Prasun's Home

Switching Blogs

2008-12-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I'm headed back to the main blog now. I want this blog to remain Prasun's story. His story is now very intertwined with that of my other 2 babies. I'm putting it all together. I'll randomly put things here just to remember.
You can find us here.

Our Lives

2008-11-27T14:34:00.001-08:00

Sorry to have been gone so long guys. Life has been beyond crazy, keeping up with therapy schedules for Ananya. Prasun has had his doctors appointment. Ananya had botox done. Then we went to PA to visit family. I’m just happy to have a week to relax. I don’t have to go anywhere. I get to just spend time with the kids. We even left homeschool books in NC. We are doing a fieldtrip on Saturday. Friday Anthony is going out with his Pap-paw for awhile. That may count as a school day too, depending on what they do.

We are getting to know Prasun’s personality. He is an interesting little boy. He is still eating everything in sight. EVERYTHING!!! He is really grouchy if he doesn’t get his food quickly. I’m trying to help him calm down alittle. I’m also usually pretty prepared and have his food ready before he gets in his chair. We are also learning that this boy needs his beauty rest. He is a bear when he gets sleepy. Night time is not his best time. It has been a struggle to ensure he gets his nap with our crazy schedule. I just have to try to plant around the nap.

We have discovered that he likes most things to eat. He doesn’t like bread, prunes or salty snacks. He likes baths. He splashes so much. He is playing with an empty coffee can at the moment. He is perfectly happy. 3 minutes ago he was laying in the floor crying. No reason really. Just being Prasun. We thought that Ananya was a drama queen. Now we have been taught what a drama queen (king) is.

Prasun likes to feed himself. He does a very good job. Sometimes I can just give him his food and actually eat my food. He likes to talk. He repeats just about everything that we say. This week in PA he has picked up “I love you” and “all done”. My personal favorite is when he says “Mommy”. The funniest thing was the day he said “baby”. Only it came out “BAAABY”. It sounded so southern. He also has started pulling himself up on the furniture. He does really well. I’m so proud of the progress he is making.

Ananya and Prasun are getting along very well. When Prasun throws a fit, Ananya will stop and stare at him. They like to hold hands and sing. It really is just the cutest thing. Prasun likes to crawl through the house saying “Ananya”. Ananya just laughs. You would think it was the funniest joke. One day, we turned around and Ananya was laying on her back and Prasun had his hand and was pulling her through the house. I’ve found him crawling on the bottom shelf of the end tables.

All of the kids are getting along well. Anthony likes having a brother and sister. He is still bonding with Prasun. He dolls over Ananya still. I know that in the next few months, they will get closer. He is a great helper for me when we have things to do. He likes to push the stroller. He opens doors for me. The 2 babies get along well. They don’t fight very much. No one has been struck in the head with any toys. I’m impressed. Prasun is a fighter when he has a toy that he likes. Ananya can’t take it from him. He gets loud and will hit. We have to watch because he bites. He has bit Patrick 2 times.

Ananya’s botox appointment went well. We were out of the hospital in less than 2 hours. She did well the rest of the day.

We got haircuts a week and a half ago. Ananya got her first haircut since coming home. We just got the ends cut off. Prasun just got his cut all over. It wasn’t quite the nightmare that I expected. Prasun didn’t hold still. I pretty much held him down. I got my hair cut off too. I was so sick of my hair being a handle.

We got lucky and got to have dinner with another Dillon family since soming to PA. Peter and Melissa were nice enough to have us for dinner on Sunday. It was very nice to get all the kids together to play. Ananya and Prasun enjoyed exploring their home. Their daughters are just gorgeous. I’ll post the pictures when I get home. We got some good pictures.

I wish I had taken more pictures since we got home. I’ve tried to get the camera out. I just don’t seem to have time. I’m trying to keep up with the house and laundry, homeschooling and therapy, and not forget any doctors appointments. Its proving to be a challenge. I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it soon.

I’ll add more pictures when I get home. I’ll try to get a couple on my phone that I can download on to the computer.

I’ve been thinking a lot of my trip lately. I’m missing India. It was gorgeous. I can’t wait to go back. I’m hoping my next trip is to do mission work.

Well everyone have a Happy Turkey Day. I’m very thankful for all of my wonderful children, my friends and my family. Without them, I’m not sure I could have gotten through either of our adoption processes.

I Have To Brag

2008-11-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

Today I'm realizing that I have 2 boy geniuses. I'm mom so I can say that.
Normally I don't brag on my kids alot. I think they are great but I don't expect everyone else to thing as highly as I do.
Prasun is amazing.
Today he was mimicking me. I yelled for Ananya because she was in the other room. He piped in with "Anany". He did it 2 or 3 times. Then I said "say sissy" and he said "sissy".
I know he will be talking in just a few weeks.
I'll add pictures later. I'm going to take a nap while the babies are down.

Settling and Resting

2008-11-09T04:28:00.000-08:00

I'm getting kind of used to this. The kids are doing well. Ananya isn't quite as clingy as I thought she would be. Prasun is doing well except for time to take a nap yesterday. He refused to go to sleep. I think it was past nap time and he got over tired though. I think the poor boy is as tired as I am. I'm ok for about the first 2 hours that I'm awake. Then I start to feel really bad.
Patrick is getting used to 2 of them. Getting used to the fact that Prasun weighs so much more than Ananya. Getting used to both of them wanting held at the same time. He doesn't like to hold both of them and refuses to let me do it. I on the other hand love it. I love both of my babies in my arms.
I'm very impressed that they haven't tried to hurt each other fighting over toys. We definitely have to watch them both. They do play together well. Ananya is actually a very sweet sister. She will pat him on the back when we are laying down. Yesterday Patrick gave them a bath. Prasun is so scared of the water. He starts to hyperventilate a bit. Ananya reached over and started rubbing his back. Patrick said it was so cute. I didn't witness because I was half dead in bed.
I love seeing the differences in these 2. Prasun loves his sippy cup. He drinks so much. Ananya will mostly only drink if its sweet tea or Pepsi. Prasun loves to feed himself. Ananya is content to let us do it. Prasun hates cold drinks or anything sour like orange juice. Ananya pretty much eats everything not nailed down.
He is sitting next to me eating a banana right now. It is too cute. I think he will be saying a least a few words in the next few weeks. Patrick says he looks through the books and asks "what's that?" I heard him say thank you at the airport in Chicago after I said it. We may be able to get him cruising around with furniture soon. He stands really well. I'm excited to get all his services started soon to see how quickly he picks things up. He is so smart.
I hope to have even more pictures of the 2 of them up. Maybe even all 3 of them. Anthony is adjusting well. I'm sure they will get close once we get settled into some sort of routine. He had a birthday party to go to this weekend. I'm sure we will see this week what happens with me and all 3 kids.
Oh 1 thing I didn't mention about Prasun is that he has a temper. When things aren't going his way, boy will he scream.
Well, I have to go. He has decided he doesn't want to eat the banana or sit in the highchair. And so my day begins.

