miss my friends & family & routine back home...but continue to support my wonderful husband during our stay here. I've definitely learned to be so much more patient and understanding since we've moved from Brownsville to Houston. Six hours compared to 10000 miles....yeah, no complaints here!!!

Captured Memories

My darling Zachary at some crazy hour in the morning :)

My darling husband at some crazy hour in the morning :)

Hold on tight to uncle Yong Seng

Not too happy with uncle Alvin

Sleepy time :)

Aunties & uncle playing with Zachary

Sweet Arrielle trying to decide if she wants to be friends with Zachary

Arrielle is still undecided. Turns out they have the same little fans! :)

Zachary and I with our friends Mel & Arrielle. Uh-oh, Arrielle seems to think Zachary stole her fan!?

Little family photo at the Botanical Gardens

Zachary using Arrielle's pram for a quick diaper change. Doesn't look like Arrielle is too happy about this.

Uh-Oh! Despite Zachary's red envelope offering, Arrielle is still not convinced!

Grandma Tan with her sweet little tiger baby

Shaun testing out his auntie's mega massage chair!

Surprise! Happy Birthday Wendy!

Zachary's being tricked into thinking mommy is holding him tightly to sleep

Looks like our little trick didn't work for too long

Okay, mommy's turn

Early morning play time!

Think he's figured out that the little black box that mommy & daddy are always holding is a camera!

To The Market We Go

2010-12-28T21:08:00.000-06:00

On our way to the market with Zachary's Yeh Yeh

Exhausted yet excited :)

"5 Minute Egg" with a dash of pepper and a few drops of black sauce

Stir-stir-stir

Dip and eat!

Zachary having his own fun

Slurp!!!

Milk Tea!!! My favorite!!!

Early morning customers

Shaun's yummy breakfast-Mee Kai

Lots of fresh foods

Yeh Yeh introducing Zachary to his friends at the market

Interesting...

Fishy fish

Froggy frogs!

Guess what these are? O_o

Time to go home!

Zachary enjoying his view

Sunny Singapore!

2010-12-25T08:47:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from sunny Singapore! Christmas in Singapore sure is HOT! In fact, all year round in Singapore is hot & humid! Zachary's first overseas flight was a smooth one. So thankful we had no major drama like we had last week during our trip back to Brownsville! Now to adjust to the 14 hour time difference as well as hot & humid temps! In the mean time we continue to receive wonderful hospitality, delicious food and much joy from seeing Shaun's family coming to meet Zachary.

Zachary at the Houston Airport. Aside from one

explosive diaper, no major baby drama!

During our layover in Russia.

Russia's airport was quite chaotic!? Glad to be out of there!

This was my first encounter with Russians. Interesting...

Zachary with his great grandmother :)

Singy Bound

2010-12-22T16:00:00.000-06:00

About this time tomorrow we'll be boarding ourselves on to a plane and flying half way around the world to Singapore! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be flying to Singy!? Much less accompanied by my Singaporean husband and my little mexinese (Zachary's ethnicity-Mexican & Chinese). Brings me back to the day I cut a comic out of a newspaper thinking it could help encourage the girls in my small group regarding their season of singleness.

God will just have to bring him to you or you to him! :) God knew it'd easier for Shaun to come to Brownsville.

Genesis 2.22 "...and He brought her to the man."

ML

Flight 2025

2010-12-19T22:36:00.000-06:00

Hello! Wow! It's been a while since I've blogged! There are so many thoughts I intended to put aside to write about at a later time but have now forgotten or perhaps don't feel that they are all that interesting or important. Instead I'll just type a little about my recent activity. This past week Zachary and I took our first little aeroplane ride together back to my home town for a friend's wedding. Shaun was unable to accompany us due to the wedding taking place during the week. Our flight was about an hour and 10 minutes long inside an express jet which seats exactly 50 passengers. Talk about a tight space. Down below are some notes to self.

Things to do...
1. Bring a stroller! Forget about trendy wraps/carriers. Zachary was not a happy camper. Hot and sweaty baby equals hot and sweaty mommy. Not fun while being eyed as a potential terrorist threat by TSA.

2. Pack a snack! Considering I had no opportunity to sit and eat nachos as my glutinous heart desired, I was forced to eat a plump and greasy hot dog in which I could easily scarf down in about 2.5 sec while trying to soothe a cranky baby.

3. Forget about bring anything but the necessities! Scratch the special delivery of cookies for those back home as well as the banana bread for those up here which I had to carry on to the plane.

4. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged! I soon discovered that those charging stations that you see everyone huddled around with their fancy electronics plug into is not capable of charging my phone.

5. Empty your bladder prior to arriving at the airport. I've yet to master holding infant while attempting to squat down onto a toilet and pee.

6. Be sure to have your picture ID ready along with your boarding pass and NOT your medical insurance card.

7. Be sure baby has a dry diaper prior to getting in line to passing customs. Looks a little suspicious when you get out of line right before going through inspection. Thankfully the customs agents could see Zachary was not a happy baby.

8. Don't forget to take cell phone out of your pocket before passing through the metal detector. She (TSA officer) was not a happy camper!

9. Forget about putting your belt back on (after passing through metal detector) while trying to hold a fussy baby as well as a special delivery of cookies for those back home! Refer back to #3.

11. Forget cute two pieces for baby. Stick to a onesie! This will keep strangers from staring at your because your baby's belly is being exposed while you're attempting to juggle a dozen cookies while trying to wipe the sweat off your brow.

12. Beware of explosive diapers while in mid air! Be prepared to carry baby off of airplane while is running up his back as well as down his legs. Thank goodness for blue jean overalls.
13. Do not take baby off changing table in order to change table liner if baby is not wearing a diaper! Urine all over the wall of the bathroom stall next to us not to mention mommy's jacket was not part of the plan. Thankfully Zachary's pressure hose urine flow did not spray far enough into the bottom of the stall wall to get a lady's bag wet! I did apologize when she came out of the stall. She hadn't even noticed. Though, the bathroom cleaning lady did not look too happy about my collection of dirty wipes I had to throw on the flow for time being until I could be my sweet Zachary cleaned up.

For plenty more air travel tips tune back after our 23 hour flight to Singapore this coming Thursday!

ML

Medical Paraphernalia

2010-11-19T15:59:00.000-06:00

What a crazy and yet joyous two months I've just lived through. From labor recovery which includes an episiotomy, hemorrhoids, and soreness all around to a teasing head cold that lasted two weeks to now a break out of hives!!! I am eager awaiting for normalcy to return. I long to be healthy and strong so that I can enjoy my baby without any sort of medicinal paraphernalia lying around awaiting application. Sigh...

As for my hive drama, I'm not quite sure what has brought this on. Others around me suggest a food allergy, stress or delivery of baby. After having a yummy Thai lunch with my wonderful husband and then coming home to walk my sweet Zachary to the mail box and enjoy the beautiful weather by the pool I returned to our apartment with red spots on my neck!? Currently taking some meds in hope that my current health drama will end soon.

As for Zachary, he's doing well. He is now 2 months old. Yesterday we visited the pediatrician for his 2 month follow. He was sure to impress his doctor by showing her his ability to roll over on his back!

Zachary receiving an oral vaccine.

The calm before the storm..

11.08.08

2010-11-08T21:26:00.000-06:00

November, 08th, 2008. This was the day I prayed and fasted for what seems like forever! It was the day my God delivered me in holy matrimony to the man whom I not only wanted but needed. I remember when my friend Monica talked on and on to me about a fellow by the name of "Shaun Tan". He was a Singaporean engineer new to our church. She would tell me about how she wanted me to meet him. She shared of how he served in the Singaporean army, of how smart he was, and other impressive facts. Just writing about it makes me nostalgic. I can feel that "feeling" all over again. At first I was not wanting to meet "Shaun Tan". I had had enough of the wrong relationships. Plus, Singaporean? I was waiting for a Hispanic, someone who knew my roots. I can still remember the cool weather of the fall season. After some convincing, I finally gave in and attended the 9am service. I was happily and conveniently attending the 11am service and of course this Singaporean was happily and efficiently attending the 9am service. I was as easy going and phlegmatic as he was productive & efficient! :) After seeing him I thought, "Hmmm...he's cute! I like!" I then decided to become a little more "productive & efficient" with my Sunday mornings and began attending the 9am service. ;) I remember one service he just so happened to sit in the pew infront of me. He came in late during the worship part of the service. Luckily the lights were dim so I could take a couple of glances without him knowing. I thought it was so cute how he continuously tugged at his not so ironed long sleeve buttoned shirt. I thought, "poor guy, he doesn't have anyone to iron his clothes". Little did I know his idea of ironing was taking his clothes right out of the dryer after the timer went off and then laying his clothes neatly on the bed and then pressing each item on top of one another. It was during this service that I took my 3 inch heels off so that when it came time for the 2 minutes of "meet & greet" with those around you, "Shaun Tan" would see that I was at a nice compatible height, in any case he was to be stunned by my beauty. Unfortunately, Shaun Tan never turned my way. A few Sundays later I just so happened to be sitting in front of him! This time his parents & brother accompanied him. I thought, "Hmm..these could be my future in laws!! He He Better make a good impression with the MIL". Don't think I ever really got shake any of their hands. Sigh... In the mean time, I was having fun girl conversations with my girlfriends about "Shaun Tan". We never called him Shaun. It was always "Shaun Tan". I really liked the sound of that! "Shaun Tan!" It sounded very foreign! Finally within the next month I met this very mysterious and very impressive "Shaun Tan". After several failed manipulated attempts we finally met at a church fellowship for young adults. Boy, did I like "Shaun Tan". =) There was so much about him that I found attractive. He was smart, his perspective was refreshing and different from mine. He encouraged me to question my perspective on things. I loved his smile! There was this one time after church when no one else was available to have lunch so it ended up being just him & I at Luby's. We sat by a window as we ate and talked about our personal plans & ambitions. The more time I spent with Shaun the more and more I was growing so fond of his company. It was both exciting and yet scary. From the beginning Shaun expressed his intent was to stay in Brownsville for a short season. This guy didn't want to stay in Brownsville forever. Neither did I, not entirely anyway. Part of me wanted to go abroad and serve the other part of me wanted to stay near the familiar and comfortable. As time passed the Lord presented these wonderful little outings for Shaun and I to get to know one another. From playing golf, to watching a movie, the zoo followed by a hearty hamburger & a milk shake. It was wonderful! As wonderful as wonderful could be! I immediately began to pray and fast about my friendship with Shaun. In due time the Lord began to confirm His will for my life. The next thing I knew was I was in his bathroom texting two of my girlfriends that Shaun Tan had declared his love for me!!! Two years later I sit typing as the perfect little combination of my darling husband and mine attempts to wiggle himself to sleep in his crib in front of me. We now reside in Houston, Texas no longer Brownsville, Texas. We find ourselves in the midst of His provisional placement. We attend a wonderful church filled with beautiful people. There's no other place I'd rather be than here with Him, him & him...

