Anant slept all night. We went for a walk and then met some friends at Baja Fresh. Anant sees everything. Today, for some reason we were watching airplanes. We could see quite a few this morning. Funny how normal things that you never think much about mean a lot to children. At least to Anant. Every bird, airplane, squirrel, dog, truck etc. We get excited with the trash trucks. The cobalt blue truck that lifts up the trash cans and dumps them. Its really fascinating. Anant runs to the window to watch them. And like everything else he says bye-bye when it leaves.

Nap was short and I could see it in the amount of tantrums he was having that it wasn't long enough. We went to Amy and Rich's house to play with Sophie, Gracie and Abby. Anant enjoyed playing with their toys. Amy and Rich invited us to have free Dinner at Chick Filet at the Mall. Rich camped out at the opening of the new Chick Filet and with that you get 50 free meals! Think we'll do it the next time it comes around. Free is great. Dad didn't realize that the buffalo sauce was hot and gave Anant some. Oops, Anant cried. Didn't help that he stuck his fingers in it and then put his fingers in his mouth. He saw his friends again. He likes to point at them and actually gets his finger right in their faces and will touch them too. When he sees people he knows this is what he does, point at them. We walked to the mall with Anant in the stroller. He enjoys touching the bushes and trees that are within his reach.

I spoke with my boss at Waverly today and told him that Rob and I have decided that I will only be working one day a week. So Waverly is really not an option. Colin congratulated me on staying home with Anant and was happy for me. He referred me to the Dietitian in charge of covering the facilities so I e-mailed her. It would be great to work at Rydal Park which is close to come. Only a few miles away. We'll see how God provides for us.

Anant went to bed easily.

Well, better go to bed and get ready for another day. Tomorrow we will go to Miska's house to play with Sammy, Nathaniel, Abigail and Lydia. Should be fun. Talk to you all later.

Mary

Mary

Anant has his greencard! Just came in the mail today! So now we will file for a Social Security Card. Holt recommends that we do this now even though we will have to go back with his new name after we finalize. His SS card will have the same name as his passport from what I understand. Apparently there are legal reasons why we should do this as well as for filing of taxes and claiming him next year. The SS office may not let us depending on how familiar they are with the law. We will bring info Holt has provided so maybe this will help.

Anant's bloodwork was drawn this morning. We had Joyce again the phlebotomist. I was glad to have her again. She was really nice and very GOOD. He also had his mantoux test. He screamed for both. Poor boy. Then he points at his arm afterwards and says "ow". We'll see what the MD thinks of the thyroid labs and go from there. We are incredibly blessed that Anant has not had any health issues and he's not been sick and his learning seems to be going well. Praise God. We also noticed, since Anant loves to watch the fish, that the doctor's office fishtank has some interesting critters. There were these snail-like tiny creatures all over the bottom of the tank. I was looking at the bottom of the tank where the little rocks are and noticed that the whole bottom of the tank appeared to be moving. So then I saw these little critters. Like tiny hermit crabs, but not. Sharp shells (not sure if they were soft or hard). Don't know if Anant paid them any mind but I was fascinated. The nurses and office personnell were a little concerned and grossed out. They were going to have the man who cleans the tank check it out. We also occupied ourselves with looking at pictures of animals and critters in a Ranger Rick magazine. But the fish are the main attraction.

We were able to go for a walk before the doctor's office visit. A little cool and breezy but its good to get out after being cooped up with the rain all day yesterday.

My nausea seems to be abating slowly. Thanks for praying for me.

We went to Produce Junction after the MD and that is a challenge with trying to carry stuff. Anant was good at "helping". Although as I'm ordering the fruit he is picking up strange fruits and mangos off of the table. I told him I would get him some. He also wanted avocados. I think he was trying to say this word. On the way out he was carrying (dragging) one bag and helping me to hold the other bags with his other hand. Sweetie that he is.

We finally got most of the block magnets out from underneath the refrigerator (this is where Anant puts all of them-as soon as they are out he starts putting them back under-arg!). I will only do this every so often. There were really none on the refrig and most were under there!

He went down for his nap well. Again pointing to his crib almost as soon as I sat in the rocker with him. But after I put him down he did cry "Momma" for a while. And I heard a lot of racket in there again.

I uploaded the pics from the zoo again. They were so tiny before. Oops. Now you can actually see the children in the pics.

Well that's it for now.

Mary

Just put Anant down to sleep. Rob is a a Thrift Store board meeting. Anant really likes the music and the player you gave him Grandma Kris. Can't wait til you can be here and see how he gets excited and dances to some of the songs. He really loves the introduction to "Only a Boy Named David". Its a little jazzed up. There are a few that really get him going. Its so cute. When I hear the intro I know he will be dancing and jumping. He had me singing "Aint No Rock" tonight. He doesn't like for me to even sing the verse and gets impatient for me to sing the chorus "praise His holy name, as long as I'm alive I'll glorify His holy name". He loves the hand motions. I then put on the sleepy CD that came with the set. Got him ready for bed.

Ok, so now you can hear my complaint. Now Anant wants to get into bed so fast after we read his Bible and sing a song. Just like the nap today he wanted to go to bed right away. I'm trying not to take it personal. So I guess I'm never satisfied. When he wouldn't go to bed and cried and cried I wasn't happy. Now, its just too fast. I so much enjoy the time that I get to hold him. He's so busy during the day. Not much time to snuggle. This is one of the losses when you have a toddler. You miss that baby stage where you hold them constantly. I really just didn't want to put him down. I guess I really love him so much. Didn't help that the sappy CD was playing and its almost that time of the month did it. Sorry if any men are reading. But it is a fact of life isn't it. I put him off a little bit longer but he really wanted to get into bed. It did help that he cried a little bit when I put him in bed. I felt a little better. Maybe deep down I'm afraid that Anant wont or deosn't love me. Forgive my brutal honesty tonight. I'm a bit sappy tonight. I guess he really is attached to us. He does cry "Momma" when he gets up. Which probably means either one of us. And sometimes (always when I'm cooking!) he wants to be held constantly. I think it is because he is hungry. But also I think he likes to watch cooking. Maybe he will take after his Mom with his love of food? I really try to hold him when he wants to because our social worker told us that if they will be held and even if it is 24/7 we should do it for attachment sake. She said that the child has missed you for a few years of their life so it is good to just hold them.

When I put Anant to bed and left the room and came downstairs I heard some banging coming from Anant's room. Rob and I heard it last night too. It was louder tonight. Not really sure what he is doing up there? Kicking the headboard? Any ideas anyone. I guess I could get a video. Last night Derby even went in to check out the situation but he obviously couldn't tell us what Anant was doing. If I hear it again maybe I will spy on him. Sneak in and check it out.

Got a lot of phone calls made today and got some mail. Rob is working on getting us more life insurance so I had to call and give them my driver's licence #. I called and made an appointment (not until May 21) for Anant's eyes to be checked at CHOP (King of Prussia center). Called for the referral. Called for an appointment to get Anant's thyroid labs done again and to get his mantoux test done for TB. These will be done tomorrow. Pray for good veins. Guess I should be pumping fluid tomorrow first thing (glad I just reminded myself). I'll pull out the juice, that always works. Usually don't give him juice. The docs say not to and so does my Child of Mine book written by a fellow Registered Dietitian about feeding your child with love and good sense. He eats so much fruit. They say to focus on getting the milk in. But of course with trying to get beverages into him for these lab draws is more important on days like this. I'm going to be with him all by myself tomorrow for the lab draw. Hope I don't pass out. I didn't the last time. Of course I didn't watch much. I hate to put him through the trauma. I HATE to hear him scream and know I put him through it. But, its for his good so...

The mail we got was our fingerprint criminal check which, surprise, was good and we havn't committed any crimes that the government is aware of. This was needed for our finalization. Glad that we don't have to worry about it. This is in addition to the finger prints that we needed done for CIS. These were done at the UPS store in Norristown. I think its just a Pennsylvania thing.

Anant also got mail from USCIS saying welcome to the United States. We didn't bother to tell him since we thought he wouldn't have a clue what we were saying. It was also telling us that we should get more info withing a month (HELLO I WANT THE ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD). One of the men in the nursery at church said "yeah, he really needs a job so I hope he gets one soon" that was funny. Well I need this in order to apply for Anant's social security card. I think I could wait until finalization in order to get this too if I recall correctly.

I'm having a hard time keeping up with Anant's words. He's saying more than I'm putting down. Every time he says something I say "did he already say that?". I should just keep a list with me instead of just on the blog. Oh well.

Gonna sign off for now. Thank you all for your prayers for us.

Mary

You'll see some pics from our zoo outing a few weeks ago that Amy had sent (thanks Amy!). I had to put the one of Sophie in the frog in our collection, she is so cute.

Anant did sleep all night from 8pm-6:45am. We had the humidifier on and maybe that helped (the noise). At Breakfast he was putting his food on the floor on purpose despite me telling him not to. Other than that we had a pretty great morning. His friends came over; Anabell and Joey. Kris and Primila's children. Kris also has a baby, Rose, who is I think about 2 months old. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves. Then we all had some Lunch. You'll see some pics of Anant's friends with him on our steps. They are all so cute. Anant gave Joey a kiss before he left. Of course the digital camera was too slow but you will see a pic of them after that. When they left he was saying bye-bye to them and went to the window to watch them leave like he does with most visitors. At first I think he was overwhealmed and was sucking his thumb and clinging to me. But he did ok. He ate really well. Kris had brought some breaded chicken bites that Anant really seemed to like (even though he spit them out and then ate them). I think putting the whole thing in his mouth was the problem. A little big. Maybe Mommy should have cut it for him? He asked for more and then had some mac and cheese, then some of my Indian vegetable rice that I had made a few days ago. The women and I had the butter chicken with the rice. They really liked it too :-) Anant had some vegetables that Premila and Kris brought. And then some strawberries. He ate a lot more then what I think he would have eaten with me there??? Primila and Kris said that their children eat more when they are around other children too.