Home At Last

2008-11-07T05:29:00.000-08:00

We are home at last. Well, yesterday we were home at last. Today I'm trying to figure out how to take care of 2 kids at the same time. I now have a realistic respect for moms of twins.
Yesterday I took the kids to Sam's (with my friend of course). Prasun had his first ride in a shopping cart. At first he was scared but just took it in stride and went with it. Ananya reached over real nice and easy. I was thinking she was being sweet and then...
She pulled his hair. I don't think she got a good grip because he didn't scream. He looked so confused though. I told her she wasn't supposed to do that. He later returned the favor. I let him pull one time before I stopped him. I'm so glad that he doesn't seem to be willing to be bullied.
One thing that I've discovered is that Ananya isn't the only jealous one. I put Ananya in the sling for a few minutes and once I took her out he threw a fit and kept reaching for the sling. He wanted in it.
He went to bed early last night so Ananya got me all to herself for dinner. She would not let anyone else get near her with food.
Oh yeah. Prasun finally started eating. The last meal on the flight he decided he would eat some yogurt. I was so happy. Although I got him in a headlock and pried his mouth open to get the first bite in. After that though, he ate 1 1/2 cups of it. When we got home, Teena was able to get some food in him. This morning he ate a good breakfast.
Which brings me to this morning. Prasun woke up several times last night. At 5:30 I just let him be up. I got a shower and dressed myself while he played with the remote. Then I dressed him. I put him in his highchair with some lucky charms and went to get Ananya up. I got her dressed and fixed her hair. Then I got everyone's breakfast ready. Let me just say that was an interesting experience. Prasun tried to feed himself but it was just enough distraction for me to get the food in. Ananya tried to refuse breakfast because I was feeding her brother. We had to have alittle discussion about that. I got the kids and the dishes cleaned up and put them in the floor to play. I've discovered a couple things:
-Some toys we might need to buy 2 of. They both went after the same toy. There was no hitting, but I wasn't sure the toy would remain in 1 piece if I didn't intervene.
-I can't sit on the couch. If I do I quickly one of them putting on my leg to pick them up. If one is up then the other wants up. That is kind of interesting because Ananya weighs in at about 21 pounds. I'm thinking Prasun is at least 25 pounds. Quite a load.
Well I have to get the other child up and pack a diaper bag so we can go to Ananya's therapy this morning.
I'll try to post alittle more later about our trip home. It may be a short post because it was a pretty uneventful trip. I do have a couple of gripes and 1 very interesting story but it can wait until we get settled down some.
Oh yeah. I almost forgot to eat breakfast this morning. And I almost gave Ananya's medicine to Prasun. Got to be careful (it probably wouldn't hurt and I won't be surprised if he ends up one the medicine too. It's related to her CP which he has.)

Today

2008-11-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

Well today is the day we are headed home. We are going to run to the orphanage real quick and snap some more pictures before we leave. My flight for Delhi leaves at 5:30pm and then we leave Delhi for the US at 12:55am. I'm hoping because it is so late Prasun will be able to sleep. I don't think it should be too bad.
I'm anxious to get home but would love alitle extra time with the other families. Luckily Joy is right down the road at home.
Well I'm going to finish packing.

Afternoon

2008-11-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Well, this evening we kind of turned a corner I think. Prasun slept all morning. Pretty much the whole thing. He would get upset, I’d comfort him, and he would fall asleep. I just let him do it. I wasn’t worried.

He woke up from a nap in Kristi’s room and seemed ok. They were going out so I joined them. I did a diaper change and put him in the sling and was ready to go. We walked for a couple blocks to the Barista. I love the iced mochas. Its nice to have coffee with Kristi. We wanted to for so long. Anyways, back to the story. We walked. Checked out some shops along the way. Tried to dodge the street vendors, then the beggars. We were pretty successful. Prasun did well. He was looking around and smiling at Kristi, even smiling at me occassionally. He fell asleep before we got to the hotel.

Once we were back in the room, I put him on the bed. He wanted to sit and play with the book that Kristi gave him. I set him up and was doing something else. When I turned again (after a few seconds), he had gone from sitting to on his knees and he was crawling across the bed. The next thing I knew he picked up the remote and put it to his ear and said “HELLO”. I couldn’t even believe it. He made a few noises, but nothing like words. Not even bengali. He said Hello several times when I asked him to do it again. I got a video of it. I can’t get it loaded on blogger though. Big surprise.

We went down to dinner for a little bit. I was really intent on getting him to eat something. I didn’t see any great options. I grabbed a dessert. Well nothing was working so I tried the strawberry mousee. He wouldn’t let me hold the spoon. I helped him feed himself a few bites of dessert. Then he started playing and like 15 Indian people sat down next to us. I just felt uncomfortable because I didn’t think they would understand our situation. I wasn’t getting anymore food in him anyways. We came back to the room, and I figured it was time for a bath.

I think the bathtub scared the crap out of him. I tried to put him in. He just looked so scared and shocked that I just jumped in with him. He relaxed alittle more that way. Didn’t enjoy it but did relax some and splash alittle. I got him all fixed in his PJ’s. It was 9pm by then and I thought he was acting very tired so I put him to sleep. Let me rephrase that. I tried to put him to sleep. He decided to show his will. He was screaming and arching his back. I just kept doing my thing. It lasted at most 10 minutes and he was out. He has been sleeping for an hour. I’ve gotten my shower. I’ve got to get up in the morning and pack. We leave tomorrow afternoon. I’m sad to leave Kristi and Jason. They have been wonderful friends and so helpful to me. I’ve loved having time to meet and get to know Kristi. I’ll be glad to get home to my other 2 babies. I’ve missed them. And my bed and my home. Only 1 more day and I’ll be back. Can’t wait.

Out of Order Post-Taj Mahal

2008-11-04T05:28:00.000-08:00

This is from Saturday night.
Today was an exciting, exhausting day. After spending all day in bed yesterday just because I felt like it, today I was up at the crack of dawn. Kuldeep took me to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. We also visited the 2nd Red Fort and the birth place of Krishna.
Word of advice, don’t go to Agra on a Saturday. It was packed. And I mean packed like you only get in India. We had to get a guide to help us just to get in the gate. Kuldeep was so wonderful. He didn’t want to let me out of his sight for even a second. His Uncle drove us in his car and he stayed close as well. The other guest was Kuldeep’s son, who is 14. He is such a quite and shy boy.
I hate to be so brief but I’m going to upload a couple pictures with this post, eat dinner and go to bed early. I’m leaving at 5am for the airport. I’ll post more once I get to Kolkata. I’m cheaping out and didn’t get more internet access last night so I’m just going to buy a few hours worth for tonight. Tomorrow I’ll be up and running again.
I’m safe all and having a great time. Can’t wait to get back with Kristi and Jason in Kolkata tomorrow night. Gotcha day is coming quickly.
Love all of you.

November 4th... The Day After

2008-11-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to scroll down. There are pics in old posts.

It was an interesting night. We had our first parent/child experience. Prasun threw up on me. He woke up and started fussing a little. I got him on to my chest. Then he started retching some. I of course didn’t catch on quick enough. I got puked on. It was really sad to see him not feeling good. He did it again at about 6:00 this morning. I was alittle quicker this time though.

I think that this is just his coping mechanism. I don’t think he is making himself throw up. I think he is so stressed that it is just happening. I’m sure it will pass with time. I just have to make sure to pack up both some extra clothes for the trip home.

I got us ready for breakfast and we went down alone. Shaili was still asleep. Prasun is completely withdrawn today. Its hard for me to watch. I just hold him tight let him know I’m here. At breakfast, he wouldn’t eat anything. I even tried chocolate pancakes that he could feed himself. He wasn’t having any of that. I did get him to drink a couple ounces of water and about 4 ounces of orange juice. He does really well with a cup. I managed to not spill most of it down the front of him. One of the waiters came up and put his arm on Prasun. He informed me that he had a fever. I feel bad because I couldn’t tell. I can never tell with Ananya either though. Afer breakfast, I came back to the room and gave him some tylenol. He quickly went to sleep. He is still napping beside me. Anytime he wakes up, I hold him and let him know that mommy is here to stay.