ML

Down below are some pictures of the last year in no specific order. In fact, there is no time to arrange them in any fancy order or to add any caption. :)

Ready or not...

2010-10-28T11:40:00.000-05:00

Ready or not here I type! I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to type my post partum thoughts out. A month later I've come to realize there is no perfect time. Life is so so busy with 3 hour cycles of breast feeding, quickly throwing loads of laundry in the dryer and "shh-shh-shh" my sweet Zachary to sleep. Uho, somebody just woke up..........................................currently sitting in my glider right beside the crib shh'ing as I type.

Okay it's now the next day... =) Life really is unpredictable!!! Having gone from a life of order and centered around me and my wants to now catering to the needs and wants of my sweet Zachary really has kept things interesting. Though as crazy as things get I can't help but love love love my little baby. I've learned not to hold on to tight to the smooth activities of one day and to let go of any expectation that the next day might be just the same. Every day is so different and with new and exciting surprises. Surprises such as a random smile or an explosive dirty diaper oozing up Zachary's back are the moments that keep me on my toes.

Better get going...

Zachary Xin Zhe Tan

2010-09-23T10:17:00.000-05:00

Finally the title for my blog post does not revolve an exotic fruit or vegetable!!! Our baby boy is here! Though he was due on the 14th of Sept, he arrived on the 16th (8 lb 13.4 oz, 22 in). Sometime after being induced, major major major menstrual like cramps, an epidural (thank you GOD!!!), the tapering off of the epidural (oh so painful!!!!), an episiotomy, and a vacuum suction our sweet baby Tan finally arrived!!! Just typing brings me tears. Ok ok, refocus otherwise I won't ever finish this post. Though the delivery process didn't go as we had anticipated we couldn't be more happier with the sweet reward of our labor. The recovery process has been quite uncomfortable. Some how I missed the chapter on recovering from the possible pregnancy outcomes when your baby doesn't just pop right out!? But again, looking at Zachary makes it all worth while. Since then our lives have been everything except dull, from changing diapers to sleep deprivation to kissing & hugging our baby, we are just starting our on our life long lesson on parenthood and the sweet and sacrificial love that it entails.

On our way to his first doctor's visit. This was before the explosive diaper surprise!!!
Thank goodness we had a well prepared diaper bag!!

I've learned to appreciate the use of a stroller in the apartment.
Quite useful during bathroom & shower time!!!

Pumpkin Tan

2010-09-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

Happy 40th Week Baby Tan!!! Can't believe this day is finally here!!! Do bear with my constant blogger over the next 24 hours or so. Aside from cleaning & finishing up a few last minute tasks there's not much I can think of doing. Despite everyone's common suggestion of sleeping as much as I can before baby Tan's arrival, I just can't force myself to sleep. So in the mean time I'll just sit here on the couch and type a little.

Things I will miss about being pregnant...
1. The excuse over indulge on food :) and the lack of embarrassment on my behalf because of the false notion that I'm "eating for two" :)
2. Having my Mr. Tan help me put my tennis shoes on :)
3. Using my belly as a little mini platform/table for my plate, glass and hands
4. Nice warm belly rubs from those around me. Never did mind those.
5. Pretty maternity clothes. Esp those very stretchable elastic bands have make over eating so much more pleasurable!
6. Strangers smiling at me while taking note of my belly.
7. The excuse to nap endlessly when ever I wished.
8. Sneaking into the kitchen at 3am to snack on ice cream cereal or lime tortilla chips while watching the Cosby Show or The Nanny
9. Delightfully watching my Mr. Tan kiss my belly, sing the Singapore national anthem to BT, and hearing him talk to BT in this singlish accent

Things I will NOT miss about being pregnant...
1. The grunting & the moaning as I attempt to turn over in bed, get off the sofa or out of the car.
2. The feeling of helplessness in needing help to do everyday things, like bending down to pick something up, etc
3. The constant need to pee every 2 hours
4. The potty runs throughout the night that make it so difficult to go back to sleep.
5. The constant trip to the scale to see how much I've weighed. Have a feeling this will not end...hopefully it will be going down instead of up soon
6. The additional 35 pounds that made the Texas heat so much more unbearable
7. The need to sleep with a huge 5 ft long U-shaped body pillow in order to keep from rolling over on to my back. (Thank you Mari!)
8. Comparing my BT's size & weight to strange vegetables exotic vegetables I've never consumed
9. Constipation!?

I'm sure I could continue to sit here and go on for a bit longer :) but it's 10am and it's time for my snack ;)

Crunch & Cherry Coke Zero

2010-09-13T21:18:00.000-05:00

Hello :) Today we are one day away from baby Tan's due date!!! Our OB appointment this morning was a surprising one. To start things off I had another NST (non stress test) in which they monitor baby Tan's heart beat along with my contractions in order to assess whether baby Tan is under any unnecessary stress. After about 15 minutes of laying down and wonderful company-my Mr. Tan :) OB walked in took a look at NST print out and asked if had breakfast. I replied with a nodd and a "yes". He then said baby that baby was a bit sluggish and asked the nurse to bring in some crackers, which they had none of. It was then that I proudly admitted my having a piece of chocolate on the way over to his office. (Forgot my food police was in the room!?) Dr then suggested we get my sugar level up and with not a cracker in his office I had my food police take another piece of chocolate out of my purse :) They were really meant for my Mr. Tan :) I happily ate my mini chocolate crunch. Dr readjusted the belts around my tummy, put a pillow to help prop me on to my left side and viola!!! Turns out the belt was not placed on the side in which we could best hear BT's heart beat most effectively. That's when the nurse walked in with a cherry coke zero and suggested I drink up in order to elevate my sugar. Considering coke zero contains only an artificial sweetener, my Mr Tan thoroughly enjoyed the free drink. :) After another 15 minute session of listening to BT's heart beat along with his daddy's conversation, OB walked in and was happy with the recent NST results! Yay! After examining me, I soon discovered I had hardly dilated since my visit last Wednesday. Boo hoo! I was pretty much at zero. As OB was removing the belts off of my belly, the nurse noticed my tummy was contracting due to the funny shape that was taking form. After questioning baby's position (the nurse) OB ordered a sonogram. The sonogram showed baby Tan head down as we had seen in the last sonogram but after further assessment, OB expressed some concern due to baby Tan's size and the curvature his little body was having to take in order to fit in my belly. Baby Tan was pretty much getting too big for me. Dr recommended waiting no more than one week to deliver, otherwise baby would be much too big and increase the risk of a c-section. So as of now hospital arrangements are for me to be admitted Wednesday evening with the intention of delivery Thursday.

This is definately not what we were anticipating. We continue to set our eyes on our God who we know remains in control. Scared? Yes. Nervous? Yes. Excited? YES!!!

Mini Watermelon Tan

2010-09-10T06:38:00.000-05:00

This weeks we celebrate 39 weeks of baby Tan's journey in the belly!!! Apparently (babycenter.com) he's weighs about the same as a mini watermelon (~7 lb). I have a feeling he's weighing a little more than that!? Our weekly visit with our OB went well this past Tuesday. Baby is doing well and not under any stress at this time and contractions have no real pattern. The only bitter sweet news is my cervix remains closed for business. Like I said, a little bitter and yet sweet. How quickly I am reminded back on all those times I wanted things to happen on my timing and with great relief I am thankful God was always in control. The same is true even now, His timing is absolutely perfect!!! On to week 40...

Leek Tan

2010-08-31T08:32:00.000-05:00

Happy 38th week baby Tan!!! 14 days to go!!! I remember counting down the days when we had 100+ days left thinking we'd never reach the end of our 9 month journey. Soon after baby Tan is born we'll be counting up instead of down and in hope that the days go slower instead of faster! How funny life can be...

ML

NST #1

2010-08-30T11:15:00.000-05:00

I just returned from my weekly appointment at the OB's office. I underwent what is called a "Non-Stress Test" which basically measures baby's heart beat along with my contractions. Baby Tan is doing well :) in fact he's doing so well that there is significant patterns to my contractions that would send me to the delivery room (bitter-sweet) and I've not dilated up to this point (more bitter-sweet). I'll return next Tuesday for the same routine. Oh, and baby Tan remains head down!!!! The longer he stays in the bigger we both get!!! =Z

Swiss Chard Tan

2010-08-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

This week we celebrate week 37! We still can't believe this is really happening!? Babycenter.com is suggesting baby Tan is about 6 lbs 5 oz this week and and about the length of a stalk of swiss chard. According to a not always so accurate ultra sound baby Tan is at about 6 lbs 15 oz!? We are hoping that history will not repeat itself and an 11 lb baby will not come forth from my lineage of wombs! My wonderful mother pushed me at out 11 lbs almost 29 years ago. That is a whole lot of baby, baby!!! Love you momma :)

Dedicating this to my darling husband & food police :) Oh how I've been scolded =Z

Sneaky BT

2010-08-24T04:52:00.002-05:00

Good morning! :) It's 4:52am. I just finished having a glass of OJ with a lightly salted rice cake :) Looks like I'm up for a little bit & then back to bed! Yesterday was our follow up appointment with our OB. I could not believe it but our sweet baby Tan has repositioned himself and is now head down!!! I thought for sure I would have noticed such a shift in his position, but apparently not. OB is happy, sonographer is happy and Shaun & I are happy! Three more weeks!

