Life has been sweet for Ajay and the Shetty's. We can't believe how well everyone has adjusted. Ajay is sleeping well through the night and is such a happy baby! He hardly ever cries. He loves to play peek a boo, laugh, dance and sing. He is loving all the attention he is receiving from everyone. Today, Grandmom & Grandad Doc stopped in for a visit, as well as some of our neighbors. We had Ajay out on the patio in his exersaucer and he was positioned in the center of everyone. He kept looking around making eye contact with everyone and laughing and smiling at each one of us. He loves to swing on the swing set and is constantly smiling. We keep saying what a great fit he is with us. It already feels like he has been apart of our lives forever.
Tomorrow we plan on getting Ajay a haircut and possibly getting family pictures. This weekend we have been busy shopping for the big party we have planned on Saturday. We are celebrating Dhruv's 6th birthday and also welcoming home Ajay. Dhruv is very excited about his party. He can't wait to have everyone over to show off his new brother! We can't wait either!
Love All!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Welcome Home Ajay!
We arrived home safley this evening after 36 hours of travelling. We are all exhausted and were extremely grateful to see Trish's smiling face when she arrived at the airport to pick us up. We were also equally appreciative to Mom & Dad Doc for preparing a wonderful home cooked meal for us. We have so many great friends and family we are so lucky to have them. We were greeted with welcome home balloons and "It's a Boy" banners. It felt so incredible to drive up to our driveway and see them and know we were rriving home as a family. Ajay enjoyed all the attention and kids.
Ajay fell asleep in Grandad's arms after dinner and is in his own bed now. We'll see for how long. Dhruv was so happy to finally be home and see his frineds. He is sleeping over at Dominic's house tonight. We have heard nothing but Dominic throughout our whole trip. We are so happy he is able to finally play with him again! It's so great to finally be home with Ajay. It's simply amazing! Vick and I are off to sleep...finally!!!!
Ajay fell asleep in Grandad's arms after dinner and is in his own bed now. We'll see for how long. Dhruv was so happy to finally be home and see his frineds. He is sleeping over at Dominic's house tonight. We have heard nothing but Dominic throughout our whole trip. We are so happy he is able to finally play with him again! It's so great to finally be home with Ajay. It's simply amazing! Vick and I are off to sleep...finally!!!!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Last Day in Nitte
Tonight is our last night in Nitte and we're spending it with family at home. It's raining again, big surprise, since it's monsoon season now at Nitte. Dhruv has been enjoying the rain all day. He enjoys dancing in the rain. Shrima (our cousin) has joined us today as well as Great Grandma Shetty. She keeps asking Dhruv if he could stay and live with her. The school is located directly across the street from her house.
Dhruv was finally able to milk the cow, without any crisis this time. He didn't really like it though. He described it as, "being smushy" and "yucky". After that we pet another cow like a dog and he loved it! Then we visited a cousin a few houses down who has chickens and a rooster and Dhruv fed them.
Yesterday, a major catastrophe, for some. For others it was shear entertainment! Ajja (Dharmaraj) was holding Ajay and he realized he was feeling a little warm and then wet. Ajay has officially christened him into the family as well as Nemiraj Uncle. Ajay was a party "pooper". It was really funny (for some!) We were on our way to lunch and we had to purchase new clothes.
The high point to my whole trip, other than getting Ajay, Vickrum took me to the jewelry store yesterday! They are making me a ring.
Today, Vickrum is feeling sick. He has the Nitte flu and has been laying around all day. Poor Daddy! Hopefully he'll be better tomorrow. We are looking forward to be moving on to Delhi and air conditioning again! It's so hot and muggy here today and the electricity keeps going out and we lose the only thing that keeps us cool.
Talk to you all soon, the trip is quickly coming to an end, we're looking forward to coming home!
Love All
Thursday, June 12, 2008
You Mess With the Bull...You Get the Horns!
We arrived late last night due to monsoon weather in Mangalore. It was Ajay's first plane ride and boy was it a rough one! We had turbulence and a very rough landing! Our plane had to circle three times before we could land and then we drove to Nitte Village, approximately 1 hour from the airport. It is the home where Ajja was born and raised. It's a large and beautiful home located out in the country. Vishali Auntie and Nemiraj Uncle currently live here.
