tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65611209501360432482024-02-06T20:47:41.445-08:00Bledsoe AdventuresMichelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-88434908683466511822012-11-13T09:21:00.000-08:002012-11-13T09:21:37.557-08:00Urgent! Voice your support for the Adoption Tax Credit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is a shameless plug for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit (ATC). The credit which helps families offset the high cost of adoption has bills pending in both the house and senate. The credit is set to expire at the end of this year if it is not renewed. <br />
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When we began our adoption of Eliza, we were aware of the ATC but it was not a refundable credit then, and since we are a lower-middle income family and had very little tax burden, the ATC would not have helped us much if at all. Part way through our adoption process of Eliza, the ATC was made refundable (but only for 2010-2011), so we were able to take advantage of it. We thought we would use the ATC money to pay off the loans for Eliza's adoption, but God had other plans for that money.<br />
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Shortly after we finalized Eliza's adoption, God opened our hearts to Faith. He showed us this precious older child with cerebral palsy, and our hearts fell in love with her. If we had not received the ATC from Eliza's adoption, we would not have been able to pursue the adoption of Faith. We used the ATC from our adoption of Eliza to bring our lovely Faith home to her forever family.<br />
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Here's the bad news, as it stands now, the ATC is no longer refundable, and we will not benefit from it for our adoption of Faith. This leaves us with a large amount of debt that will take us quite some time to pay off. Don't get me wrong, our daughters are priceless treasures to us. We cannot put a price tag on having them home with us. But having said that, I believe it is very likely that we would not have even considered pursuing Faith's adoption if the ATC was not available to help us. <br />
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Since the adoption process can be quite lengthy, usually taking years, and the ATC was only refundable for 2 years, there are many families like ours that started the adoption process hoping to take advantage of the refundable ATC, but it has expired before they could finalize their adoption. This leaves many adoptive families with a lot of financial burden. Furthermore, making the ATC permanent and refundable would very likely encourage many families to expand their families through adoption, who would otherwise find it financially impossible. Contrary to popular belief, by in large adoptive parents are not typically wealthy, most are middle-class working families like ours who simply have the desire to give a child in need a loving home.<br />
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We believe that every child deserves a permanent loving family, and that many children wait because of the expense of the adoption process. We urge you to contact your senators and representative and ask them to support the bills to make the ATC permanent and refundable. In doing so, you will likely be helping many many children find their way from an orphanage or foster home into a permanent home where they can be loved and nurtured unconditionally.<br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.adoptiontaxcredit.org/">www.adoptiontaxcredit.org</a> to find out more information about how you can voice your support for these tax bills.<br />
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Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-34092739820583036872012-09-20T16:39:00.000-07:002012-09-20T16:39:26.559-07:00Super Kid Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Several months ago, Brittany's Hope Foundation sent us an email asking if we could provide some updated photos and answer a few questions about how Faith was blending into our family. For those who don't know, Brittany's Hope is an organization that gives grants to families to help them adopt special needs children. In our case, we were blessed to receive a generous $5000 grant toward our adoption expenses. We would not have Faith right now if not for their compassion toward special needs children. <br />
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Today in the mail, we received a newsletter from Brittany's Hope. I was shocked to open it up and see a full page spread with the title <u>Super Kid Faith</u> and a photo of our child. I had no idea, but how cool! Faith was standing in front of me when I opened it. I said to her, Faith, I think you might know the girl in this magazine!" She thought it was one of her friends from India, and quickly turned to see the page. Then her eye's got even bigger than they naturally are, she grabbed the magazine out of my hand, and rad screaming to her dad, "It's me, I'm in the book!" I had to get her to calm down a little to keep her from accidentally ripping the magazine, which we intend to save with her other treasured items.<br />
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Of course you want to see it for yourself, so here is the <a href="http://www.brittanyshope.org/info/newsletters/pdfs/bh_aug12_web.pdf" target="_blank">online version of the newsletter</a>. <br />
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Also, if you are wanting to donate to Brittany's Hope, or learn more about them (they are an amazing organization). Their website is <a href="http://www.brittanyshope.org/" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br />
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Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-85317025876737930662012-05-01T21:08:00.000-07:002012-05-01T21:08:37.096-07:00Easter, Birthday, Finalization....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You probably guessed from the title of this post that we have been a little busy this month. It's been crazy, but crazy with lots of good things. Summer is just around the corner, and I have to say I am ready to welcome a more leisurely pace of life.<br />
