Test Drive

It took us a while to get over the "hurdle" of bringing Sophie out. We had only brought her out to the PD. So when we thought that she was ready or rather when we were ready. I decided to give the little fella a "test drive" in the car seat that was passed down to us. After reading the instruction booklet for the fourth time, I put baby to car seat. She took it quite well as I was trying to adjust the straps frantically.

Someone was obviously having more fun than I was. It was not as easy as I thought. I had to refer to the instructions quite a few times to get things perfect. Sophie was smiling all the way.

After all straps were adjusted and more or less in the correct place we had one snug baby in her new car seat ready to take on the world!

M Baby Mobile

Trusting Him

Trust is an important thing to have. Not just trust received but trust earned as well. When the cards are against us who can we trust? Family? Friends? Ourselves? Of course we can rely on our friends and family to help us get through a difficult situation but they can’t really help us in the situation, now can they!

So we turn to ourselves to endeavor ourselves and to struggle out of any difficult situation. This self effort is usually accompanied with cupfuls of coffee, buckets of stress, loads of worries and not to mentioned hours of sleeplessness. We can’t help it; this is what it takes to get the job done.

Such was the situation for me in Apr 2007. I was a complete wreck, the stress was so great the wife, who at that time was fiancée, received the brunt of my mood swings and stress. She too was dealing with a fair amount of stress at the time too, so it was both ways. Eventually we stumbled over to the other side successfully intact and stronger with the grace of God only.

Today, the situation is similar but strangely there is a calm. We are both getting accustomed to Sophie’s presence. And I am dealing with work issues again, which often seems out of my control. But rather than falling the same way, I am trusting Him and though there are times I sense and feel myself falling, when realisation kicks in, I cast it to Him and there is calm.

All I know is that whatever will be done will be done well. I know it may sound foolish but faith will sound foolish to the faithless. In the midst of the storm, I am looking to Him to make a way for me and to show me the way out of the situation.

M Trustin Him

Maintaining Sanity

It was a tough day today. It started from the morning as I started to fall asleep while I was driving to work. There was no one to blame but myself for this happening not my little girl. But when I got to work I was faced with another issue. I found myself playing a school counselor in a “high school disagreement” at work. I tried not to lose it and I maintained my cool but still I was admittedly angry but I kept my words steadily firm but sane.

As the day progressed, the deterioration continued with my constant lunch time conundrum of what to eat, followed by a few session of word play, I am happy to say I have made it to the end. Triumphant and victorious! Can you hear the people in the stands?

Although I struggled through today I maintained sanity throughout because I though of two things. One is my wonderful family. Maju and Mojo are my constant pillars in my life holding me up even when they are not physically present. They are so important that a day without them would be torturous. The other thing is of course is my refuge, my shelter, my hiding place, my Jesus. He is always with me wherever I go. When I am walking in the valley He is with me. He is always with me and He is my comfort.

Photo credit by b_hoffman2000

This picture is apt. Because no matter how small or tiny we feel. We have a big God shining down on us. ALWAYS! With these two things in my head and heart I can move mountains. Nothing is too hard! All I need to do is REST!

M telling all to Bring it On!

Nursery Rhymes??

As you can imagine with a baby in the house, there be a lot of these really kiddy tunes being played to pacify Sophie. Or that our CD players will have stacks of nursery rhymes CDs just waiting to churn out some sweet kiddies tune.

Oh so wrong. We have nothing like that. Perhaps the closest thing to that we have is the Mozart Effect which was supposed to be played before and after the baby is born. During the first 2-3 weeks surprisingly Sophie responded well to The Who!! Yeah, I was surprised too! She in particularly liked their catchy hit from 1965, “I Can’t Explain”! Personally, I could not be happier as this is what I dreamed of doing, that is to introduce my girl to great classic songs.

I am respecting the wife’s order of no heavy rock or metal music, which I do think is a good idea for a under 6 months old. Hehehehe…so now shes into U2, Hillsong United, Simon & Garfunkel and of course The Who. When she starts to get restless hook up the iPhone to the stereo and wala she’s grooving. All I can say is “The girl’s got taste”!

M Rocking

Incidental Shopper

One of my greatest joys as a Dad is to buy clothes for my little girl. I simply can't resist these cute little rompers, t-shirts and dresses. Gosh, what's happening to me.

I have been responsible for the majority of Sophie's wardrobe that is, other than the clothes she got from her older cousins.

I normally never leave my office to head out for lunch unless it's absolutely necessary. But today I left the office after a late finishing meeting to get some clothes for my little girl. I found a shop selling cute branded clothes at low prices. So that's a good score for Daddy.

M a baby shopaholic

In the minds of people

Recently I had the privilege of talking to someone who had some insights into how a certain group of people perceived me. In a sense, I knew I was going to hear things that I was going to be affected by either mentally and emotionally but the need to hear this “feedback” was too intense. Did I mention that the people who said these things about me were people I rub shoulders with everyday? Well they are and of course they are not aware that these words of their were reaching me.