He is still very sad and withdrawn. I’m having a bit of a hard time with all of this. I can’t do anything but hold on to him. I know that in a few days I’ll see the change. He will start to cling to me more. He will start to come out. In a few months, we get to see his true personality coming out for good. In a year or 2, I will barely remember this child that I’m holding and stressing over today. The whole process has been the repetition of 1 phrase. “I know the ending. It is good.” Today I’m clinging to that. Ananya didn’t mourn. She decided to cling to me and not let go. He is so different. He responds more like I do. He seems to want to sleep through all this. It hurts so he wants to sleep. I’m the same way. I understand. I know that today will ge better. Tomorrow might even be better.

Today I think Amisha is coming to the hotel. Her family is picking her up. They are transfering to our hotel. I’m so excited. I’m hoping that Amisha and Prasun can be a little more comfortable being together today. Well I’m going to hold my baby. I’ll try to update as I can.

Gotcha Day Recap

2008-11-04T05:13:00.000-08:00

Scroll down as I've added pics to other posts because Jason found a guy that rocks and fixed the computers.

OK so the internet isn’t working and I’m guessing the easiest way to do this is just journal and post as I can.

Yesterday was Gotcha Day. Kristi tried to call Ms. Roy before we went to breakfast but she wasn’t coming in until 11am. We went down to sample the breakfast here. Nothing can compare to the breakfast at the Hyatt. No more fresh squeezed juice, no coconut somosas, even the mousseli isn’t the same. They have cold mousseli here. Its kind of like cornflakes in yogurt. Its good.

After breakfast, Kristi called Ms. Roy again. This time she was able to talk to her. She was negogiating for the earliest time. Kristi is so funny. She makes me look patient. She kept saying “I just want my stinkin’ baby.” Jason arranged for a car and we were waiting anxiously for 11:15 to get here. In the meantime we tried to fix the internet connection. As you can see that was a raving success (NOT!!!).

When 11:15 finally rolled around, we loaded our stuff outside to get in the car. Guess what? Lots of stuff, little car. We managed to cram everything in there. Our driver didn’t speak english, at all. The hotel staff explained to him where we were going. We had to stop and change some money on the way. Of course the driver had to stop for directions 3 times before we finally got to the orphanage.

It was just the way I remember it. We walked up the stairs and Ms. Roy greeted us. She ushered us into the office to start going through the paperwork. She took care of Jason and Kristi first. We learned that we had a Consulate appointment at 2:00 so we didn’t have much time. As we went over Prasun’s paperwork, Kristi started snapping all the pictures. Ms. Roy informed me that Prasun was at the other building still and they were going to have us drop by and get him. I went into the other room and started admiring all the babies. I couldn’t resist picking some of them up. I can’t even imagine leaving the orphanage with one of the little ones. The next thing I knew, Ms. Roy told me Prasun was here. I grabbed Kristi and was like “you have to come with me now.”

I walked back into the reception area. My boy was sitting in the chair. My first thought was that he was so big. He is tall and filled out well. I couldn’t even believe it. I went over and kneeled down in front of him. He was scared. Ms. Roy kept telling me that he talks and he stands and he developed so much. I can vouch for the developing part. He has made huge gains in the last 18 months.

He would smile and then he would look sad. He would smile for the camera though. He is such a ham. We quickly were ushered out the door to make it to the Consulate on time.

We got there only like 5 minutes late. Not too bad. We went in and went into an office. Waited a few minutes and got sent to another office. Then we were called to the window. The agent had a form filled out by Ms. Roy already and I just had to sign it. We paid the fee, and were told that the packet would be read in a few minutes. The funniest thing about all this was that everywhere we go, people assume I’m married to Jason. I don’t know if they completely think through me and Kristi both being there. Anyways, the visa packets were both done in like 10 minutes. We were ready to go back to the hotel.

On the way back, our driver just about started a fight and caused a wreck because the person in front of us wasn’t moving as the driver thought he should. We luckily made it back to the hotel safe and in one piece.

I went to the room with Prasun. We were trying to figure each other out. I got out some cookies and ensure for him. Of course I managed to spill the ensure on him. He liked the cookies. He took one and started nibbling on it. I was just amazed. He is so different from Ananya. She’s loud and he’s quiet. She’s loud and he’s shy. She just expects food to land in her mouth and he will put it there himself. Yeah!!! It was so cute to watch him eat the cookies. After a couple I decided it was definitely nap time. After multiple tries, I figured out that I could rock him. He had cried for maybe 2 minutes but nothing big. He wants to cry so bad and just doesn’t. Its really sad. He slept for about and hour and a half. We cuddled alittle. I can tell he just cuddles because he isn’t sure what to do. He still had the sad look on his face. I sang him a few songs (poor baby) and realized that he likes “I’m picking up a baby bumble bee” the best. He will usually laugh alittle. I got him dressed for dinner. He wasn’ quite sure what to think of that.

I went next door to see if Kristi was still ok with going to dinner. After alittle debate, we ended up going. We were very glad that we did. We met 2 ladies from Sweden who had both adopted before. They were picking up the baby on Tuesday. It was a very good dinner. Prasun drank alittle water and I learned a lesson. He doesn’t like cold water. I found a small bottle of water in my purse and he was happy. I tried to give him a bite of rice and he gave me the strangest look. I tried a couple more bites but he refused so I let him. Afterwards it took us a few tries to get a cab back to the hotel. I went to Jason and Kristi’s room for a little bit. Prasun and Shaili were playing well with us. Prasun was enjoying playing with a ball. He liked to throw it. He is pretty good. He nailed me in the forehead with it once. He stood up for me. He stands really well. But then… Out of nowhere… the tears started. I rather quickly excused myself so as not to upset Shaili and went back to our room. Prasun calmed down. The inernet randomly started working. I called Patrick and Prasun started again. Luckily the internet connection died. I tried to feed Prasun some oatmeal. He didn’t like that. He didn’t want anything. I finally just concentrated on getting him to sleep. It took a couple tries and a few minutes of him crying but I got him to sleep.

Gotcha Day

2008-11-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

Today was the day. I'm gonna keep it short today and try to update tomorrow. It's a fluke that I have an internet connection.
Prasun is too sweet and too cute.
He is very confused and shell shocked by all the changes right now. I've gotten him to sleep right now for the night. I'll write more later. I can barely stay awake.
Well blogger is being crazy and won't post pictures. I'll try later.