Today was a rough day for Dhruv. He was so excited to meet the one month old, all white baby cow on the farm. He also wanted to milk the mommy cow. When he saw it walking by the house he went out and was able to feed it. She ate bananas and mangos and loved them! Dhruv was so happy to feed her. Then when mommy went to get her camera and daddy went to get the video camera, Dhruv walked outside with his Ajja and he got a little too close to the cow. The cow got scared and charged his stomach. Dhruv was thrown up in the air and landed on the steps leading into the barn. He was scared, but tough, he walked away with only a horn print on his stomach.
Then, Ajja yelled at the cow and threatened the cow with bodily harm. Holy Cow!
Today was a rough day for Dhruv. He was so excited to meet the one month old, all white baby cow on the farm. He also wanted to milk the mommy cow. When he saw it walking by the house he went out and was able to feed it. She ate bananas and mangos and loved them! Dhruv was so happy to feed her. Then when mommy went to get her camera and daddy went to get the video camera, Dhruv walked outside with his Ajja and he got a little too close to the cow. The cow got scared and charged his stomach. Dhruv was thrown up in the air and landed on the steps leading into the barn. He was scared, but tough, he walked away with only a horn print on his stomach.
Then, Ajja yelled at the cow and threatened the cow with bodily harm. Holy Cow!
Then, we went shopping in Mangalore, and Dhruv had another episode. He fell down the escalator and escaped with minor cuts. The security guard rushed to his aid and quickly turned it off. What a day, poor Dhruv!
Ajay continues to be a pleasure and Dhruv quite the big brother anticipating his every need. We are all doing well and bonding as a family. It's really great! Looking forward to returning home next week.
Aunt Susan - Just to let you know it is monsoon weather here! No one looks good no matter how good the pictures look. At least her eyes are open!
Love All
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Leaving Bangalore
Today we're taking a plane from Bangalore to Mangalore to visit with family there for a few days. I am feeling much better today (thank goodness!) Ajay took a shower today with Daddy and seemed to really enjoy it. Yesterday we tried to give him a bath in a large bucket (no bath tub here). He really did not care much for that! He mostly cried, but I think it was because he wasn't able to hold on to Daddy. Ajay is taking his nap now. He seems so happy and much more comfortable with us now. The first few days he was a little scared and mostly clung to the men.
Today, he has come to me a lot and even gave me snuggles for the first time, which I absolutely LOVED! We had waited so long for him and it just felt so incredible to finally be able to hold, kiss, and hug each other. Those moments were so special to me!
Dhruv is really being a great BIG brother. He has been anticipating Ajay's every need.
Today, he has come to me a lot and even gave me snuggles for the first time, which I absolutely LOVED! We had waited so long for him and it just felt so incredible to finally be able to hold, kiss, and hug each other. Those moments were so special to me!
Dhruv is really being a great BIG brother. He has been anticipating Ajay's every need.
Sick in Bangalore
Unfortunately, mommy has been sick in bed most of the day with Bangalore belly. Ajay spent most of his day with daddy, BIG brother Dhruv, Grandmom, Ajja, and Nemiraj Uncle. We posted more pictures so take a look when you have a chance. Ajay and all are adjusting as expected. He loves the men! Daddy, Ajja, and uncles have been holding him most of the day. Grandmom was able to hold him today too. All in time.
Love All
Love All
Monday, June 9, 2008
Our First Family Photo
Today we met our beautiful baby boy Ajay. We are so happy to have him in our family. He fits in just perfectly, He loves to dance and sing to Indian music. He loves to smile and laugh. He is really enjoying himself today and so are we! Please be sure to view our new photos from Ajay's first day with us as well us some of the other India pictures we have taken.
Ajay is ours!
