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We made it. Max dealt better with the long flights than any of us did. He fussed a couple of times, but was wonderful and charmed the pants off of the flight attendants. We had a wonderful reception at the airport - greeted by Aunt Dawn, Aunt Moo Moo, Maddie, Myles, Aunt Missy, Uncle Paul, Peter, Olivia and Auri.

We finally heard him cry on the way home - he finally pooped (one statement that only mom's are proud of)! I'm too exhausted to write anything else.

Mother Teresa and the Consulate

This will most likely be our last post from India. We have had an amazing time here - it has truly been a life changing journey.

As for Max, he continues to be very laid back and happy. He is quite a show off and loves to play a gurgle-sound game with his Nana. All Daddy has to do it touch him or look at him and it makes him giggle. And when he's tired or needs cuddling he is not afraid to ask - always for Mommy. We all keep on saying to each other that he is so obviously "ours." We can no longer imagine our lives not leading us to him.

We went to get Max's visa photos taken this morning, and while we were there he flirted with the two beautiful women. They loved him. Turns out we didn't need the photos. Ms. Roy's assistant, Dipak (I know I slaughtered the spelling of that), picked us up at our hotel and took us to the consulate - thank goodness because it's kind of down this alley and hard to navigate. We signed a paper, paid our money, and 10 minutes later we had visa and golden packet in hand! We thought it would be a lot more paperwork, and another trip to the consulate to pick up the visa. I'm sure Ms. Roy and her staff are to thank for that, and we just can't thank them enough - for everything.

We did make it to Mother Teresa's today. We were going to go before we picked Max up on Tuesday, but I was a little emotional and knew I wouldn't be able to handle it. I'm glad that he was with us. What an amazing place of solace and reflection. We were able to pray in front of her tomb, although I didn't do the rosary, Dad. I was overwhelmed and wouldn't have made it all the way through. She was such an amazing woman. Being in this city has made me truly appreciate why she was called to this place. She was where she, and God, were and are needed.

When we came back from the consulate (around 4pm) Max cuddled down and went to sleep. He's still sleeping, and may be out for the night! He slept all night last night, and the only naps he had today were in the car, so he's gotta be exhausted. He has had no problems with eating. In fact, this morning at breakfast as soon as I put him on my lap he grabbed a piece of french toast off of my plate and chowed down. He gets really excited when he sees his bottle or food that he knows is his.

Moo Moo - he wore his "green babies rule" onesie all around Kolkata today :) I'm starting him on the broadway stuff right away!

We will leave Kolkata around 5:30pm tomorrow. With our layovers and such we will arrive in Boston at around 10:30am your time Friday morning. Any and all are welcome at the airport. He's loved a crowd so far, so we're not worried about him. More people to show off for. Who knows what kind of mood any of us will be in after the flight though :)

We can't wait to be home. I can't wait to give Maddie and Myles big hugs and kisses. I've missed you two so very much. I'm glad we can be a fmaily of 5 now!

So, I have to get this story on record now. It is part of our journey, and it really affected me. I'm still trying to recover from how awful it made me feel. . .
As we walked down the alley to Mother Teresa's, a little boy (7 or 8?) showed us the way (it's a tiny little doorway that we walked right by). He was so happy, smiling, and did cartwheels down the alley. We offered him money and he declined, asking instead for milk when we came out. We assured him that we would do this. He was there waiting when we came out, and guided us around a puddle of vomit. He was just a doll. We agreed that Mom and I would get in the car, and Dan would go with him to get his milk (I thought we made that clear, the boy had said milk at least twenty times). So a bit later, Dan comes walking back with his typical confident swagger with a bottle of Pepsi in his hand. He gets in the car, and as we're driving off, the little boy knocks on my window with the saddest, most confused expression, and says "Milk! Milk!" I looked at Dan and he said "What?" I said, "Didn't you get him some milk?" "No, was I supposed to?" "Uh, yeah, that's what he's been asking this whole time." "Oh, I thought he just wanted me to buy something from his father's store."

It was too late to turn back without a big ordeal (remember that traffic in India is unbelievable), but I told Dan that if we went out at all the next day we were coming back to find the boy and buy him some milk. It's silly, but it changed the way I felt for the whole rest of the trip, and even after we got home. I was so mad at Dan for not having as emotional reaction to everything as I was having.

Meant to be

If anyone was doubting whether this was meant to be, put your fears to rest. Also, the paperwork is all set, so we are set to come home tomorrow. Here are a couple more pics.