ML

Transverse Position

2010-08-20T12:42:00.002-05:00

At our last OB appointment (week 34) my OB was not able to tell whether baby Tan was head down or up and so he scheduled an ultrasound for two weeks later. Two weeks later was yesterday. Baby Tan is currently in a transverse (side way) position with his head in a some what down position. I am scheduled for second ultra sound this coming Monday (08/23) to reassess baby Tan's position. If he continues in a transverse position then I will be sent to the hospital on Tuesday so that the Dr can help baby reposition himself. This procedure is done much like a massage. I have read that this procedure can be quite uncomfortable. In speaking with my OB, he assured us it would not be too uncomfortable considering baby Tan is not in a complete breeched position. My OB also informed me that I have a "narrow" pelvic arch compared to a "wide" pelvic arch. What this means is that in any case baby Tan is having difficulty passing through it may be due to my "narrow" pelvic arch which may play a role in the consideration of a c-section. Oh my sweet baby Tan how I love thee! :) In the midst of this news we remain encouraged as well as excited about the coming of our baby boy! We also continue to place our confidence in our God is sits upon the throne and is worthy to be praised!

Below is something I could not help but find some humor in...maybe not too much...I may find myself resorting to some of these =Z

Here are 17 Ways to Turn Your Breech Baby!

Visualizing

the baby moving down with the head very deep in your pelvis, several times a day; especially in conjunction with positions and exercises below.

Swimming

as often as possible. This keeps your body and pelvis loose and relaxed. Do in conjunction with headstand below if you have help.

Headstand

- with assistance and in a pool frequently as possible.

Breech Tilt

- begin at 32-35 weeks gestation. Do 3 times daily for 10-15 minutes each time, when you have an empty stomach, and the baby is active. Prop one end of an ironing board securely on a sofa or chair 12 to 18 inches high (or may use slant board). Lie down, bend knees but keep feet flat on board. Relax, breathe deeply, avoid tensing. May also use pillows on a flat surface to raise hips 12-18" above shoulders. Gravity pushes the baby's head into the fundus, tucks it, and baby can then do a somersault to a vertex position.

CD/iPod headphones

- place them inside mom's pants toward her pubic bone and play classical music for 10 minutes 6-8 times a day.

Flashlight -

try moving slowly down from the top of the uterus toward your pubic bone while you are in a breech tilt position.

Massage

- start with your left hand at the bottom of the abdomen and your right hand just above it. Move move your hands clockwise around the right side of your tummy. As your right hand reaches the top of your abdomen, slide the left one over your right and move it down the left side of your tummy. Your left hand leads as you you come full circle, continuing clockwise. Massage gently as you would to apply lotion. Massage for ten minutes or more up to several times each day.

Clothespin -

place on the small toe of each foot at the outside corner of the toenail; sideways so that the toenail and toe pad are stimulated for 30 minutes per day, this is an acupressure point that is a "moving down" point. You can also do this with just finger pressure as you remember to do it.

Motion Sickness band -

place with the bead four finger widths above the inner ankle bone - another acupressure point that is used for stimulation of the uterus. Do not use this point if you are experiencing any pre-term labor.

10.

Glass of orange or other juice

- follow this with a side-lying position with your hips positioned higher than your feet. Babies move more after a sugar high!

11.

Pelvic Tilt

- with an ice pack on the top of your tummy on an empty stomach, 10 minutes twice a day. Do this while lying on your back on the floor with knees flexed and feet on the floor with three large pillows placed under your buttocks. Try this in conjunction with headphones and visualization.

12.

Cat stretch

- start with all fours, then lay your head and chest flat on the floor with your buttocks in the air, as you round your back and return to all fours.

13.

Knee-chest position

- by kneeling with hips flexed slightly more than 90 degree, but with thighs not pressing against your tummy and your head, shoulders and upper chest are flat on a mattress for 15 minutes every two waking hours for five days.

14.

Belly Relaxing followed by Inversion -

Partner places a shawl, sheet, towel or rebozo under mom's hips as she lays on the floor. Lift up on the corners of the cloth and shimmy her from side to side moving your hands up and down to wiggle her belly from side to side. These should be very small movements which mom should find very relaxing. Do this for about 5 minutes. Then mother kneels on the stairway landing. Walk your hands down 2 or 3 stairs into an all fours position; have your partner support your shoulders to balance you. Remain in this position for about 5-10 minutes or as long as comfortable. Also do this on an empty stomach.

The following techniques to turn breech babies to vertex involve the assistance of a specialist or medical professional:

15.

Acupuncture

- find a acupuncturist who is familiar with pregnancy and knows the points to stimulate for turning a breech baby.

16.

Webster's Breech Technique

- see a Chiropractor who is experienced in this technique.

17.

External Version

- this can be done in the hospital at about 37 weeks; see an Ob-Gyn for assistance and more information.

Sweet Reminder

2010-08-18T09:27:00.000-05:00

For a short season I've decided to post pone my posts about baby Tan. Until then I've decided to post what ever may come :)

I was so encouraged in my reading of Psalm 18 this morning. As I read I was encouraged by the sweetness of God's word. There are seasons in life when you come across truths and with such desperation you hold on with all of your might in order to survive the madness of the season you're currently in. The season eventually passes and then all is well again. Then later on you stumble across the same truths and reflect on how sweet & personal they are to your soul. It's easy to forget what and where we've been rescued from as well as by Whom we've been rescued by once the tough seasons are over and done with.

As I read Psalm 18 I was reminded of things I passed through and how my God so mercifully and lovingly delivered me.

Psalm 18

v2-3 The Lord is my rock...my shield, and my horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I recall the day I read over this scripture and realized how He was indeed my shield. He was the shield who took death on a cross in my place.

v16 He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.

I can recall several seasons in the past in which it seemed as though the waters were overcoming me and I was not going to survive,yet each time He rescued me.

v19 He brought me out into a broad place, He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

Never will I be able to comprehend the love of God. That God would delight in me??

v28 For it is You who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.

I can do absolutely nothing apart from Him.

That I would come across His word continuously & be reminded of all that He is and all that I am not.

Crenshaw Melon Tan

2010-08-17T21:02:00.002-05:00

Today we embark on week 36! Four weeks to go! Today baby Tan is about the size of a crenshaw melon. Can't wait until he's out of the melon family. :) Tonight as Shaun and I were having dinner, we realized that our dinners will never be the same again. What is now a quite & peaceful time to reflect on our day's activities with one another will soon be filled with a variety of baby drama! We are as ready as can be! We know it'll be great! Our next appointment is this coming Thursday (08/19) at 8:15am. This appointment will be to conduct some routine testing plus take a peek at our sweet baby Tan and the position he's currently in. We will soon see!!!

For those of us who have know idea what a crenshaw melon looks like-see below!

Honeydew Melon Tan

2010-08-11T08:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday marked the beginning of our 35th week! Baby Tan is almost here! Shaun and I are amazed at the fact that within a month or so we will become parents, real parents entrusted with a life that we can no hand back to his/her rightful owner. I remember when I was in college thinking, "one day I'll get married...one day." It was one of those seasons in life that that was inevitable but too far away to take seriously. Marriage was far in the horizon... Then in Nov 2008 the Lord delivered me to my wonderful wonder. :) I remember thinking, "Really Lord? Me? Are you sure?". I knew marriage would one day come, but when He decided the timing was right I was in such disbelief. It was no longer in the horizon but right in front of me! After agreeing that Shaun & I would wait a year before we started a family, the same went for our first little one. The arrival of our first little one was not too far but still off in the horizon. "Some day...", I thought. About a year later we found out I was pregnant. Again I thought, "Really Lord? Me? Are you sure?". So here we are about 2-5 more weeks until Shaun & I no longer stare into the horizon but come face to face with our sweet baby Tan. We are so undeserving...

Cantaloupe Tan

2010-08-03T16:33:00.000-05:00

Today we rejoice in week 34!!! 6 weeks to go!!! Baby Tan's car seat is ready to go...his crib has a nice mattress with a nicely fitted boyish blue sheet...his baby clothes are hung according to size...and hospital bags are packed! Our trip down to Brownsville was indeed a sweet one. Aside from visiting with close friends & family, a dear friend/sister hosted a baby shower for me. There was much laughter & lots of cute gifts for baby Tan...but what I will remember & cherish the most was the encouragement I received from these women. Their encouraging words as mothers & mothers-to-be brought such strength to my soul. Preparing for baby Tan's arrival these last couple of months has been so exciting! It's as if I couldn't plan enough for his coming! Each day I would go over my computer printed out calendar and scratch out each passing day...some times I'd scratch the day out even before it began :) The loose calendar pages are worn & wrinkled, full of pencil & eraser markings. My darling husband could not suggest an idea or plan an outing with out me pulling out my calendar to check what I've previously planned! :) In all this preparation, I realized I could prepare as much as I wanted in the physical but I had no idea how to prepare my heart for our little one's coming. There were all sorts of questions & anxieties regarding my up & coming journey into motherhood-"Would I...? Could I...? Should I...?" It was this weekend that my questions & anxieties were put to rest-LOVE. One thing I know God has created & enabled me to do is to love...

sigh...

