“I grew up without a father in my life, due to my parents’ divorce when I was very young. I feel that I should not let my child down because I’ve gone through that kind of experience. I want to be more responsible towards my kids.
I have one child of my own and another two children from my wife’s previous marriage.
My little baby (over half a year old) is very precious to us. We were extremely happy to find out that we were going to have a baby. But during one of the prenatal check-ups, the doctor suspected a problem concerning the baby’s heart. He said there was a 98% chance the baby might have Down’s Syndrome.
It was towards the end of the 24 week-period and time was not on our side. The doctor said we have to quickly make a call whether we want to continue or abort the pregnancy. Devastated by the news, we took the doctor’s advice to go for an amniotic fluid test. It was very expensive and cost more than $1,000, but we wanted some peace in mind.
One week later, the results were out and praise God, the baby was healthy and normal! That week of waiting was such a stressful and trying time for me because I honestly didn’t know how to deal with such situation, but had to act strong and tough in encouraging my wife to stay positive.
When the baby was born, everything was good and healthy. She is a very special baby who keeps on smiling, very very sweet. Everywhere I bring her I get a lot of praises and kind words. And so far I’ve only heard her cry twice – since birth! When she’s hungry, she would maybe make some noise but no crying at all.
We named her Janess Shane Koh. Janess means ‘God is merciful’, while Shane means ‘gift from God’. My wife has two sons from her previous marriage, but Janess is my first biological child.
If there is one thing I would tell my daughter, I would let her know about my past. But then somehow, despite all the past mistakes and struggles, your daddy is always trying his best to be responsible for his family.”
– Mr Jabez Koh, 42