My Trip

2008-10-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

Well apparently I'm not the world's best blogger this trip. Guess I should catch everyone up.
Well I left home on Tuesday morning. I had an ok flight Charlotte to Chicago. I got really sick though. I don't do little planes. I didn't take Dramamine before I left though. Not my smartest moment. I got to Chicago in one piece with all my stomach contents still on the inside. I had a 5 hour layover. I just kind of wandered around. It didn't seem that long. After my flight finally showed up on the departure board, I went to my gate. I wandered around some more, then settled in to get ready to board in an hour or so. I wasn't really looking forward to the long flight. I took my vitamins and my Dramamine and some melatonin. I got on the plane and was quickly falling asleep. I learned I was sitting next to 2 nurses from the US going to India for 2 weeks to work in a hospital in Chennai. I was jealous. Going through immigration, I met a woman adopting from Nepal. They are staying 3 weeks. I had a food flight, didn't get sick or anything.
Once in India, I glued myself to the nurses I was sitting next to. When it was time to look for my driver, I just acted like I belong here and had done this a million times. I couldn't find the hotel driver so I went to the Avis stand and got a prepaid taxi. The driver was super sweet. He was telling me about his family. He made sure I knew the number for the police (which I promptly forgot). He got me safely to the hotel. I quickly got checked in and found which room Kristi and Jason were in. Once in my room, I called Kristi and they came to me. I was so happy to finally meet Kristi. Its so scary how it feels to meet someone that you have talked to for so long. Kristi and I have been friends for like 3 years. We finally got to meet in person. She is an absolute hoot.
My hotel is gorgeous. My bed is so comfy. I love the shower. It has a square bathtub and then a shower stall. The only thing is the mirrors. There is a mirror at the end of the bathtub, another mirror over the toilet, and then a wall of mirrors next to the bed. The mirror next to the bed freaks me out. I surprise myself every once in a while.
Thursday we went to the Embassy after breakfast. Again I say, Kristi and Jason are a hoot. We laughed all day. Kristi said they got attacked by "flying malaria" on Wednesday. She kept getting paranoid that they weren't sending us to the right places at the Embassy because the process is different. Jason and I kept telling her it was ok, to just calm down. 2 hours and we were completely done. I didn't have any problems because of Prasun's passport. The man was just like "ok".
We spent all day yesterday wandering around Delhi. I got some shopping done. I got some clothes for Prasun. Got them at a good price too. I found a couple of gifts. It was a good day. We ate a good restaurant called O! Calcutta!. Me, Jason, and Kuldeep had the buffet. It was so good. Me and Jason killed the tandoori chicken. It was so good. We found a Barista and got some Iced Mochas. We went to dinner with Kuldeep and his family on Thursday night. He picked an awesome restraunt. The name is over on Kristi's blog.
I spent all day Friday sleeping. I mean ALL DAY. I got up for breakfast then laid down for a nap. I decided to get up about 10pm. Really. I loved it. I didn't even eat again all day. I just slept.
I'm sorry my posting has been so sparse. My internet service was horrible. I'll try to do better now.

I'm Here and Online

2008-10-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

I've been gone and apparently freaked a few people out.
It took me a while get my internet to work.
We went to the Embassy this morning. Then motored around Delhi all day. I'm loving my visit with Kristi and Jason. See Kristi's blog for the Jason and the monkey story. It was hilarious. Well I'll leave you with some pictures. I've got a kicking headache tonight. I'll write again tomorrow
when I'm relaxing. I'm so sorry the formatting is so bad. I'll work on it later.

Waiting

2008-10-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at the airport. Boarding my flight in an hour. Tomorrow I'll be in Delhi. I'm very excited about my trip. Just alittle nervous sitting alone in the airport. Oh well. Before long I'll be meeting Kristi at the hotel. I'm just hoping I didn't forget anything at home.
I'll probably write from Chicago seeing as I have a 7 hour layover.
Namaste.

Tomorrow I Leave

2008-10-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. In the morning, I'm getting up and going to the airport. I can't even believe it. It has been such a long process for us. We literally started waiting in January and I'm finally leaving. I just checked out this blog of a family who picked up their son a few hours ago. It was different. I could finally feel it coming. My time is near. I'm getting our son and bringing him home. It is such an incredible feeling. One I obviously am not articulating very well.
7 days. 7 days and I'm a mom to 3. Physically taking care of 3 everyday. Wow. I'm just excited.
They still have not issued Prasun's passport. I can only hope I get the email before I leave in the morning. If not then I'll deal with it in India. Our director gave me several scenarios about getting it at different times. Dillon is very hands on and always provides tons of information.
Well I'm going to finish my last few things. Trying not to leave Patrick with a ton of laundry while I'm gone. My next post should be from India.

Pictures

2008-10-23T14:54:00.001-07:00

Crazy

2008-10-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

I've been in a panic the last couple days. So much stuff to do and not enough days. I'm trying to cram in some extra time with the kids. I know that sounds crazy since I'm with them constantly. I'm going to miss my babies.
I've got several books to keep me busy until I get Prasun. I went to a rather small library but got some good ones. I'll add them to the side bar at some point. Maybe from India.
Heres a rundown of what I'm planning:
Leave Charlotte Tuesday at about noon.
6 hour layover in Chicago then fly to Delhi (nonstop)
Land at about 9pm.
I'll be staying at the Hyatt. I picked it because I'll be in Delhi by myself for a couple days. I planned it that way and am looking forward to the time. I may look into getting a private yoga lesson. That will be the highlight of my trip.
Sunday morning I leave for Kolkata (unfortunately my plane leaves at 7am).
I get to Kolkata and am staying at the Peerless. Kristi and Jason will be there later that night.
Monday is supposed to be the big day. I get to hold my baby.
We have to do some Embassy paperwork. Hopefully alittle sightseeing.
On Wednesday I leave to come home at like 530pm. I'll be in Delhi for about 5 hours. We leave to come home at 1255am. YIKES!!!!!!
I'll be in Chicago at 5am. (let me know your phone number and I'll let you know I landed safely) HEHE!!!
I have a 2 hour layover in Chicago. Then I get home at about 9:30am. YEAH!!!
Well I have a soccer game to go to. Then home to do more paperwork.

I'M GOING TO INDIA!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. I booked my tickets on Sunday morning and am leaving on Tuesday the 28th. I'll have an Embassy day on Thursday. Then I get 2 uninterrupted days of alone time to relax. Sunday morning (655 am) I fly out of Delhi to Kolkata. On the 3rd I finally get to hold my boy again. He'll be mine forever.
I'm so excited and have a busy week ahead of trying to get everything together to leave.

Check This Out

2008-10-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

Anthony just put a slide show on his blog. Go over and check it out.

I just have to say...

2008-10-15T19:45:00.001-07:00

you ladies ROCK!!!!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm so happy that I can share this experience with you guys. Thanks.
Amanda

I Fell Off Cloud Nine

2008-10-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

and boy did it hurt.
Last week when we got the legals, I went into a euphoria. I was just ecstatic. I was ready to go. I was jumping on paperwork. Planning my departure. Counting days. Then reality kicked my butt. Several times over. And it stunk.
The officer at the passport office that issues orphan passports went on vacation after a week long holiday closing. Now we are waiting for Saturday or Monday to find out how fast he can work. I was doing moderately well, and then...
This sweet man comes back to work for a day unexpectedly. He issues a passport. Its not Prasun's. I'm heartbroken. Monday night and all day Tuesday were not good hours. I'm recovering. It was one of the moments in life where I was totally selfish. I didn't care that another baby was coming home. It wasn't my baby and so therefore, I didn't want to be happy. I just wanted to crawl in a hole and cry. Then life kicks me in the pants and I have to keep moving. I don't have to be happy, I just have to keep moving. We have preschool, therapy, and I have to work.
I'm recovering alittle bit of my optimism back. Today I'm not so down. I just needed the chance to scream and yell about how unfair both of our adoptions have been. I have a hard time remembering that it is all for a reason. It all works out in the end. I want to congratulate all the families that are in India or on their way soon.
Our time is fast approaching. It will all work out for he best in the end. Today I have to remember that.

Paperwork!!!

2008-10-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm drowning in paperwork!!!
I got the legal documents for Prasun's guardianship on Wednesday. I got word today that our state has given verbal approval on our ICPC paperwork for Prasun.
We are just waiting on Prasun's passport to be issued. We won't know until the 18th what is going on with that. Our expected travel date is probably pushed back by a week unfortunately.
I'm ready to go to India right now.
I'll keep you updated.

What Now?