Pineapple Tan

2010-07-27T10:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our 33rd week!!! It's so hard to believe that we have 7 more to go!!! Our week 32 OB appointment went very well last Thursday!!! Baby Tan is indeed a boy (had to double check), has a cute little nose, is head down and nicely positioned for his day view within the next 7 weeks or so :) Our due date moved up one day-from the 14th of Sept to the 13th of Sept. Our OB informed us there will be no travels allowed outside 1 hour of the city =Z We will be secretly making our last trip (previously scheduled) this weekend back down to Brownsville. We are hoping & praying BT stays put & behaves until we make it back up on Sunday :) As for baby drama, Shaun and I have truly enjoyed feeling as well as seeing baby tan's movements as we lay in bed for the evening. Last night we could not help but laugh out loud at my lopsided belly :) We've yet to discover the perfect name for our little one =Z Soon soon! We have also been tremendously overwhelmed & humbled by the generosity of those around us here in Houston as well as back home. Whether is be from key necessities like a crib, a mattress, an infant car seat to prayer and encouragement during this exciting & yet emotional season, we have truly been cared for by His wonderful body.

Jicama Tan

2010-07-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

Happy 32nd Week Baby Tan!!! Baby Tan now weighs about the same as a Jicama (Mexican Turnip), which by the way taste great with chili powder & lime juice! 8 more weeks to go! Unbelievable! Week 32 is a very exciting one for us! This Thursday we'll visit with our OB take a peek at baby Tan and see what he's been up to since week 20. With all the belly activity being felt I am so anxious to see if that really is an elbow I'm feeling throughout the day, whether that's really his little rump or maybe his head! :) No major baby drama except for the constant tossing & turning during the night in desperation to find a comfy soft for baby Tan & I to nestle into. There are times I find a cozy position but our sweet baby Tan refuses to slide his little self over to help balance out mommy's weight out, so then it's back to the uncomfortable position so baby Tan favors at the time.

Awaiting Thursday!

Navel Orange Tan X 4

2010-07-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 31st Week Baby Tan!! Today baby Tan weights about the same as 4 navel oranges. Hope you didn't think we were having 4 little navel orange tans ;) Nine more weeks to go!!!!

ML

For now our little BT's crib is home to daddy's clothes, some toys & a magazine or two :)

Sweet Company

2010-07-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

Back on 02.09.10 I blogged about about how I was so comfortably sitting in the last row at our new church here in Houston. I shared about how comfortable the view was and how I was completely happy away from everything and everyone despite knowing the danger in isolating myself. Like I knew He would, God in His grace & mercy (along with the assistance of my wonderful Mr Tan) has ever so gently relocated me up a few rows :) In addition to moving me up a few rows, He has so graciously provided such sweet company for me on my way forward! For the glorification of His name alone, in continuously showing His mercy, grace & love unto me God remains faithful unto Himself. Because of Him I have been blessed, encouraged & strengthened by such sweet company...

Moving forward,

Below are some pictures of our new friends :)

Hanna's Surprise Birthday Party at our place :)

Great company, great conversation & great food!

Hanna & I watching the 4th of July fireworks :)

Cabbage Tan

2010-07-07T10:47:00.000-05:00

Happy 30th Week Baby Tan!!! So hard to believe only 10 more weeks to go!? At this point Baby Tan's weight is estimated to be about the weight of a head of cabbage. Can't wait to see our little cabbage head!! :)

Below are some pictures of our little adventure on the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, Texas. Daddy Tan was so excited while mommy Tan was making up for all those missed work outs ;)

Daddy & mommy happily walking towards air craft carrier :)

Daddy Tan taking out the enemy!!!!

Mommy Tan enjoying the nice gulf breeze! :)

Lots & lots of stairs!!!

Wondering why this escalator doesn't work!?!?!?!

Daddy Tan enjoying himself...

...while hot, sweaty & preggy mommy takes a breather with baby Tan ;)

He who fashions the hearts of them all...

2010-07-03T05:29:00.008-05:00

It's 5:30am on a Saturday morning and I'm wide awake! O_O After obsessively dreaming about jogging strollers as well as attempting to find the perfect sleeping position to snuggle my belly into I gave up at about 4:30am and decided to get out of bed. As I miserably got into the shower I thought, "Oh my, 4:30am showers maybe just become normal for a while when baby Tan arrives. This may be the only time slot I may have soon!? =) We'll just have to worry about that later! In the mean time I will make the most of my days and what ever preggy drama by sweet baby Tan brings forth :) I then decided that after binging on just about every thing late last night I'd let my tummy take a little break, not have such an early breakfast and instead read a psalm.

Psalm 33

13The LORD looks down from heaven;
he sees all the children of man;
14from where he sits enthroned he looks out
on all the inhabitants of the earth,
15he who fashions the hearts of them all
and observes all their deeds.
16The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might it cannot rescue.
18Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
21For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

As I was reading the later part of this psalm I began to focus in on the verses above. I was then encouraged because I was reminded that my God has fashioned in such a specific way so that my heart may hope & trust in Him! Verses 16-18 make it very clear that I can not hope & trust in my own strength to deliver me, but I can hope in the fact that he has created me to fear him, to hope in his steadfast love, to wait upon him, to be glad in him and to trust in his holy name. These are not emotions or thoughts that I need to muster up inside me in order to be encouraged, these are truths that he has fashioned my heart after so that I may hope in my deliverer.

Butternut Squash Tan

2010-06-30T10:49:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was the start of week 29 :) This morning as I was taking a little nap after seeing my Mr. Tan off to work, I suddenly began to feel the weight of my belly shift from one end to the other. I placed my hand over my tummy and there was this little bump shifting from one side to the other!? The feeling was quite awkward and yet so exciting. Time has flow by so fast! Eleven weeks left to go! Exciting and yet scary but still very exciting but some what scary! :)

Chinese Cabbage

2010-06-22T10:52:00.003-05:00

Sweet baby Tan is now about the weight of a Chinese cabbage! Hooray!!! 12 weeks more to go! Over the months mommies around me have been asking me what is one of the things I am looking forward to once our little one arrives. In all honesty there was nothing really that I could respond back with. I don't think the reality of a little baby coming into our home had really set in by then. It was more like like a fairy tale than it was a soon-to-be life experience. Just recently I have come to find my joyful anticipation. I am so looking forward to picking up our little baby in the midst of his distress in his new & unfamiliar world and take him into my arms to soothe & comfort. I know that may sound a bit too picturesque but it is my little that I treasure in my heart. Another moment I totally look forward to witnessing is my wonderful Mr Tan being an amazing father to our little baby. Though initially Iwas hoping for a baby girl so that I could selfishly have all sorts of girly moments with her, it gave me even great joy when I realized that Shaun would be able to have such incredible moments with our little mr tan and deposit the wonder things that I love about him (Shaun) into the heart of our little one.

My "little mr tan"

2010-06-08T08:03:00.004-05:00

As our little baby continues to grow and as time continues to pass there is a little more to do or prepare as each day passes. Yesterday was quite a busy day for me. With girlfriends coming into town for the weekend I was busily preparing for our awaited guests. In all of the business of the day I hadn't felt much fetal movement. Typically I'll feel baby Tan move shortly after meals, after having sat or laid for a while, but yesterday was different. By the end of the evening I became a little worried. I even tried tapping my belly a bit to see if I could wake my little one up. There was some movement but not too much to rejoice about. My Mr Tan noticed I looked a bit troubled was I was laying in bed with my belly exposed. After sharing my thoughts with him he quickly assured me all was well. Still, I felt a bit uneasy. After shedding a tear or two I went to bed knowing that my God is in complete control. I had decided that had I not felt my regular fetal movement I would call my OB the next day (today). After my routine bathroom run at 2:30am I laid in bed feeling sorrowful. It's one of those moments in which you feel sad but yet you're not quite sure why it is you feel sad. I began to shed a few tears and was so wanting to wake my Mr Tan up and share what it was I was feeling, but knowing his day would be a long one (he was driving 4 hours to Louisiana for work) I decided not to. As I laid there it hit me-I LOVE BABY TAN!!! For the last 6 months baby Tan my "Poppy Seed Tan", then eventually my "Mango Tan", etc. Though babycenter.com is still comparing him to strange & foreign vegetables & fruits, he's now my baby! He's growing causing my belly to pop. He's moving causing my tummy to move just a bit. He's no longer comparable to a fruit or vegetable but to this little person I am eagerly awaiting to embrace. It's hard to love a "Poppy Seed" but oh so easy to love this little being inside me. I had suddenly realized that I had fallen in love and because of love was now feeling strong emotions I had not felt before for our little baby. I had become vulnerable once again, yet this time it was to my "little mr tan". :)

Rutabaga Tan

2010-06-01T10:39:00.001-05:00

Happy 25th week baby Tan!!! :) Our little baby now weighs as much as the average rutabaga (1 1/2 pounds) and measures about 13 1/2 inches. Just learned that a rutabaga is a cross between a cabbage & a turnip. Thank goodness the only cross our baby will be is of a Hispanic & Chinese! Only 15 weeks to go until we can finally hold our little one in our arms and appreciated even more so the tiny sacrifices as well as the wait Shaun & I have encountered during these past 9 months! We still don't have a name =Z We are leaning towards Ethan but missing a middle name. Ethan _______ Tan. Hmm..maybe :) Our week 24 appointment last Thursday with our OB went well. Baby impressed us with his strong heartbeat! Baby moved from his head down position to a side to side position. That would explain all the tickling on the sides of my tummy. OB says, "not to worry, baby knows which way is out!" Our next routine appointment will be week 28 and then the following will be week 32-that's when we'll get to take another peek at baby Tan to see what he's up to!

Corn Tan

2010-05-25T08:01:00.005-05:00

Some how Corn Tan is not as catchy of a name as Poppy Seed Tan or Mango Tan. =) Despite the lack of coolness in his weekly name descriptions Shaun and I are happily embracing our little ear of corn!!! Today marks the completion of week 24 which means only 16 weeks left for our baby to join us on our journey :) In the mean time we continue to enjoy feeling our little adjusting himself in mommy's tummy.

