3 posts tagged “benjamin”

June 1, 2007, marked the 100th day for Benjamin.

In the old days (esp in asian countries such as Korea), 100 days marked a significant milestone for infants. If a baby made it to this age, it meant that they would likely survive their infancy and not succumb to malnutrition and/or disease. For many at that time, it was truly a celebration of life. Although we are much more fortunate here in modern-day 21st century North America, I am still mindful of the fact that life itself is a precious gift. At one time Benjamin wasn't around. He might never have been; and I might never have been for that matter. But by the grace of God he is here, and Jeanie and I have been given the joyful privilege of parenthood. 

We celebrated by having an 8-course chinese banquet with over 100 guests in attendance.  We had family come from Toronto, Ohio, Alabama, Washington DC, and a friend all the way from California. Jeanie and I were truly honored by everyone's presence. Here are some pictures from the evening:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's 5:30am and I've just fed Benjamin and changed his diaper. It's a beautiful morning and I'm sitting at the kitchen table watching him sleep as the sun begins to rise.  It's hard to imagine that just a few weeks ago he wasn't here to have the sun shine on his face. At that time the world didn't include Benjamin. And now suddenly he is here sharing the sun with me.  A new life has broken through, just like that. And the world is now different because of it.

Perhaps this is part of what the grace of God means. "Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are. And things here wouldn't be the same without you. Here is the world, full of sunshine and darkness. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. But don't be afraid. I am with you. Never will I leave or forsake you. I love you." 

 

Dear Friends&Family,

I have witnessed the creation of the world, and I will never be the same again.

Today, Friday February 23, 2007, at 9:27am, Jeanie gave birth to our son Benjamin Chan,
who weighed in at a healthy 6 pounds and 11 ounces.

"Benjamin" means "Son of my Right Hand" in Hebrew, and is taken from the bible's reference to Jesus Christ as the Right Hand of God.

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

[Colossians 3:1-3]

He seems to be an easy-going kinda guy - pretty quiet and not too much crying, taking after his dad. He also is a little hairy - taking after his mom  :)

Jeanie is doing well and is resting in the hospital (Mt. Sinai) for the next few days.

Here are some pictures from today:

More pictures to follow later!

Love,
Ted, Jeanie & Benjamin