Everyones favorite - pictures!

First, this is one of my favorites of the Ayahs and the babies. You can really feel the love!


This is our return flight into Detroit, where Dreyden met my Sister and her family.
Here Todd, Dreyden and myself are with my Sister and her son Hann. (Who by the way just added to their family today - another little boy - who just doesn't have a name quite yet) Congratulations Balbach family!!!!


The family at Dreydens first birthday!


Dreyden not sure what to do with the cake!



OK, now I got it! This is delicious!

Ahly and Dreyden - inseparable!

OK, so we're in WI, we have to ice fish :)

And finally, Ahlyana and Dreydens first photo opt! Both these outfits were bought in Calcutta at the AC market (for those traveling and staying at the Kenilworth - it's right around the corner)

so sorry.....

That these updates have been far and few between. With me being back at work time has been very precious. I thought I could do these over my lunch hour and then blogger was blocked! So I will get here as much as I can. Dreyden is doing great. Big sister is absolutely loving him :) We are currently running into our first ear infection, with him, which really isn't surprising since we went from 45 degree weather back to the minus zeroes! He is a real trooper though. Tired, but hardly ever cranky. He has gained 2.2 lbs in 6 weeks! I love to see it. Amazingly he is just 7 lbs lighter than Ahlyana, 3 years difference and only 7 lbs. hmmmmm She is a muscle woman though! She loves to pick him up and carry him (under the arm pits) to where ever she wants to play, if he's not cooperating. At times a little to smothering, but it's all out of love :)

His Birthday was great! The cake was hilareous He has also started walking which we love to see. Still prefers to crawl since he's like lightening!

Here is a new family picture. I promise to post more pictures of his birthday and other items soon.

More from the land of the living....

Well it's officially been one month with our little boy. He is growing so much. I have found that Boys are so much more energetic than girls! I am amazed at how strong this little guy is. He is still having issues with his sleep. Only 1-2 hours at night then he has to be rocked back to sleep, only to be up in 1-2 hours to do it again. And it's not like it's that he's not tired. He only takes 1 or 2 naps a day at about 20 minutes each!!! Hence me being unable to get on-line these past few weeks.

Other than that we are adjusting. Ahly loves her brother - not to sure about sharing toys though! :) Getting into a routine is finally there and we are very happy. Sleep deprived, but happy. Hard to believe I only have 2 more weeks until I get back to work - - I'm already dreading this - - - but also ready for some adult conversation :)

I need to run, but will try and post more pics of our bundles of joy soon!

Ahly's first Christmas Concert - the night before we left for India.

2nd week home.

Just last week - he has changed so much!

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