Yes, we're home!

Yes, we have made it home. Didn't realize how hard it would be to get on-line with the holidays and two additonal feet running around.... Ok, so not running around, but typing isn't so easy holding the additonal two feet :)

We made it back fine. God was watching over us and didn't have us coming through Chicago! We did last time - and had thought about it, but luckily, considering the weather, we avoided it this time. Our only delay was in Detroit - because our flight from Amsterdam was deverted to Ottawa Canada for a Medical emergency on our flight. (a woman had a heart attack, I pray things turned out OK) Luckily we also built in a 5 hour layover in Detoit to see my sister, so we had plenty of time to catch our next flight and still get in a 1/2 hour visit with her!!!!!

We are settling in, trying to convince Ahlyana that Dreyden isn't always hungry or always needing a diaper change. She sure is a big helper! We are also still trying to get Dreyden's days and nights straightened out - This is a process - if anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them.

WARNING THIS IS GOING TO BE LONG!

I just wanted to note some things to future parents traveling to pick-up their children.

1. Lots of water - we brought individual packets of gatorade in our carry-ons and packed extras in our luggage - it was great in the layovers in the airports and on the plane - you don't want to be dehydrated!


2. Pack light! Depending on your stay, you don't want to have to many checked pieces of luggage. Most of your hotels will do laundry and it' cheap! Much better than worrying about losing another bag or trying to cart it around (especially after picking up your child)


3. At the Embassy, there is a US Citizens "lounge". Use it! Much less crowded and there is a computer there for you. If you are waiting for the Visa interview, just make sure they know you are in there, as the announcements cannot be heard!
4. I posted it earlier, but wanted to mention it again. I would strongly suggest that you have your driver pick you up in about 1 1/2 hours from drop off. If you're not there have them circle around every 15-30 minutes. Much easier than trying to call them!


5. Bring baby Vicks, saline nasal spray and infants Ibuprofene! Most of these kids already have runny noses because of the weather changing.

I think that's it for now - I'll add more as I think of it.

Now for some pictures!

The precious first moment!

Yes, Dreyden there really is a Santa!

(Our hotel had a Christmas party for the local children in Calcutta, he made a special stop in our room)

Just before heading to the airport for our 5 hour delay in Calcutta.

The hotel in Delhi was beautifully decorated, including all the wonderful Christmas treats below the tree - very ornate gingerbread houses.

Our driver for our entire trip in Delhi.

Almost home - - Landing at our local airport.

First photo as a family of 4!!!! Praise God.

Another post

WOW! I didn't expect the Visa process to be that great. We got there at 9:00 and by 10:30 we were completely done and back with our driver. A long 3 hours of touring the city - we wanted to sight see a little but didn't count on Dreyden falling asleep. So we just did pictures in the car.
Note: To future traveling parents - to avoid the hassle of trying to call the mobile of your driver, while you are at the Embassy, ask them to pick you up at a specific spot in an hour. If you're not there have them try every 15 - 30 minutes. Eventually you will meet up and not have to hassle with getting to a phone. We are leaving in 12 hours exactly. (actually 8 hours from the hotel) since you have to be there 4 hours ahead of time on an international flight. YIKES - what is a sleeping boy going to do for this amount of time.......

We are so looking forward to being back for Christmas. Once last prayer request. Please Pray that the Upper Midwest doesn't receive a lot of snow - - - otherwise we might night make it back in time for Christmas :(

Ahlyana - - - - we love you and can't wait for you to meet your little brother - - - (Actually not so little)

Michele

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!