Grammie - Max says thank you for the doggy. He cuddled with it last night, and tried to share his breakfast with it this a.m.

GOTCHA DAY!!!

Gotcha! What a happy boy!

I don't think that today could have been any more perfect. I woke up very nervous and sick to my stomach, but that has miraculously disappeared now that I have my little guy beside me.

We arranged to go to the children's home at 1pm. We knew we would be taking pictures of the other children. A wonderful lady whose name I didn't write down (aargh) met us and drove with us over to where the infants and special needs children are. The staff were so wonderful, kind, warm, and obviously very dedicated to these children. We were told not to expect to see the infants, but we actually were able to do this! Amazing babies, one only two days old. We recieved a picture of Max at 2 months old from a family that had been traveling at that time that is so special to us.

Next we met with Ms. Roy and did all of the necessary paperwork and reviewed his schedule, etc. She also was concerned that our paperwork had not made it from the embassy to the consulate. We were told "no problem no problem" at the embassy yesterday, and have been calling yesterday afternoon and all day today. Supposedly they will fax it within the next half hour, but they haven't done anything else they've said that they would, so I'm a little nervous. But, if we have to stay an extra day at least we have Max, and I will not let this ruin this day. It is minor, and my wonderful hubby is dealing with it anyway.

Then, we got to meet Rup. His Ayah handed him to me and he was all smiles and cuddles. He has a little bruise on his head that Ms. Roy told us he got yesterday from rough housing with the other kids. Nancy, it sounds like your daughter beat up my son :) We took lots of pictures and videos and got to watch all of the children interact with each other. Max is walking all over the place already and was all about playing with his ball. Myles and Papa, he's all ready to play football with the boys :)

He was obviously attatched to his Ayah, and we are so thankful for these amazing women. When we said goodbye, Max waved to everyone. He immediately snuggled and fell asleep in the car. He's still asleep beside me right now, sucking on his fingers. He and Maddie will be kindered spirits :)

We took 200 pics while we were there, many of them of the other children. So here ya go, some of our favorites. . .

Our first Glimpse

Mom and Max - obviously happy

Mom finally let Daddy hold him.

Nana and Max playing ball

And this is where I am now. All tired out and sound asleep.

On our way to the orphanage, we stopped to get some treats for the dear people at the orphanage. Mom and Dan went in and I stayed with the car. I wish I could remember the name of our driver. He was very sweet and was our driver the whole time we were in Kolkata. While they were in the store, a woman with a very young baby came up to the car and kept knocking on the windows asking for money, gesturing that her baby needed milk. We were prepared for this, however right then it was more than I could take. I was on my way to get my baby, seeing all of the poverty that he could have been a part of. I was crying, and she was very persisitant. The driver kindly asked her to leave, but she persisited. Dan had all of our money - I had nothing that I could have given her. If I had, despite the warnings we recieved, I would have given her anything. I was able to pull myself together for the most part before we got to the chilrens' home.

I was so surprised that I didn't cry upon meeting Rup. But the home was so wonderful, and being able to go to the other building and focus on pics of the other kids was perfect. I wouldn't change anything about this day.

Safe in Kolkata

We made it safely. Another very smooth flight with no glitches. There were a few nerve racking moments at the embassy though. It was very quick, but the gentleman told us that the letter from our social worker stating that we had met Maine's prerequisites for adoption was not enough because he didn't know what those were. He also told us that our legals were incomplete and that the packet should have been thicker with more green pages. Panic. He passed everything through though, so no big deal I guess?

In retrospect, this was really irritating. I don't think we had the gentleman who most often deals with Dillon families. I really think this guy was giving us a hard time to ruffle our feathers. It worked - what were we supposed to do if he requested something else? Our flight was leaving that evening for Kolkata!

The embassy was much different than what any of us expected. I guess we've seen the movies where there are guards and the whole place is run by Americans. We encountered no Americans, not even the guards. No one was especially friendly or helpful, no one smiled. Our driver spoke very little English, and took us to the Canadian embassy first, and then had no idea about gate numbers. He parked pretty far away and then just pointed in a vague direction.

We did get up to the Red Fort today, but we couldn't go inside because it is closed on Monday. We also went to Raj Ghat, the place where Ghandi was cremated. Mom and I had a moment of fame when all of these female soldiers from Yupi (sp) wanted their pictures with us. We gladly obliged.

