Forever Family Day!

Things are GREAT! We picked up Dreyden as expected and was able to see both orphanages. I don't think I was completely prepared for that. We did also take pictures, but unfortunately we cannot get them to Tami until we get home. We are in a hurry now, as it has been since we arrived. Our 5 hour delay trying to get to Delhi from Calcutta on Sunday through a long wrench in the time line. We are now on our way BACK to the Embassy to APPLY for his visa. For those of you that know you can typically do that when you apply for the I-600. For some reason we have to go back and apply for that today??????? It MUST be done tonight as we leave in 17 hours!!!! This is not what we expected.... PLEASE PRAY IT'S DONE TODAY - - - i DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'LL DO OTHERWISE?

Other than that Dreyden is a pure joy. He is finally feeling better after a nasty bout of a head cold! NOTE: future traveling Parents - don't forget baby Vicks!

Well we have to go I will write more later and catch up on any comments that were left before this, as we haven't even had time to read them yet!

Michele

Time is ticking.........

For all of you followers - we have arrived. Actually yesterday, but we couldn't get on the internet until this morning. In a few short hours (4) we will be meeting our son for the first time. We are so excited! We will definitely try and post more when we can - - not promising tonight, as much as I'd love to. Hopefully with our first pictures too!
The flight was very long. Even though we broke it up into multiple legs....... Layovers were the worst. Luckily on the way back our layovers are much shorter!
The weather here is actually very pleasant for us northerners. Yesterday I think it was maybe 75. Nice and comfortable. So strange, it's so much like we remembered but very different at the same time. Well we're off for our breakfast, then gathering the items for the orphanage and exchanging all the cash donations for Rupees to purchase the final items. (Again, thank you to everyone that donated. Your generosity was overwhelming!)

More later!
Michele and Todd

Nervous night...

Well tonight is our last night going to bed, here, as a family of 3. We are both anxious, nervous and of course very excited. It seems as though Ahlyana is sensing it too. She has suddenly developed the fear of darkness and shadows--- hmmm..... she is really wanting to be with Mom or Dad. Which of course if fine with us. I know she'll be fine with her Nani and Papa, but still tomorrow morning is going to be hard. Once we're on the plane it will be fine, but saying good-bye..... Gets me teary just thinking about it. I know it's the best thing for our family not to have her coming with us, but sooooo hard knowing we'll be so far apart. One week, I keep telling myself... it's just one week and we'll be home to have the best Christmas ever. Please say a prayer for us as we make this trip, for us, for Ahlyana and of course for Dreyden.

Next post from in his birth country!

Tickets....

I know a few of you have been wondering what our final plans are. Well we lucked out and are leaving on the 17th, returning on the 24th - - The best Christmas Eve ever! Dreyden will be home for his first Christmas! As much as we hoped this would happen, we hadn't expected it.

But as much as I am elated that we were so blessed, I can't help but feel a little sad for those babies that are not going to be with their families this Christmas. And for the families that so much wanted to have their babies home for the Holidays. I know that everything happens in time and for a reason, but I can't help think about those other families. (I speak from experience as we had to wait through the holidays for Ahlyana).

For those that are reading (I know many of you are)....... Please know that I plan on taking pictures of each of your little ones. God willing there won't be any camera issues!!!! Always been a big fear of mine.

As for Ahlyana, she is getting more exited every day. Last night we put up the crib in our bedroom. Ahlyana would have nothing to do with the fact that it was being put up in our room. I want Dreyden in my room, she said. As much as I tried to rationalize with her, she wouldn't hear of it. Finally I said that he will probably be up in the middle of the night and wake her up. She said "that's OK Mommy, I'll just sing to him". Isn't that the sweetest thing ever. Then after I said well what would you sing, she said "Jingle Bells" Tis the season, I guess.

Have a great day everyone!

Michele

Grateful

We are so very grateful to have received an e-mail today that Dreyden's passport is done. We are just finishing up our ICPC (which should be done by Friday) We are hoping to completely book our flights for the 17th!!!! It looks like we could be home by Christmas - -- - God is so good. His timing is always so perfect.

We'll let you know when things are firmed up! But at least the major hurdle is done.

Michele