Anant again wanted to get into his crib before I even finished one verse of Jesus Loves Me. I guess I can't complain. Usually at nap he tries everything to not take his nap. Today was easy. Maybe he was tired after all the stimulation with his friends?

The teacher with the Early Intervention Program is coming on Friday at 3pm and the Occupational Therapist is coming on Tuesday next week, May 6 at 9am. Should be fun. I just explained to the OT what I want from the sessions as best I could. We want to do what we can to help Anant to develop well. And suggestions of things that we should get him to help.

Well...talk to you all later. Good way to start a week. Fun morning. Nice to be with Primila and Kris and the children.

Mary

Dinner was interesting tonight. After Auntie Neha came over for a visit we get Dinner ready. Anant refused to sit in his chair to eat. This was a big struggle. He would throw a fit when we would put him in his chair. He was obviously hungry though.

When he finally did eat he ate about 3/4 of an avocado that we had with refried beans and rice. Then he had whipped cream and strawberries. I'm so glad he likes avocado. I couldn't get him to even try it when he first came. People had said that it would be good for him to eat more calories using avocado as one of the high calorie foods. Usually he would at least try something. Well it is green after all, I guess it does look wierd though. Tonight he kept asking for more and more of it. Although the primary MD says that Anant's weight for his height is good (around the fiftieth percentile) so he didn't really think we should push the calories. We also had strawberries with whipped cream for Dinner. Had heavy cream left from making the Indian Butter Chicken recipe last week. So, we made good use of it. Anant loved it.

We went for a walk (Anant, Derby and I). I'm still dealing with the nausea. I do hope this goes away. I'm so embarrissed to go to the doctor yet again!!! But being nauseated is no fun.

Anant went to bed and actually was telling Rob he wanted to go to bed. Pointing toward the bed multiple times! He did the same thing at his nap time today. Strange. But good I guess. Maybe now he likes his bed?

I'm headed to my bed soon. No telling whether we will get a full night or not.

Mary

I just got done telling friends at our small group meeting last night that Anant is sleeping through the night when they asked. Well, guess what? He was up twice last night. But went back to sleep after diaper changes. Then he slept in even later than usual and got up at 7:30am. Yikes, we were counting on the 6:00/6:30am alarm clock! But we made it to church and did our usual worship together and then I take him to the nursery and then worship again and Rob takes him down to play again.

I posted some pics from outside yesterday. I thought Anant looked so cute in his khacki pants, flip flops and his jean jacket. I took a million pictures.

Thank you so much those of you who read faithfully and pray for us. We know we need prayer to do this. I am thankful that I have a big God who can handle my life, the life of my husband and our son.

Please pray for me with the nausea. I'm still having it since Wednesday I think it started. I hate to go yet again to the doctor. I feel like I see her every 2 weeks for something now! This parenting thing is hazardous to your health.

Rob and I managed to tag team the house this afternoon and it feels sane again.

Just an update on my friend Jennifer another Indian adoptive Mother (another faithful reader!). She had to cancel her travel plans because her son's passport was not in (they ran out of books at the embassy). Pray that they get to book again this week. This is a really hard time.

Better rest while the little one is napping.

Mary

An enjoyable morning. Anant didn't get up until 7am! What? Which is all well and good since I'm still nauseated and having intestinal upset (I think?). I woke up around 1pm with it. Not sure what is going on. Hoping its a virus that will pass and not something like gall bladder issues or reflux??? I thought maybe I upset my intestinal flora with drinking Kefir (has many bacteria-not sure if all are good??). Time will tell. Maybe I'll stop eating so much. I HAVE to lose weight for my health's sake.

Anyway, I digress. Yes, a very nice morning. Ate Breakfast. But first we had to get him to sit in his chair which was not a simple task this morning. For some reason now and then he doesn't want to sit in it and will fuss and cry if I make him. What we did today was start to eat our food and he eventually would get in his seat (hunger was a strong motivator!). Dad left after Breakfast to help someone move. Anant, Derby, and I went out for a walk with the stroller. Its really nice to have two freinds to walk with now! When we came back we played in the back yard. Funny how when you don't really have any outdoor toys children will find something to do. Whether it is pulling up your mulch and putting where it doesn't belong. Or, more desireable pastimes like running up the very small hill in the back (yet steep) and running down. We did this for about 10-15 minutes. Anant got a big kick out of seeing his Mom run up a hill and run down. Yelling "up" and "down" as she did so. Hope none of you were watching. Derby barking the whole time for us to throw his raggedy rubber cat for him. Anant sometimes throws it too and does a really great job I must say. When we got back to the house after walking Anant pointed to our door and said "house" "Momma" thinking that Dad was in the house. I had to show him that the car was gond and so was Daddy.

We then went in and played with his shape sorter. Looked at his books. He likes to point at the pictures and me to say what they are.

Another game he likes to play is with his crayons. We will start to color on a paper and he will yank it away and I will cry. So, now every time he colors he rubs his eye and that is my cue to fake crying when he takes the paper away. Today we were playing with the diaper disposable bag holder. I was trying to get it open to refill the bags and making grunting sounds trying to get it off. Well he just loved this too and wanted me to do it over and over again and he even copied what I was doing. Funny the games you can play with strange things.

Then we had lunch. I made him PB and J. He says bye-bye to the jelly because I have learned with things like syrup or jelly that if they are kept in sight he will fuss to get more after he has sucked it off of the bread or waffle and not eat the healthy part. So...bye-bye jelly. He doesn't say jelly but I know what he is referring to after I have just put it away because before when he would fuss that I put it in the refrigerator I would lighten it up by saying "bye-bye jelly". Anant also sees when we finish our food and he points to what we are eating and says "all done".

Got some great links recently from our Holt forum (sorry to the friends who are seeing these double). They are helpful with development of our children. Who would have thought that our clapping, singing, dancing songs would actually encourage speech and language development.

http://www.walearning.com/Parent-Infant.html (courtesy of Mom2Bharat on the Holt forum)

http://www.adoptmed.org/development/ (courtesy of Susan on the Holt forum)

http://pages.towson.edu/sglennen/index.htm (courtesy of Judy K!)

Mom2Bharat on our Holt India Families forum posted a poll about how many of us needed speech therapy services. So far 7 out of 9 have. I think its so important to get what services you can qualify for. Its not a bad thing to hear that your child is developing slowly or struggling. We want Annat to have everything that is going to help him to get ahead and do well.

Anant is down for his nap now. I'm slacking on the pictures lately I know. I never seem to have the camera ready for things that are so cute. I have two to post today from yesterday. Anant sitting on the next door neighbor's walkway doing something with leaves. And Derby laying on the front lawn relaxing (on a tether). Derby HATES to be in the house if we are outside and he knows it. I don't blame him for wanting to be with us. Derby continues to give Anant kisses. I guess this is proof that he knows Anant is ok. Anant seems to know to be gentle but is not always able to do so especially if he is excited.

Well, better go for now.

Mary

 

Quiet day. Outside ALL day. And he didn't want to come in! Played with Natalie (3) who gave him a kiss. Still challenging our authority at times. Reina gave him a pretty necklace. Anant learned the word hello today. He practiced it with Grandma Kris tonight. He went to Alverthorpe and a goose bullied him and Dad had to stand up to the goose. He was doing his bird symbol.

Well, not much to say today. More to come I'm sure!

Mary

We hung out with a few neighborhood girls after nap and they played some games with a ball with him. Its kind of cute to see them talk to him not knowing that he may not know too much English and explaining things with long explanations.

Anant was a little clingy after his nap. He didn't want me to put him down. We went to the grocery store and he dropped his grape tomatoes on the floor. They opened all over the place. A man there at Genuardis took care of it for us and made some nice excuses for Anant. He didn't mean it, I don't think? He said waffle while we were in the store. And he is still saying oragh or orange (his new words sound gutteral). He is still practicing srawberry, sounds like stwagh. So cute.

He ate the butter chicken and rice. All of it! and 1/2 a mango and applesauce too! I guess Indian food is the ticket. He does seem to prefer this. Sorry Rob, guess I'll have to make Indian more often then I do-LOL. Those of you who know us know that Rob is not as fond of Indian food as I am. He said he liked this dish. I remember our friend Pat ordering this in an Indian restaurant in London and it was so good. This one came pretty close. Again, Fran, thanks for this awesome cookbook! It is great.

We played outside tonight after Dinner. 2 pit bulls came out and we didn't have a good handle on Derby so I kind of freaked and told Rob to get him. When I saw the dogs it was too late. Derby was barking at them and started to run. He was on his own turf so I guess he is a little posessive of his turf. The owner of the dogs was so friendly and nice. He was talking to Anant and saw him sucking his thumb and said that this was the same thumb that he sucked and his Mom put mayonaise on his thumb to get him to stop sucking it because he hated this. Anant loved seeing the dogs. And then came the golden retrievers and on the corner there was about 5 of them. Anant was pulling me and so excited to see them all. They were on the busy corner. I do think he gets it that he is not supposed to go that way as he will get me to pick him up to go that way or try to get me to go.

He went to bed without incidence.

Talk to you all soon.

Mary

Hello All. Anant slept through the night until about 5:45 this morning. Not bad. We took a walk and he almost fell asleep in the stroller. But didn't thankfully. Those little catnaps seem to ruine naptime. Had to discipline a few times because of tantrums due to my saying no to certain things and he responding by whining and throwing things. He got into Derby's water once and I had to discipline for that and then he didn't do it again after that. I saw him eyeing it though. He wanted to go over Sophie's house again but I told him that they weren't home. He is really trying to say strawberry. Comes out like ooowaaa. But he is really trying and getting it. He heard me sing Jesus Loves Me and the part that says "they are weak but he is strong" he understood that this was the same sound that he is trying to get for strawberry. He is so cute. I have no doubt that in a few days he will have mastered it. This morning when I took him to feed Derby in my sleepy haze I forgot to get a bowl. Anant was fussing at me on the way down the stairs and said bowl. Sounded like bow or something like that. But I got it. He is so smart. Silly Mom forgot the bowl. Good thing I have him to remind me of these things. I have a feeling it won't be the last thing he has to remind me of.