2008-09-29T19:07:00.001-07:00

I know most of my readers are adoptive families, but I just wanted to update those that aren't familiar with Indian adoptions.
The judge has signed the paperwork and I'm pretty sure it is actually in the US right now.
The orphanage director is sending the paperwork to the consulate office to be attested Tuesday (now) in India and then she will apply for Prasun's passport. The wait time that is given right now for passports is about 15 days.
In the US, once the paperwork is sorted by the adoption agency, they will send us a copy. They also send a copy to the OK ICPC office. OK will send a copy to the NC ICPC office. This is a compact between the states because Dillon doesn't have an office in NC. Both states have to agree with the placement of Prasun. This should take 3-4 weeks. I'm going to give it 2 and then check on the NC part because our paperwork got lost last time.
Once the passport is issued, I'm ready to travel. We do need ICPC issued before I get back. I'm going to stay on them and beg if I have to so it is done quickly. It is time to get my boy home.
I'm thinking I'll be traveling the last week of October.
Well that is the timeline for now. I'm hoping every thing is done in the next 4 weeks so I can go.
I'm spending my free time trying to get all the paperwork together. I did manage to get Prasun added to our health insurance today. I also sent off my travel visa. I have to track down a couple of documents. I can't find our marriage liscense and have to order it from PA. That has been my only roadblock with paperwork today.
I do have a small problem with my job. Its nothing huge but I'm hoping to get it straightened out quickly. I just wish the human resources person was alittle more helpful. I'll get it figured out though.

I know who is going to India with me!!!

2008-09-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

Kristi's case got APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess I'm traveling with Kristi AND Jason.

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I just told Kristi the other day that I thought the judge would sign her case. I'm so happy for Shaili to come home.

New Pictures.

2008-09-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Guess its my lucky day. We got new pictures on top of everything else. Not sure what is up with this template, but if you click on the show it will give you bigger images.

Then and Waiting for Now

2008-09-22T08:12:00.001-07:00

My babies will finally be together again soon.

WE ARE APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Our case worker just emailed me and we are approved. The judge should sign the case in the next few days. Then we wait for his passport, ICPC, and travel approval. Hopefully we can leave the 2nd or 3rd week in October.
I'm so happy as you can imagine after my last post. I got the call just a few minutes after posted that.

Today is another Big Day

2008-09-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting for an email of news. The judge was supposed to hear our case today. The day is over and done with in India now. I just have to wait for the news to reach us. Did he sign or did he take the day off?
I'm torn. I don't know whether to allow myself to feel and start to hope? Or should I continue to guard my feelings? Should I feel luck if he is home by Christmas or even his next birthday?
I woke up hopeful. I can't let myself feel it though. I just can't. I don't know how I will get through the day if I get another phone call saying I'm sorry. I know I will get through the day but at present I'm not sure how.
How do you prepare yourself to know your child and continue to wait with no certain time of when you can finally take care of them? How do you wake up everyday knowing that your child is halfway across the world? I can't touch him, I can't hug him, I can't see him. I feel like everyday a piece of me dies as I live through this. Honestly, it is getting harder to make it through each day. It is getting impossible to live with.
It is making me angry!! This adoption is sucking the joy out of my life. I can see where it should be and can't enjoy everyday things that are a blessing. I've been through this before. Ananya's adoption took me to the end of my rope, to the bottom. I remember spending so many days figuratively standing on the edge and looking down. That is how I've felt for weeks. I don't know how much more I can take. The judge knows though. He'll sign the case when he is good and ready and I'll be waiting on that day. I'll make it to the day that I finally get to hold my child. Then, slowly, the joy will seep back into my life. I'll see the light again.
But today, I wait...

Today isn't My Day!! ;o(

2008-09-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

The judge didn't sign our case today. He didn't do it.
My coffee was burnt that I bought at McDonalds this morning.
I'm writing from hospital bed. Check out the details here.
We are hoping the case is heard next week or it will be a really long wait because of the holidays.
I'll keep you guys updated.

Crap!!!!

2008-09-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

We won't know until Friday if the judge has signed the case yet. It seems like all the other families are finding out that day. Of course, we get to wait an extra day. I think we are the only ones waiting for a date on the 11th and with the time difference the courts close before we start our day. One of those days where I have to say "I love adoption". Sorry for the sarcasm I've been sick this week and getting to my wits end with everything.
We waited 149 days to get Ananya's guardianship papers signed. As of today we have waited 168 days for Prasun's legals. The only way that his process could be longer than hers is if we can manage to stretch out the passport wait for over a month.
Sorry for all the sarcasm. I just want my baby.

Court Date

2008-09-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

We have been assigned our first court date for September 11th. If youu don't remember from the first time around we had like 3 or 4 court dates before our case was heard so I'm not holding my breath.

Sleeping Beauty

2008-08-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

Back to the Same Old Games

2008-08-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone remember with Ananya's adoption how holidays came and people died, and then there was the fire at the passport office.
Well, here we go AGAIN!!!! Yes I'm yelling.
Stupid Crap!
The judges assistant has been out and will not be back for a few days. Then Indian Independence Day the courts will be closed. So now our case will not be heard until at least the 19th.
I can't believe this is happening again. Its just crazy. My poor children just need to be home. Every therapy session we get to is so essential for development. I see everyday making a difference with Ananya. I can only imagine how much Prasun is missing. We have important work to do.
Someone is going to have to force me to start the homeschool year. I was planning on starting while I was on leave. It would make life so much easier as far as getting into a routine. Now I have to start while I'm still working, and going to therapy, and everything else in the freaking world.
I know this will be over soon. I just woke up in a bad mood and getting on the internet didn't help. I am reminded that I was one of a few families who didn't get new pictures. Although all I need to see right now is another picture of Prasun crying. He apparently is following his sister into the terrible twos. Ananya is very definite about what she wants. She just can't always communicate it to us. That causes frustration and lots of crying.
Well. I'm hoping all this is over soon.
I'll post again when I'm in a better mood.

Letter to Prasun

2008-08-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Prasun,
Today is another long day without you. Everyday we sit and wait for news that the guardianship documents have been signed. Everyday we wait, and wish, and wonder.
We wonder what you are doing, how you are feeling, and how much longer we will have to wait. We wonder how you and your sister will get along. How you will react to having a big brother. How you will feel in my arms again. Long days of waiting.
I know the wonderful Ayahs are telling you about families. They are telling you about mommys and daddys and brothers and sisters. I know they are showing you pictures of us in your photo album. I know you are wondering what this family is. You have no idea how much your life is going to change. You don't even see that soon I'll be there to get you. Soon you will have new clothes, a new bed, a whole new life. Every minute of everyday you'll be hugged and get told I love you a million times a day. Soon I'll have you to carry around. Soon you can go fishing with us, play at the lake, and see if you like to kayak like your sister.
I'm praying the same prayers I prayed while waiting for your sister. I'm praying that God puts our family into your heart as you were put into our heart. I'm praying for an easy transition for you. I'm praying for your peace as we steal you away from everything that you have known and try to give you everything you could ever want.
I love you so much little boy. I look forward to the day when you are in my arms. It's coming soon. I will have everyday from now until forever to hold you in my arms.
You've been in my heart for so long. I'm ready to have you in my arms.
We all love you so much. Come home.
PS Hope they taught you to play the guitar. Your brother is ready to "battle" you at Guitar Hero.

Rerun Slide Show

2008-08-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Now seemed like a good time to repeat this slide show. I miss Prasun today. We are still waiting for a courtdate.

Matthew 6:27

2008-07-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Gotta keep this in mind. Our case isn't going to be heard until the beginning of August which puts travel the first of September.