Mango Tan

2010-05-18T07:47:00.003-05:00

Waking up on a Tuesday morning means waking up to the end of one week and the beginning of another week in this little journey our Baby Tan is on. Mornings seem to be just a little sweeter. Today marks the beginning of Baby Tan's 23 week. His is now approximately the size of a large mango.

ML

Spaghetti Squash Tan

2010-05-11T07:46:00.005-05:00

Today baby Tan begins his 22 week in the womb! We are a little more than half way there!!! Aside from a growing belly, baby Tan's fetal movement is such a comforting sign for a mommy and daddy in waiting :) How soon we've progressed from a poppy seed to a spaghetti squash!

Carrot Tan

2010-05-04T17:14:00.005-05:00

Today marks the beginning of our little baby boy's 21st week of development in the womb. Twenty weeks already? and yet twenty more weeks to go????? According to babycenter.com our little one is about the size of a carrot, 3/4# and about 10 1/2 inches long. At our OB appointment last week little one was weighing slightly above 3/4 of a pound at 13 oz and was measuring a week ahead so technically he's almost hitting a pound today and about the size of a spaghetti squash. But for the sake of mommy's blog and the possibility of occasional growth spurts we'll continue on as initially planned and remain at a carrot for this week :)

Some of the things I have enjoyed during the 2nd trimester have been...

1. Love maternity pants! I love this stretch band that goes around my tummy! So comfy!

2. Love not having to worry about tucking in my tummy :)

3. Love the feeling of little baby Tan moving around

4. Love that my wonderful husband has been more than wonderful to me during this time of adjustment for the both of us. From making sure there's enough light during the night so I can see where I am walking during my routine trips to the bathroom during all crazy hours of night.

5. Love that we're having a boy! Knowing that Shaun will have so much fun instilling his commando and boyish ways in him brings me such joy!

6. Love that I feel so great both emotionally and physically. The first trimester sure was hard in both these areas.

7. Love that though there will be much much change about to enter our lives in about 20 weeks or so we are excited about seeking knowledge and wisdom about being first time parents we are also excited about finding contentment and flexibility with our little one.

8. Love that there is much more to come that I will find myself loving...

Baby Boy Tan

2010-04-27T15:19:00.007-05:00

It's a boy!!!

ML

Daddy's Little Commando!

Mommy's Sweet Baby Boy!

Cute Baby Boy :)

Baby Boy Looking Up

Baby Boy's Legs-Don't Be Deceived! :)

Definitely A Boy! :)

Sweet Comfort

2010-04-27T07:04:00.003-05:00

Hello :) Today is the day! We are a few hours away from finding out what baby Tan has been up to inside my belly for the last couple of months as well as whether he/she is a he or she. Shaun and I are so excited and in aww at the fact that we are going to become parents very soon! As I've mentioned in a previous post or so, pregnancy is really such a step of faith. There's this little person inside you yet you've no idea what's going on, whether he/she is doing well, growing as necessary, etc. I was feeling a little nervous yesterday about this morning appointment, about whether baby Tan is okay and growing. I asked some of my dear friends to be mindful of our little family during their praying time. Their commitment to pray for us brought such comfort. Shaun and I prayed before going to bed committing our little baby to our sovereign God. Soon after such sweet comfort was brought to me-baby Tan was moving in my belly! His/her movement continued on for a couple of minutes. I attempted to wake daddy Tan up by placing his hand on my tummy but he shortly took his hand back, scratched his hand and turned back around. Ha Ha! Totally okay! My Mr Tan was exhausted from a long day working for our little family :) Though the Lord owed me no evidence of life, in His goodness and mercy He was so gracious to me...

Heirloom Tomato Tan

2010-04-20T13:47:00.004-05:00

Today we begin our 19th week! Baby Tan is the size of an heirloom tomato :) Finally Shaun and I are able to see my baby bump growing. We were starting to wonder what was going on in there. We also been able to feel my uterus :) A mental note I have made to self: don't stare at baby bump while walking through a parking lot. With baby Tan growing I was able to buy my first pair of maternity pants! They are definately more comfortable than a rubber band holding together a blue jean button with a zipper half way down covered by a long shirt! All in all we continue to enjoy this season in which He has us in. God continues in His goodness towards us and we continue to be undeserving of it. Our next OB appointment will be a week from today. This upcoming appointment will consist of an anatomy scan of baby Tan :) We hope to find out whether he/she is a he or a she. :)

Mexican Cuisine

2010-04-20T13:26:00.017-05:00

Going back home to visit is always such a sweet treat for me! Shaun is more than wonderful enough to drive me back whenever I can find an excuse to return back home. I just love going back home and being around the familiar and comfortable. This month our excuse was my nephew's 5th birthday. Though we were not able to stay until Sunday afternoon for his birthday party, we were able to have a little bday bash Saturday night with the family. Going back home also means yummy Mexican food :) Friday night we arrived at my parents house and had some yummy yummy enchiladas and Mexican rice my mom had prepared at the request of baby Tan and myself! Saturday morning I was able to meet up with some wonderful girlfriends and spend some time together over a yummy Mexican breakfast. The rest of our time was visiting with more friends and family. Though our trips back are extremely short and limited to those with who we are able to visit with they so precious and well worth the wait. I was also able to come back home showing proof of pregnancy-a baby bump and not just an appetite.

ML

Our great excuse for coming home!

Auntie ML & Uncle Shaun with birthday boy!

We figured we'd save some wrapping paper if we wrapped unnoticed clothes with toy-we did! :)

Excited!

Almost there!

Uncle Shaun assisting ;)

Of course..reading the instructions :) That's my Mr Tan!

Team work!

Too cute! Our nephew Joaquin :)

Meeting up with great friends :)

More great friends :)

My very yummy breakfast! Machacado on huevo Eggs with dried beef :)

A blurry but very yummy looking breakfast! Eggs with fried pork rinds.

Bell Pepper Tan

2010-04-13T09:43:00.002-05:00

Week 18, 0 days! Today our little baby Tan is about the size of a bell pepper! Two more weeks until we find out if our baby Tan is a boy or girl! It's still so hard to believe God has place this little person inside me! In the mean time I find myself endlessly looking at baby registries, consumer guide research and day dreaming about how little baby Tan will dramatically and very happily change our lives. Can't wait!

Sweet Treat

2010-04-07T19:42:00.009-05:00

My parents recently came up to Houston to visit with Shaun and I prior to Easter Sunday. This was such a sweet treat for us. Aside from taking them all over China Town we had dinner at an amazing Brazilian steak house-Fogo De Chao. Needless to say we all gained a little bit of weight.

Just imagine a huge piece of beef hanging off a large pronge off to the far right. Waiter would come over at one's beckon call and slice meat off to one's liking! Sorry love for not taking a good pic :)

Dessert! Yummy!

Dad & Mom enjoying dessert :)

Me enjoying my one forkful of cheesecake! Not too much room left =Z

Shaun absolutely loving his meal!

Another exciting moment while my parents came up-the assembling of baby Tan's crib!!!

How long will it take a grandpa carpenter & daddy engineer to assemble baby Tan's crib? A little longer than my grandma and I expected! :)

Working hard for the baby :)

The last panel!

Almost done!

Last screw!

Thanks to my wonder brother & sister-in-law for having passed down the crib their two boys once used, we now have a little cozy corner for baby Tan!

Turnip Tan

2010-04-06T08:35:00.004-05:00

Today baby Tan begins his/her 17th week in my belly! At this point he/she is approximately the size of a turnip. According to pregnancy recommendations I am about 2-3 pounds over weight. I have replaced my yummy peanut butter & jelly sandwiches with a bowl banana & raisin oatmeal. Hmph! Oh well... My Mr Tan is such a great food police :) Although last night he was a not so nice one as he was eating a chocolately cherry brownie in front of me. As I began to pout he was quick to remind me that I myself stated that I did not want to gain a hefty 40-50 pounds during pregnancy. I later settled for a nice juicy apple. Argh!

ML

Not sure which one I feel like sometimes :)

Avocado Tan

2010-03-30T16:12:00.004-05:00

Today marks the beginning of baby Tan's 16th week! Only 168 days more to go! My preggy drama for now is reoccurring headaches that come and go for a couple of days. Not fun! I gave in about 4am this morning and took a Tylenol and was able to get a couple of hours of good sleep. My Mr Tan ironed his work shirt all by himself. Ironing is one thing he does not enjoy doing. Aside from that, all is well! We did finally agree on a name if our little avocado is a girl: Elle Marie Tan. My Mr Tan has strict guidelines in choosing names for our little avocado that I won't go into. The inspiration occurred on our way back from dinner in china town upon passing a street named Ella. We hope to come up with a more inspiring story for her when she gets older, that is if she is indeed a girl. Needless to say after this major break through I began to look at every street name we passed from that point on coming home. I quickly realized our break through was a divine and rare and was not going to push it! :)

And The Beat Goes On-Part 2

2010-03-25T12:14:00.003-05:00

Our OB appointment from yesterday went well! My blood draw consisted of 9 blood tubes. Now that's a lot of blood! We decided to by pass the lab draw for down syndrome. It is our conviction that we will joyfully receive God's miracle gift to us no matter what. Shortly after being weighed, we were surprised to find out that we would be listening for baby Tan's heart beat for the 2nd time. This was exciting as well as a relief. Considering our next ultra sound would not be until week 20 we were quite eager to see or hear of some sort of development on baby Tan's behalf. Again, his/her heart beat was so sweet to our ears. We rejoiced that life was still abounding in my belly! This time we thought quickly and were able to record the sound of the heart beat on our cell phones. What a treat! Every so often I play it back and listen in amazement. Our next milestone is week 24. At this point the baby becomes viable outside the womb. Shaun and I continue in humility to rejoice for this season our God has entrusted us with. Our hope and trust is in our God alone.

