Changes

When we first got married about five years ago, we were both shocked at some of the adjustments that we had to make in order to make our relationship work. We had to let go of some of our insane expectations of one another (well mostly, IC had to learn to just let VC be him rather than changing him into someone who he isn't). It's funny to look back as IC used to get really upset when VC would not pick up his shoes and line up them in a nice neat row or even wash the dishes right after dinner. As the years passed by, we have actually influenced each other to become better individuals and surprisingly, we have come to meet in the middle...

Now enters Aidan into our lives and more changes occur. In the first couple of months, it was quite the whirlwind as we sort of knew what would get ourselves into but when he finally arrived that was another story. We thought that we were prepared as we read many parenting books and talked with various friends....in the end though, none of that really prepped us by having a new life to raise. Sure the cliche is that "having a child changes your life forever" and yes, it is very true and it is an amazing feeling to have this helpless babe gaze into your eyes but the scary part is "What if I mess up? I really don't know what the heck I'm doing". Being parents have truly taught us the essence of grace, mercy and sacrifice. We know that we will make mistakes but in the end, there's grace and mercy.... (phew). This love that we have for Aidan is perhaps the closest that we can describe of God's pure, unconditional and sacrificial love. There's nothing that we wouldn't do for our little guy. It truly amazes us that God loves us even more than we love Aidan. This song by Third Day describes it perfectly:


Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

Aidan's Chinese Name

Thanks to Mah-mah and Yeh-yeh, Aidan has a Chinese name!

In case you don't know how to read it, the pin ying is: Chan Zhi Cheng.

Zhi: determination, ambition

Cheng: accomplishment, success

All in all, we hope that he will grow up to be an individual who is determined to accomplish whatever goals that he sets up for himself.

Extra thanks to Uncle Josh for getting the info on Aidan's name and even typing it for us. Mommy and Daddy are not very good at the Chinese stuff although we both went to Chinese school.

It's All Worth It!

After many sleepless nights, breastfeeding Aidan every 2 to 3 hours, endlessly changing him, constantly washing his clothes and diapers, listening to his frantic 6 week peak cries and fussiness....

AIDAN FINALLY SMILED!!

best pic of him smiling thus far...it's hard to capture it

my fave pic of Aidan!

One month report

Our little Aidan is now officially one month old! Some of his most recent accomplishments include:

• Superb peeing aim. During one of the diaper changing experiences, Aidan had such a perfect aim and managed to pee right into his own mouth! He also does this "blue steel" look whenever he pees.
  
• Amazing sucking capability. We were both quite scared in the first few days when Aidan was born as his weight dropped 12% b/c he was not latching on properly and the poor little guy hardly got any milk into his body. Thankfully, by the fourth day, he managed to suck and from thereon, became a sucking monster, sometimes, needing feeding almost every hour. Poor mommy!
• Portability. We've been able to bring our easy going and very portable baby out on what we call "field trips". Some of them include: Easter Sunday Service at Tenth, Chapters, Richmond Library, Doc's office, & Kushnir's house in Tsawwassen for yummy Ukrainian lunch.
• Tracking. By his 3rd week, he was able to track some objects and he turns to look at the person who is talking esp. if it's mommy. He's been smiling more but we don't think that they are true social smiles yet.
• Good taste in music. When Aidan is in distress, mommy would play Norah Jones and he calms down immediately especially when he dancing with her. His fave tracks are #1 Don't Know Why and #3 Cold, Cold Heart.
  

photo session with auntie lulumonster

Yeah, Auntie Lulu came to visit Aidan on Sunday took tons of pics! Here are some of them...

lulumonster with milomonster

look at the bags under my eyes...

give me sum lovin'

a bit crusty...but look at his big eyes!

Behind the Name

We chose the name Aidan because we really liked its Irish meaning of the "fiery one" and it is also the name of a Celtic Saint who lived during the first century. It is our prayer and hope that our Aidan will also live an exemplary life of God's love, grace and mercy.

Here is some more information taken from the Celtic Daily Prayer book on Saint Aidan:

Aidan came to Lindisfarne from Iona in 635 at the request of King Oswald. he was a man of deep prayer who mediated on the words of Scripture, equipping himself in quiet for an active and highly effective apostolate. He remained at Lindisfarne for 16 years. in 651, Aidan was taken ill at Bamburgh and died. Cuthbert who was at that moment looking afater his flock of sheep on the lammermuir hills, saw a vision of angels taking Aidan's soul to heaven.

Why does Aidan mean "fiery one"?

It could be that in 651, a pagan army attacked Bamburgh and attempted to set its walls ablaze. According to legend, Aidan prayed for the city, after which the winds turned and blew the smoke and fire toward the enemy, repulsing them. Now that's pretty cool!

As for the middle name, Cooper, we just thought that it would be fun. It is actually a last name that has been used for a first name. We thought that it gave Aidan's name a nice ring with Chan! It also has some fun nicknames like: coop, and mini cooper (thanks, Viv!).

So here you have it:

Aidan Cooper Chan

Rylee and Daddy snuggling with Aidy

Going out for a walk with the doggies to DQ!

Yipee, story time =)

Our little burrito

Hello World!

It is with great joy that we announce the birth of our son...

Aidan Cooper Chan
March 27, 2007
7 lbs 6 oz
51 cm

Aidan was born at BC Women's Hospital after a speedy and natural delivery at 22:50 in the Cedar Room #10 (this is one nice birthing room!!). We are in parental bliss as we are still enjoying listening to his crazy cries at night. We are very thankful for Aidan's safe arrival! Take a look at his full head of black hair...



hanging out with mommy!



Aidan's 1st bath: Daddy's a super nurse!!!

Wzup!