Maddie and Myles - We saw a Cobra!! Mom got really close to it, but couldn't bring myself to pat it even though the man said I could. That surprised me because I love snakes!

I think the travel is wearing on me. All of the planes and cars, and tonight the smell of Kolkata - I'm not sick, but my belly just isn't willing to eat much food. The food that we have eaten has been very good.

I wanted to comment on the New Delhi domestic airport. We got there really early because we were already checked out of our hotel, and our car time was up. You can't even enter the building until your flight is being security checked. There is an overhang and I think usually this is a sitting area, but the whole place was being recarpeted and they were putting some cloth over the ceiling. There was no place to sit, it was crowded, and we kept on having to move around the construstion. We did this for about 4 hours. I wish we had just kept the car for longer and seen some more of the city. Hindsight is 20/20.

SO. . . Tomorrow is Gotcha Day! I just turned my carry-on into a diaper bag, and after I finish this post, I'm going to make sure I can manage the baby carrier. I'm exhausted, and wish I could sleep, but I'm not sure that's going to happen again.

We continue to be amazed at how smoothly everything is going. We are enjoying each other and this amazing experience.

The Earhquake and some pics

Mom and Dan in front of Mosque
Unknown family member buried at Humayun's tomb
(My favorite pic yet)

Entrance to Humayun's Tomb (that's our gruff tour guide).

India Gate. We couldn't get anywhere near it due to crowds.

President's Home - a mix of Roman, Hindu, and Persian Architecture.

Apparently there was a 4.3 earthquake here this morning. Dan and Mom both felt it, Dan ran to the door, and I slept through the whole thing. So we thought we'd post this am just to make sure our family knows we're just fine. I can now post some pics too.

We called home to let Aunt Dawn and kids know about the earthquake, and then I remembered something: Maddie and I were watching a movie right before we traveled(some Disney thing) where the girl's Dad dies in an earthquake. Maddie kept on talking about it, how people die in earthquakes, and that's why they need wills, etc. For those of you who know Maddie, this isn't surprising. She talks about death matter of factly and often. Before people start thinking we're a dark family, we're not. . . we lost a few pets very close tgether, and Madeline saw our dog get hit by a car. You kind of have to explain things after that.

I had a little panic attack last night about our flight not being listed on our receipt, but after calling our travel agent, I am back to calm, cool, and collected. Bring on the Embassy!

Stuff I forgot for my family

I won't be able to post tomorrow. We'll be all day at the embassy and then flying to Kolkata. I'm nervous about the embassy. I've reviewed all of the paperwork with Tami, Dan, Mom, and by myself at least 10 times, but I'm still afraid something will be missing. Up to this point I have been completely calm, relaxed, and worry-free (Jaime, I know you'll never believe that, but it's true). Now I'm just nervous. We're cutting it really close with the flight too, and all of you know how I am about being late. So I've apologized in advance to Mom and Dan, and told them I'll be a wreck until we get on the plane.

Maddie and Myles - today we saw monkeys running all around on the President's lawn! We also saw a green parrot peeking out at us at the tomb. I didn't get a picture of the monkeys, but I did get a picture of the parrot for you.

Aunt Ang, I thought of you today. You would have been a wreck. There are so many stray dogs, and one in particular struck me. Obviously a momma and wanting attention. It was so hard to not pat her.

Aunt Dawn, somewhere in my house there is a book "How to Potty Train in Three Days" - there's still time :)

Love you all,
Kristy

More of New Delhi

First of all, you're going to have to wait for pictures. We're having a bit of trouble with the connection here, but I'll get 'em up as soon as I can. I knew you guys would be waking up soon and wanted to get you something to read at least.

So, we were wrong about the India idol thing last night. We found out today that it was a Sikh festival for the sick. This is according to our tour guide, who seemed relatively knowledgeable, if not overly friendly. He was "complimentary" with our very expensive hotel car.

I was a little disappointed. I'm a history buff and really wanted to see the red fort, especially since we didn't get to Agra. But, apparently all of "Old Delhi" was closed off today because of this Sikh festival. But, we saw what we could.

Our guide's name was Vijay. He was an older gentleman and a bit gruff. He explained things well, but was irritated with questions, and didn't answer any of them. I think he has his speel for each location and doesn't like to vary from it. We saw the president's house, Humayun's tomb, India Gate, and a Hindu temple.

The architecture is so impressive and we learned a lot about how the Turkish, Persian, and Mughals each had different styles. I took notes on it because I'm a geek :). Then I think our tour guide was sick of being our tour guide. He gave us the choice between a department store or a Hindu Temple. We chose the temple. He had the driver drop him off first.