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This year Faith's 7th Birthday just so happened to be on Easter Sunday. She had a fabulous first Easter/Birthday which included both sets of grandparents. With all the candy and birthday cake, all the kids were a little hyperactive, but it was fun. <br />
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A week later, Faith had her first Birthday Party with most of the girls from her class attending. She wanted a Bollywood theme, and it was very fun. The girls made Bollywood style anklets with bells on them. We had an elephant pinata as well as lots of fun music and of course cake and presents. She really likes to share all things India with her friends. <br />
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On Friday, April 27th, we went to court for the finalization of Faith's adoption. She is now legally our daughter and a United States Citizen. Yay!!! The entire family went with us to the courthouse to celebrate our forever family (including 2 sets of grandparents, an aunt, an uncle and a baby cousin plus our crew of 8). <br />
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We decided not to have a big open house party like when we finalized Eliza's adoption. We felt like Faith, being older, would much rather go have some fun with the family than have a party at home. We all went out for Indian food afterward and we spent the next day at a local indoor water park. Faith is in LOVE with the water. Even though she is not able to swim yet, she is totally not afraid to get wet, splash, slide, stick her face in the water...etc. She just laughed and squealed and smiled the entire day. We all had a really fun relaxed weekend just enjoying our time together. It was great!<br />
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<br /></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-91252432758160110822012-03-25T18:07:00.000-07:002012-03-25T18:07:49.604-07:00Yes, we are alive.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I know, I know it has been an eternity since my last post. Not to worry, we are all alive and well. Life with six kids is proving to be a bit more hectic than I imagined. I know, you're thinking, "Did you think it wouldn't be crazy with 6 kids?", but actually I kind of did. At least not so much crazier than it was with 5 kids. To be honest, Faith (who is chosing to be called Vishakha today - she switches back and forth), has a lot more needs than we anticipated. None of them are particularly serious, but all of them together can be a bit overwhelming at times. I'm starting to get used to our new pace of life, but it has been an adjustment. <br />
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The kids are anxiously anticipating summer at this point. This spring weather seems to be about a month ahead of normal. It's been great for the kids to be able to play outside, but they are already wanting to be done with school with 2 more months to go. <br />
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Faith has made so much progress with her language development. It is truely amazing how fast she has learned so much. She has been going to Kindergarten full time for the past several months, and she's adjusted great. She's learning quickly, but we decided it would be best for her to repeat Kindergarten next year. We could not be more pleased with her physical development. She is now actively using her right hand and her gait is near normal with her orthotics on. We are now noticing that she has some sensory processing issues, so now we are learning to help her with that.<br />
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I promise to post again soon, and I'll be sure to add some photos next time.</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-36008662804749925632011-12-15T09:11:00.000-08:002011-12-15T10:42:02.271-08:00The Wonder of the Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Christmas has pretty much always been my favorite time of the year. But this year is especially great. Faith is so full of wonder and excitement about Christmas, or "Christmas tree" as she calls it. (Christmas is always followed by the word tree)<br />
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Growing up in India, she was aware of Christmas. They even had Santa come and give gifts to the children at the orphanage. However, as I'm sure you can imagine, she has never experienced anything like Christmas in America. All the lights, the decorations, the music, the decadence of the whole holiday season are completely new to her. She is so wide-eyed and full of anticipation. I'm sure the pile of gifts for her under the tree don't hurt that any. <br />
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Most of all, I love that we get to share the real meaning and joy of Christmas with her for the first time. We get to share with her that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus birth, the day God sent his only son into this world as a tiny baby to save us all from ourselves. The reason we all celebrate and give gifts to our loved ones this time of the year is because we remember that on the very first Christmas, God gave us the most precious gift of all. Not because we were on His list of good boys and girls, but because He loves us even though we often choose naughty over nice.<br />
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Does Faith understand all of this? Not really. She's very captured by Santa Claus, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and candy, candy, candy. But she is listening and taking it all in. She does understand that we're celebrating Jesus Birthday. I hope that someday she will come to understand the true meaning of Christmas, and celebrate out of joy for the birth of our savior. <br />