The wait is over our dreams came true we finally have our sweet baby boy. We arrived at the orphanage around 10 this morning. Mommy, Daddy, Dhruv, Grandmom Shetty, Ajja, and Nemiraj Uncle went. Ajay and his foster mom were already there waiting for us. We met with Mary, the director of VCT, the orphanage and she gave us a photo album of all his pictures from birth to present, mommy cried. I wasn't expecting to receive birth photos and was overwhelmed with emotion. We also received his medical report, passport, and his visa photos.
We were able to speak with his foster mom for a little while. She was telling us how he likes to fall asleep, what he likes to play with and do during the day, and his daily routine. She gave us his favorite toys and stuffed animal. We took some pictures and left after 2 hours at the orphanage.
Ajay had fallen asleep on Ajja's shoulder and it seemed like the right time to leave. We think it was a little easier for Ajay too. His foster mom hugged him and kissed him and then we left.
His foster mom is a very sweet woman and we could tell just how much she loved Ajay. It was so hard for her to say goodbye to him. She was very emotional as we can understand. It was hard for everyone.
Ajay slept for about 1 1/2 hours, until we arrived back at the family house on the other side of Bangalore. When he awoke we were expecting him to be upset, but he was not. Mommy was holding him and he awoke was just looking around at the crazy auto rickshaws and he seemed quite content.
When we came inside the house, Dhruv and Ajay played on the floor for awhile, daddy changed his diaper, and then Dhruv read him a Dr, Seuss book, Hop on Pop, which he seemed to enjoy. Also, Dhruv was very proud of himself to be reading an entire book to his new baby brother. It was like he had been ours forever!
We found this adoption poem, which we thought was appropriate for today:
We will try to post photos as soon as we are able to upload pictures. We've been having some difficulty with that. We are just taking it easy today and playing with Ajay.
Mom & Dad just wait until you see him for the first time. You will just melt!
Love always,
Maureen, Vickrum, Dhruv & Ajay
We were able to speak with his foster mom for a little while. She was telling us how he likes to fall asleep, what he likes to play with and do during the day, and his daily routine. She gave us his favorite toys and stuffed animal. We took some pictures and left after 2 hours at the orphanage.
Ajay had fallen asleep on Ajja's shoulder and it seemed like the right time to leave. We think it was a little easier for Ajay too. His foster mom hugged him and kissed him and then we left.
His foster mom is a very sweet woman and we could tell just how much she loved Ajay. It was so hard for her to say goodbye to him. She was very emotional as we can understand. It was hard for everyone.
Ajay slept for about 1 1/2 hours, until we arrived back at the family house on the other side of Bangalore. When he awoke we were expecting him to be upset, but he was not. Mommy was holding him and he awoke was just looking around at the crazy auto rickshaws and he seemed quite content.
When we came inside the house, Dhruv and Ajay played on the floor for awhile, daddy changed his diaper, and then Dhruv read him a Dr, Seuss book, Hop on Pop, which he seemed to enjoy. Also, Dhruv was very proud of himself to be reading an entire book to his new baby brother. It was like he had been ours forever!
We found this adoption poem, which we thought was appropriate for today:
On the day you were adopted, you were placed in our lives and born into our hearts in a very special way.
We prayed for you, we dreamed of you, we prepared for you, we waited for you.
We will try to post photos as soon as we are able to upload pictures. We've been having some difficulty with that. We are just taking it easy today and playing with Ajay.
Mom & Dad just wait until you see him for the first time. You will just melt!
Love always,
Maureen, Vickrum, Dhruv & Ajay
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Unexpected Surprise!
Today we decided to go for a dry run to the orphanage for tomorrow's appointment to meet Ajay. Our driver is not from Bangalore and is not familiar with the roads. We went with Nemiraj Uncle and cousin Appu. We were taking a few pictures outside when a worker came out and they told them who we were and what we were doing there. They told us to come in to meet the children. The next thing we knew they had called the foster mom and she was on her way to the orphanage.
While we were waiting we were able to take a tour of the building and met some of the children who lived there. They have only a few who live there and approximately 70 children total in foster care. Dhruv played snakes and ladders with the older children. It is very similar to Chutes and ladders.
We were so surprised we were able to meet our sweet baby boy Ajay a day early! We of course were so ecstatic to have that opportunity. He arrived with his foster mom in an auto rickshaw. We were all waiting outside for her.
