They Meet

Mom and Dad met 11 years ago as students at the University of Michigan. They came from opposite sides of the world – Mom was an international student from Malaysia, while Dad was a PhD graduate student from the Northwoods of Wisconsin. When they first met at a friend’s house, there was instant chemistry. However, they started off as friends, and it wasn’t until Mom spent the summer in India that they both realized that they were meant to be together. Mom and Dad have enjoyed many happy adventures together since then.

They’re expecting

During the month of May (2016), Mom and Dad went on vacation to South East Asia to visit Mom’s family. Mom was super excited about eating all the different foods that she had missed while living in the US. However, while eating a delicious juicy mango in Thailand, she suddenly felt nauseous and could not eat the mango. It was then that she had an inkling that she may be expecting. Upon their return to FL, a doctor’s visit confirmed that they were 6 weeks pregnant! That meant that Baby had already traveled to five different countries during those weeks!

Mom and Dad were so excited to be expecting! Mom had a wonderful pregnancy. She felt great and enjoyed watching her bump grow each week. Baby was very active, kicking and hiccupping a lot during the last trimester.

They Name Her

Mom and Dad chose the name Scarlett Mei (美) for Baby, and are calling her Letti Mei. Mei was chosen to honor Mom’s Chinese-Malaysian heritage – Mei in Chinese means “beautiful”. Mei was also picked because Dad’s Mom’s (grandma’s) middle name is Mae.

She Arrives

Labor and delivery was an amazing journey. Dad was an awesome supporting partner during labor and delivery, helping Mom through her contractions, surges and breathing. Mom’s sister was also present to help Mom through labor, for which she’s thankful. Looking back, Mom and Dad reflect on how it is truly incredible what the human body is capable of.

They’re Parents

Mom’s first thoughts when she held Letti Mei for the first time right after delivery were, “I’m so happy to finally be holding you in my arms. I can’t believe you came out of me! You are just perfect! ” Mom cherished the skin-to-skin Baby-Mom time after delivery.

Dad’s first thoughts when holding Letti Mei for first time: “You are so beautiful!”

Mom and Dad were so happy to bring Letti Mei home. A special moment Mom and Dad will never forget is the first time Letti Mei smiled when Dad was holding her the morning after bringing her home.