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I often think about the children of North Korea, since my own daughter was born less than an hour from the border. I sometimes wonder what her life would have been like had she been born there instead of in Seoul. Would she even have survived her first 24 hours? <br />
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There is hope for some orphan children who have fled N. Korea. They are currently living as refugees in other nations. Although they are free, they struggle to survive, and they live in fear of being sent back. There is a bill in congress that would make it possible for these children to be adopted by American citizens. Please watch the following video and take action if you feel moved to do so, and pass it on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/O-dO1u6H5Ik?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-91647520258174300982011-11-04T19:57:00.000-07:002011-11-04T19:57:38.778-07:00First Week of School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Faith started Kindergarten this Tuesday, Nov 1st. We had originally planned to start her after Christmas break, but she's been begging to go to school since 2 weeks after she came home. I finally caved in and took her last week for a Kindergarten screening, and she did really well. So well that we decided to start her in school right away. Although the district has full day kindergarten classes, Faith is allowed to only attend half days to start until we're comfortable with full days. This will still allow us with plenty of time in the afternoons to bond while giving her the opportunity to go to school and make some new friends. <br />
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The first day, I took Faith in early to meet her teacher before the other kids started filing in. She did really well until it was time for me to go, then she got nervous and started to cry a bit. Another teacher escorted me out, and I'm told Faith was just fine after a few minutes. Eliza and I had lunch with her at the school before we went home that day, and she was all smiles. She was pointing out all her new friends at the lunch table. "This my friend, and this my friend, and this my friend..." Then one little girl sitting near us piped up "I'm your friend too. Remember I helped you.". It was so sweet. I'm so happy she's making friends, and all the other kids seem to be very eager to help her fit in.<br />
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The next day, I took her to school at the regular time, and she lined up with her classmates who were waiting to go to class. She just gave me a hug and said "Bye, Mom", then turned to talk to one of her new friends. No tears, just smiles.<br />
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Yesterday, I just dropped her and her brother off at the carpool lane. They both hopped out, and I barely got a wave before she was off and running toward the school. Sigh. This is definitely harder on me than it is her.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Today there was no school, and she was kinda disappointed. She's doing so much better than I could have imagined. I'm so glad she had a great first week, and I hope she continues to love her teacher and her new friends. </div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-70247909717558733142011-10-20T18:38:00.000-07:002011-10-20T18:38:39.296-07:00I love you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Seven weeks, One day...the amount of time between meeting Faith and getting to hear those three little words from her for the first time. Today we were just sitting at home, when she crawled up in my lap and whispered "I love you" to me. I was totally caught by surprise, and I actually asked her "did you just say 'I love you?'". To which she replied "yes!", and gave me a huge hug. Yay! I love you too, precious daughter.</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-61756405748373292692011-10-14T12:54:00.000-07:002011-10-14T12:54:21.765-07:00Indian Princesses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My 2 gorgeous girls in the beautiful dresses we got for them in India. I love playing dress up. <br />
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</div>Miss Faith really likes to strike a pose<br />
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Look! Look! They're holding hands!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cmuCosDC2khfWFhmuPO2uI9K5fh_WfsKlFpFXCCdhrrwBBSQDgFEmKANLz-9ZS8TNXpBFPGgVKCEzRqozlT3r6v4Gpjkacz6lX970KW1eIPYV2qG8jTF5NHwitMJjgHN4YJfI8__7AdP/s1600/DSCF6643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cmuCosDC2khfWFhmuPO2uI9K5fh_WfsKlFpFXCCdhrrwBBSQDgFEmKANLz-9ZS8TNXpBFPGgVKCEzRqozlT3r6v4Gpjkacz6lX970KW1eIPYV2qG8jTF5NHwitMJjgHN4YJfI8__7AdP/s320/DSCF6643.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-43554337977612173192011-10-05T12:04:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:04:54.952-07:00Sisters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">At last the girls are getting along. They are playing together. They are sharing toys and me (sometimes). I think they're even starting to like each other. The other night when I was putting Eliza to bed, she actually whispered to me, "Mommy, I love my sister." Good thing it was dark, so she couldn't see my tears of joy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdftBhCoGP4id73MVFRv7DH6WQYgrvrlykWNjyZ-2Q0ysfYCi43YzDLbBV2Umle9kO7N8t5R_b1KSU7E95wPMmCqZPANDL0wFED7H8lMVVbqd2w_FT8JuAq_E4rz6Ah4bG1boSPEyz18k7/s1600/sisters3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdftBhCoGP4id73MVFRv7DH6WQYgrvrlykWNjyZ-2Q0ysfYCi43YzDLbBV2Umle9kO7N8t5R_b1KSU7E95wPMmCqZPANDL0wFED7H8lMVVbqd2w_FT8JuAq_E4rz6Ah4bG1boSPEyz18k7/s320/sisters3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-66207616942991725592011-09-27T18:29:00.000-07:002011-09-27T18:29:35.468-07:00Adjusting at home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Faith is continuing to adjust well to her new family. She is such a sweet, happy child. She's very outgoing, very opinionated,very affectionate, and very vocal (but you gotta be loud to be heard in my house). Sure she has some moments of frustration or sadness, but they are fewer and fewer every day. <br />