NOC and Referals

2008-07-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

There is movement with Indian adoption. Not ours but others. There have been at least 3 referals and at least 1 NOC that I've heard of.
Congratulations for the families who have movement.
Now, Mr. Judge can we PLEASE get my boy home soon. His mommy misses him. We have plans.
Amanda

The Hardest Part About Waiting...

2008-07-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

can be the dreaming. It really can be. In the first hours after you wake up, its so fresh. Its like having held your baby and then not being able t o touch them. It can make your day happy and sad at the same time.
While waiting for Ananya, I think I dreamt about her 5 or 6 times. It was always great to see her moving around, even if it was just in my brain. I knew it wasn't real but it was good enough at the moment. It did make me miss her more though. I did have a dream one time that we were waiting and some how ended up with a 4 year old girl with us in a crisis situation. I didn't have anything for her of course. I didn't have much money to buy her stuff either because we were tied up with Ananya's adoption. Is that not funny?
I dreamt about Prasun last night. Its the first time. I don't know if I just haven't dreamt about him because I have held him. I know he's real. I know what it will feel like in a couple months when I'm in India and holding him. I remember what it feels like, what it smells like, how tiring it can be. I'm excited. He's going to be home soon. He's going to be in his bed, in his highchair (after I buy one), and most importantly in my arm (I only have one, Ananya has sole custody of one at all times). I'm going to be tired. I'm going to be happy to not be at work. Most importantly, I'm going to be a mom to my 3 babies. I kind of wish that 4 and 5 came with him. I'm sure I'll have my handful (maybe Ananya will even give me my arm back sometime).
The pictures from my last post were the inspiration for my dream. He was walking around. He was smiling. Guess what, I kept forgetting to do things for 1 of the kids. Like feeding them. I wasn't doing too good multitasking. I'm sure I'll do better in real life. It'll be ok. I don't know why I'm not dreaming of not being ready. Being in India without baby clothes or something. At this point, I think that would be way more likely. Oh well.
I'm going to go feed the child that I do have right now before she starts a riot.

Such a Big Boy

2008-07-13T23:53:00.001-07:00

Is he not just the cutest? I'm so happy to see that little face. If I could just hold him. They say patience is a virtue. Personally I could live without it. I want my baby.

Ecclesiastes 7:14

2008-06-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man
cannot discover anything about his future.

I keep remembering this right now. I hate waiting so much.
I know once this is over I'll forget this pain immediately.
All that will be left will be this blog.  I can't
wait for that time.

Licensing

2008-06-12T13:36:00.001-07:00

Today we were notified that CARA has issued the license for ISRC. It should be in Ms. Roy's hands in about 4 days. After that, hopefully the judge will issue a court date for us and the other family who is waiting.
I'm hoping that we get to travel soon.

Orphancare International

2008-06-12T13:35:00.001-07:00

I found this video made by Dillon on another website. I found Prasun at 1:30. You can not miss that smile.

New Pictures

2008-06-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

We got some new pictures. Poor Prasun. He was having another bad day. He is always leaning forward. I pretend that he wants Mommy. Whatever gets me through.
CARA has inspected the orphanage and it is expected that they will issue the license soon. I'm hoping so anyways. I want my baby.

Change of Plans :o( (But I've been shopping)

2008-05-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

I want to have shirts for all the kids screenprinted that say that. I love it.

I haven't posted much lately. I hate waiting and since we are getting down to the line, I hate it even more. I just want my baby. The orphanage (ISRC) has to renew their license every 3 years and now they are in the process of doing that. Well they have been in the process for awhile. Now CARA and THE JUDGE (remember the one who irritated me on a daily basis back in 2006) isn't signing ISRC cases until the license is in his hands. CRAP!!!!
I know the license will get renewed, just not in my time. I learned before that the adoption happens in God's time, not mine. I just have to be patient. That isn't my strong suit.
Oh well. I still have time to put the crib together (after I get rid of the bed in the room) and work a little more overtime.
We are taking Ananya and Anthony to Arkansas in a couple of weeks to meet with some family. It'll be nice to get away from home for awhile. We will enjoy the family time.
Hopefully I'll have something to post soon about travel. We should get new pictures in a few weeks. The only ones I really need are the ones with me in them. PATIENCE!!

New Pictures :o(

2008-04-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

We got new pictures last week and I am just getting around to posting them. Poor Prasun was obviously not happy. Of course these are the hardest pictures to see. Hopefully, we will be traveling before we know it.

Happy Birthday Prasun (and Anthony)!!!

2008-03-30T01:52:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day. Both of my boys were born today. This mama is so blessed to have 2 wonderful sons to raise and give to the world. Thank God.
Dear Prasun,
Happy Birthday my sweet angel. I miss you so much. I'm so sorry to have missed your third birthday. We are coming to get you soon. This week we got one step closer. I'm praying that the Ayahs have showered you with attention and maybe even sang you a special song. It is a great day to celebrate. Your day. I'm so glad that you have come into our lives. You give off such a light that no one can help but to notice. All of the other mothers have told me how sweet you are. I can't wait to get you home, with your brother and sister. We are a family even 8000 miles apart. My arms ache to hold you. I can remember just how heavy you were last February when we met you. I want to be with you now. Just know that God has a special plan for your life. He held you when you were a sick infant. And gave the ayahs the knowledge and skill to care for you. God put you in my heart before we left for India. He stilled my heart when making the decision. He told your dad that He meant you to be a part of our family. We have a great future together starting soon. God will lead our family.
Today I will be thinking of you as we celebrate. Please know that I love you so much that it hurts. I hate that you are in India. I want you home now. In due time, we'll all be together. Until then keep growing, and developing. You are doing great things even now my son.
We love you.
KISSES.
Mommy

WE GOT NOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

HAPPY DANCE! WE GOT IT! WE GOT IT! WE GOT IT!! HURRAAAAY!

Sorry for all the yelling. I called Patrick and he's in an interview. He said he'd call me back. I said we have NOC. He stopped his interview.
We are soo happy. I'm one step closer to having both my babies.
Pray for us. The immigration stuff has to fly through.
I had hoped to have NOC before Prasun's 3rd birthday. I'm so glad to have it. It hasn't really set in yet. I guess since I was burned once I won't be too eager. We are going to celebrate this weekend as Anthony will be 10 and Prasun will be 3.

New Pictures

2008-02-19T10:36:00.001-08:00

We just got these new pictures. I am so thankful to the Lord every time I see him smiling. I know he is happy, healthy, and safe while waiting for me. I can't believe I'm getting a thumb sucker. My other 2 never did that, although Anthony did have a pacifier for a while.
(I had such a hard time loading these that I'm not going to delete the duplicate. There are never enough Prasun pictures.)

Ananya's Blog

2008-02-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

Check out our Gotcha Day celebration on Ananya's blog.

We "Accepted" Him!!

2008-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

The acceptance papers are on their way to Dillon. It took a couple of days longer than I would have liked, but we got it done. There were over 400 pages for me and Patrick to sign. About 50 of those had to be notarized. I had to dig through my tax things. They are finally in the mail. Now we wait for CARA to approve NOC. I can't wait. I'll try to post something more meaningful later this week but am alittle rushed today.

Then and Now

2008-02-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

Those of you who have done the Indian paperwork know what this means.
THE FEDEX GUY HAS COME AND GONE. WE HAVE ACCEPTANCE PAPERWORK!!
Isn't he just the cutest little guy. I also got word that our Dossier is completely done with OK paperwork included. Now I just have about 300 papers to sign and date. With February 4, 2008. With Ananya we got lucky. It was May. Oh well. I'm just happy to see his face. So very soon our papers will be in India. I'm sure I would have alot to say but see above statement about signing 300 papers. I'll update you later.
Amanda

Video

2008-01-31T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of our boy that the traveling family got for us.