I'm making an Indian chicken dish tonight called Butter Chicken. Right now the chicken has been marinating since about 9am and will until Dinner. Its marinated in yogurt, garam masala, cilantro stems, red pepper, ginger and garlic. Sounds great doesn't it? Have to go to the store to get a few things and will have to get some cream since the recipe calls for it. Doesn't use a lot but I'll bet it makes it real good. I thought that maybe it will help Anant to eat some meat, having it be Indian flavors. I did find a way to get him some more calcium. He has started to really like kefir, the strawberry one. So he is getting yogurt and his calcium so I'm happy. Will have to get some more.

While I was getting the marinade ready I heard Derby bark and then Anant cried. Something tells me that Anant did something Derby didn't like. But there was no broken skin or anything. Derby continues to kiss Anant and Anant Derby so I think they are still friends.

Anant loved his Lunch of Muttar Paneer rice and green beans. You can tell when he likes somthing because he doesn't play around he eats and eats, then he eats the leftovers in the bib! Very cute. We made the green beans with onions, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and a little salt. He kept asking for more. Our friend Premila makes great green beans wth onions that we love. I didn't think it turned out as good but Anant did like it so that is what matters.

Signing off for now.

Mary

Just before Rob went home we went to Amy and Rich's house (Sophie, Gracie and Abby are their girls. You've all seen Sophie before. Anant's girlfriend. We knocked on their door to see if they could come out and play. We had a great time. Then Dad came over and we went home to have Dinner. Anant did not have a good night either. Poor Dad and Mom too. Mostly Dad was dealing with it though. Dumping food on the floor on purpose and tantrums. He was a bit of a mess today.

After calming down we all went outside to play. Rob blew bubbles. Reina came over and Anant had us wrapped around his fingers. He was telling us exactly where to sit and had us walking in circles around our walk and the next door neighbor's walk so he could practice jumping off their steps. He had his own game of "Simon Says". He would fold his arms and then we would.

He also added elbow to his list of words above. How funny that this would be the first body part he would verbalize. He pointed to Robs elbow and then mine and had us repeat the word. Maybe its an easy one to say.

He's now in bed. Hopefully tomorrow will be a new day. No specific plans tomorrow. I haven't felt well today. Some kind of GI upset.

I have some new pics of the crayons Grandma Kris sent. Thanks Mom! They are so nice. Anant enjoys coloring with them. Also of today hanging with Amy and her children. Cute pics.

Mary

Another full night of sleep yay! Good thing because after I signed off yesterday night I called Meg, a woman whose family just adopted a 1 year old little girl from Kolkata, India!!! I think I told you all that we had been contacted by our home study agency and given their phone #. We heard each other's stories and have a date to get together to meet at the Smith Playhouse on May 7. Look for these pics (that is if Meg is ok with that, I'll have to ask her. I'm so excited that there is antother family who has adopted from India in this area. We also have another Holt forum member who lives near pottstown but their child is not home yet. Meg and her husband live in Media so the playhouse is kind of mid-way and a fun place to be!

Anant was demanding and whiny this morning. I guess its just one of those days. I have them too. Hopefully we wont both do it the same day.

We hung out at home today. Let him play in the bathtub for a long time. He likes for the water to run and fill his cup over and over again. I really must get a mat or some non-slip material to put in the tub. He slipped today and hit his head. Not hard but a good warning. I was smart today and took a bath before Rob went to work-hehehe. We took a walk up Grizdale Road. Now you are asking what's so big about Grizdale. Well, its a grizzly hill! And I used to be able to go up it much more easily. A few extra pounds of body fat and a stroller and 23 lb child adds much more to the workload let me tell you. Can't wait to see how much I will sweat in the summer! I was sweating today. And last night I walked to church. Left around 5:30 and didn't get there until 6:15. Used to be a 1/2 hour walk. Rob was waiting saying I was slow. Hey, now, cut me some slack. We did stop to watch the train. This boy loves trucks, trains, planes, motorcycles, construction vehicles, trash trucks (these are the best because you can watch them pick up the can and dump it in the truck-so cool!).

Anant was in Derby's water yet again today. BTW, we think maybe it is a fluke that Derby was limping the other day. It seems fine now. Not sure what happened but we are monitoring him closely. He is playing nicely again and barking to be played with as usual. So back to the playing in the water thing. Ok, so then he throws his magnet on the floor after I tell him he can't put things in Derby's water. That warrents a time out buddy. He doesn't like it very much as busy as he is he hates to sit still. Seemed to work. We'll keep you posted.

Anant is more interested in books. Last night he brought us 3 books to read to him. And he is doing really well with the shape sorter (a complicated one Rob got him). We now show him the right side and he puts it in. We do coach him to turn the piece.

He went down for nap early due to excessive fussing at Lunch and no big plans today. Went to sleep around 12pm. I think we will go to a park when he gets up.

Talk to you soon. I'll try to get some more pics. Our battery in the camera had run out recently. Can't you tell?

Oh and I put at the top Anant's words that he is saying now in English. I don't know Marathi so I can't comment on those.

Mary

Anant slept until 6am. A full night. Yay! Ate a ton of fruit this morning. He couldn't stop eating grapes!

Actually managed to cook Muttar Paneer this morning. I got him interested in the cooking by smelling the ginger and garlic. He really seemed to enjoy it. He also tasted a cardamom pod (I hadn't intended him to try to eat it just smell them). Now and then I would show him what I was cooking. He is so curious and wants to see everything you are doing. He doesn't miss a beat. Anant played with the other children at Nancy's house. I love to see the three boys together; Nathaniel, Sammy and Anant. And of course it was great seeing the girls too. Sophie, Anant's girlfriend, stopped in with Amy too. Anant saw her across the worship room at church on Sunday, and kept pointing at her. It was so cute. We also saw Piper and her son Micah (he was adopted from Thailand so they are close to our hearts as well). I always have questions for Piper about how they did this or that with Micah. I'm grateful for mentors.

Anant enjoyed seeing the creek at Nancy's house. He got practice saying his water word. He is popping out with the words and its fun to see him trying to say certain words. I don't realize how hard some of our words are to say. Its so cute to hear him trying to say strawberry or orange. Sounds like he is spitting but he is really getting there so I congratulate him. He says banana, it sounds like bana. He is also getting us to sing his favorite songs by doing the motions still. He tried to say deep (for the song deep and wide). He just loves for us to sing. I love to see him lift up his hands like he is praising the Lord for the chorus of Aint no Rock. He still loves his Bible and likes us to pray with him before bed. He is in the right household for music as Rob and I love music. I love to sing worship music. It really reminds me of truth. Especially when I don't get to read the Bible so much (but should!).

Anant did get a time out this morning when I said no to something and he threw his crayons and swatted at me too.

Well, I'm sleepy. Better go.

Mary

I was up around 5:10 to change Anant's diaper then he went to sleep for about 20 minutes more and had a #2 diaper. I figured just to bring him into our bed for a few minutes while we woke up. Eventually Anant climbed out and looked at me and said "up". He is now using words to communicate what he wants. Usually telling us he wants us to come up or down to where he is.

He ate a good Breakfast. He loves jelly on his toast and will suck it off and say he wants more. I have to put it away so he will at least eat the toast. He ate almost a whole orange, ate a whole scrambled egg, and almost a whole slice of wheat toast. Not too bad. Actually drank a few sips of kefir (yogurt drink). Because he sees that I have it and wants to try it. But made his funny face.

We played for a while. He loves to play the song on this one toy over and over. Old MacDonald. When you pull the lever it either tells you an animal or plays the song when the arrow points to it (kind of like wheel of fortune). For Anant the best place being the song. He insists I put the arrow on the song so he can hear it. He gave me a sweet undeserved kiss and asked Derby for multiple kisses. He LOVES Derby kisses. He worked on the alphabet puzzle with help. Then started throwing the pieces for some reason. Then he played with his little computer that plays music and he started to throw that. He looks mad but for no apparent reason. I didn't say no or anything. Not sure what's up with that. Not the first time.

We got our baths (mine was chaotic as I tried to keep him from throwing Rob and I's clothes that were in the bathroom in the tolet or in the bathtub). Maybe I should try to bathe before Rob leaves!!! AHHHH!

We left for Premila's and Joey's house. Joey and Anant had a good time. Joey, showing Anant how to jump on the bed in the guest room. Anant showing Joey how to play in the dirt. Joey is about a year older than Anant and so he can play with Anant pretty well. Joey is a good friend. Like a big brother to him. They finger painted as well. Anant was smelling the flowers in Premila and Bobby's garden. He would bend all the way over and smell them. And did this about 5 times. So cute. Neat to see his admiration for nature. He also liked Joey's cat. Now when he sees cats he says "ow" I think because a few cats have scared him a little when the swatted and hissed at him. Now when he looks at a cat in his book he says "ow" too. Premila had made an excellent Lunch with dal, rice and vegetables (Anant's favorite being one of them-peas with potatoes-he loves peas!). Then I had made baked apples with honey and cinnamon and we topped it with ice cream. To which Anant said "hot" when he ate it but wanted more of course! He didn't really eat the apples. But ate a huge amount of Premila's food. Signing for "more" a few times. After the meal we caught Anant with a black marker running around the house with Joey! Then he wanted to play in the sink with the water (they have a foot stool so the kids can reach). Joey was sad to have us leave. But they both needed naps. Anant fell asleep as we almost got home. He was floppy going in the house and didn't even wake up for a diaper change! But...when I put him in his bed and tried to leave of course he cried a little. But has been down now for about an hour and a 1/2.

Anant has been doing this laugh lately that is mostly a sucking in of air. Its so cute. When he gets tickled about something he will do this and lay face down. He's so funny.

Should have taken some pics with Joey. Oh well, next time.

