So much to be thankful for!

I'm going to blame my lack of posting to seriously being busy (it's genuinely true)! I can't believe it has been four months since our little guy has been home. I often go back to the photos and few videos of when we first met and am in awe of how much he has learned and grown.

He's gained 7 pounds and is 3 feet exactly. His eating habits have gone from eating everything he can get his hands on to being very picky. Is it something about the color green that automatically turns kids off? He was fully potty trained in early October. He loves to be read to and I saw him today trying to read a Dr. Seuss book (my educator heart went pitter patter). Still loves tubby time...especially bubbles...and doesn't mind having his hair washed anymore. He loves his Nani and Nana. His best friend is his 11 year old cousin, Kat. He switched from one preschool to another and is going 5 days (and we LOVE it and are so happy we made the change). He loves Yo Gabba Gabba and a close runner up is Jungle Junction. He loves big trucks (just like his daddy). He sleeps in his own bed (still in our room, but we're hoping to get his room ready soon) and 95% of the time he sleeps through the night. He's like a parrot and repeats everything...he loves to say Good Morning, thank you, and I love you so much. He loves looking at himself in the mirror....I think he knows how cute he is. He still loves kisses and family hugs. Sometimes he does get tired of mommy giving him lots of kisses. Oh....and he still LOVES to dance! Every once and a while, he will make his own beat.

It's hard to imagine life without him. As Mark blessed the family dinner last night, he added how thankful we are that the long wait to bring Nathaniel home concluded this past July and we have him here with us. We are still learning one another and we know it will take time. But, I do love waking up each morning and wondering what the day will bring. We still have one more visit from our social worker before we go to the local courts and make the adoption official.


First time in the pool - July 2011:

First trip to the zoo - August 2011:


Birthday - August 2011:


First hair cut - October 2011:


Pumpkin Patch - October 2011


Halloween - October 2011:
He was Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba. Mom was out of town for a few days and he carved pumpkins with dad.


Yo Gabba Gabba Live - November 2011:

10 days later....

It's been exactly ten days since we ended the long wait and met our baby boy, Nathaniel. We've been home for a little under a week and creating many firsts: first car set ride on Monday, first time stepping on grass, first time seeing a park, first time in a stroller, etc... We have learned that each first is not pleasurable for him. But, he quickly gains comfort. For example, he loves being in the stroller...can't get enough of it.

He continues to talk a lot. Getting better with English words. Even better with his name. His given name was Bhargav, so we have made that his middle name. To get him used to his new first name, we have been calling him Nathaniel Bhargav and will have been slowly easing into just Nathaniel. He loves saying his name....





He is doing much better with eating time, still screams his head off when we try to put him down for sleep, loves tubby time (not the hair washing part), is using the potty and loves to brush his teeth (he won't give me the toothbrush). What a difference in just a week and a half!!

Days 6 & 7

Day 6 - Friday, July 8th
This was our last full day in Delhi. We can't wait to get home and start getting Nathaniel used to his new home. We had a nice late start to the morning where Nathaniel enjoyed his new favorite pastime in the hotel...walking up and down the hallway.




Once he got his morning walk completed, Rajeev took us for some shopping. He took us to a great one-stop shopping emporium and I probably could have spent all day there! I was able to pick up some traditional clothing for my nieces and nephew along with some gifts for family. I walked out with a small dent on the credit card, but it could have been a lot worse if I gave in to some of the beautiful furniture. Once shopping was complete, we headed back to the hotel while our fellow traveling family went to the embassy to check on their visa (which they were successfully granted!).

Our afternoon was spent with Nathaniel taking a long nap since our flight was at 1:45am the next morning. We ended the evening with a wonderful dinner from Rajeev at his hotel and then were taken to the airport. While we were desperate to come home, we were also very sad to say goodbye to Rajeev. Many families that traveled before told us how amazing this man was, but we could not truly understand until we had the privilege of meeting him. These adoptions and the children are his life. But he would have it no other way. Nathaniel will always be told of Rajeev and how he helped us become a family. Another side mention should be said about Rajeev's driver. We could not communicate with him, but he transported us everywhere! He tried to decline our gift of appreciation when we parted ways, but we would have it no other way.