She handed Ajay to me, but he was a little apprehensive and went back to the foster mom. However, he went right to daddy! He immediately had an attachment to him and even laid down on his shoulder. It was the sweetest thing to watch!
Dhruv loved daddy holding both Ajay and Dhruv at the same time and mommy really enjoyed seeing all her boys together too!!!
We stayed for about an hour and then Ajay was getting tired. We had interrupted his nap time. We were just so happy to have met him a day early and so unexpectedly too. He is as sweet as we had all imagined he would be. It was so good to finally be able to hold him and see him for the first time.
Afterwards we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. Can you imagine that, a Hard Rock Cafe in Bangalore, which serves hamburgers too? It was great to eat some American food too. Dhruv is feeling better, but not much of an appetite today.
Then we went shopping on the streets, which was an experience in itself! Many people, lots of stores, and interesting items for sale. We bought a sari for the foster mom, which is absolutely beautiful! It's red, gold, and white. We hope she likes it. Also some wooden toys for Dhruv, and a few other items for family and friends (don't want to give away the surprises!!!)
Tomorrow is the BIG day! We are counting down the hours. Looking forward to it! We'll try to write again tomorrow, but we'll see what tomorrow brings!
Mom & Dad Doc - Good job with the substantial postings! Missing you. I can't wait for you to meet your new grandson!!
Love,
Maureen, Vickrum, Dhruv, & Mom
While we were waiting we were able to take a tour of the building and met some of the children who lived there. They have only a few who live there and approximately 70 children total in foster care. Dhruv played snakes and ladders with the older children. It is very similar to Chutes and ladders.
We were so surprised we were able to meet our sweet baby boy Ajay a day early! We of course were so ecstatic to have that opportunity. He arrived with his foster mom in an auto rickshaw. We were all waiting outside for her.
She handed Ajay to me, but he was a little apprehensive and went back to the foster mom. However, he went right to daddy! He immediately had an attachment to him and even laid down on his shoulder. It was the sweetest thing to watch!
Dhruv loved daddy holding both Ajay and Dhruv at the same time and mommy really enjoyed seeing all her boys together too!!!
We stayed for about an hour and then Ajay was getting tired. We had interrupted his nap time. We were just so happy to have met him a day early and so unexpectedly too. He is as sweet as we had all imagined he would be. It was so good to finally be able to hold him and see him for the first time.
Afterwards we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. Can you imagine that, a Hard Rock Cafe in Bangalore, which serves hamburgers too? It was great to eat some American food too. Dhruv is feeling better, but not much of an appetite today.
Then we went shopping on the streets, which was an experience in itself! Many people, lots of stores, and interesting items for sale. We bought a sari for the foster mom, which is absolutely beautiful! It's red, gold, and white. We hope she likes it. Also some wooden toys for Dhruv, and a few other items for family and friends (don't want to give away the surprises!!!)
Tomorrow is the BIG day! We are counting down the hours. Looking forward to it! We'll try to write again tomorrow, but we'll see what tomorrow brings!
Mom & Dad Doc - Good job with the substantial postings! Missing you. I can't wait for you to meet your new grandson!!
Love,
Maureen, Vickrum, Dhruv, & Mom
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Greetings from Bangalore
We arrived in Bangalore yesterday. The weather is much more comfortable here! Uncle Nemiraj met us at the airport and then we went to a great restaurant. The food was excellent! Dhruv fell asleep on the ride to the restaurant and slept through the whole meal.
We arrived back at the family house that we're staying at and settled in for the night. This morning we woke up and ate breakfast then lad around a bit since Dhruv had a little Delhi belly (upset stomach) then went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch. It was the best Chinese food I have ever had! We ordered a chicken pizza for Dhruv from Pizza Hut and they delivered it in the Chinese restaurant. It was pretty funny, but Dhruv enjoyed it!
Then we went to the zoo. On the way to the zoo we saw many holy cows wondering the streets and eating the trash, work oxen, camels, pig, and many dogs. It was an interesting trip! The zoo was awesome. Dhruv and mommy went on an elephant ride, which was really cool. We saw many interesting animals.