Apple Tan

2010-03-24T07:12:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was the completion of week 15! Baby Tan is now the size of an apple! Yay, we are moving on up! Today is our 3rd OB appointment which will consist mainly of routine blood draw. Hope baby Tan and I don't get into to much trouble for having gained an extra 5 pounds!?

Foods I'm really enjoying right now are-

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
Turkey sandwiches w/baked chips & dill pickles
Orange juice

Happy 2nd Trimester

2010-03-16T07:49:00.002-05:00

Today marks the beginning of baby Tan's 2nd Trimester! One down, two more to go!

Estate Sale

2010-03-12T10:30:00.006-06:00

I absolutely love running into estate sales! I don't go out in search of them but when I happen to find one, boy what a treat it is for me! Yesterday I bumped into my first estate sale in Houston. I wasn't really sure what to expect. Estate sales in Brownsville are generally okay but you won't find anything outrageously priced because of it's origin or it's age. Finding myself driving down a winding street in a upscale neighborhood I was feeling a bit nervous and afraid a resident would call the neighborhood armed guard on me. As I continued on past these big and beautiful houses I was a bit intimidated to get off at my destination. I thought, "what am I going to do in a house of riches?" As I pulled up to the culdesac I saw a fancy car or two. I then saw normal people just like me in search of something old and unique but at a good price! I then felt a lot better and walked in the door. Each time I walk through estate sale homes, I am in search of a little bargain I could bring home! Though in the midst of my search I can't help but think about the person(s) that passed and what their life must have been like. I try to create images and stories in my mind as I look over the possesions in the home. It was evident this person was well traveled and well read. There were pieces from all over the world displayed all over the house. There was so much of everything! I began to think though this person may have enjoyed all of these beautiful things when they were living and though they must have had a story for each item they attained, he/she is now gone, but their possessions remain for strangers like to me to appreaciate in such a different way. When I leave estate sales as excitd I am about leaving with my one dollar find, I can't help but feel a little somber. I hope I haven't depressed you by this point! =) I write all this as a reminder to myself that it is our hope that as a family, our lives will reflect lives with eternity in the forefront. That we would leave a place with little to be destroyed and stolen and arrive in a place in where we can rejoice for eternity in fruits that were borne for the Kingdom.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6.19-20

My little find: Wesley And His Century (Fitchett)

Peachy Shrimp

2010-03-09T10:48:00.003-06:00

Today marks the beginning of our 14th week!!! Still not sure whether we are still in our 1st trimester or in the beginning of our 2nd trimester or whether our baby is the size of a peach or a shrimp!? I'm so confused!? But none the less we are continuing to progress and on to the 2nd trimester we go (eventually)!

Our Little Patio

2010-03-09T10:35:00.005-06:00

Good morning :) So excited that I can finally sit outside in our little patio area and enjoy the morning! It's been in the 50s during the morning time and in the 30s and 40s during the night time. Sure do miss those 70s, 80s, and 90s from back home!

ML

Lime Tan

2010-03-04T13:03:00.002-06:00

Two days ago baby Tan completed his/her 12th week! Our baby Tan is now the size of a lime! Soon we'll be out of the 1st trimester!

ML

And The Beat Goes On!

2010-02-25T11:15:00.004-06:00

Hello :) Yesterday was our 2nd prenatal appointment with the primary intent of hearing baby Tan's heart beat via doppler. Boy did we hear it!!! It was the most simplest of procedures. After peeing in a cup, waiting about 30 minutes in the waiting room, being ushered into an examination room, a nurse walked in put a small stethoscope looking object on the lowest part of my abdomen and voila! There my Mr Tan and I were listening intently on the most beautiful sound we've heard thus far-evidence of life. Our little baby's heart beat was quite rapid. I've read that some think of galloping horses when they hear their baby's heart beat. Shaun personally thought it sounded like an extraterrestrial sound captured on a radar somewhere in outer space. Now that I think of it almost sounds like the laundry machine in the middle of a cycle. Haha! Again, we are so incredibly humbled and yet ever so grateful for this beautiful little gift that He has bestowed upon us.

Fig Tan

2010-02-23T15:50:00.003-06:00

I just realized that I did not post in celebration of our little Grape Tan graduating to Kumquat Tan last week. Today our little baby has now graduated to Fig Tan! Our next OB appointment is tomorrow. We had to reschedule our 10 week appointment for last week to this week otherwise Shaun would not have been able to have been present. Tomorrow we hope will mark the celebration of a major milestone in our baby Fig Tan's life-hearing the heart beat via Doppler (baby stethoscope). The 24/7 nausea has improved dramatically and now comes only about 1-2 times a day. I am now also starting to stay awake after seeing my Mr Tan out the door in the mornings rather than going straight back to bed. Starting my mornings at about 8-ish is so much more pleasant for me rather than sleeping in until 10am or so...makes my day just a little bit brighter. Although, some are already suggesting I take full advantage of all the sleep I can get now!

Happy 11th week baby Fig Tan!

Longest Stretch Yet

2010-02-15T13:32:00.006-06:00

A very sweet & beautiful occasion gave us a great excuse to return back to Brownsville for another visit. My dear and lovely friend/sister was tying the knot! Making this trip back home was not only exciting because Theresa's was getting married but also because I had just survived the longest stretch away from home. I had been away from home for about a month and a half! Might not sound like much but felt like forever to me :)

It's funny how the things I wished would have been different during my time growing up at home were the very things that brought me much comfort during my visit back. I can recall saying to myself as well as my mother when I was younger, "I wish our house was like...!", "Why can't we have...?", "Why do we have to drive...?"etc. I can't help but laugh a little and yet shake my head at myself because of my discontentment as well as my lack of appreciation for everything my parents provided for us as a family. Never did I imagine that one day I would be a little older, more mature, and more wiser finding so much warmth and joy and even humor in such things. I could share some of them with you...but I'm afraid you might not understand or appreciate them as I do. Though, I'm sure you have a list of your own...

Uncomfortable Yet Necessary

2010-02-09T16:20:00.004-06:00

The title of my post today describes how some change can feel at times. Very uncomfortable but very necessary. I remember when I first arrived at my previous church back home (ICC) my mother would very "motherly" encourage me to go and sit up front with the other teenagers. I would then in a very teenager-ish manner say, "Mom, please leave me alone!". I remember then as I was looking over at these teenagers who were obviously so excited and connected, "I'll be up there eventually...it's just a matter of time." Sure enough with time (God's grace really) I graduated myself up to the front. Ten years later I am finding myself again very comfortably sitting in the last row enjoying the comfortable view, in a different church of course. Just as I knew 10 years ago, I know today that it will be a matter of time before I get connected again. Though, this time it's not my mother who is by my side encouraging me, it is my very social and extroverted husband (love you baby). This time I can't say, "Shaun, please leave me alone!". As time passes and as God continues to be full of grace and mercy the Lord is so gently leading me up towards the front. He is surrounding us with others who are loving and godly... Though most of the time it's very uncomfortable I know it's necessary in order for Him to lead us where He desires...and being where He wants us is of the utmost important and above all else, including my comfort.

So here I go...

This is what I must look like hiding behind my Mr Tan! =)

Grape Tan

2010-02-09T16:07:00.004-06:00

Hello. Today is the completion of week 9! Yay! Our little baby is now approximately the size of a grape! How I wish he/she was bigger. Soon soon :) Tuesdays sure do come by pretty fast for me. It's like celebrating our little baby's birthday every week. It's another week the Lord has granted us in this special little season. A week from this coming Thursday we will have our 10 week appointment with the intent of hearing baby Tan's heart via doppler. This will be a very important milestone for baby Tan. In the mean time the nausea has continues throughout the day. I started drinking peppermint tea diluted with water. It's quite nice. :)

Happy Birthday baby Tan!

Bitter Sweet

2010-02-02T13:21:00.003-06:00

We are now going on our 3rd month since moving to Houston. The first two months were pretty easy for me. There was lots going on at the beginning. Packing, unpacking, packing and again unpacking once we found our apartment. Lots of errands to be run and things to buy to make our place little more like home. Then we found out about our little baby Tan! Now that things have slowed down a bit it has been a bit more difficult. I knew that once we returned back in from the holiday travels to Brownsville things would slow down and reality would settle in just a little more. We are now attending a wonderful church just 2 minutes down the street from us. The location could not be more perfect, especially with a baby on the way! There is a also a MOPS group that meets twice a month there that I hope to be joining soon. I know with time and God's grace everything will come into place. Change has always been a bitter-sweet experience for me. Sometimes it feels more bitter than sweet. But in the end God makes it so sweet! As I've been seeking the Lord regarding this new season of major transition in my life I have to see a couple of things I must remember.

#1 I cannot allow media & social networks to become my portal to the world. It's so easy to stay home all day long and keep up with the world via Facebook, Gmail, TV, etc. These are all good ways of staying connected but should not become my primary social interactions. I must go out seeking to enjoy and experience the 4th largest city in the US. Even if that means going by myself.

#2 I need structure. I need a "TO DO" list! I've started planning out my week again. This keeps me focused on what my objectives are for the week. Sometimes it means running by the post office. Other times it means trying out a new restaurant (even if it's alone) or having something sweet at Starbucks.

#3 I need purpose. This goes hand in hand with #2. The world can be so deceitful in trying to convince us of what true purpose really means in life. I am so thankful that I can look unto the Lord for the truth in this matter. At times staying home, cooking, cleaning may not seem very exciting and full of purpose. But Truth tells me that the season that I am currently in right now is exactly where the Lord intends for me to be. It is the safest, most perfect place I could be in right now. The world confesses that it is futile and a complete waste of time. Serving my husband, taking care of our home, carrying our little baby Tan, serving others in whatever way the Lord leads and enables me is best summed up by my privilege in serving the Lord.

Kidney Bean Tan

2010-02-02T12:35:00.004-06:00

Today is the completion of week 8. Baby is now about the size of a kidney bean! I still find myself amazed that there is a little life that God has enabled us to create growing inside me.

This is what our Kidney Bean currently looks like...