I was very uncomfortable at the temple. I felt like we were being very invasive in a place that so many hold sacred. There were a few other tourists there, but we didn't stay long because it just didn't feel right to me. The temple was gorgeous (no photos were allowed and I wouldn't have taken any anyway for the reasons stated above).

It is amazing to see these places that have existed for thousands of years, where our country's history is so young. There is such a mission here to revere and honor, and preserve these places. We were talking about how in our country buildings aren't built to last. When they get old and dingy we just destroy them and start over.

We ventured out :)

Today we ventured out into the markets a bit. None of us are big shoppers, and I am really bad at bargaining, but we wanted a few things for the kids, and to remember India by (not that Max isn't enough) :)

Couldn't pass up the reminder of Max (Rup)

I didn't get any very good pictures from the street which I'm disappointed about. The colors of fabric, and wall hangings, and the people are gorgeous. Dan found a musical instrument shop and had a wonderful time talking with the gentleman who runs it. He bought 3 instruments and was so excited about them. The owner joked that he could put on a concert. Mom and I each bought a salwar kameez - she got hers for less than half of what I paid for mine - again, not so good with the bargaining. We found beautiful outfits for all four kiddos, and shopped around for the best deal on those. We spent a bit of time in this shop and wished that the gentleman could have been our personal tour guide. He did ot pressure us, was so helpful, friendly, and just wonderful in general. He was also very handsome ;) I cannot wait to see this kids in these gorgeous outfits. The material and colors are just beautiful.


Next we went to the Ghandi memorial. What a peaceful, place. We took a lot of time reading about the history of India's Independence movement, and just soaking up the atmosphere of serenity.

I would love to hand cards with this quote out at work.

We came back to the hotel and had a fine Indian meal at the hotel restaurant, and came up to go to bed early. Before we fell asleep there was a parade outside the hotel. There were lots of drums, a horsedrawn carriage, and lights all over the place. We think it is in relation to a wedding taking place in the hotel. I was asleep by 7:30pm . . .

And awake at 10:30pm. There were fireworks that went on for literally hours. Peeking out our window we could see that the president's house was all lit up with white lights and the fireworks were right over the building. After a bit of research we figured out that it was for the finale of India's equivalent of "American Idol." What a celebration. I can still hear people and the fireworks just stopped about 15 minutes ago.


For Dad - Mom is snoring so loud right now that I can't get back to sleep! :) She's gonna kill me for posting that. Also, I wish this last picture had come out better. It is this huge elaborate set up/playground with burrows, and tunnels, and such filled with rabbits. We thought it might give you some ideas for your own fluffy bunnies ;)

New Delhi Day 1

We made it! We are safely in our hotel room in New Delhi. We haven't ventured out yet. We got up just in time to catch the tail end of breakfast, and we'll do some shopping later, but we just need to recover for a bit first.

Travel, the flights in particular, was my biggest fear about this whole process. I was so anxious about it that I requested an anxiety medication from my doctor for the flight. . . and then I forgot it. It is THE only thing that we forgot (I think). I didn't need it at all.

We got to the Boston airport nice and early and it was deserted! One bonus of flying on Thanksgiving, I guess. We breezed through and relaxed while waiting for the flight which was completely smooth and uneventful.

We had a 3 hour layover in Amsterdam which was much more crowded than Boston. By the time we got on the flight we were so tired that my Mom and I slept through takeoff. We landed in New Delhi, and everything was exactly as Adrienne described, so we had no problem whatsoever. We got through immigration, got or luggage, and got a prepaid Taxi. That's where the adventure began.

We left the airport at 1:19am - I looked at the clock. We thought it was a short little drive to the hotel. There was a bunch of traffic (I'm sure this is typical) so we didn't worry at first. Then our driver pulled up to this little alley way with bricks laying all over the place and told us all to come with him to "tourism" (he didn't speak english well). We were quite nervous about htis, so MOm and I went while Dan stayed with the luggage. This guy asked us where we were staying, asked to see our reservation, and asked why we were in India. We didn't tell him about the adoption, just that we were tourists. He gave the driver directions, and we thought we were all set.