We are unable to upload any photos yet, but should be able to either tomorrow or Monday. Also, we are looking forward to reading your comments. Please be sure to leave comments. We have decided to bring a present home from India for the person who writes the most substantial and interesting comments.
Love,
Vickrum, Maureen, Dhruv, and Mom
We arrived back at the family house that we're staying at and settled in for the night. This morning we woke up and ate breakfast then lad around a bit since Dhruv had a little Delhi belly (upset stomach) then went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch. It was the best Chinese food I have ever had! We ordered a chicken pizza for Dhruv from Pizza Hut and they delivered it in the Chinese restaurant. It was pretty funny, but Dhruv enjoyed it!
Then we went to the zoo. On the way to the zoo we saw many holy cows wondering the streets and eating the trash, work oxen, camels, pig, and many dogs. It was an interesting trip! The zoo was awesome. Dhruv and mommy went on an elephant ride, which was really cool. We saw many interesting animals.
We are unable to upload any photos yet, but should be able to either tomorrow or Monday. Also, we are looking forward to reading your comments. Please be sure to leave comments. We have decided to bring a present home from India for the person who writes the most substantial and interesting comments.
Love,
Vickrum, Maureen, Dhruv, and Mom
News from Delhi
First of all it's REALLY HOT!!! Unfortunately, we weren't able to go to see the Taj due to a railroad strike leading to increase congestion and disruptions on the road. We were quite disappointed especially Dhruv. We did however see the Red Fort and the gateway to India, which was pretty cool!
What has been most interesting for us has been the street vendors (selling pretty much anything for money). Some examples have been jasmine flower hair wraps, coconut slices, toys, magazines, and the most interesting was false beards at the Red Fort. We go to sleep to honking, and wake up to honking. Everyone just beeps their horns constantly to tel other vehicles to move. The vehicles are interesting as well. Auto rickshaws, mini cars, motorcycles, and even Mercedes! McDonald's even has motor bike, which delivers, but no hamburgers only chicken and veggie burgers!
We did not have good luck at the U.S. embassy. We were not able to file our I600 form. Apparently they changed their policy on June 1st. They no longer accept walk ins on Friday for adoption paperwork by appointment only. So, we have made an appointment for Monday, June 16th and we will have to file everything on our way out instead.
What has been most interesting for us has been the street vendors (selling pretty much anything for money). Some examples have been jasmine flower hair wraps, coconut slices, toys, magazines, and the most interesting was false beards at the Red Fort. We go to sleep to honking, and wake up to honking. Everyone just beeps their horns constantly to tel other vehicles to move. The vehicles are interesting as well. Auto rickshaws, mini cars, motorcycles, and even Mercedes! McDonald's even has motor bike, which delivers, but no hamburgers only chicken and veggie burgers!
We did not have good luck at the U.S. embassy. We were not able to file our I600 form. Apparently they changed their policy on June 1st. They no longer accept walk ins on Friday for adoption paperwork by appointment only. So, we have made an appointment for Monday, June 16th and we will have to file everything on our way out instead.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
We Arrived in Delhi!
Hi Everyone!
We arrived late last night (10:30 PM Delhi time). We were very exhausted and happy to arriving at the hotel soon. We all slept in except for Mom Shetty. She was the early bird as usual. After a fun (scary!) ride back to the hotel (lots of honking!!!) We arrived unpacked and ate a late dinner at the Yellow Brick Cafe. Yummy food! Off to see Delhi now! Talk to everyone when we can!
Love,
Vickrum, Maureen, Dhruv, and Mom
We arrived late last night (10:30 PM Delhi time). We were very exhausted and happy to arriving at the hotel soon. We all slept in except for Mom Shetty. She was the early bird as usual. After a fun (scary!) ride back to the hotel (lots of honking!!!) We arrived unpacked and ate a late dinner at the Yellow Brick Cafe. Yummy food! Off to see Delhi now! Talk to everyone when we can!
Love,
Vickrum, Maureen, Dhruv, and Mom
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
And We're Off!!!