Blueberry Tan

2010-01-26T14:39:00.013-06:00

Hello. Today our little Blueberry Tan has completed his/her 7th week in the womb. "Morning sickness" which by the way is not limited by the morning hours has increased throughout the day. If you were to sneak a peak into our little home you'd see glasses everywhere that were once filled with water, gatorade, apple juice, orange juice, seltzer water in attempt to control the nausea that comes and goes at all hours of the morning, day and night. Cooking warm/hot temperature foods has been a bit difficult for me during the last week. Something about hot stewy foods that wasn't agreeing with me. My wonderful husband was so great to have taken me out for cold sandwiches & salads. (Love you baby)

Here's how our little Blueberry Tan has been doing. (Taken from BabyCenter.Com):Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry. If you could see inside your womb you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering his/her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of his/her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and his/her liver is churning out red blood cells until his/her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. He/she also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into his/her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from his/her tiny body.

Below are some Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger) gifts for Blueberry Tan from Grandma & Grandpa in Singapore :)

Can't wait to see him/her wear this during the winter time!

Baby Tan will be a Tiger Baby!

These will keep Baby Tan's feet warm & comfty considering we don't wear shoes inside our apartment ;)

They will look so cute next to Daddy's shoes :)

6 Weeks 2 Days

2010-01-21T21:35:00.008-06:00

As many of you know today was our first prenatal appointment. I felt like this day would never come. The entire day I was nervous and almost frozen. I was feeling everything from fear to nervousness, to nausea, to excitement. Our appointment was not schedule until 2:45pm and therefore I was having to wait throughout the morning and mid-afternoon to get myself to the doctor's office. It was at about 2pm that I had wished Shaun was picking me up from our apartment instead of meeting me at the doctor's office (mental note for future appointments). I left the house at about 1:55pm to get a head start and avoid any GPS malfunctionings on my 15 minute drive along the highway. I arrived promptly, signed in, peed into a cup, and sat in the waiting room watching Pearl Harbor, the movie. Shaun then called about 5 minutes later to let me know he was on his way. A sigh of relief came over me. I was afraid that he was going to be held up by traffic and miss the ultra sound. He very shortly arrived and sat next to me. I could then lean myself into his arms while we waited to be called. About 10 minutes or so later we were called. Within the next 5 minutes we were all set to take a peek into our baby Tan's little world. At first the sonographer was not able to locate baby Tan. She confidently and yet calmly said, "Let me take some basic measurements first and then we'll come back to the fun stuff. I'm sure he/she is hiding in there somewhere. (As I write this I can't help to feel a little emotional, there is a little life in side me! Wow! Okay refocusing.) So Nancy (sonographer) took some measurements and pointed out some fibroids in my uterus but assured me that the majority of women have fibroids. That was a sigh of relief. She continued with her measurements and then came back to the fun stuff-hunting down our little baby Tan!!! Soon after we found baby Tan! :) What a relief I felt, not to mention such joy to find our little baby Tan nicely nestled in place. Shortly after locating our little baby we were able to see a little shaded area almost blinking at us-baby Tan's heart was pumping! Soon after that and a bit of work on Nancy's part we were able to hear the heart beat! Wow! The most beautiful sound I have ever heard! What beautiful evidence of life! We then sat with our doctor and reviewed general pregnancy guidelines as well as appointment scheduling, etc. We continue to rejoice in this little life God has entrusted us with as well as rejoice in the mercies of God over our lives.

Thank you for praying and rejoicing with us!

Baby Tan, 6 weeks 2

Sweet Pea Tan

2010-01-19T09:12:00.003-06:00

Today we mark as the completion of week #6! So far baby Tan has been well behave and has caused no major distress or drama in our lives. Aside from frequent bathroom trips, weight gain of 1.5 lbs, and some tenderness all has been well! Our baby Tan has gone from a the size of a period (.) to the size of a dash (-) to the size of an orange seed and now to the size of a sweet pea. This coming week he/she will be working towards growing to the size of a blueberry. Our first prenatal visit will be this coming Thursday! We are excited and in hope of hearing or seeing our little Sweet Pea's heart beat.

Preggy Notes

2010-01-12T15:59:00.001-06:00

Since finding out about out pregnancy I have found myself in fear of the possibilities that may come with a pregnancy. By God's grace I have come to realize that my God is in charge of my body and our little baby. Carrying our little Poppy Seed even for this long has been something so sweet.

01/07/09 my period was due-nothing; woke up at 3am with a excessive thirst and a tad bit of nausea as well as a some what heavy pressure down there. O_o

01/08/09 there's been lots of frequent peeing and pressure down there. Currently weighing 141.5#

01/09/09 Took my last preggy test (#4)-dark line!!!

01/10/09 Told Shaun's family this morning!!! They were so excited for us! I think I had my first food aversion: citrus fruit =( I LOVE citrus fruit!

01/12/09 Today we completed 5 weeks :) and now going on week 6; I decided to have a grapefruit! Mind over matter! :) Yay!!!

"We pregnant or we not pregnant???"

2010-01-05T22:30:00.005-06:00

I did it! After landing I found my Mr Tan awaiting me :) I was so happy to see him! All the way home I considered just blurting out, "we're pregnant!!!" But I remained strong and kept it together. I then set up my little surprise up in the bedroom without him knowing very calmly called him into the room. With a huge smile on his face he said, "WE ARE???? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN???? WE PREGNANT OR WE NOT PREGNANT???". What a sweet moment it was for the both of us. I think back at all those times during the last year in which we were purposefully being extra careful not to conceive and yet part of me wanted to find ourselves pregnant. So much so that I would say, "I want a baby, baby!" and jokingly try to convince him to agree in having a baby sooner than we had originally planned. Looking back now, I'm so glad it's all in the Lord's timing and not my own. His timing is good and perfect.

Grandma Flores's first baby gift :)

So cute!!!

Trust me..it's a positive! :)

This is my little homemade card :)

Test #2 & #3

2010-01-04T15:30:00.000-06:00

Okay..sigh..long day! I took another test this morning and it was a positive! Still faint line, but a tad bit darker. Still can't believe this!? I had a 2pm appointment the Pregnancy Testing Center here in Brownsville and that was another positive (stip test)! That's 3 and 0. Okay..so I think I have enough to back me up tonight! I still can't believe this!!!

Me? Preggy?

2010-01-03T23:30:00.001-06:00

Okay...so I can't sleep so I thought I'd write a little. Today is January 3, 2009. As most of you know Shaun and I are eagerly trying for our first little baby Tan this year. We are trusting in our God to lead as He wills and desires. Well..I took a test this evening and there was a faint pink positive line. Yup, that's right! My mom and I were in shock. The line is a bit faint to a very unexperienced preggy mommy and grandma. I immediately called one of my bestest friends (who has two babies by the way) to seek wisdom and counsel. I tried my best to take a still and focused picture of preggy test and quickly e-mailed it to her. Mind you Shaun is in Houston and I am currently in Brownsville. I stayed behind in Brownsville for a lingerie shower for one of my other bestest friends. I will be flying back tomorrow evening. So here I sit in shock and anxiously waiting for tomorrow to come. First thing in the morning I will pee into another cup and take another test. Then I will rush over to a Pregnancy Testing Center where I can get tested (for free) and take another just to be sure. Crazy, I know! I have not had any "typical" pregnancy symptoms. I have however had cramps in my lower abdominal and around my ovaries. I did have slight nausea about 3 days ago but that might have been related to what I was eating: peanut butter, bananas, honey, and cinnamon on toast. Yummy! My gosh! Could I really be preggy??? Me? The thought of this possibility humbles me. I am so undeserving of such a beautiful gift. Okay..glad I typed a little :) Perhaps I can now sleep! If I am indeed preggy I plan on surprising my Mr Tan once I get home to Houston! Will keep you posted!

Simple Love

2010-01-03T22:57:00.004-06:00

Tonight is my last night of holiday visiting with family and friends here in Brownsville. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here with family and friends. So many great moments I take back with me to Houston. From the sitting around being and being surrounded by great company and conversation of wonderful friends to the simplistic and yet very meaningful moments with those I love. Going back to Houston I feel will be the "real" beginning of my move away from my home. With traveling back and forth between Brownsville and Houston for the holidays as well as our memorable ski trip out to Breckenridge, CO all happening in the last month, it almost feels like we've been on vacation this entire time. Shaun is currently in Houston. He left early Saturday morning to rest and prepare for work on Monday. I am still in Brownsville. I was able to stay back two extra days and attend a bridal shower for one of my bestest friends (totally worth it, but I do miss my husband terribly). This is our first time being apart since we wed. Silly I know :) As much as I miss him, I look forward to finding myself sitting on the plane by myself with out my usual flying partner next me. I feel as though this flight I will be taking by myself tomorrow will truly enable me to leave a place that is so incredibly sweet and lovely to me and allow me to arrive in a place in which I have been called to by two that I dearly love and am willingly to lay down my life for-King Jesus and my husband.

(will post holiday pics soon!)

Love Nest

2009-12-21T14:30:00.010-06:00

Here some some pictures of our little love nest :)

Knock knock!

Apt #1913

Hope you're wearing matching socks ;)

Some nice slippers to keep your feet warm : )

Mr & Mrs Cubby Holes :)

Welcome to our little home :)

Fun to watch the squirrels run up and down the trees :)

Little sweet reminder that HE is in control! :)

Good friends :)

Shall we? :)

Our little bedroom :)

Mmhhhmmm :)

Sleepy? (Comforter in the dryer) ;)

Again, love this view :) Looks out on to our little patio :)

Lots & lots of room!! :)

Bathroom? Sure..right this way..

Hungry? Come on out!!

Good little cooking space :)

Mr Tan's full service laundry :)

This is where you'll be sleeping if you ever decide to

come visit us :)

Temporarily under construction :)

Let's not open these doors..just a closet with stuff we couldn't

leave behind-bicycle, wok, dumb bells, etc.