Mary

 

Anant was up again at 3:30am. I changed his diaper then rocked him a little then he went back into his bed crying for a few minutes. We all went back to sleep. He was up again by 6am. I didn't want to be. Thankfully he sits with us for a little while in our bed and is not itching to get up right away. We brought Derby up too but as soon as Anant gets too close Derby jumps down. Then Anant says "up!" "up!" again imitating me when I want Derby to get up on a couch or our bed.

I will side track a little. I'm really concerned about Derby. He never really seemed to recover from his back leg issue where he wasn't jumping playing to his previous level. Rob said sometimes animals have mental memory so they just don't do what they used to. Now, this afternoon Derby was limping with one of his front legs. This seems to be lyme that didn't respond to the first week of antibiotics. I'm so sad for Derby, he wants to play and walk with us but shouldn't right now.

Back to our boy. He now gets kisses from Derby often and really likes them and will ask Derby for them by putting his face up to Derby's which is how all of us get a kiss from Derby. Anant also kisses Derby's back.

Went to church and did our usual going to worship together with Anant then I go to the nursery with Anant the first service and Rob the second. Actually, Anant got through the music in both services. It was great worship this morning. And Mark's sermon was so good too. About how we can risk things (be sacrificial in our love for others) in life because of where our anchor is. In Christ.

Anant took about an hour and a half nap. Then we went to the park near us. The rain sent us home.

Anant pointed to a picture in the book Aunt Deborah gave us and said "banana" (well, close) and it was a banana. Sounds more like "nana".

You'll see a picture of Anant sweeping the kitchen and getting caught on film into Derby's water AGAIN. Ugh! He was a little grumpy this afternoon. He was throwing some of his toys and books and smacking the couch with his hand. Rob thinks he was hungry. Not sure what that was about. I tried to ask him why he was doing this. Didn't really expect an answer.

Took Anant on a walk after Dinner. Then Dad put him to bed. I'm going to try to put a list of the words Anant says on the side kind of like our list of dates that things happened.

Rob measured Anant yesterday and it appears that after a month (we measured him 2 weeks after he had been with us) he has grown an inch! Awesome!

Mary

Anant woke up around 3:30am this morning and I changed his diaper and put him back to bed after a little rocking. He cried for a little while. Then he woke up at 5:30 or so. Rob said that he heard Anant making his ooooo ooooo ooooo sound so we think the window being open was a problem. He could hear the birds. Rob brought him into our bed at that point and Anant and I slept until 7am. I love having him in our bed, feel so close to him and I love to snuggle with him. He took about a 2 hour nap around 1pm. After I checked his diaper about 3 times on his insistance. Funny boy. He has my number. He points to his diaper and smiles and opens his eyes wide. Anything to not have to go to sleep. Took him 10 minutes of crying. Finally got him down.

Dad went to his men's group this morning so it was just Anant and Momma. We did our usual routine and went out to take a walk at 9 am and ran into Rob. So he walked with us. Anant was happy to see him. He knows when one of us is not with him.

Rob saved us from buying a new vacuum cleaner by fixing the belt. Yay! He worked hard today cleaning. Things get out of control easily as far as clutter is concerned and as you know hard to get time to straighten it up. Anant played outside with his car. He still can't go forward in it. But did push it around as you can see from the pictures. 

Anant was into Derby's water a lot today too. He was a little grumpy today. Not sure why. Maybe he was hungry this afternoon. Of course wanted me to hold him whille cooking Dinner. Ended up putting him in the Ergo on my back. Which helped for a little while but he gradually got aggitated waiting for Dinner. We then went out for Rita's water ice. Got the aweful face look when he tried it (probably due to the cold of it). Yet he wanted more and more.

The first picture today is in his PJ's from Nana. They are so cute. Baseball theme in blue. They feel so comfortable too. He likes that there are balls on them. Then the other pictures he has some clothes on that Rob and I got him from Babies R Us. Really cute frog camoflage with the orange shirt. I just think this boy looks so cute in anything. I'm not partial or anything.

Anant started to use sentences today. Albeit 2 word ones. He said "Momma up" when he wanted me to come with him up the driveway. He was also funny today when he would see dogs he would get excited and then would say "bye-bye". Now he knows we will not stop and look at the dogs for 5 minutes I guess. He really notices things we don't like birds flying over (BTW, have to get him an eye exam soon on recommendation of the pediatrician). Boy this kid has been through a lot of evaluations. Not sure there is anything left to check? Anant also likes trucks. He played with his mega block cars given to us from Rob's co-workers (THANKS) he loves these. I have to say they are fun.

Called a family today who has adopted an Indian child as we have. Our home study agency gave us their phone #. Hope we can meet them. It is so rare to meet anyone here who has adopted a child from India.

I'm reminded how selfish I can be today. We are reading a book with our small group by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp. Its called Relationships, a Mess Worth Making. Not appreciating Rob as I should. People used to tell us that they realized how selfish they were when they got married and then they really realized it when they had children. I'm realizing this is true. I'm grateful for Jesus who lost his relationship with His Father for a time so that my relationships could be whole and have hope, even in this life.

Talk to you all soon.

Mary

 

Just got back from our small group meeting. It is a challenge with a 2 year old. We did sing one of his songs that he has been signing for all week "Aint No Rock". He's been doing the rock motion that we do for this song. He did enjoy it and raised his hands so cute when we sing the chorus "praise His holy name, as long as I'm alive I'll glorify His holy name". He just went to bed. I'm adding a pic of him with my sunglasses on from earlier. I'm a picture freak! I think it helps others share in our lives when you can see pics.

Please pray as you read this for our friend Jennifer who is going through a difficult time with her family's adoption of her son Malachi. His passport is not in and they are leaving next week to go and get him. They have been advised to postpone travel until his passport is in. There is a lot more to this story that I will not say here. But it would be really wonderful for Jennifer to be able to leave as planned. She has been through so much.

Mary

We had a good time at the Smith Playhouse. I actually made it there on my own and met Premila and her SIL Kris there with their children. You will see a picture of Annabell and Joey together. They are so cute together and you can tell that they care about each other. Kris has a baby (Rose) and a son in school Brenden. We played inside then outside. The outside playground is really fun. They have a slide that you get in sacks to go down so its really fast. Anant couldn't get enough. Before I knew it Premila and Kris left and we were still there. I had to drag Anant out. Then, of course, he slept in the car on the way home and he is asleep again. The construction paper still seems to be working! Yay.

Have some new pictures up from today. Boy was it getting hot though on the playground. Anant didn't do much in the vehicle room. For some reason. He can only go backwards in the "Flintstone" cars and he kept trying the tricycles that were so far off the ground he couldn't touch. I tried to get him to try some smaller ones but it still wasn't interesting enough for him.

Found an article online about high TSH levels in Chinese adoptees and thought maybe it was similar to Anant's situation. Maybe it is catch up growth occuring? Have to schedule the PPD and TSH again still.

Mary

In my sleepy state I forgot to say a few things. We got Anant's labs back. His titers are showing that his immunizations were very good and don't need to be redone (thank God!). A few abnormal labs were his TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) being high. I know from Geriatrics (not that this carries over to children) that people are usually given Synthroid. Sometimes it indicated Hypothyroidism. But I'm no pediatrician. We will have the lab done again soon as per our Ped. advice. His creatinine was low which could just mean very good kidneys, or maybe low muscle mass or protein intake??? Hard to tell. His Hemoglobin and Hematocrit are normal! We had been concerned about that in the past. So this is great news. He will need a PPD to test for TB.

Anant was dancing tonight to the music that his Hummer truck makes. Thanks Premila and Bobby. He loves this truck. And the song is pretty cool. He looked like he was break dancing sitting on his butt on the kitchen floor and spinning around.

We took a walk with Derby tongiht and it was during Anant's active time of the day right after Dinner. He was so animated. Just chattering away! Not sure what he was saying. But he was so cute. He loves to look at the birds/trees/flowers/squirrels/trucks etc. He was pulling a whodini getting out of the harness of the stroller tonight too.

Lately he has been obsessed with the dogs water. Recall he was dipping the orange peeler in the dog's water and putting it in his mouth? Now he puts other things in the water like Derby's toys, Scooby Doo's tail! Hmmmm what will happen if I put this in Derby's water. "Uh Oh" is his common comment after he's been messing with something and he realizes what he's done. He also purposefully drops or throws things and then says "uh, oh". Thinking we were born yesterday.

Ok, signing off again.

Mary

Not a whole lot going on today. Anant spent most of his day outside at the Cheltenham Wall Park (he wasn't as interested in the sand today?!) and our park in our little area of Roslyn.

We thought it was going to be another day like last Wednesday. Anant didn't want to eat in his booster seat but preferred to be held this morning to eat. Remember last Wednesday we thought he was asking for limits when he was doing this. Now, today, Rob, seeing how he was acting thought that it was more that Anant was insecure and thought we should be patient and hold him. So we did. My fear was that he would not eat in his booster seat at Lunch or Dinner but this didn't happen. He didn't seem to know what he wanted but he definately wanted to be held. He did wake up around 5:50 this morning. He had a 2 hour nap and went to bed around 8:15. He really doesn't cry going to bed anymore. This is much better. The routine helps because I think he knows what is coming next.

Tomorrow we are going to the Smith playhouse again. Hope we don't have a repeat of the leaking diaper again. We wont go there tonight. I'm too tired.

We got the number of another couple who adopted a 1 year old girl from India from our home study agency. We are anxious to call them. Rob also ran into a Mother and her children at the local park here in Roslyn, from India. He gave them our # hoping we could make a connection. No, he wasn't trying to pick her up!

Well, better go. Need to mail off the 1 month report to Holt tomorrow that our social worker prepared and a note to Anant's childcare facility in India. We are so grateful to them.