Faith and Eliza are still having some sibling rivalry issues, but I'd say they are now at an almost normal sibling level. No more clawing at each other for Mommy's attention. They are even playing together and sharing (sometimes). I think they fight over toys more now than they do me, so that is a huge improvement. <br />
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I have been able to get away a few times to go to the store or to work for a few hours, which has been really great for my sanity. I think is has been good for Faith too, as she seems to be starting to understand that we always come home. <br />
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We also celebrated Eliza's 3rd Birthday in the past few weeks. I can't believe my baby girl is 3 already. She loves playing dress up rather it is princess dresses or a knight with a sword. Her favorite movie is Tangled. She prefers Diego over Dora. She thinks the Power Rangers are awesome (me, not so much- thanks brothers). Oh, and she is a climbing machine. I may have to get this girl in a gymnastics class.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHgNBNqF2EDghFl2FzUPrW_MblkMH2UoC-Ma1LhGtRjUb-MgBV2c77RgfN5VKq6VBu-aiTqFyGXK58eYDefPOLOu26Lfd57PRNN0JqkuebBNjyw1Ogd97YyFJsSyjNmY8xSPGuxhVVW6Z/s1600/comp+eliza+dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHgNBNqF2EDghFl2FzUPrW_MblkMH2UoC-Ma1LhGtRjUb-MgBV2c77RgfN5VKq6VBu-aiTqFyGXK58eYDefPOLOu26Lfd57PRNN0JqkuebBNjyw1Ogd97YyFJsSyjNmY8xSPGuxhVVW6Z/s320/comp+eliza+dresses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Eliza getting a collection of princess dresses for her 3rd birthday. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBL8SKkmdYcjyxsUdeTs1jFUvpsuVucwC14VX4zm1qU4twYDWylK1Rq2t3e1mA6Tn3e_CfI23lnu5nH75kSG9d70OgKtakHJYulfwiaut7Aq8eurVMT4VeGKr5tGzAtop3j0aX-8O7wh8/s1600/comp+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBL8SKkmdYcjyxsUdeTs1jFUvpsuVucwC14VX4zm1qU4twYDWylK1Rq2t3e1mA6Tn3e_CfI23lnu5nH75kSG9d70OgKtakHJYulfwiaut7Aq8eurVMT4VeGKr5tGzAtop3j0aX-8O7wh8/s320/comp+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Faith, Ian, Eliza, and Isaac<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_8-xOIjVZLhn8pxkszkL56yNdAVyclF3csEqWcA_RP1UpVBljcinSukc_IV1bAMPqxgJFWRPIEAyIAP263O4DIlcXmpRSXCKBcD8Ud9r2IBlpYsl19VDqkPySkbUG88OvEb7WJyFr-ZR/s1600/faith+princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_8-xOIjVZLhn8pxkszkL56yNdAVyclF3csEqWcA_RP1UpVBljcinSukc_IV1bAMPqxgJFWRPIEAyIAP263O4DIlcXmpRSXCKBcD8Ud9r2IBlpYsl19VDqkPySkbUG88OvEb7WJyFr-ZR/s320/faith+princess.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Faith playing princess with Eliza (who refused to be photgraphed in her princess dress)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJC4xNdSgJ383SZScL7WN6l-jwT5T12VLmqqqBpKLDNpaesSl9U2fuNjmGgvceDvHCSehPGEdUqCr7cgIHB_o4unV46E_yKTZXYNAvR_rsJtgb5FsMxLr8vV0suzMYIaiE3Y-SHymizua/s1600/comp+mom+n+dad+by+faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJC4xNdSgJ383SZScL7WN6l-jwT5T12VLmqqqBpKLDNpaesSl9U2fuNjmGgvceDvHCSehPGEdUqCr7cgIHB_o4unV46E_yKTZXYNAvR_rsJtgb5FsMxLr8vV0suzMYIaiE3Y-SHymizua/s320/comp+mom+n+dad+by+faith.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mommy and Daddy and Eliza (photo taken by Faith - she's really proud of this one)<br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-25170618948899639302011-09-16T13:27:00.000-07:002011-09-16T13:31:34.721-07:00One Week Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We have been home for 7 days now,and things are going pretty well. Jet lag is hitting us hard, as our sweet daughter is waking at 3am every morning ready for breakfast. The house is a mess, laundry is way behind, and we're tired, but we are surviving this transition. <br />
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We have officially decided to name our newest princess Faith Vishakha Bledsoe. We've been calling her by both names since we've been home, and she is now responding to both names.<br />
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Today we had our first doctor visit, and it went well. She only had to get one shot, so that was better than expected. We did have to go to the lab for a few tests, but nothing terrible. Next we go to the children's physical therapy specialist to determine what kinds of therapies and orthotics she needs.<br />
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Faith has taken to our home, the boys, and the extended family very well. Eliza is another story. Both girls have decided they want to be mommy's one and only princess. We spent a good part of our first few days with the girls sitting on my lap clawing at each other and screaming "My Mommy!". We are making progress, but slowly. I don't think they are going to be besties any time soon, but maybe someday. They are at least tolerating each other for the most part the past two days.<br />
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Faith has been good to try new foods, but hasn't liked much of what she's tried. She does like peanut butter, pancakes, fish sticks and whole grain bread with butter. She would eat a whole bunch of bananas in one sitting if we let her. She has quite the sweet tooth, and asks for ice cream and chocolate frequently. I have attempted to make some of the recipes that she ate at BSSK, but she has not been at all interested in eating them so far. <br />
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She loves the TV, like most kids, and we have admittedly been letting the cartoons babysit more than usual in our exhausted state. She really enjoys Dora the Explorer and the Power Rangers. Seems like a strange combination to me, but that's what she likes.<br />
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Here is Faith playing with her new brothers. What a happy bunch. Sorry no photos of her and Eliza screaming at each other. I think those are memories I'd rather not save. Hopefully happy sister pics will follow soon.<br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-40495782363120361072011-09-08T03:55:00.000-07:002011-09-08T03:55:34.143-07:00India Day 10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today was our last day in India. In a few hours we will be headed for the airport for our long journey home. While we have enjoyed our time in India, we are very eager to be home and see the rest of our family. <br />