We are all packed, loaded and fed. Our wonderful neighbor and friend Trish Medbury is taking us down to the airport at 2. We cannot thank Trish, Guy, Gina, Guy, Dominic, and Elaina enough for everything they have done for us! We are truly blessed to have wonderful friends like them! Gina we really appreciate you taking care of Cleo while we are away too! Thank you so much Medbury Family!!!! You rock! Can't wait to celebrate on the disco deck when we return!
We won't be able to post for a few days so we will write as soon as we are able to!
Love,
Vickrum, Maureen, Dhruv & Mom Shetty
We won't be able to post for a few days so we will write as soon as we are able to!
Love,
Vickrum, Maureen, Dhruv & Mom Shetty
Monday, June 2, 2008
Our last night home
OMG (oh my gosh for people that don't text!) It's our last night home! We leave tomorrow for our trip of a lifetime! Here is our itinerary:
Tuesday, June 3rd - Leave Philadelphia airport at 6:45PM to Paris (2 hour layover), then Paris to New Delhi
Wednesday, June 4th - Arrive in Delhi 10:15 PM (New Delhi, India time) and SLEEP
Thursday, June 5th - Drive to Agra to see Taj Mahal and the red fort
Friday, June 6th - File Immigration Paperwork at US embassy then fly to Bangalore
Saturday, June 7th - Sight see and shopping in Bangalore
Sunday, June 8th - Sight see and shopping in Bangalore
Monday, June 9th - Official Adoption Day!!! We finally meet Ajay Joseph!!!
Tuesday, June 10th - Bangalore
Wednesday, June 11th - Bangalore
Thursday, June 12th - Bangalore
Friday, June 13th - Travel to Mangalore to see family
Saturday, June 14th - Visit with family
Sunday, June 15th - Travel back to Delhi
Monday, June 16th - Immigration Paperwork & Medical Exam at US embassy
Tuesday, June 17th - Pick up Ajay's Visa
Wednesday, June 18th - Leave for home at 12:40 AM New Delhi to Paris (7 hour layover) then Paris to Philadelphia. Arrive home 3:30 PM
Thursday, June 19th - SLEEP!!!
We're exhausted just writing about it! We're all packed and ready to go!
Tuesday, June 3rd - Leave Philadelphia airport at 6:45PM to Paris (2 hour layover), then Paris to New Delhi
Wednesday, June 4th - Arrive in Delhi 10:15 PM (New Delhi, India time) and SLEEP
Thursday, June 5th - Drive to Agra to see Taj Mahal and the red fort
Friday, June 6th - File Immigration Paperwork at US embassy then fly to Bangalore
Saturday, June 7th - Sight see and shopping in Bangalore
Sunday, June 8th - Sight see and shopping in Bangalore
Monday, June 9th - Official Adoption Day!!! We finally meet Ajay Joseph!!!
Tuesday, June 10th - Bangalore
Wednesday, June 11th - Bangalore
Thursday, June 12th - Bangalore
Friday, June 13th - Travel to Mangalore to see family
Saturday, June 14th - Visit with family
Sunday, June 15th - Travel back to Delhi
Monday, June 16th - Immigration Paperwork & Medical Exam at US embassy
Tuesday, June 17th - Pick up Ajay's Visa
Wednesday, June 18th - Leave for home at 12:40 AM New Delhi to Paris (7 hour layover) then Paris to Philadelphia. Arrive home 3:30 PM
Thursday, June 19th - SLEEP!!!
We're exhausted just writing about it! We're all packed and ready to go!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Only 2 more days....Packing Time
I can't even believe it is almost time for us to leave! We are so excited! It still feels so surreal to me even though we are packing and going through all the motions to prepare it still is hard to believe it's finally here. The wait is almost over! Today was mostly spent packing, grocery shopping, and buying last minute items. It's so hard to remember everyhting. I just know I will forget to pack something. At least we know we can always buy it in India! As long as we pack Dhruv's bathing suit and DS we're ok. That's all he cares about. We've been checking the weather for New Delhi and they have been forecasting 106 degree weather for the day that we arrive. I am not looking forward to that,but so glad we booked a hotel with a pool!
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