Mary

I forgot to say how thankful I am for Derby, our dog. Yes, Derby. God thinks of the smallest things to bless us. His creation is beautiful and speaks of him. Derby is a very sweet dog. Little did we know that our son would love dogs and our family would gel so well having Anant and Derby with us. Anant loves Derby. He is always giving him kisses and takes care of Derby. It is good to learn how to be gentle. Derby does love to play and does get loud at times. But I do love him. Its good for Anant to have Derby too. I credit Mom-Kris for her advice yesterday in helping me to realize the blessing Derby is. Also for helping me to appreciate little boys and that raising them is different than little girls. Some of you may disagree but I'm finding her advice to be true. God made boys and girls differently so its no surprise that the challenges are different. Boys do get into everything. They are exploring their environment and like to know how things work. And they tend to push the limits more as well. I've never raised a girl so I wouldn't know. Thanks Mom-Kris.

Mary

Another uninterrupted night of sleep. Anant slept until about 6:45am. Down to sleep last night without difficulties. Now he is down for a nap. I'm hoping to stop in to my job to see everyone today after Anant's nap. I'm thinking of leaving around 2. Here's hoping.

Went for a walk this morning with Anant and Derby. What a warm day. No coats! Then the early intervention team was here by 10am to evaluate Anant. There was the coordinator a Speech Therapist, and an Occupational Therapist. They asked me lots of questions about what Anant is doing, saying, eating etc and about his medical history. I found out that Anant may qualify for Medicaid Assistance due to his medical diagnosis! This may help with medical co-pays and such. It would be a secondary insurance. Interesting...

These ladies evaluated Anant to be at a 15-18 month level with most of their developmental/speech tests. So he does qualify for services. He will have a teacher come for an hour a week to help us with his development. The OT said that the toy boxes are great for adults but for children it is a toy to pull out all of the toys. shelving with bins are much better for children they said. They listened to my concerns about language, motor skills and such. As well as attachment or attention deficit issues. These women said that they sometimes feel bad and wonder how to tell parents that their child has big problems but with Anant they said he is doing very well. That his eye contact was good. He played with the OT, copied her play etc. They didn't really see evidence of attention deficit issues. They think he understands English fairly well and he verbal skills, learning a word a week pretty much, were good considering he has only been here for less than 2 months. They also felt that he communicates his wants and needs well. He did his signs for them and wowed them. I think he stole the OT's heart. She said she wants to be the one to come and play with him because he is so cute and any boy who signs please gets whatever he wants. BTW, I think Anant has begun to say more today (he knows the sign for it and it sounds like he is saying it). He's probably saying more than I can identify just yet. It was so encouraging to hear these women's reports. I was pretty certain that he was doing well but its always good to hear confirmation from professionals. We discussed goals. Like 50 words in 6 months, following directions and communicating his needs. I really appreciated what these women do. Its good to make sure Anant gets every service that is available to him. The EI women said they never see children from India. Sad, I wish there were more Indian adoptive families closer to us. But we are very grateful for the Indian friends that we have who have opened their lives to us and now to Anant. We truly are an Indian-American family. Maybe we will be more on the Indian side one day in the future? Only God knows. One friend said that I was really brown on the inside. This was a while ago and little did she know that we would be adopting Anant from India! Which reminds me that I need to write a letter to BSSK to go along with the picture that we will be sending of us in our Indian garb along with Holts required 1 month placement report. We just got it in the mail from our social worker here.

You'll see some pics of Anant and I from this morning. We were fooling around with the timer on the camera that lets you take a pic when you aren't with the camera. Anant enjoyed it and wanted to do it over and over again. It was really fun. Of course I had to delete alot because I am not the most photogenic like my son is...

Anant and I realized that we both had frog PJ's on this morning. How fun!

Talk to you all soon.

Mary

Anant had a great nap today and yesterday. We think that darkening the window helped. Anant's room has a south-facing window that is really bright in the afternoon. So we covered it with construction paper (its ok that it is dark during the day because all he does is sleep and get changed in his room) and he is sleeping longer and better for his naps.

Rob took Anant to his hearing test right after he woke up from the nap and he did really well. The Audiologist said his hearing is normal and there was not much fluid in his ears. So... all that selective hearing is definately selective hearing. Not hearing deficit. Its interesting how they check the hearing of a child that may not understand Engish. They make a sound in a certain area and an animal lights up where the child looks for the sound. Interesting...

We ate at Food Cupboard again. Anant had a good eating day. Its been tough to get him to drink the milk though. We'll have to work harder on this.

The Montgomery County Early Intervention Program called us back and changed our evaluation 2 times today. The first date was May 12, then tomorrow at 2, then tomorrow at 10:30am. Perfect! 2 was pushing it to be right when his nap usually is. They will do a full evaluation of his overall development and then train us in the home to be able to help him with speech/OT etc. I think I'll be able to explain it better after the eval and I see what they do.

Everything is coming together well. We are glad to hear that Anant's hearing is normal. Hapythat his health status good according to the pediatrician. Although we think Dr. Gerwitzman was trying to call us today regarding Anant's labs but never got ahold of us. There were two calls we missed for different reasons today. Maybe he'll call tomorrow. The office told him that we called.

More tomorrow.

Mary

Anant is wearing a cute orange dog shirt (who gave us this one-he loves it?). He got so excited to wear it. I'll try to get a picture. Just got back from center city. It was fun on the way down. Anant enjoyed seeing the water on the one side and trees etc. Of course he kept saying his newer word water which he enjoys. He is getting his bird sign down and so we were playing bird. I would do the sign and say tweet tweet then he would grab the bird and the bird would screetch. Don't know how Dad drove with all this going on. We ended up driving instead of taking the train. Thought it would be easier. Glad I wasn't alone.

When we go to 1600 Callowhill we found that the staff there didn't really know what the Texas CIS office wanted either. They filled out a form called I-89 and crossed off the fingerprint and signature and wrote minor on it. Ok, well I hope this suffices and we get the alien registration card. I'm still not clear on why this happened. The staff there thought maybe they needed a picture then they will let us know that soon. Ugh!

Anant fell asleep, of course on the way home. He was a little grumpy and clingy when we got home and was hungry. Now he's happy again and coloring (mostly on paper-LOL).

Mary

You'll see some new pics from today. The two children are neighbors that we really like. The little girl is so sweet to Anant and really likes playing with him. She also likes to hold Derby's leash. She is the one who plays with him the most.

Anant ate the dal I made tonight and wanted seconds. This is very easy for him to eat probably since this is like what he had at BSSK. It was a really fast meal and so I went to the grocery store right after Dinner. Rob called me as I was leaving to tell me that Anant was sucking his thumb and just waiting for me to come home before he went to bed. He went to bed around 8:30 wide awake but not crying!

I'm heading up soon too. Tomorrow we will have to get up and out early to get to center city on time for our appt.

Mary

Another night of uninterrupted sleep for all of us! Anant has been in good spirits today!

We have been busy. Took our baths. Anant is so helpful as he dumps the water to rinse off my soap for me. He insists. He's such a helper. He also insists on putting his dirty diapers in the trash. He takes the bag and we carry him out to the trash can and we lift the lid and he puts it in. He is so happy to help especially with the accolades that he gets from Mom and Dad.

We took a quick 20 minute walk today. I always ask Anant to identify things like flowers, grass, birds, trees. He is very good with this. He also notices the cars and trucks. He does his mummmm sound. You may think he is saying Mom but if you look around you will see he is looking at a truck. He is such a boy!

We came back and immediately left for the wall park in Cheltenham. Anant loves this park as it has a sandbox, swings and slides. All of which he loves. He always starts with the sandbox. He can get in himself. Which is quite good. A little bit of a drop on the inside but he is so careful and does so well. We went down some slides together. Some slow and some really fast and fun with Anant yelling "yay!" when we get off and then heading back to go up again. We went with Premila and Joey, our friends. You can see the pics. I also have some pics from yesterday and I'm not sure if I had reminded you all to check the pics from yesterday.

Just got caught up with our friend Judy's blog. And saw that last Wednesday she has a cool post about William and Anant. We are so honored to be on her blog and her post is enlightening about how God connects parts of the world together. Here is the link:

I showed Anant Judy's pic of him and William. He asked me to show it to him at least 10 times (forget trying to do anything on the computer! Looks like Rob and I will have competitian soon that is not just each other-LOL). He pointed at William and then himself asking me to say their names over and over again. He had a cute little smile on his face. You have to wonder what is going through that little head of his sometimes.

Anant had some leftover Muttar Paneer with Basmati rice for Lunch today. He asked for seconds! And refused pineapple to get more of his favorite dish. He was really happy during Lunch, joking. Holding the spoon in his mouth when I try to feed him and not letting go. You have to wonder if he was the class clown at BSSK sometimes. I envision him and Siddharth being silly together. He did eat some watermelon and wanted more and more.

Then I took him up to take a nap at about 1pm. He was thinking of every reason not to nap and is so cute I can't help but play with him a little. I think he is cute on purpose so as to trick me into not napping. He does his dog bark when he hears Derby. He has a bit of flatulence and then points to his diaper smiling and nodding like he needs to be changed and he doesn't. He acts like he wants to sit on the potty but when you get his pants off and put him on he runs away. He wants me to read his Bible to him. etc...etc... silly boy. I ended up just having to put him wide eyed into his bed and letting him cry a little. Which he doesn't do very long anymore thanks to the CIO (Cry it Out) method. Thanks Judy for the acronym-stolen from her blog. Its now 3pm so we've had a good nap! Maybe not solid but its pretty good. I did cover his window with a blanket because I think the light in his room in the afternoon may keep him from napping. We'll see if this helps.

I actually emptied the dishwasher, filled it once again. Made some chai tea for the first time since we've had Anant. Thanks to Fran's book I have a great new recipe which tastes so much more authentic than what I had been making. I made enough for the next few days. The walk this morning, the air at the park and some tea--I'm good to go!!! go!!! go!!!! Friends at work said (when I told them of my love of homemade from scratch chai) just wait until you get your son there will be no more of that. Uh, they were right!

I asked Premila today how a SAHM (stay at home Mom) makes it in the winter. She has a Sister-In-Law who she hangs out with and the children can play together. She also went to the mall with Joey, and went outside when the sun was out and they just bundled up. I am sooooooooooooo grateful for the weather and this time of year to be able to get out and do things. Actually the one kind of housework we can do is yard work because Anant is busy (usually taking the mulch out of the garden-ugh) when outside and we can keep an eye on him. Maybe I will get some mulch from Willow Grove and actually plant some cheap annuals. Maybe Anant can "help"? Oh, my. We'll have to see how that goes. I'll let you all know.