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There are a few things I will miss about India, and a few things I will not miss. I will miss the delicious food, mango ice cream, being able to travel across town for a dollar, the very kind people and the beautifully intricate architecture. I will not be missing the unsafe drinking water, the sometimes frightening bathrooms (using a squat toilet on a moving train is not so much fun), and haggling over the price of everything.<br />
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The children of BSSK have a special place in my heart. I will carry their smiles and laughter with me always. I am so grateful that Vishakha was able to live in such a loving environment while she waited for a family.<br />
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Here are a few more photos from our time in Agra, and some from today. USA here we come.<br />
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Taj Mahal from Agra Fort<br />
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At Agra Fort<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WjeqdYHSPR9L8s5SiXm7mw88LRaOHJ_ESJkjkigcuxBMRJlJ-MXDMVMZi8ovrbjpkv64D96LbKSm6VpTo91BWjj-XIIBe6zB03MawO1rMeXZwQqt-ShbpyqLixSWRhKfj4CPTsb6QATn/s1600/family+at+fatepur+Sikri.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WjeqdYHSPR9L8s5SiXm7mw88LRaOHJ_ESJkjkigcuxBMRJlJ-MXDMVMZi8ovrbjpkv64D96LbKSm6VpTo91BWjj-XIIBe6zB03MawO1rMeXZwQqt-ShbpyqLixSWRhKfj4CPTsb6QATn/s320/family+at+fatepur+Sikri.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
At Fatepur Sikri<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFOn3XKLhbS5vC982r1iXFdzDsNeOjzHWU46racINvgtpeTZ9WMSGHpLZUw8I9fGIK6U7eUQnNVGsQI2USh9CHLGdFejwEh9Izt-RKeg25ZxV8eXoY5-JNj2M8e-P3ckN-AmKuASHVr3Z/s1600/Vishakha+columns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFOn3XKLhbS5vC982r1iXFdzDsNeOjzHWU46racINvgtpeTZ9WMSGHpLZUw8I9fGIK6U7eUQnNVGsQI2USh9CHLGdFejwEh9Izt-RKeg25ZxV8eXoY5-JNj2M8e-P3ckN-AmKuASHVr3Z/s320/Vishakha+columns.JPG" width="222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> At India Gate<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYhF30dt5oNahUL7hxXI394G906YO3G7rsAdrXtC5XJbAe1SbbJ3loIyIlWto_anu9PEWrDQL4va6olEcsOFIhF3s536FikgpvbmGP82WhXHuD99b9sMw3e9PK8NvbfrmQSO2Nb_cX2P9/s1600/Vishakha+%2526+mom+at+India+Gate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYhF30dt5oNahUL7hxXI394G906YO3G7rsAdrXtC5XJbAe1SbbJ3loIyIlWto_anu9PEWrDQL4va6olEcsOFIhF3s536FikgpvbmGP82WhXHuD99b9sMw3e9PK8NvbfrmQSO2Nb_cX2P9/s320/Vishakha+%2526+mom+at+India+Gate.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBuMeziLIYTjSHMmQ1kroNB1zMvJFhcPTcq-TlkX8TQg5hF2rOJ7P2GdRhTKkpRCtnkp-mn67PfiFu2S7Zxr39rAJJmlRWR1vbNhD072gfJf4daU_3aInvJeRVmL-c4ufhdxbHAMgYXb7/s1600/vishakha+%2526+dad+at+India+Gate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBuMeziLIYTjSHMmQ1kroNB1zMvJFhcPTcq-TlkX8TQg5hF2rOJ7P2GdRhTKkpRCtnkp-mn67PfiFu2S7Zxr39rAJJmlRWR1vbNhD072gfJf4daU_3aInvJeRVmL-c4ufhdxbHAMgYXb7/s320/vishakha+%2526+dad+at+India+Gate.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-19694170047456482882011-09-07T09:46:00.000-07:002011-09-07T09:46:18.992-07:00India Day 9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Visa in hand! Today we went back to the doctor to have Vishakha's TB test read, and get her medical report. We had to have the medical report to get her US visa. Then we went to the US Embassy for her visa interview. It all went very smoothly. We were there for less than an hour, then we were able to come back a few hours later and pick up her visa. That was the last thing we needed to do. What a relief it is to have everything in order. <br />
<br />
Our sweet daughter is doing better and better every day. I can't wait for everyone to meat her. I think you'll all fall in love as we have. She is such a spunky, happy little girl. She really loves her sweets. There is one thing she keeps asking for, and we had the hardest time trying to understand what it was. Finally we figured out she was saying cadburry...as in chocolate. She asks for chocolate about 20 times a day, also gum, candy,<br />
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Sorry nothing exciting to photograph today. I am hoping to be able to post tomorrow before we catch our long flight home<br />
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We miss you all very much. Can't wait to see you in a few days.</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-67710288971307142132011-09-06T11:56:00.000-07:002011-09-06T11:56:50.609-07:00India Day 7 & 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Monday was our Medical appt. for Vishakha's visa. It went well. Then we did hours of shopping at Cottage Industries. <br />
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Today we took the train to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatepur Sikri. It was an amazing but very long day beginning at 5am and ending around midnight. I'll post more later, since I'm exhausted. For now, here are a few pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QPOawrICBuAXefnIHEjSP1NmDFrYtSfKECO2zAIq_M_-KWjLOZj_HYLdDZkbYw5W18exKeZw3DNZfLT05QBOU8NaTK_l1V5YapgEnOfW1xM6H6u3YcS9yf5Pse0-pkt8S-wbPVkHNCZ7/s1600/family+taj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QPOawrICBuAXefnIHEjSP1NmDFrYtSfKECO2zAIq_M_-KWjLOZj_HYLdDZkbYw5W18exKeZw3DNZfLT05QBOU8NaTK_l1V5YapgEnOfW1xM6H6u3YcS9yf5Pse0-pkt8S-wbPVkHNCZ7/s400/family+taj.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zcroLD-GveNrCDDjzDb_HqJ8e6GnzF_Yijv758I2-EY-bwQgQW6DbuLz4v6Ui6lD-r82Y7FelvUeSufUvuia_VMpzEdH83MG2i08JEEPWnzFELJNkZ9o3g_6U3BaIG0d0nj7h0pJcVg3/s1600/phillip+taj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zcroLD-GveNrCDDjzDb_HqJ8e6GnzF_Yijv758I2-EY-bwQgQW6DbuLz4v6Ui6lD-r82Y7FelvUeSufUvuia_VMpzEdH83MG2i08JEEPWnzFELJNkZ9o3g_6U3BaIG0d0nj7h0pJcVg3/s400/phillip+taj.