After 20 more minutes the driver pulled up to a YWCA and asked someone else for directions. HE kept on saying, "all set, all set." He still wasn't. He pulled up to this area with all these people around tents and fires and asked THEM for directions! We were irritated, and a little nervous. He finally found the place at 3:30am! Then he refused to take a tip in rupees, demanding dollars. I said I didn't have any but please take the rupees, and he demanded dollars again, and then stormed away. This was the only point in the whole trip over here that I was remotely frustrated. I was offering a tip at all to be polite - had we been home I wouldn't have offered anything for that ride.

So, the hotel is lovely, people are polite. Breakfast was good. That's it for now, we'll post more tonight after we actually venture out.

OH - for Maddie and Myles - we saw some birds here that looked just like scarlet macaws! We miss you so much already!

Cute and in other news

Just wanted to put these somewhere, and I'm not a journal person per se.

We sing to our kids at night, so last night I asked Madeline which songs she wanted, and reminded her that we wouldn't be able to sing for a few days. Her response, "Mom, when you sing in India I'll hear it in my heart."

Then, she was not settling down very well. I told her she needed to go to sleep, and she said that she couldn't because when she tried she kept thinking of Max.

Once again, my sweet children.

I also think it is safe now to announce on here that my sister is pregnant! So by next summer, my parents will have 5 granchildren ages 5 and under! Love you, Meg, Derek, and Auri.

How's that for fast?

So this is it. Our trip. I cannot believe we pulled it together as quickly as we did. This, of course, is in large part to our amazing travel agent/friend, Adrienne. She spent the vast majority of her day arranging all of this, plus our hotels. Because of the timing (Thanksgiving), we aren't staying where we thought we would, but we aren't picky and are very glad to be going on such short notice.

I am amazingly calm thus far (subject to change at any moment). I'm just worried about leaving Madeline and Myles. They'll be fine and will have a blast being spoiled. Because of the holiday, Dan's Mom will get to have them for a couple of days, along with our neice and nephew Olivia and Peter. We are sad that we will miss them this Thanksgiving. Then my kids will be spoiled by my Aunt Dawn. Also, MooMoo and Aunt Ang plan on spending a day with them to continue with the spoiling. :)

And, Goal attained, we'll be home the day before Max's birthday. Thank you, Tami, for working with us and being flexible enough to make it happen.



Northwest Airlines – Flight NW 0038
Depart: Boston 715P 22 NOV 07
Arrive: Amsterdam 810A 23 NOV 07

Northwest Airlines – Flight NW 8423 Operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Depart: Amsterdam 1105A
Arrive: New Delhi 1130P
____________________________________________________________________________________
Jet Airways - Flight 914
Depart: New Delhi 840P 26 NOV 07
Arrive: Kolkata 1050P

Jet Airways - Flight 913
Depart: Kolkata 525P 29 NOV 07
Arrive: New Delhi 740P
____________________________________________________________________________________
Northwest Airlines – Flight NW 8366 Operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Depart: New Delhi 130A 30 NOV 07
Arrive: Amsterdam 545A

Northwest Airlines – Flight NW 0059
Depart: Amsterdam 825A
Arrive: Boston 10:25A

PASSPORT

This picture was taken by our amazing travel agent, also a Dillon mom. She is a lady that we'll be talking a lot to in the next couple of days since MAX'S PASSPORT IS DONE! We can now travel, so our goal is to leave on the next flight Adrienne can realistically book for us. It looks like we may be able to get him for his birthday - once again, our goal all along.

I don't even know what else to say, but I'm brimming over with excitement! We'll update soon with travel plans!!

Strikes

I am for the writer's strike even though it is temporarily shutting down lots of broadway shows.

I am against whatever strike prevented my son's passport from being issued last week.

So, no party at our house December 1st :(

The Pigs

We got the pigs. They are cute, but do not like to be held, and boy do they squeal! Maddie named them Eric and Ariel.

Myles came into work with me the other day and a lady asked him if he was excited for Santa to come to his house. He was quite offended and told her, "No, I just want my Max home." He's the sweetest little guy.

Halloween Fun!

We actually had some trick or treaters this year! This is rare on our road, so it was fun to see some folks before we took off on our own adventure. We do the same stops every year: Nana's, Aunt Sally's, Aunt Jeannie's, and Aunt Nancy/Carrie's. This year we added a stop at the suggestion of Aunt Sally. Madeline and Myles were made to feel right at home at Aunt Dot and Uncle Bert's even though they had never been there. They were so happy that we stopped by that we'll probably visit more often.

Myles wanted everyone to know that he was the "good" spiderman. Madeline was just happy with the bow part of her costume.

As for Max . . . still waiting for a passport :(