After saying our goodbyes, we walked into Delhi airport on our own. Air India had already lost one of our bags on our way here, now they were telling me they had ignored our confirmed seats and separated us. Those of you that really know me, know that type of information does not fly with me. After a few angry words of how unacceptable this was, I was spoken to by the supervisor and security was called. In the end, the three of us were together in our first class seats. While the customer service off the plane is pitiful, the in-flight service on Air India was top notch (I can only speak for first class, I hear it cannot be said for economy). We just wanted a relaxing flight for our new little guy....for all 16 hours of flight!

He slept for the first third of the flight which made the rest of the flight challenging because he constantly needs to move. We brought coloring books, cars, books, another stuffed animal and a good mix of dry food items, movies in the iPad, but nothing held his interest for long. Yet, we made it (without any fellow passenger complaining) and landed in Chicago. We made our way to customs to hand over the sealed package and be cleared to enter the states with Nathaniel. It was the first (and hopefully the last) time we were pulled to the immigration office. A very nice official reviewed our documents and stamped our clearance. I still don't know what was in that package. We made our way to a different terminal and boarded our flight. Nathaniel was crying and we were greeted with an angry man and his snide comments just as we sat down. I held my tongue this time and was ready to argue how Nathaniel had his own paid seat, but didn't need to since he was such a good boy and stopped crying right before take off and slept for the flight. Does he look comfortable or what?


Check out daddy and Nathaniel looking at the mountains of Lake Tahoe...


While we learned United lost both pieces of luggage we checked in (what is with this trip?!), we were greeted by Nathaniel's Nani (grandma), aunt and cousin all eager to meet him. I think it was love at first sight! We are so glad to be home!

Day 5

Today was a big day...embassy day! After spending some time at the hospital for the TB results, we headed to the US Embassy for Nathaniel's visa. We've read lots of stories about other families and their embassy visits. Each on is different. In preparation, I had tons of paperwork that needed to be put together with new notaries in case the embassy needed it.

Upon arriving at the Embassy, I once again was so thankful for our agency liaison. He got us through check point by check point and did the initial discussions with officials. (There was another family there that was adopting with another agency and had no one there to help them. I could not imagine having to navigate India alone.) We had an "interview" from an embassy official and were told to come back later that day.

After lunch, we went back to the Embassy. It was almost as if it had closed up for the day at 3:30 in the afternoon....no lines, no mass groups of people waiting. Our liaison went to the window and was handed the items: passport, certificate and a sealed package only to be opened by immigration when our flight arrives in the US. He handed everything over to me with a "congratulations" and we were done. No paperwork needed.

I don't know why our trip went smoother than most and I certainly won't change how it went. The family we are traveling with has to return today for their documents, but no explanation why it took an extra day. Fortunately, this is why our itinerary builds in an extra day for the "just in case" times.

Nathaniel did much better during the day since he was out and about, but he had challenges when back at the hotel. He does not like to be changed or go to sleep. He has lungs like I've never heard.....good thing I brought a bulk pack of ear plugs for the passengers on the airplane :)

I hope to post more photos later today. We can't wait to come home!


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Day 4

Very rough day today. We were scheduled to see the Taj Mahal, but Nathaniel became extremely sick in the car just a few minutes after getting in. Pulling over on the side of the road in Delhi is very interesting and not recommended. We decided to return to the hotel. The entire ride back was full of screams and tears.

We were sad to miss the Taj since I had been asked our agency to carve the visit into our trip as soon as we knew we were coming here, but I'm blessed to have been there before and I know we will be back again as a family.

We spent the whole day in our hotel room. We tried to venture out to find some samosas (I've been on the hunt), but every place we visit says they don't have them at the moment....hmmmmm. We've eaten more westernized food here than we do at home.

After getting sick, Nathaniel did better once we returned to the hotel, but today was the first day we had screams trying to get him to nap and again this evening for bed. I was waiting for the hotel neighbors to complain saying we must be torturing him in here.