As expected the words were surprising and some of them cut like daggers. Most of the words used and conclusions said were either based on erroneous interpretation and the awareness of part of the picture but as we all know in life, we are never privy to the full picture.

I sometimes wonder to myself why such situations occur. Sometimes good intentions results poorly and misinterpretations are so frequent that at times, trying to be extra nice to certain people might not be worth much effort. A cynical view? Perhaps? Does that stop me from having good intentions? Its unlikely that it will stop me.

On the other side of the coin, why do people crave feedback so much? Why when feedback is not given we are left wondering? Wondering so much so that it leaves us in a state of loss. But in the rare case when the feedback is given it is often received with denial and angst at first followed by a time of soul searching. This is such a soul searching post.

One thing I am glad to know is that one person sees all things. And after seeing all things He does not judge, persecute or look at us any differently. I take comfort in such a person watching over me.

M Discovering

2009 – The Dektos Year

Ok I know I am a little late with this post but better late than never. As mentioned many times before this blog is a means to chronicle all the good things that I am so blessed to receive, experience and share with others.

And so as each year passes my list of things to be thankful for get longer. So rather than listing out all the great things (and believe me there are so many great things) that have happened to me, here is my Top 10 (drum roll please).

10. Revived the Photo Habit

9. The invention of Majimo and majimoblogs.com

8. Start of Exercise (on pause at the moment J)

7. Had two amazing beach holiday one better than the other

6. Got Promoted at work

5. Found out we were Preggers

4. Experienced the Free Flowing Favor of God in all areas of my life

3. Rebelled against bad food at the office

2. Becoming a Dad to Sophie

and the Number One thing to be thankful for this year is……

1. Fell in love with my wife all over again! Thanks Babe you are the bestest!

M in 2010

First 20 Days

Aside from having a 20 day old baby, I'm also a 20 day old father. Already after 20 days I have new respect for fathers in general.

Most of what is happening is more or less expected, being well read and prepared before Sophie's arrival. But there is a part that goes unprepared.

Basically at this point, nothing much else matters other than the family. I knew that family was always No. 1 on my list of priorities but I never  expected it to be such a distant first.

After 20 days, I am just filled with the overwhelming knowledge that I have such a direct influence in a person's life. So is there pressure? No not at all, actually it's a sense of priceless privilege! I am priviledged to be a growing father to Sophie.

As she grows, I grow. How great is that!

M growing

Back to Work

Today is my first day back to work since Sophie’s arrival. I was not looking forward to it but at the end of the day, I am glad there were just a few challenges and His protection and His hand has been on my team while I was away. So there were a few issues to deal with.

However, the work and the issues were not at all on my mind. I kept thinking about what’s happening at home. How is the wife doing without me? Is she ok? Is she lonely (aside from her cuz, mum and CL)? My many WhatsApp messages must have either irritated her or shown her that I left my mind at home.

And of course the wonderment of what is my little girl doing. Is she sleeping? Is she awake? Is she smiling? Gosh the call to head home has never been stronger. Never realised I could miss 2 people so much. Right now, I am just waiting for that sweet spot time of 6.30pm when the traffic is not that crazy to blow this pop stand.

Oh well I expected this to happen honestly and fills me with such joy to head home so much more than before to my 2 girls!

Oh look at the time! Ciao!

M Leaving

New Life, New Banner

“Life as you know it will cease to exist” so said a friend of mine, in a rather negative way. Your freedom will be a thing of the past, your level of responsibility will increase dramatically, you will become more and more tired and you will lose more hair, if not it will get greyer like mine, he continued to expound.

QN: So has life changed?

ANS: For sure, now it is more full than it was previously. I have more to look forward to each day, previously I looked forward to spending time with the wife, now I can look forward to time with wife and Sophie.

QN: Do you have less freedom?

ANS: Do not really think so considering I am homely guy. Perhaps this question is more pertinent for the wife. LOL!

QN:Has your level of responsibility gone up?

ANS: For sure it has but I think it has gone up in a good “Circle of Life” kinda way.

QN: Are you tired

ANS: Yes I am, I explained that I am so tired that to compare it would be like my Army Jungle Training in Brunei but, I am super overflowingly overjoyed by the tiredness.

QN: Hair Loss or Grey Hair?

ANS: Ok hair loss started way before Sophie’s arrival and to be honest it fine with me, as for grey, the wife finds the few grey hairs that I have very sexy. So bring it on!

M loving every minute

PS: If you have not noticed I have a new banner? Nice?

Isn’t She Lovely

Yes I know I have been extremely late since my last short message that the much anticipated Mojo (now renamed as Sophie) has arrived. Since her arrival, I have been jubilant, sleep deprived and in utter amazement that the wife and me could have produced something so beautiful.

Here are some more pictures of our bundle of joy

 

For the birth story please head to the wife’s blog.

M over the moon

Birth Announcement – Sophie

Maji & Maju.

She's Here!

Super Mom pushed out Sophie Dorett at 11:30pm, while Dad took pictures! Baby is doing well and Mum is resting. She took her time but she's worth the wait!