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-5988846387376961202011-09-04T16:49:00.000-07:002011-09-04T16:49:26.342-07:00India Day 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104">Today was a very busy and hectic day. We began the day trying to prove to the hotel staff that we had already prepaid for our room through a travel website. They presented us with a bill for a HUGE amount of money. It had someone else's name on it, but they kept insisting that it was our room number, so the name must be an error. Then Ken realized that the date on the invoice was for a stay in 2009. Anyway, after about 45 minutes of disputing the bill, we finally arrived at an agreeable amount. All the time our cab for the airport was waiting outside the building. What a fun start to the day.</div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104">Next on to the airport where our flight to Delhi was delayed an hour. Thankfully the airplane ride went fine. Vishakha wasn't too excited about keeping her seat belt on, but she didn't fuss about it too much. She was really excited to see all the airplanes at the airport, and did very well. </div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104">When we arrived in Delhi, we had a driver waiting for us to take us to our bed and breakfast. It is a very nice place. Vishakha was a bit upset, probably about being in yet another unfamiliar place. I can't imagine how her little 6 yr old mind is making sense of all this. It's a little overwhelming for me to take it all in. </div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104">The language barrier is a frustration for her and for us. I am at least able to communicate with Ken and Phillip. She can communicate some, and her English is way better than our Marathi, but she still gets frustrated. It is amazing how quickly she is picking things up already, but we have a long way to go.</div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104">Vishakha's first airplane ride</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmdRDUjGUO0H2aKHMFOUhdjOfsBJNnNoUbd8QY_0SyO17o1AZpzLqj3ndwYa9JFTQ5AMvwadnnIRyHsSd_FHzcc5wx1bBkA0CkpHJYzzVOAS0JWEYCYm9zsx5S5wuQxnNRmQYc8RJJqQl/s1600/Airplane+ride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmdRDUjGUO0H2aKHMFOUhdjOfsBJNnNoUbd8QY_0SyO17o1AZpzLqj3ndwYa9JFTQ5AMvwadnnIRyHsSd_FHzcc5wx1bBkA0CkpHJYzzVOAS0JWEYCYm9zsx5S5wuQxnNRmQYc8RJJqQl/s320/Airplane+ride.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div> Khankhanna's Tomb (just across the street from our B&B)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvAaCoVI5CIDkpw8G9RsbzHUeb5YvTm2Pfjbl3MjgIVKIotylWg0YYy5M9E5T-w4WkpycSxtVXrO7F71NNE9RM8CxppzWx1HoQUfaWwP0VTi0UYUFR38PpwHAu-ry0a1CNorVyTsmieCI/s1600/Khankhanna%2527s+Tomb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvAaCoVI5CIDkpw8G9RsbzHUeb5YvTm2Pfjbl3MjgIVKIotylWg0YYy5M9E5T-w4WkpycSxtVXrO7F71NNE9RM8CxppzWx1HoQUfaWwP0VTi0UYUFR38PpwHAu-ry0a1CNorVyTsmieCI/s320/Khankhanna%2527s+Tomb.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_7zv45o="104"><br />
</div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-62965282329382444092011-09-03T11:43:00.000-07:002011-09-03T11:43:58.565-07:00India Day 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_3gp2zs="162">Rain. Lots and lots of rain today. We were confined to our hotel until about 7pm when it finally let up enough for us to get out and walk around a little and get some ice cream. Why do they not have mango ice cream where I live? It's a crime. Oh well, I suppose that wouldn't do anything for my diet anyway.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_3gp2zs="106">We played play-doh, colored, watched tv and there was lots and lots of tickling. I will never tire of hearing my sweet girl laugh. Not only was she being tickled, but she was also tickling all of us as well. She also has decided that I am her personal jungle gym. She loves to climb up my legs and do flips in the air while I hold her hands. After several times of this, I told her she was climbing like a little monkey, and she thought that was so funny. Then she started coming up to me with arms stretched up and saying "Monkey, Mommy!". Who needs to go to the gym with this girl around - what a workout!</div><div closure_uid_3gp2zs="106"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3gp2zs="106">We were able to catch some of the festivities tonight on our walk. One of them had a little puppet show for the kids, so that was really cool. Apparently it was hilarious, because all the kids were laughing like crazy. </div><div closure_uid_3gp2zs="106"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3gp2zs="106">Tomorrow we fly to Delhi.</div><div closure_uid_3gp2zs="106"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxqm2LY8InvkUblFwOc3H_dwr3TZyu7pUPUos5mAmPIJ_Q6veZJ5Ev4vIIjB6i1shspXula0oJoXa6z0Ulhrg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div closure_uid_3gp2zs="106"><br />
</div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-61465576707049844812011-09-02T09:42:00.000-07:002011-09-02T09:42:51.597-07:00India Day 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_5yeq1h="107">Another good day in Pune. Vishakha continues to open up to us. She is starting to talk a lot more, and trying to imitate our English. She is such a sweet, affectionate child. Today she was all about the hugs and cuddling. She even surprised us with a few kisses. This child melts my heart. Even though she is going through such a traumatic experience, she manages to be so full of joy.</div><div closure_uid_5yeq1h="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5yeq1h="107">Phillip was feeling better today, and he found us a place to play glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. Vishakha had a blast. It's a shame it was too dark for good pictures. After that, we walked to a nearby mall. </div><div closure_uid_5yeq1h="107"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> The rest of the afternoon was spent in our room, because we were just too tired for much else. We went out for dinner, and Vishakha ate her meal, which is a first. She also enjoyed a chocolate milkshake. She took one little sip, then as the taste sunk in, her eyes got wide and a big grin came across her face. I asked her if she liked it, and I got an extremely exaggerated head bob (meaning - Yes!).<br />