Guest bathroom :)

Thanks for coming! See you real soon!

From #216 to #1913

2009-11-24T20:29:00.010-06:00

Today is our 5th day here in Houston. Within the last 5 days we have visited at least 15 apartments and we have finally found "the one"! We are quite exhausted but so excited! The apartment we decided to go with is surrounded by a beautiful scenery of greenery and tranquility. I await to sit on our sofa in the early morning while the sunlight falls on the leaves of the trees outside our living room. So much will take place in this new little home of ours. I eagerly await to see what is to come...

Here are some pictures of our temporary little home at the Stay Bridge...

Our mini little kitchen :)

Our living room :)

My Mr. Tan's work/brain station :)

Our well made bed thanks to our sweet Salvadoran housekeepers :)

Our neat organized closet/storage area in our BR :)

My Great Departure

2009-11-20T22:01:00.012-06:00

We are here! The 20th of November has finally arrived. Seemed to far away and frozen in time. I still can't believe we have relocated to Houston. This morning's departure was not as emotional and difficult as I thought it would be. Having seen my brother move out of town and how sad and emotional were all were about his move had me expecting a difficult departure. Though there were tears, there was pleasant conversation, laughter, and prayer. I was able to hand my mother a letter I had written the night before, visit with my grand mother, and have my father lead prayer over our new journey. I was then able visit quickly with one of my dearest friends and cry with her, hear messages from other dear friends, receive encouraging text messages from friends expressing their best for us. As I was following closely behind Shaun's car on the express way there was an accident up ahead of us. That quickly drove away sadness and compelled me to focus on my defensive driving. This also reminded me of God's safety and provision over our lives. The sky was gloomy and rainy, the temperature was dropping as we drove north. I know I'm a totally melancholic! But despite what the day was looking out to be like, I knew Shaun and I were driving into His perfect will. What peace comes from knowing we are being led by our God. Because I have become so accustomed to my Mr Tan driving during our road trips , I had not been used to driving for so long and alone. Though, it was a bit lonely at times, it was nice to have some time to reflect during my drive. As I was driving into Houston I couldn't help but become a bit nervous. Shaun was so great in reassuring me of my gradual adjustment to this new life. Currently we are residing at a Stay Bridge Hotel, courtesy of SBM :) to give us some time to find ourselves a cozy and warm little apartment to call home. That's about it for today...

With my grandma and the "chinito"

At the door way of our little home...

With my sweet Terrence-J...

His Grace Is Enough

2009-11-19T09:18:00.005-06:00

This will be my first real move. Aside from moving away 60 miles for college, I have never really been away from home. Family and friends were always near. My dad was always around to fix my flat, my mom was always near to get in her car and drive to the local supermarket and drop off the spare key to my car because I had locked my keys in the car. Family and friends were in abundance, as well as comfort and familiarity. As I have shared from the beginning, surprising to even me, I have embraced the consideration of Shaun and I relocating and all the drama that comes with it. I'm so thankful that the Lord has turned my heart towards this and that I'm not fighting this deep inside and yet trying to be a supportive and encouraging wife on the outside. I know that is all God and none of me, because 6 months ago I would have reminded Shaun of "our" plan to stay in Brownsville for a couple of years, start our family here with my family and friends close by, etc. I am again reminded that God's grace truly truly is enough for me. I have always loved what grace has meant. Though, I have a feeling I will truly learn more and more about grace and it's meaning in this new season of ours.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9.8

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor 12.9

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Ephesians 4.7

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God Ephesians 2.8

Farewell Brownsville

2009-11-17T08:39:00.016-06:00

Below are some of our visits with loved ones prior to our great departure. Our last couple of weeks have not been as busy as we were expecting. Despite all of the packing, sorting, trashing, and cleaning, we were able to spend some treasured time with those we love. Although I failed to pull out my camera many times and capture a lot of precious moments, I did manage to take a few snap shots. Shaun is so much better at this than I am.

Mickey & Minnie

2009-11-08T19:57:00.010-06:00

One year already??? With our 2 weddings (US & Singapore), our travels (Chicago, NYC, DC, Baltimore, and Arizona), not to mention adjusting to our new lives together, our first year of being husband and wife has flown by so fast! With all the packing for our move coming up mid-November, Shaun and I were not able to take a trip as we had originally planned. Our plans went from Florence to San Antonio, to Houston to good old Brownsville, Texas. We started out our weekend by heading to the park with our blanket on a beautiful late Friday afternoon..to a nice lunch on Saturday and then to a simple yet very meaningful pancake breakfast on Sunday morning at South Padre Island. After our pancakes and eggs we had planned to take a nice little walk on on the sand and read our anniversary cards to one another. Our plan was quickly altered due to the light rain that began to fall. We then decided to park near the beach and sit in our car to exchanged cards. I went first of course! Shaun's card to me was so beautiful..so meaningful..so heartfelt..so everything! It wasn't long at all before I was crying over the heart of my husband towards me. His card expressed so many beautiful things..but there was one unforgettable statement: "I am committed to you". I felt like I was back at the altar :) This very "local" and simple anniversary was far more precious foreign beauty and exquisite food.

Good and Perfect

2009-10-30T22:10:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, the Lord has opened up a wonderful door of opportunity for Shaun to accept a job in Houston with a different company yet still related off shore drilling. Our plans are to move some where around the 16-19 of November so that he can start work on the 23rd. Initially our plans were to eventually move to Houston after a year or two of living down here in Brownsville so that we could be near family. We then decided to bypass Houston and stay here until it was time for us to move to Singapore. Well, once again the Lord has reminded us that He is in charge and in control. Seeking no opportunity what so ever to relocate to Houston, the Lord so kindly and gently placed one before us. In the beginning we didn't take it too serious since we had already agreed on staying in Brownsville. But even so we were both encouraged for Shaun to submit his resume considering he had nothing to lose. They flew Shaun up for his interview on October 6 and the job was offered Oct 26 (what agony!?)Surprisingly I have been both encouraged and excited about the possibility of our move to Houston. I'm sure 8 months ago or so I'd be a bit resistant against our move mainly because we had agreed to stay here in Brownsville a couple of years so that we could have a baby and be surrounded by those most important to me during this incredibly amazing and new season in our lives. Yet again, our God was faithful. He has enable my heart to turn towards His. Though I am sad, I am more encouraged because I know this move for us is so necessary for us to progress in the will of God for our lives. The other day one of my greatest/bestest friends asked me, "what do you love most about your Mr. Tan?". I replied how I loved that my Mr. Tan always has a plan for us. Whether it's in the grocery store, on vacation, or in the car. With my Mr. Tan there is almost usually an objective. My heart safely trusts him. He makes me feel safe and secure no matter where we are or what the circumstances are. But how much more my Father in Heaven. I have always been so humbled by how the Lord ushers me into new season with new challenges. I have never once felt like the Lord pushed into a helicopter and forced me to parachute out in the middle of no where. I have always felt the Lord's grace and mercy enable me to handle what is to come. I know whatever is to come, no matter how difficult, uncomfortable or sad is to come it will be good and perfect and from above. I also know it will not always be difficult, uncomfortable, or sad, but it will be full of joy, laughter, and sweetness!

awaiting what is to come,

Sweet Treasure

2009-10-26T13:11:00.006-05:00

There's no place like home! =) We returned from

Arizona about mid-night last night. We were so exhausted and so glad to be back home! This weekend trip was such a sweet gift from above. Shaun and I accompanied my dear dear friend Theresa, more than just a friend really to AZ to visit with her fiance. During this trip we were able to stay with another dear and sweet friend of mine, Ruth. Both these girls I've known since the 6th grade..that would be about 17 years now. Wow time sure does pass us by quickly! What a sweet time I had with these two girls, from reminiscing about old times to sharing our struggles about marriage and relationships to encouraging each other about how to be better wives. Sigh..so sweet and so appropriately timed. With Theresa marrying soon along with the busyness of life not to mention a wedding to plan (for Theresa that is) I was afraid that I would not have the opportunity to sit and share with my friend/sister about my experiences as a newly wed wife. But this trip gave me the oppurtunity to do just that. From care rides, to plane rides to lay overs we were able to share and talk about our experiences, thoughts, fears and much more. Shaun was so loving and patient in giving me this time to talk and visit with my dear friend. He would read his magazine or update himself on the latest sports headlines while we talked and talked and talked. =) Such a wonderful wonder he is. And so as I have returned from this trip feeling such a sweet closure to our friendship in being young girls and a new beginning to a friendship in being women. That might sound a bit too dramatic to some of you but makes complete sense to me. :)

Visiting with my friend Ruth was also a sweet moment in time. I knew that with our short and long term plans that Shaun and I have felt the Lord is leading towards this might be the last time I see Ruth for a very long time, so I knew this trip was to was special. Visiting with her reminded me of the endless mercies of God in our lives. God has brought us such a long way in such a short time. We talked about how we are totally undeserving of these great men who God delivered us to. It was wonderful for the both of us to share how the maturity that comes with growth in the Lord has transformed us into becoming more and more like Jesus and less and less of ourselves. So sweet a time and so sweet a treasure.

So so sweet,

Perfect Timing

2009-10-16T19:38:00.004-05:00

Sigh...I love Friday nights...after a long crazy week Shaun and I can set aside time for each other with no real agenda, no place we need to be or people to meet with..just him and me..yay!!! We typically pop in our Netflix movie of the week..consume some a delicous and yet unhealthy meal and enjoy the simplicity of love.

As for the "oppurtunity" I have talked about..we are still waiting. My poor husband...I have tried my best not to annoy him with my constant questions on a hourly basis (love you bebe)..but I can't help it! This is driving me nuts! That fact that our lives could change dramatically in such a short time and the uncertainity of it all..blah?! But in the end..I know all will be sweet! Like I told some dear friends of mine...the answer will come at the perfect time..not to mention the answer itself will be perfect :)