To end our post on an exciting note, Nathaniel is already picking up some English. He can say some numbers (courtesy of us counting the numbers in the elevator so he doesn't freak out), names of some toys and has repeated (and on an occasion or two) said mama and papa. Yep, had a few tears on that one.

Tomorrow we head back to the hospital to check his TB test and then to the embassy for his visa. We could use lots of prayers that the embassy visit goes smoothly and we are out of there quickly and with the visa!

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Video

He loves cars!

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Day 3

Nathaniel slept very well last night. We woke up and had a Skype call with his aunt, cousin, Nani and Nana. It made a great start to the day!

We visited the doctor's office for Nathaniel's TB test that is required for his visa. If I haven't said it before, thank goodness for Rajeev! He gets us in and out with all the needed paperwork. We don't have to worry about a thing. The hospital was very crowded and small spaces for waiting. When it was Nathaniel's turn, we saw the doctor and he filled out some paperwork. A nurse then came and got Nathaniel for his test. Fortunately, he didn't cry too much. We're not sure if it's because we covered his eyes when the shot was being administered or he is tougher than we think, but he had a few tears and then stopped. We brought cheerios and they were helpful! We decided to spend the rest of the day at the hotel to have some connection time. It turned out to be a very rainy and windy day, so perfect to stay in.

Just this little time we've had with him today, we have seen him become more comfortable. He is laughing with us, talking quite a bit and showing a bit of the "naughty" side his facility talked about.

And for those keeping track of the luggage...nothing yet.

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Day 2

We started our day at 6:30 this morning to head to the Delhi airport so we could catch a flight to Nagpur. We were joined by the Parmenter family! It's a wonderful blessing to be able to share this journey with another family. The flight was about 1.5 hours to Nagpur and another 30-40 minute drive to the facility. We waited in the office for Rajeev to complete paperwork and then Nathaniel was brought in! The gentleman that he is, he shook our hand! He surprised us by not crying (yet). The main social worker told us he is very "naughty" in a loving way and Rajeev added a "very" to his description saying he is "very, very active." The social worker said he will tell the other kids what to do, he knows all the baby names so he can help them and whenever the door bell rings, he is the first one to tell the ladies when someone is at the door.

We gave him a Corduroy bear and it hasn't left his side yet. After some time in the office, we were able to visit his area where he sleeps and plays. This is where we also saw the other children, a few were children we had seen referrals for so it was amazing to see them in person. (Note: yes, I did want to take them all home with me!). Without a doubt, Nathaniel is loved at this facility. You would often hear the caretakers call for him. While the visit was great because Nathaniel did get to see us spend a good amount of time in his area, one thing that was hard was the progress we would make with him and then a caretaker would reach out for him. We know it was very hard for them, but something to think about if you are adopting as well.

After leaving, we went to a cafe where we had tears off and on. I also had my first experience of being thrown up on (yep, I'm a mom now). We then went to the airport to wait several more hours for the flight. He fought sleep (I think so he could see where these new people would be taking him....wouldn't you do the same?). Note to families adopting: bring food! Don't assume the facility has fed them prior to leaving. We found that they liked to eat biscuit cookies. Make sure to be well equipped for a long day!

We finally boarded the plane and he did so well with his first flight! He drank water during take off and didn't cry the entire flight. He actually slept with papa for a little bit. Tears didn't arrive until we exited the plane. After a long drive home, we finally returned to the hotel and had a nice bath and dinner. As I write, he is still fast asleep in bed. Tomorrow we visit the doctor for his TB shot. We've attached some photos below.













































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Day 1

It's a little after 8pm in Delhi as I write about our first day. We've been flying since 6:20am California time. The flight to India (approx. 15 hours) was the longest ever! While we received a few gasps for booking this entire trip as first class...it was well worth it! The Air India seats reclined to flat beds and we were treated very well!