<div closure_uid_5yeq1h="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5yeq1h="107">We were able to skype with my mom and our kids at home tonight, and Vishakha even said "hello" to each of her siblings. She smiled so big as each of them called her name. She's been watching lots of videos of them on my computer. She laughs so hard at some of them. I can't wait to have all my children together.</div><div closure_uid_5yeq1h="107"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KBqo9jSyE0fiZmIm_8CGSmWy4FJ7hjPeR-kza_NMsQQkPPXcz-M7tqgZKSMURCK-jUZe2mos66-pXRpCQVBK69QmLlGNpSOoAWi9gOsJHNPJB_ukDjsiWWbMW3H_y8KPIZMjOrxmcqqe/s1600/India+day+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KBqo9jSyE0fiZmIm_8CGSmWy4FJ7hjPeR-kza_NMsQQkPPXcz-M7tqgZKSMURCK-jUZe2mos66-pXRpCQVBK69QmLlGNpSOoAWi9gOsJHNPJB_ukDjsiWWbMW3H_y8KPIZMjOrxmcqqe/s320/India+day+4.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ULHDIg_SkLR2zIcVttUMhhv7QaPu5CPX-qCYKpq-7FMca3vYm9n4v76TvLeCmkhWyBBXd7HgGfbDH-LP1nVnl9RfVDX0nKTjFu2Nz9gOhF1KPfHtXoWvta2sEDcDj9YC4V6ZOvxAVAj9/s1600/India+day+4+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ULHDIg_SkLR2zIcVttUMhhv7QaPu5CPX-qCYKpq-7FMca3vYm9n4v76TvLeCmkhWyBBXd7HgGfbDH-LP1nVnl9RfVDX0nKTjFu2Nz9gOhF1KPfHtXoWvta2sEDcDj9YC4V6ZOvxAVAj9/s320/India+day+4+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div closure_uid_5yeq1h="107"><br />
</div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-45453010965724069192011-09-01T11:27:00.000-07:002011-09-01T11:27:59.974-07:00India Day 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_un1h65="111">Vishakha continues to do well. She slept all night without waking, and she was in good spirits this morning. We got out and did some shopping, which was fun. Hmm...could be that she really likes it when we buy her stuff. We may need to reign this in. </div><br />
<div closure_uid_un1h65="112">She really enjoys riding in the auto rickshaws. We do have to be careful not to let her stick her hand out the window though. There should seriously be one of those amusement park ride announcements when you board an auto rickshaw. "For your safety, keep your arms, legs, head, and anything else you don't want to be clipped by another vehicle inside the rickshaw at all times."</div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112">After lunch at McDonalds, which I have to say India Micky D's beats US Micky D's hands down. It was really good. Vishakha loved the french fries, and we were glad she was eating something. So far we've only gotten her to eat plain yogurt, sweets, and french fries. I know she ate well before, so I'm sure this will pass, and she'll start eating well again soon.</div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112">I am feeling much better today, but Phillip started feeling bad this afternoon, and we ended up spending the rest of the day in our room while he slept. We hope he feels better tomorrow, poor guy. </div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112">Today was the start of the 11 day Ganesh festival, and Indians are not shy about celebrating. We were hoping to venture out to see some of the festivities, but with Phillip sick, we just watched procession from our hotel balcony. There was hours of music, drums beating, shouting, bells ringing, and dancing all to be seen or heard from our hotel room. I tried to catch some video, but it was too dark outside to pick it up. Maybe tomorrow we will get in a little closer to the action, but for tonight observing from a distance was perfect. </div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112">Vishakha LOVES the music. Somehow, I only have one bollywood song on my phone (Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire). I must remedy that. Anyway, Vishakha listened to that song over and over today, and she was singing along and bobbing her head to the beat. It was adorable. </div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112">She also really likes to color. A LOT. We already went through the 2 coloring books BSSK sent home with her. We only brought one other one with us, so coloring books was on the shopping list for today. </div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112">Sorry not too many pics today. Just a few of my son and daughter coloring together. Phillip is such a great big brother. I am so proud of him. He wants to be a teacher someday, and it really shows. </div><div closure_uid_un1h65="112"><br />
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</div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-7627271836285882432011-08-31T10:00:00.000-07:002011-08-31T10:02:01.972-07:00Gotcha Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104"><div closure_uid_9my9w8="90">Today is the day we've been waiting for. This morning we arrived to BSSK to the warmest possible welcome from Vishakha. As soon as she saw us enter the gate, she came racing towards us. With a huge smile, she wrapped her arms around my leg and said "Mommy!", then she hugged Phillip, then "Daddy!" We spent the day there observing her routine, playing with the children, and eating lunch with the staff. It was a truly amazing day.....then we left BSSK. </div></div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104">Since our hotel is only a few blocks away, and their driver was on holiday today, we decided to walk to the hotel from BSSK. Vishakha happily held our hands and walked for about 1/2 block, then I think she realized that she was not going back to the place she knew as home, and the people she knew. She just stopped in the middle of the road. Then she started sobbing uncontrollably. </div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104">This lasted all the way back to the hotel, and for several more hours, with a few small breaks to catch some air. She would not take off her backpack, and kept trying to escape, screaming the Marathi word for "no" over and over. It was heart wrenching. The hotel staff came and talked to her for a little while in Marathi, and that calmed her down, but only for a few minutes. Ken finally decided to take her for a walk, and I think that did the trick. When they came back she was much calmer, but still anxious to go out.