Growing Up!

2008-01-30T08:42:00.001-08:00

Meanings, Waiting, and some thoughts

2008-01-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

I like to know what my kids names mean. So I thought I would share.
Ananya's name means matchless, incomparable and Sophia means wisdom. It is so true. Ananya is like nothing else. She is horribly spoiled by everyone, even complete strangers. It takes all of 2 seconds and she has new friends wrapped around her finger.
Anthony is named for his great-grandfather Ambrosy. I never got to meet him, but have heard such wonderful things from everyone about him. Joseph, his middle name, means "he will add". I have always thought Anthony will do something great.
Prasun doesn't have a middle name yet, we just can't decide. I'm sure it will come to us. Prasun means flower or bloom. He already brings God's glory and beauty to our world. I'm positive that can only increase.
I'm so not good at waiting. Several times in the last months, I've had to remind myself again and again that God has a glorious plan. His plans are much better than mine. They have brought me a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful children. The circumstances have never been my planning. 4 of the most important people have come into my life when I'm expecting it the least. I am so thankful that I've been blessed.
So far this adoption has been a little easier. I know the process. I know mostly what to expect. The emotions surprise me though. Everyday can be a battle if I let it. This morning I can't stop crying because I want my son. I regret that I didn't tell him I love him when I had the chance. I'm having a hard time forgiving myself for not knowing completely that he was my son. I know that God was working on my heart. That this had to be 2 adoptions. Ananya needed time home. She, in my opinion, would have had adjustment problems coming home any later. I just hate that I have to wait. I pray that everyone that touches our paperwork is filled with need to hurry. I also know that Prasun is fine. He is so loved and taken care of now. I know the day he leaves there will be many tears. The Ayahs care for the children so well. They love them. They are trying to prepare him for the change. Telling him about a family. Showing him our pictures. Mommy, Daddy, Brother, Sister. All in an album that starts with his picture.

Prasun,
I want to tell you I love you. Everyday I think of you and miss holding you. My arms ache for the day you'll be with me, and your dad and brother and sister. It is coming soon. Know that God has a great plan for you. He is keeping you in His heart always and will hold your hand until the day that I'm there. I'll pray for your transition into our home. That God puts our family into your heart as He has put you into ours. I don't want you to be scared. Many things will change in your life very quickly. Know that your Daddy and I are here and won't leave your side until you are ready. We will do everything we can to help you. Your brother will teach you so much throughout your life as he does with Ananya. Remember your sister loves you, even if she hits you. You have many people praying for you everyday. You have touch many families already. I love you baby. I'll be there soon. Until then, I love you will my entire heart, across the ocean. You are my son.
Mommy

New Pictures

2008-01-30T07:03:00.001-08:00

We got new pictures thanks to our friends in India picking up Jansen. Thank you Joy and Jack. Prasun is of course cuter every time I see his face. They apparently shaved all the older children's heads. I have a picture of Anthony like this when Patrick tried to cut his hair. Well enjoy. I'm going to sit by the road waiting for Fedex with the acceptance papers.
Just kidding. (Well kind of.)

DOSSIER, YOU ARE OUT OF HERE!!!!!

2008-01-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

That's right. Our dossier is finally on its way to Dillon. The acceptance papers are on their way here. Hopefully we can get the tomorrow and get them signed and back in the mail Thursday. I'm hoping to get all these papers to India ASAP. I want my baby.
In other news, I'm updating the blogroll to the right. Check out Jansen's blog as his mommy and daddy are in India right now picking him up. They actually live in the same town as us. Can't wait til they get back home.
Stay tuned. There will probably be new pictures TOMORROW (Thank you Joy).

Almost Done!!

2008-01-18T18:05:00.000-08:00

I'm about done with the dossier now. Tuesday I'm driving to Raleigh to get it apostilled. Hopefully by then my papers will be back from VA and PA. I would love to get his acceptance papers Wednesday or Thursday. I'm ready get my papers to CARA. I want my boy.
We have friends going to India next week. They are giving Prasun some gifts from us including a photo album with our families pictures. His picture is the first showing that its his book and his family.
I can't wait to go to India. Pray for me to be patient. Waiting stinks.

Another Picture

2008-01-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

The wonderful thing about so many families traveling is that occasionally someone looks back and finds a picture of Prasun that they may have taken and not know it. I know when I got home I immediately got all the pictures developed. It still took me months to sort through and think of the other children I had pictures of. I wasn't very clear headed when we got home.
Well this morning I opened my email to a surprise. I got yet another picture of Prasun. Thanks to Julie and Karen, I got yet another look at my baby boy. And for my birthday!!!
Yes today I'm a day older. Last year has been great and I've changed alot. I can't wait to see what the next year brings. I think Prasun's lovely face in my inbox is a small glimpse.

Dossier Time

2008-01-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

I've got the Dossier instructions in my inbox. Lets all pray I can get them finished superquick. I'm ready to go to India right now. I found some crib sets on clearance this week and now I have 2 matching crib sets for the kids. Prasun has some PJs now for when he gets home too. I'm so excited to get going. Hope to have news very soon that this is done and our paperwork is in India.

It's in the Mail... FINALLY

2007-12-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

The application is in the mail. FINALLY. Hopefully next week I can start working on my dossier and have it done in a week and a half. I hope this goes alot quicker. We need to get into the courts already.

Yet Another Picture

2007-12-26T07:47:00.001-08:00

I love seeing this face. He is such a doll. Can't wait to hold him again. Please stay tuned. I have to run to the post office.

Trying to have a Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Today hasn't been great. I woke up at 3am and prayed that God would help me get our application together to mail today. I put the turkey in the oven at 5. Got up later because I knew I had to work tonight. Got to the Christmas party at Patrick's work and realized I forgot to wrap 2 of the gifts for the kids. Just wasn't feeling the spirit. Got home and got the application together FINALLY. Went to the post office. CLOSED. They closed at noon today. The UPS office wasn't open either. So I didn't get what I really wanted for Christmas. Then I remember, last year all I wanted was Ananya. She's here now. Prasun is smiling and looks very happy. All 3 of my children are healthy. We have lots of presents under the tree. It will be ok. Next year Prasun should be here. I'll forget all the hurt I feel today. He'll be happy and we'll all be a family.
I had to stop and count my blessings. There were plenty to count. First thing Wednesday I'll be at the post office to send the application off. I'll work like crazy to get the dossier done ASAP.
Have a Merry Christmas!

He's up to it Again!

2007-12-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

Another family has traveled to India to pick up their baby. I love family reunions. Well this family saw Prasun. They said "We also saw Prasun, who had a completely endearing (and quick) smile. He is a charming little man!" I love to hear those words. Only 1 couple saw Ananya while we were waiting and that was only a month before we left.
Keep up the good spirits baby boy. We love you.
Amanda

One More Step!

2007-12-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

We have completed one more step in this process and only have a million to go yet. We had our homestudy visit yesterday. We are only doing one because it has only been 3 months since our last postplacement visit. I'm happy to have it done and am praying the paperwork will come together without too much difficulty. I want my little boy. Today is really the first day I've had that feeling. The one where part of me is across the world and I just yearn to hold him. IN GODS TIME. In the meantime, I'll work with Ananya and teach Anthony and pray. I will find strength that GOD will lead us through this journey once again. I can't remember the pain from our first adoption. Ananya's smile erases those memories.
Onto other big news. Guess what?
Prasun was standing in his crib in the new pictures. I would never have thought. That is pure and simply GOD taking care of my baby boy.
I'm having a great week. I hope all of you are as well.
Joy, I'm praying for travel soon.
Prasun, I'm coming baby. God will hold your hand until then. I love you sweetie.