Anant has woken up at least 2 times and fussed upstairs. Once because Derby was barking at the lawn care man working next door (thanks Derby). Poor Derby I'm so hard on him. We do love him and Anant really does too. He still gives him kisses and loves on him. He knows how to be gentle with Derby too. We'll be going to the grocery store today. Monday seems to be our day. We are doing coupons lately and trying to save $$. I rather enjoy the grocery shopping. Its time out of the house (can you tell I like to get out of the house? I think Anant feels the same way). Anant has figured out how to take things off the shelves at the store. But he does "help" as when I get the item we need I give it to him and most of the time he is able to put it in the cart. What is a Mom to do when your child sees all his favorite foods going by but isn't allowed to have them just now???

Tomorrow Anant goes to get a hearing test in the afternoon (Dad will be taking him alone because I have a meeting with someone from the food cupboard). Tomorrow morning we have Anant's appt in center city to get his finger prints done. That should be interesting. I guess we will take the train in. The appt is at 9am. Rob will be with us tomorrow so this is good. So after we get these prints Anant should get his alien registration card and then we can get a SS # for him. We are getting somewhere here!!

Didn't actually make Dal on Sat. Made Mac and Cheese and Anant liked it although I didn't make it low fat so I think it filled him up pretty quick. He did want broccoli with parmesan that I cooked in the micro. Tonight I'm going to make the dal. Should have a little more time today to do this than I left myself Saturday.

Mary

Anant slept through the night and woke up at 6:30am. Good night! He enjoyed playing at church in the nursery but by the second service he was done and a little cranky and wanted Rob to hold him. Went to Genuardis and ate his leftover yogurt (from Breakfast, he had put some waffle in the yogurt-this dipping thing is common). Our friends Miska and Luke were asking what was in the yogurt :-O He ate a little pizza and some canteloupe which he LOVES. He OD'd on it yesterday morning before we went to the IAC function which would be why we changed about 3-4 stinky diapers. Which reminds me of what happened tonight. I hear Rob yelling my name and wonder if we are back to the beginning where it took 2 of us to change a diaper. But NO! IT WAS POOP AND PEE IN THE POTTY!!! When I came upstairs Anant is crying and Dad is ecstatic. Anant loves to be in the bathroom with us and flush the toilet and is interested in what we do in the toilet! LOL! So when we were able to put his business in the toilet and he could flush his own he was so happy. We made such a fuss I think we scared him and he thought he did something wrong.

Anant also said the word water! The past few days I'd been trying to teach him the sign for water and he would put his hand up to his mouth and say wa and what sounded like him making a gutteral noise. He looked like he was inducing vomiting. But today...he did it. He said water. He also tells Derby "out" when Derby is in his room while we are changing him or when Derby is trying to take his food.

Nap was probably about an hour today. He woke up grumpy (similar to the Wednesday situation where he was fussy, wanted to be held and throwing his head back). I felt a little bad myself after my nap. I was dreaming so it must have been a deep sleep. I decided to take a nap too. Pretty tired today. Yesterday was a little busy.

Anant loves his music player that Grandma Kris gave him and has now started dancing to the music these past few days. He loves the song deep and wide and can do the motions. He REALLY enjoys music. Sometimes he gets antsy when you are getting ready to sing a song or when the music stops he whines and fusses until it starts again. He also liked his new truck from Nana which Dad put together today. He was really trying to figure out all the gadgets on it. And he was making his car noise. He also helped me get the stickers on it. He really catches on quick to things. Sometimes much to our dismay. Like unlocking the oven and dishwasher. The kitchen is a difficult room. When I cook its hard to keep him out of the cabinets. Caught him with the orange peeler while I was on the phone putting it in the dog's water and then putting it in his mouth. Then he proceeded to try to put it in the trash. You really have to watch him like a hawk! I have put him in the booster seat so he can stay out of trouble and watch what I'm doing. He was so hungry for Dinner and ate very well. I can see that he is able to tolerate more textures than he used to. Tonight he ate chicken fajita with refried beans (not actually on the tortilla-ate the 1/2 of tortilla on the side). Then he ate pineapple. He still loves fruit. This morning he had watermelon. He wanted more and more sour cream but we didn't give him more because he would have continued to eat it off the top of his chicken fajita meat and not eat what is under it. He loved his waffle this morning with syrup. He is so funny. Gets so excited about mealtime. A little impatient (that is putting it mildly) and then when it comes to finally sitting down to eat he is so happy you should hear the noise he makes.

Well, better go for now. Anant went to bed around 8pm. Hopefully we'll have another good night.

Mary

Today was a really fun day we went to the CHOP International Adoption outing from 9-12. Anant was in the moon bounce (he really liked this, although he really just walked and sometimes he layed down). He finger painted twice and sat in the paint once (I think we have a modern artist on our hands). He made a bracelet (with help, that is a little hard). He made a monkey (I have a pic of his monkey). Played in shredded paper, rice and pasta in a large container (folks, don't try this at home! What a mess-although he loves this kind of thing). He chased bubbles. Tried to eat a hot dog. He wasn't really digging that too much. They played with a large parachute (he loved running under in and out of this! He was a busy boy.

Sleeping: He's been waking up at 5 am lately and we've changed his diaper and put him back to bed but after that its hard to get back to sleep I think for all of us. Its really hard to hear him cry Momma, Momma, it breaks my heart. Nap today was crazy. Of cours the boy slept in the car on the way home for about a 1/2 hour then he woke up as we took him in the house. Slept for about a 1/2 hour, woke up again, slept again. He's been out for a walk in the stroller with Derby and I then playing with Derby and the neighborhood kids. I must get pictures of him playing with them. Its so neat to see them give him so much attention and they like Derby too. I just follow everyone around.

Better go now. I think I'm making dal for Dinner, sorry Rob!

Mary

 

Posting some pics from today. Anant was better today. Rob kept him busy. He got out the crayons. He's doing a lot better with them now compared to his video where he wanted to eat them! Or maybe that was chalk?

So maybe he's bored too. Maybe I should have more structure to our day. I just let him free play. When we are outside things are pretty easy. Just have to keep him out of the street. He was outside for a long time today. He just loves it. Went to the playground. Hung out with the girls in the neighborhood. Its so funny, they just love him. I have to tell the one sweet girl not to pick him up. He does much better walking when he's not carried outside. But its neat to see the girls follow him and play with him. I think he likes older women.

Tomorrow we will be going to an international adoption gathering with CHOP (the international adoption clinic). Should be fun for Anant. We'll take some pics. Gotta be up and out early.

Anant had only a 1 hour nap today. Maybe he just doesn't need a long nap?! Tonight he went to be late around 9:15 or so. He was so tired at our small group meeting for church that he started to fall asleep in my lap while watching a movie with the kids upstairs. He really couldn't keep his attention on the movie but did quite well.

Talk to you all soon.

Mary

We went today to the Philadelphia Zoo as guests of Amy's across the street (thanks Amy!). Nancy, Miska and Amy's children were all there except for Abby who was at school. The zoo was really fun. We actually heard the lyons roaring!! How cool! I've tried to make the lyon's roar but, of course, don't do it justice.

Anant really liked the zoo too. He really liked watching the monkeys. Heard a lot of ooooo ooooo oooooing today. He really loves to watch the animals. He was so cute. Should see some pictures on the flickr site today. I already loaded some. But not all. Our camera had an uh oh. I put the battery in backwards and it got stuck so I was stuck part of the time taking cell phone pics which didn't turn out so good. Our friend Amy took some really good ones of Anant and Gracie in a huge egg at the treehouse (an indoor playground-AWESOME). He really liked it in the egg! It was so good to be out of the house and away from the dynamics of the past day or so and be with friends. Neat to see the girls be so kind to Anant. Abigail and Lydia were so sweet to him in the car. Of course his neighborhood girlfriends held his hand today and walked down the street today. I think they were actually fighting over who would hold his hand. Anant and Nathaniel, Miska's son, were holding hands in their carseats (see the pic-a little sideways but you do what you have to do with the coll phone camera). Very sweet. Then they sucked on pretzel rods for a few minutes, together and then promptly fell asleep together in their carseats. So, when I got Anant home he really didn't nap after that. So it was about a 40 minute nap I think. He went to bed at 8 before I was home from a viewing (our friend Nancy S. Dad died). Rob said he was cranky. He was still acting out today. Willfully disobeying and not listening. When I say no, throwing things or hitting me (attempting to).

Grandma Kris and Nana have said that maybe it is not a good idea to play the BSSK songs to Anant. Not until he is healed from the trauma of leaving his caregivers down the road. I think they are right. I will not be doing that for a while. I may not even play twinkle little star either. Maybe it is too many memories for a 2 year old to bear. Maybe the past 2 days have been a repercussion of these memories?

Well, better go. I'm going to try to turn in early (like I always say I will but never do!).

Mary

 

Today is Anant's 2nd Birthday. I am reminded of all the prayers God answered to get him home to us. Today was a difficult day. We went back to the grumpy, carry me everywhere and do everything state. Anant didn't want to sit in his booster seat to eat his Lunch. He was tantrumming and would sit in my lap and eat but not in his seat. Not really sure what was going on. I did notice that when I did get up to do what he wanted he would get a smile on his face. Not sure what that was about either. He never really ate Lunch, just a few bites of it and he was too upset to eat. So he fell asleep in my arms at the kitchen table and I put him in his bed for a nap at 11:30am (till about 1pm-so early!)! Notice, this is the time he will fall asleep in the car often too. Jet lag? Or just because he gets up at 6:30?

I made his favorite dish, Mutter Paneer (with baked ricotta cheese-not bad!) today and he really enjoyed it. Especially considering he didn't eat Lunch! He really was ready to eat by Dinner and that, of course, made him grumpy too.