</div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104">We decided that we'd all go out, as it was getting close to dinner time, and we needed a few things from the store. (such as a hairdryer, because of course mine broke this morning) The more we walked, the more comfortable she became. I think buying her chocolate and a Dora the Explorer watch while we were out might have helped too. She quickly picked up on that and started pointing at every toy we walked by, like she wanted us to buy it for her. Oh boy! </div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104">After shopping, we had a nice dinner, then came back to the hotel. She wasn't here 5 minutes, when she pointed toward the bedroom. I tucked her in, and sang her a song, and she was asleep in about 2 minutes. I breathe a sigh of relief as I head off to bed. It's been an exhausting day, but a good one.</div><div closure_uid_a8qeci="104"><br />
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</div></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-20543768079336107812011-08-27T19:16:00.000-07:002011-08-27T19:16:59.906-07:00Destination INDIATomorrow afternoon Ken and I along with Phillip will begin our voyage to India to finally meet our precious daughter. It has been such a long year, and there have been so many delays. I can hardly believe we will be meeting her in just a few days. It will take us over 27 hours (20 hrs of actual flight time) to get from Kansas City to Pune, India. We will be in Pune for 5 days, then we will journey to New Delhi for 4 days, and finally return home on Friday, September 9th. I am relieved, excited and nervous all at the same time. <br />
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If you're a praying person, you can pray for our safe journey, for our meeting with Vishakha Faith, for our 4 youngest children who will be staying at home with grandparents - especially Eliza, who is really gonna miss mommy (and vise-vera), for the sanity of their grandparents, and that this trip will be an excellent experience for Phillip.<br />
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Now for some last minute packing, then off to bed. My next post will be from India!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-50617942129168238812011-08-25T18:47:00.000-07:002011-08-25T18:47:50.467-07:00An orphan no moreI'm taking a break from all the travel posting to share some totally unrelated, but very awesome news with you. The little boy in Korea I posted about a few weeks ago has a family! His new family inquired about him after reading his story on this blog, and they found their son. I can hardly believe it. You mean people actually read this thing? Today they were officially matched, and they will hopefully bring him home this year. Thanks God, for prompting me to write a short blog post about him. At the time I had no idea why I was doing it (other than the fact that I love kids and want them all to have loving families), but God knew. To Him be the Glory.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-78686580744536260142011-08-22T18:51:00.000-07:002011-08-22T18:51:26.138-07:006 Days & CountingThis Sunday afternoon our adventure begins. We will board an airplane, spend a day and a half in the air and in airports, then finally arrive Tuesday morning in Pune, India. We are super busy packing, making travel arrangements, and trying to take care of all the last minute things here before we leave. Today I did a TON of laundry, sorted through luggage, sprayed our clothing with permethrin (an insect repellent treatment for clothing), booked our hotels, emailed the US embassy, emailed teachers, and made lists of all the important stuff for the grandparents who will be staying here with our 4 youngest. Am I ready yet??? Not even close, but making progress.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-18933615207788411512011-08-13T09:08:00.000-07:002011-08-15T06:47:21.365-07:00Darling little boy needs a home<a href="http://www.holtinternational.org/cgi/photolisting/display.cgi?ID=B09_227&Index_re=5"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>This sweet boy</strong></span></a> from Korea is 5 years old and needs a family to love him. He had some medical issues when he was an infant, but they have now resolved. I believe he is only waiting now because he is an older child, and most people prefer to adopt infants. Speaking from LOTS of experience, I think 5 year old boys are about the sweetest thing ever. Won't you pray with me that this precious child gets a family of his own very soon. Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561120950136043248.post-87037557030188874432011-08-11T08:02:00.000-07:002011-08-11T08:02:00.692-07:00India UpdateWe have received Vishakha's passport, but there was a slight delay in getting the final document we need, the ICPC. This is basically an agreement between our state and the state our agency is in to place the child with us. It normally takes less time than the passport, so it doesn't cause any delays, but not true for us. In any case, I think all the snags are taken care of now, and we should be getting the ICPC very soon. Then we can finally book our flights and hotels and make appointments at the embassy in Delhi. We are now hoping to leave a week later, on the 28th of August and meet our daughter on Sept 2nd. Actually pushing our dates back a week seems to work better for childcare arrangements etc. anyway, so it is a good thing. Please pray that we are able to book our trip soon, and that there be no further delays. Vishakha now knows she has a family, so this wait is effecting her too. Hold on sweet daughter, your family is coming soon, and we can't wait to finally meet you.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07287062710823330693noreply@blogger.com1