PICTURES!!!!!!

2007-12-03T14:06:00.001-08:00

I can not even add enough smiley faces to express my joy today. We have pictures. I'm in a hurry but thought I'd throw a few out there.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

We had to celebrate Thanksgiving without Prasun. We had a good time though as it was Ananya's first Thanksgiving. Next year will be even better. I'm hoping for new pictures in the next week or so.
I love you baby boy and hope to have you with me quick.
God will take care of you. Always.
Love,
Mommy

Names!!

2007-10-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

The great debate.

Prasun Sebastian Phillips

Prasun Zachery Phillips

Can't decide.

Give me your opinion.
Hope to have pictures again soon.
Amanda

Update

2007-10-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I've posted.
There isn't much going on and yet so much going on. I have been instructed to start our homestudy. I have applications from both agencies now. I just have to fill them out. Actually, I think I filed them out already I just have to gather a few random papers and send them in. They want the paperwork as soon as possible. I have so many things competing for my attention at the moment that I'm having a hard time getting it all done. I'm hoping to have my homestudy done in the next 2 months (hopefully sooner). The Indian courts are closed for the next 6 weeks celebrating various holidays. It would be great to have the paperwork ready to send. I just don't know. I have to ask God for the stregth. He will provide.
We haven't been blessed with any new pictures lately. I think at least 4 new families are traveling in the next month or so. It would be great to have new pictures for Thanksgiving. This way we can introduce him to some family with new pictures. I haven't mentioned any of this to my family in PA yet. So if you are up there, SHSHSHSH.
We have finalized Ananya's adoption now. I found out the hard way that in NC you don't get a court hearing with a judge. You submit papers and they mail you the decree. So as of September 26, 2007 Ananya is a legal Phillips.
Keep praying for us to have strength to complete the paperwork. It will get Prasun home to us.

Dear Prasun,

2007-08-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

My precious baby boy. I just got new pictures. You seem to be growing so much. I can't wait to see the video that Mrs. Tami got while she was in India. I can remember so clearly how it felt to hold you. I savor that memory everyday as I wait for news. I'm so happy that God has opened our eyes and given us another son. You are in my thoughts everyday. I can remember waiting for your sister. The wait is so hard and the reward is so great. Know that you have people who love you already. We are making plans and dreaming dreams for you. Always remember that God has a plan and His timing is perfect. We will be together soon. I pray for you to be strong and healthy. Be strong my boy. Mommy is on her way. I love you.
Mommy

More Waiting...

2007-08-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm having a really stressful week. Last Sunday I started a diet Coke fast. That went until Thursday night because our case worker, and one of my favorite people, met with CARA. I'm not quite sure how it went as she left India to come home on Friday. I will hear sometime this week if she got a response. I'm on egg shells.
Monday I received the "offical" adoption application. I've mananged to fill it out, drop all the medical forms off, and pass out all of the reference letters. I wasn't at all overwhelmed by the paperwork this time. I just got my notebook and put dividers in it and got started. I have to schedule our appointments for physicals tomorrow. My husband isn't looking forward to that. I could care less. I just want my boy. I don't like being in limbo. I've been walking around for a week constantly praying. I really feel that God pushed me again and that I don't have to worry. God will bring my son home. At the same time, my human heart is scared. I don't know what The Plan is if not to adopt Prasun. I'm blessed on a daily basis and so thankful for it.
Our other roadblock is finalizing Ananya's adoption so we can actually proceed with Prasun's paperwork. I'm hoping to get the papers notarized and be able to drop them off Monday or Tuesday at the courthouse.
I hope that everyone enjoys the pictures I just received. There are so many families waiting for travel, I hope I get a few more pictures. I love to see Prasun. He is so cute. I am starting to remember what it was like to have a little boy. Anthony was so much fun. Ananya is a blast as well. I get to do the pretty dresses and hairbows. I'm looking forward to another round of boy stuff. I love the idea of having 2 kids so close in age.
Well... everyone please say a prayer for our family and this little boy.

New Pictures

2007-08-19T13:51:00.001-07:00

Prayer Request

2007-08-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

Everyone please pray for Prasun and our family. Our caseworker is meeting with CARA on August 16th to discuss our case as well other things. Please pray that we get a favorable response. Prasun needs a home! We need him.

New Picture

2007-07-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

Without futher ado, our sleeping beauty. Yes he's wearing pink. If you have anything to say about it, think twice. I think he is so adorable. He's getting so big.
We are still trying to finalize Ananya's adoption so we can submit all the paperwork for Prasun. We have our app 1 approved so now we will start working on app 2 when it arrives. YEAH!! Our adoption coordinator with Dillon is traveling to India next week. She is meeting with CARA and is going to approach them about our adopting Prasun. She asked me to write a letter explaining why we are a good family for him. Anyone have any ideas about how to write a letter asking someone to give you a child?

I HATE WAITING!!!

2007-07-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

I HATE WAITING!!!!
It stinks. I just want to go to India and say "We want to raise this little boy. We raise him to be a great man. Willing to give back to the world. Here are our 2 children. I think we are doing pretty good. Can I please take him home to his room?" Of course, I know its not that easy. We have to wait. I think that I have a better balance of the whole enjoy my children and morn missed days with others.
Our agency representative is going to pick up her daughter soon. She is going to try and see if she can present our case and get an idea whether CARA will approve it. I'm praying.
Good morning little boy. You have a Momma and Daddy praying for you. Have a great day. We will try to be there as soon as possible.
Love, Mommy

New Pictures

2007-07-03T14:01:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken in May. He is just too cute.

This picture was taken in January. That is Ananya in the bottom. These 2 were cribmates, and hopefully they will become roommates.

This is my favorite picture. The day I met Prasun. He stole my heart.

Just A Little Something

2007-07-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Today, I filled out the part 1 application for our adoption agency. This will allow them to mail us the formal application. We have a little over a month until we can have our final post-placement visit for Ananya. Hopefully we can get an early court date to get finalized. Then, maybe within just weeks we can attempt to get all the information completed to get Prasun's paperwork to India. Everything is standing in the way of this adoption. I'm too young, the kids are too close in age, we don't have the money right now. We don't care. God impressed on Patrick and I that this is our son and we are going to put our hearts out there. Much better to deal with heart-break if it is not meant to be than spending a lifetime wondering "What If?" I'm so excited to start this journey. I just hope we get finished with Ananya's adoption very soon.

Not Much New

2007-06-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Not much news here. Ananya continues therapy. We see the orthopedist on Friday. I keep preparing my heart for not being able to adopt Prasun. I keep praying that God will allow me the joy to adopt this handsome boy. My mind says "it won't happen", my heart screams "HE'S MY SON". I'm trying to balance the two. Prayers are greatly appreciated. I'm trying to organize my house so that it will accomodate another person smoothly.

Pray the judge overseeing cases to Prasun and Ananya's orphanage will start working. He has backlogged alot of cases again. Many families are waiting for their children.

Secrets

2007-05-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is my secret blog for the son I hope to bring home. He stole my heart in India. I've met him and held him. I've given my heart to him. I pray that God will allow my family to lead him and parent him. He is precious.
The blog is a secret because we have only had our daughter home for 3 months and can not start process for at least 3 months. We may have roadblocks, but I've been told "If God is for us then who can be against us."
Please pray that this little man finds a home soon. If not with my family, then with another family.