Was it because I played him the BSSK Birthday song for him today. Maybe he was grieving? Maybe teething or because Rob wasn't here?

Sometimes I wonder if I will make it. I get so overwhealmed with this change in our lives. Parenting is not easy is it? These are the times I have to recall God's word when it says "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". I briefly was reading Hebrews about not putting trust in our flesh but in Christ. I needed that. I am weak without Him. I worry too whether Anant will be ok with all these changes. And I have to just pray for him. We prayed at Breakfast for Anant's first parents. They were on my mind on his Birthday.

We ended on a good note. Had a small party for him with a few friends. Should have some pics up today. Mom (Nanna) was here today and she was such an encouragement and a support today. Thanks Mom for being here you don't know how much I needed you today. God knows what we need before we even ask. He knew what we needed. Anant was doing well after 2 helpings of Muttar Paneer and Basmati rice and some canteloupe (warmed in the microwave the first time, the second helping he had to eat cold. He is so funny because no matter whether it is cold or hot he will say its hot and blow on it. I guess its his way of saying that its not acceptable to him. Maybe he has my number?

I think today he may have tried to say Derby's name. Still loves the dogs in the neighborhood and we are constantly at the one neighbor's house watching for her dogs in her sunroom.

Anant loves the whipped cream icing on the Giant cakes. He will eat the icing off and not eat the cake. He still makes an ugly face when he eats ice cream but yet continues to eat it. Its still cold to a child who ate everything warm in India.

He still loves for me to sing and gets insistant about it sometimes like when there is an introduction he wants me to be singing already. He seems to act a little differently when we play any music that he recognizes from BSSK. At least I think he recognizes it. He gets wide eyed and sometimes will lay down. Maybe its comforting. Maybe it reminds him of his previous home?

Got ahold of the Montgomery County IU today and spoke to someone on the phone and registered. The woman said that someone would be calling in the next few days. Should be helpful.

Anant is getting good at the shape sorter. It is a complex one I have to say with different shapes on every side. We show him with a motion of our hands to turn it and he does and gets it in. This is a toy that he wouldn't play with much before. He is definately showing improvement.

Oh, and the sleep issue. Last night he woke once, I changed his diaper and put him back in his bed. I have a feeling that I shouldn'tve let him come into our bed in the mornings to sleep a little longer with us. Because I think he now expected that last night after I changed his diaper. He did cry a few minutes then went to sleep. Tonight and last night he went to sleep without crying! Rob added praying with him last night and I did tonight. I think the sleep routine is working, he knows what's coming by the routine of the teeth brushing, Scooby Doo, his Bible story and then rocking, maybe praying and singing. Tonight he was awake when I put him in the bed. This is working!!

We never made it to work today to see anyone with as difficult of a day we had. Maybe next week sometime, I hope.

Good night all. My back and neck hurt today. My mouth is getting better on the bright side!

Mary

 

Ok, so now Anant is Momma according to Anant. I think he hears me say "I'm Momma" so much that the past few days he has been pointing to himself and saying "I'm Momma".

He had a great time today outside with us. And we saw some of the neighborhood girls who still dote on him.

We went to the food cupboard tonight and had Dinner like we have been doing. I was actually able to have a conversation (really 2 or 3!!!) I think. Anant ate a good Dinner. He was looking for Momma (Dad) the whole time since one of us stays in the lobby in case any newcomers come. But he still ate even with all the stimulation of all the people. Thats good.

Tomorrow is our sweet boy's 2nd Birthday. We are so happy to be able to spend it with him.

Dad will be putting him to be soon.

Mary

Anant has decided that today is "Disobey Your Parents" Day. Hope this is not a national holiday today or I feel sorry for everyone else too. Today he just wasn't listening and he smiles when you say no and does what you told him not to do. Maybe because we are both home?? He is napping now. Took a while he was wide awake and trying to play with me. Again, wanting his diaper changed and happy about it (this time is was wet I must say).

We went to get printed AGAIN. Rob and I. Anant will have to get printed next Tuesday in center city. We'll probably take the train together the 3 of us. This is the deal with Citizenship and Immigration I talked about before. Today Rob and I had ours done for the Department of Public Welfare. A criminal clearance of some kind. Rob and Anant, please hold off on your bank heist until this adoption is finalized. Our prints are EVERYWHERE. We can't do ANYTHING!!!

That's all for now. Tomorrow I plan to hike to work to visit co-workers. I feel so bad I haven't made it there for them to see our boy. So we are going tomorrow. We'll probably go right after Lunch (our usual nap time) so as to see some friends who come to work later. Sure he'll nap in the car, probably both ways!

He's been down for almost an hour today. And slept from 8pm until at least 6am this morning. Did take him into our room for a little while after he woke up today.

Pray for our discipline of him that God would give us wisdom and wise council.

Those of you who have 2 year olds or children in general. How do you do anything other than watch them. Or do you just not worry about stuff all over the house. I feel defeated many days looking at the piles of papers, thank you's that don't get written (please know all of you that we are grateful for what you all have done). I guess I spend time doing the blog but I feel that is important for Anant and usually happens during naps or his bedtime. I guess that is when I should be cleaning?!

Mary

Anant definately gets lively after Dinner. Rob is such a great playmate. He really knows how to have fun with Anant. I was able to make Dinner tonight while they played. Posted some new pictures just now. One of my CLEAN nylons was a toy today. Anant has one on his head. Maybe Rob and Anant are planning a bank heist? Then there are the cute pics with William. And the one picture where Anant has the cute Birthday sunglasses on that Grandma Kris gave him.

Well, maybe tonight I will go to bed early.

Talk to you all soon.

Mary

Anant's language is really starting to flourish. Today Judy K and I thought we heard him say apple when he picked up a plastic apple. I also for the first time heard him say hide/peek (of course you really have to listen because you will miss it and it doesn't sound exactly like it but close) like Grandma Kris' book has a picture of her doing. Mind you this is what he was doing while I was trying to settle him for his nap. Funny how they can get so cute and animated and WANT you to change their diaper (which is NEVER the case usually) even where there is nothing in it! when they do not want to nap. I kept saying sleep and finally he started to get sleepy. Then, of course, when I put him down he cried. Though not very long. The crying is nothing like that first time.

He was also pointing at himself and saying "I'm Momma". Which I have said to him before trying to get him to call Daddy "Daddy" and not Momma. Most of the time when you ask him who is who. I think it works better when we are all in the house. Because whomever is missing is Momma. Even Derby is Momma sometimes. BTW, last night Anant decided to give Derby his new socks in his crate before going to bed. Wasn't that generous? Derby had one on his head and was looking like "what the heck?". Derby has been a good sport. I get annoyed with his barking. Noise bothers me more than it ever used to. Poor Derby.

We visited William and Judy today. William came home from Taiwan with his parents Judy and Craig very days after Anant came back with us. We had a great time playing (tearing up the playroom). Anant likes to play with everything and pull out everything. And he did. Here is Judy's blog http://www.wonderchildherewecome.blogspot.com/. William is such a cutie. He and Anant are the same size, only Anant has a year and a half on William! Actually right now we could share clothes, but guess I won't be passing any on...

 

Another HUGE thing to report is that Anant's friend Siddharth from BSSK has parents and we know them. Devon and Hittesh, we are so happy for you. Funny how God brings things full circle. We have been waiting for Devon and her husband to get a referral and they have waited so very long. Siddharth is in many of our pics and most of us on the Holt board and other friends mistook Siddharth for Anant in the potty line up pics that we had a while ago from our friend Patricia. In our reports as well as Siddharth's there are notes that say that they are friends. I think I wrote in here a while ago how the other boys at BSSK in his group got really jealous when Anant got his new clothes and shoes and the caregivers made such a fuss over the duds trying to make him feel better about us because he was not doing so well that day. Siddharth was one of the boys beating up (not really) on Anant and jealous. Siddharth actually pushed Anant down. Devon, hope you will forgive me for putting this on the blog I just think its so neat to have this memory and someday our boys will laugh about it together I hope. Rob and I rescued Anant from the but licking he was getting.

Ok, Anant is crying and Derby is telling me about it so I'd better go. About an hour or so of a nap, not too bad. He did have a cat nap in the car on the way to Judy's. I will try to post the pics I have of William and Anant together in Judy's awesome playroom. We will definately have to return. Anant really enjoyed it. He really likes to go out. Today he was fussing at me because I wasn't leaving as fast as he wanted to. Well, he's stopped crying, maybe he went to sleep again? I think he did!

Well, maybe more later.

Mary

 

Church went well today. We almost made it through the music for both. Anant woke up a time or two last night. Good Daddy changed Anant's diaper in the middle of the night. Tonight he went down a little early because the nap was super short (maybe 45 minutes if that?). The boy was tired and grumpy for a while but pepped up later as is his usual. Anant loves the nursery. He goes right for the door when we get to church. Rob hid for about 10 minutes and Anant didn't even know it! He just plays and plays. I noticed that he really likes to move the furniture the little chairs and table (the plastic ones). Interesting...

We had fun tonight. Anant wanted us to sing "Deep and Wide" so many times. He was trying to get the motion of deep (a little harder than wide). He loves the music that Grandma Kris sent. I'm debating playing the music all night in his room. One CD is all sleepy, slow music. I think it really slowed him down tonight and he, again, wanted to go to sleep. I rocked him to sleep. This little boy has my heart. I cry when I look at him and rock him. I just love him so much. Love singing to him.

He was so cute with Derby tonight. He was kissing him and Derby was kissing back. Wish I had a camera! I know I'm slacking on the pics these days. But we did get teased today at church. Uncle Ron said that Anant was the most photographed child at church. Well, what can I say.

We watched a signing video today and Anant was doing very well with it. He couldn't sit through the whole thing because he got bored. But he catches on quick!

Well, not a whole lot to say tonight. I'm tired. Did too much yeserday I think. And then church today.

Talk to you all soon.