The downside to the day??? They lost one of our pieces of luggage. All our clothes and toiletries are in there, as well as Nathaniel's toiletries. Fortunately, the suitcase with his clothes and diapers came. We have no idea when, and if, our other suitcase will arrive.

On the brighter side of things, we met Rajeev, our adoption agency liaison, and he is wonderful! We will be meeting Nathaniel tomorrow!!! Rajeev tells us he is quite an active little boy :) As we drove to the hotel, Rajeev reminded us that the adoption process is a matter of patience and destiny. He said it has taken a long time to get here, but God always had this day planned for us. I am so grateful the day is here!




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It's Time!

Throughout our adoption process, we can without a doubt say that the best email came in on Friday, 6/3! Nathaniel's passport was done which means we could book travel! After waiting for the actual dates from our agency, we have booked our flights for early July.

Who knew booking travel would be so time consuming?! Part of the problem is that after years (and I mean years) of saving our Delta Skymiles for this trip, Delta said our miles could not be used during this window. Boo, Delta!! After getting over that, we asked about their international adoption fare. Unfortunately, the fare was not applicable. Huh? Big boos! So, we started researching individual airlines and websites like Expedia and Travelocity. Kind of tricky when you're trying to plan two round trip tickets and an additional ticket back.
After following the great information shared on a fellow adopting family's blog, we tried the travel agent they suggested and another. Very helpful! We went through Azumano, but Giselle's was also great to work with.

Azumano:
http://www.azumano.com/
We had Rena help us

Giselle's
https://www.globaltrav.com/
Ask for Michelle

Many families would disagree with us on this, but we decided to travel first class. I don't want to limit the space Nathaniel will need on such a long flight. The price will take me years to recover, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

It's been a long wait, but we finally made it to the last step!

1) Get an approved home study done by an accredited home study agency.

2) File the I-800A with USCIS (United States Citizenship & Immigration Services): You will need to include certified copies of your birth, marriage (if applicable) and divorce (if applicable) certificates, an original copy of your home study, a copy of the home study agency's license, the filing fee of $670 and fingerprint fee of $80 per person (anyone living in the home over the age of 18 years must be fingerprinted).


3) USCIS will contact the family with a date and time to come for their fingerprints: After you get your fingerprints taken, USCIS will process your I-800A petition.

4) USCIS will send the family an I-797C, Notice of Action "Case Type: I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country": This letter will state "Notice Type: APPROVAL NOTICE", your name, address, fingerprint expiration date and "Approval Valid Until" date.

Your I-800A approval and fingerprints are good for 15 months from the "Notice Date" listed on the I-797C.

5) Official acceptance of a referral/child

6) Family files the I-800 with USCIS

7) USCIS will send the family an I-797C, Notice of Action "Case Type: I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative": This letter will state "Notice Type: NOTICE OF PROVISIONAL APPROVAL".

8) USCIS will notify the U.S. Embassy in India of the family's provisional I-800 approval

9) The U.S. Embassy will contact the family requesting the DS-230 form to be submitted: The DS-230 is the visa application for your child. The Embassy will send you the forms to fill out and information on the photo requirement for this step.

10) The U.S. Embassy will process the case and issue an Article 5 letter: The Embassy will notify you and CARA as soon as the Article 5 letter is issued.

11) CARA processes the case and grants NOC (No Objection Certificate): NOC states that CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) has "No Objection" to the placement of the child with the adoptive parents.

12) The case is filed with the local court: Cases will be filed with the court within 15 days of NOC.

13) Court grants guardianship

14) Agency receives a copy of the court documents

15) Agency files for ICPC approval on behalf of the family: ICPC stands for Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and is necessary for all Indian adoptions due to the granting of "guardianship" instead of "adoption". This approval gives the family permission to bring the child across state lines for the purpose of adopting.

16) Texas ICPC office notifies Agency's Texas office of family's ICPC approval

17) Agency will notify the family of ICPC approval

18) Agency will contact our staff in India regarding possible travel dates for the family: Travel dates must be confirmed with our India staff before the family makes any definite plans.

19) Family travels to India to bring their child home! (WE ARE HERE)