Cello Chou is born to the World!

My third child, Cello Chou 周雅杰, was born on the 6th of March. 

Cello entered our world as the younger brother to twin sisters, Symphony and Harmony. His birth at NTU Children's Hospital台大兒童醫院 was an event marked by anticipation and a fair share of apprehension. Angel's medical history necessitated a C-section, scheduled for March 6th. However, this pregnancy presented unique challenges.

Early in the process, we encountered a significant medical concern. That morning during after check-up, Angel was called back in the afternoon to do another diagnosis. Then another one in the evening. Then the doctor immediately called forth his medical colleagues and some medical students to showcase this as a rare condition that should be studied. This of course didn't make us feel very good about the situation. Angel's placenta was unusually positioned, covering the C-section scar and entwined with arteries. They warned of potential heavy bleeding and significant risks, even of life loss. Our own research indicated a daunting 7% mortality risk for similar conditions, which obviously is high enough to feel worried.

Facing a difficult situation, we fell back on our Christian faith. As a family, we embarked on a 40-day entertainment fast – no Facebook, games, anime. I stopped watching the "One Piece" anime to focus on my second book, "10,000 Hours of Play." We also rallied our community of faith leaders, family, and friends, immersing ourselves in prayer and fasting, hoping for a miracle.

Miraculously, after 40 days of steadfast prayer and fasting, the tide turned. A subsequent diagnosis revealed that Angel's threatening condition had inexplicably vanished. The medical team, once again summoned, was baffled. The situation, which had been so dire, now seemed like a misdiagnosis, though we knew that wasn't the case, as they had measured more than four times with increasingly dire results. This dramatic turn of events reinforced our belief in the extraordinary power of faith and prayer.

However, the journey to Cello's birth was not yet over. In the weeks preceding the due date, Angel experienced internal bleeding. The suggested immediate delivery posed a lesser risk to her but potentially more to our unborn son. Angel, embodying strength and courage, chose to wait, enduring this trial twice, with a singular focus on our baby's well-being.

Then came March 6th, the day that marked the culmination of this intense journey. Cello was born, a moment that was a blend of immense joy and immediate concern. His initial struggle with lower blood oxygen levels necessitated a brief stay in the NICU. My Wife and I both lived in the hospital for a week. Thankfully, it was a hurdle Cello overcame quickly, his resilience evident from the very beginning.

Cello's arrival, amidst trials and tribulations, marked not just the addition of a new member to the Chou family but also a reaffirmation of faith, hope, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. As he embarks on his life's journey, with its challenges and joys, we eagerly anticipate witnessing his development and contribution to the world. His story begins with a profound sense of triumph over adversity, and as his father, I look forward to guiding him in his pursuit of a righteous and honorable life. May his journey be filled with learning, play, and the same indomitable spirit that marked his entry into our world.

Welcome, Cello Chou, to your first 10,000 Hours of Play!