M in Love

Mojo Update

So we are now in the delivery suite. It's happening folks! Mojo is on
her way out.

Mum is at 4cm and Praise the Lord! the pain is minimal. Contractions
come in the way of backaches. This is of course after Prostin pill
inserted over 8 hours ago. Gynae was expecting her to be in more pain
but she isn't! My super trooper!

Doc has suggested to start the drip so as to expedite the process. So
all in all Mum is doing well. She's as cool as Mojo!

As for me, I just doing silly things. Trying to take my blood pressure
with the machine, inhaling Oxygen in a hope to have a high. Hahahaha
well that me always up to something funny, so not as cool as my two
girls!

Anyhow I think our motto for the moment is "Go with the flow and
glow!" so that's what we are doing.

Mojo is coming!

Mojo Update

We are now 3 days overdue. I was hoping she would come out on the 6th and share her birthday with her old man but I guess she's got her own plans.

So tomorrow is the scheduled induce date but, the wife and I have our apprehension. Should we force it or let nature take it's course? Let's see what the doctor says.

All I know is that we have an ultra cool customer in the making here. She's calm and contented amidst all the excitement! There are so many people waiting on her and eager to hear the good news. My Facebook wall has never been this busy!

Here I was thinking a few posts ago that I was robbed off the excitement and anticipation. Well folks, I'm getting it in buckets now! I think I just need to chill out and go with the flow and glow!

M trying to be like Mojo

Mojo Update

Still no Mojo as yet. Tomorrow the 4th Dec is our EDD so it now all about the waiting. The wife was having some back pains but they were not really contractions as yet. She is still 1CM dilated. I stayed home with her today because she was in a bit of pain. Pain relief came about by her walking. She is much better now.

The last I saw she was doing yoga!! Amazing Woman!! If there is no news over the weekend Monday morning next week we will be inducing!

So its just a matter of time till Mojo is born!!

M excited!

Ready?

In all stages of life, from the first date, to the marriage proposal, to the actual wedding day and now for us the birth of our first child; Can anyone ever confidently say that they are ready? Although the time frame associated in bring a life into the world is normally 9 months, I believe that the preparation for this event starts much earlier. Each life experience that we have accumulated from the time we are able to be coherent prepares us for the next. As such, I believe that it’s not just 9 months preparation but I believe that for me it has been 35 years.

As mentioned in my previous post work has been getting me down more so from the fact that I felt robbed from the special anticipation one feels when their first born is about to come into the world.

I am happy to report that that work “distraction” is gone and now I can “enjoy” that butterfly feeling of anticipation. And to all who have never had children before it is really an awesome feeling.

Its hard to describe the feeling, as little comes close. I did not feel this excited on my wedding day, nor on the day that I proposed. My first date does not really come close either and so I can basically conclude that this is going to be one of the biggest and most exciting events in my life.

I feel really blessed to be able to share this impending event with all of you!

M happy to be blogging

Maternity Shoot

You knew it was coming. We have been trying to take as many pictures as possible to commemorate the various stages of pregnancy. From the growing belly to random shots here and there. But what we never got down to doing was a purposeful photo shoot aimed at taking the wife in all her glory.

So before it was too late we headed to Lower Pierce one morning to take some pics. Here are the results after some editing.

 

 

M glad to be along for the ride!

Things that Move Me

There are quite a number of things that move me, meaning that either sends me into a deep meaningful reflection or complete rage (ok lah, not rage but anger). Such has been the case last week. Due to some dramas at work, I have been on a roller coaster of emotions.

This situation at work has made me angry but more so disappointed that such a thing could have happened. I shall not expand on it, but take it from me the circumstances were not pleasant. However the thing that has really really upset me is that this work issue has got my mind so preoccupied that I am unable to fully enjoy the last few days I have with my wife before Mojo comes.

I imagined to have that airy feeling of butterflies in the stomach but at the same time that uncontrollable eagerness of what is come. Its like going for that insane rollercoaster ride that you have always wanted to be on for so long and best of all to be on it with the one you love the most. However in my case, while standing in line to get on, my mind is someplace else as both of us stand there in silence, waiting for the event to take place. I feel somewhat robbed of that emotion.

I know we can control how we feel but sometimes our emotions and feelings just get the better of us. However, I know that when I see that most anticipated face, everything will melt away and what is truly important will be all that matters.

This morning I read something profound from The One Thing, that moved me and my emotional state one step closer to where I should and want to be. It a verse from Deuteronomy 28:4 which I have personalised. It goes like this:

Blessed shall be the fruit of MY body, the produce of MY ground and the increase of MY herds, the increase of MY cattle and the offspring of MY flocks.

M better now!

Mojo Update

A quick Mojo update: We are one day from Mojo month and the wife is in “early labor” already (perhaps that is not the exact term but you get the idea). No, the baby is not coming just yet, but according to our gynae on Sat morning she is 1CM dilated. So folks any time now!

There were a few false alarms, which was good as it served as dry runs for the actual event. I now have almost military precision in terms of what to do when I receive the call from the wife to tell me “Mojo is coming!”

M in anticipation