Mary

Whew! What a busy day. I think we are all pretty tired. Anant woke up at 6:30am so there was really no sleeping in for him today. He had his first french toast this morning and liked it. Of course syrup did help! He always likes the syrup. Usually has it on his waffle. We went to Auntie Sundari's house and had a wonderful time. She made so many things for us. I thought she must have been up since 3am. Idly and Sambar. She makes her Sambar (my best explanation is indian soup) by using the crock pot all night to cook the dal, cumin and water. She has an idly maker (need one of these!). Anant spit out the idly with sambar on it the first time but then tried it again and ate more and more. I'm not as familiar with south Indian cuisine she made the savory donut things and some coconut chutney. There was another dish that I can't remember the name of but it was like kichidi (rice and dal cooked together) but yet not with rice (some other starch) and nuts and raisins but it tasted savory. I loved everything. I'm going to have to learn the south Indian foods as they seem to be served where Anant lived commonly too. We know because another young lady who came home this past summer loved idly and sambar (she lived at BSSK as well and played with Anant! What a cool memory). Its possible that the younger children didn't eat these foods and just the older or the older ones remember when they were served now and then?? Don't know. Sundari is a great cook. And so kind to have us over and welcome us. She made great chai. The chai I remember having when we were in north India. For some reason when we were in central India going to get Anant we didn't have this just black tea that you put hot milk in. I so enjoyed this chai (Sundari said that in Tamil Nadu they don't call it chai but just call it tea). Anant felt more and more comfortable as we stayed at Sundari's house. Sundari invieted another friend and her daughter. Anant started doing his cute things like his "chan chan" when we gave him chai (yes, bad Mommy and Daddy right? For serving a 2 year old tea?). He loved it and kept saying "more" with his sign. Then he was doing his eyebrow raising too. Couldn't get him to do his thing where he rolls his head around and looks at you. Looks like he is stretching his neck. Funny boy. They laughed and laughed at him. Anant loved Sundari's cat, of course, and was pretty obsessed about half the time with wanting to see the cat. Sundari did hold the cat and let Anant pet her. The cat swatted at him a few times and then feined to bite him. That really upset him. Of course he was tired too. He slept in the car on the way over for a little while and then on the way home he slept. Rob put him right down for his nap when we got home and he slept for maybe 15 minutes or so again. Weird schedule day. I guess we can't always be on schedule. Although this was emphasized with us at the IAC at CHOP.

After nap the 4 of us were outside (I'm including Derby). Dad was trimming trees and killing thornbushes. Then we weeded the garden. Anant was entertained well enough. He was outside. Seems harder to try and do any work inside because he is into so much.

Then we went to the park with some friends from church; Amy, Rich, their children and Ann, Tommy and Kaitlin. We had such fun. Anant and I on the equipment. He would come up one side and I another and we would go down the slide together or take turns. Then he was in the swing a few times. There are so many nice parks around. We are so blessed!

This morning we opened Grandma Kris' gift for Anant's Birthday. Its a really cute CD player that you can sing along to (it has microphones). As you know Anant loves music. So, maybe I don't have to sing as much in the car anymore (and clap my hands while driving and endanger us both-just kidding-well, kind of). She also gave him a neat set of CD's to play. Love them. I had a great time with the microphone in the car on the way to Sundari's house. Some of those children's songs are so sad or can I say mean. Like the "Ring Around the Rosie" song (if you know what that is about-how horrible for this to be a children's song?!) Then there was the one about the old man that hit his head and couldn't get up in the morning. How bad is that. Who made these children's songs?! I had my own narrative in the microphone it was fun! Anant loved watching us do the motions to "Father Abraham".

Anant is really starting to mimic what he hears. I think he is turning a corner with his language. Maybe he understands enough and has heard the sounds of the language that he is really starting to make the sounds himself. Today he heard Barnie sing the "I Love You" song and mimicked Barney's word happy. His communication is blossoming. So is his ability to disobey (uh, now what?!).

He was really tired tonight and seemed to be intimating that he wanted to go to bed!!?? WHAT!!!??? So he got ready and went to bed. He still cried for a little bit when Rob put him in bed but not too long. He was really tired. I think it was an exhausting day.

As I tried to rock him to sleep after he had awaken from his nap today (never to resume) I was overwhealmed with joy and love in my heart as I looked at my dear boy. I love him so very much. It brought tears to my eyes. I just love these times just looking into his eyes and stroking his hair and his head. We are so blessed to have this loving boy.

Well, not much more to say. I think I will retire early tonight too. I still have those crazy mouth ulcers. Guess it didn't help to eat Indian food today? They are not as painful but still hurt.

Good night all.

Mary

Anant woke up around 5:30am or so and cried, actually not a full blast scream, just whimpering. Then after about 30 seconds or so went back to sleep. The pediatrician seemed pleased with 10 hours of sleep at night. May let him sleep in a little today since he went to bed early. Derby has been in Anant's room a few times already. YIKES! But Anant hasn't woken up yet.

I woke at 5:30am and was unable to go back to sleep. I was hoping to sleep til 7 but couldn't. Oh, well. I think that time is left from my old schedule with work. Only, I go to bed later now. Hope I'm not cranky later.

Mary

You know how much you say a word when your child picks up this word. Annat has taken to saying eeeww. and in a high pitched voice. Its so cute. He does mimic words we say more now. Its hard sometimes because he probably is saying more than we know we just take a while to recognize what he is saying. The other night I thought he said the word Bible. We read a Bible story book each night, well, we look at the picture and say a few sentences. He knows the routine. Getting the PJ's on, then brushing the teeth (he still screams when I do this doesn't like it at all), then we say "where is Scooby Doo?" and we sit and read the story with his soft blanket wrapped around him. Then we rock him and sing to him for a little bit. When he is still awake we put him in his bed. Tonight he went to bed late due to us being at our small group meeting. About 9:40 or so. He only had a 40 minute nap. Not enough, but he was entertained enough at our group that he was ok. Thanks Ali! A little cheerios and a drawer full of trinket toys goes far. And, of course, so do balls! I hated to put him down for bed. I just love this cuddling time. He got up and cried for about 5 seconds. I kissed him and told him to lay down and go to sleep. 2 nights we've slept through now. Maybe we are getting somewhere? Time will tell. Anant is so busy all day, this is why I like the cuddle time. Its a time that we are able to just sit and I hold him.

Today I went outside with him and he saw the girls in the neighborhood. They all love him and think he is so cute. They baby him hold his hand, help him to use his car. They are such little mothers. I'm trying to teach him to clean his hands off when he falls and gets dirt on his hands. The girls clean them off for him. They follow him around. So sweet.

Going to bed. Talk to you all soon.

We are supposed to go to Auntie Sundari's house tomorrow to make some sambar and idli. South Indian cuisine. Sambar is a spicy, soup kind of a thing and idli is a light bread that tastes like rice bread to me.

Anant woke up around 2:30am this morning and Rob got up and changed his diaper. Anant was not happy with this solution and wanted to go into our room. Rob went in to put his blankets on him and he woke up again. Ugh, it was a rough morning. After that he cried off and on for a while.

We think Anant is a night person. He gets really animated around 7pm at night for a while. He's definately kind of grumpy and quiet anytime he wakes up.

We went to a park in Cheltenham (Wall Park?) and it had a huge sandbox with two side to it. Anant loved it. Don't think he would have left. I did take him to do the slide because Premila and Joey were there and we wanted to try to be near them (Joey didn't want to stay in the sand box too long). He continues to really like the slides. This playground was really fun. On the way in, unfortunately, Anant fell on the sidewalk head first. You Mother's know the sound your childs head makes when it hits the ground and you know the horror. Well I think he's ok. He didn't cry too long. The bump was right where he got his stitches in October and it was the size of a mosquito bite. Obviously, he was ok and played after that. Good sign.

Then we went to Miskas to see Nancy, Miska and the children. We had a good time eating together and playing. Anant ate a good Lunch and loved the blueberries (thanks Miska). He really loves tomatoes. We give him the grape kind cut in 1/2 or the plum tomatoes. Tonight and last night he ate beef. We're still not doing too great with chicken and the beef was ground in chili which he seems to like and flank steak cooked with beans and veggies in the crock pot tonight. He really seemed to like it. Probably helped that he didn't have a lot of snacks today.

Anant really liked the cat card that Grandma Kris gave him and his stickers. He really loves animals. Any!

Anant's nap was not very long, about 40 minutes. I then let him cry fofr about 20 minutes and he didn't stop. Derby and Anant had each other's backs today. Derby afer about 19 minutes of crying was in Anant's room barking. So... on the monitor I hear Derby barking and Anant screaming. If that's not enough to put your blood pressure through the roof I don't know what is. Derby was coming into the kitchen where I was making something and looking at me like "aren't you going to do anything about this...this is unbearable!" So I went and retrieved Anant. We layed in our bed for a few minutes and when he was almost asleep I tried to move him to his bed. I decided to give up on the nap. Then later Anant returned the favor when Derby's toy went behind a cushion on the couch and Anant was trying to get our attention like "isn't anyone going to help Derby?". We were trying to get Derby to help himself but Derby just wasn't getting it. So we were convinced to help. Its so funny to see Anant who used to scream and cry when Derby came near him and now he loves all dogs and any animals.

Today I was overwhealmed with dishes and toys everywhere. It feels like chaos. You parents of young children or once young children know what I mean. Its hard to keep up with. If you try and do anything, something else is being gotten into. And these kids are quick! I need to be ok with some chaos and know what is really important, our family and loving each other.

We were able to do a little clean up tonight after Anant went to bed. I put him down at 8:15. He did scream for about 3 minutes (bloody murder) but realized that it wasn't going to work. He is fast asleep now.

Better go. Talk to you all soon.

Mary

Good day. Anant slept all night. Even with crying for 15 minutes before bed last night. Torture. I cried listening to him. Tonight it was about 6 minutes before he went to sleep. Much better.

In the bath this morning Anant was much better with me pouring water over his head. He actually had me do it 2 more times (asked for it?!). Usually he doesn't like it and wants to get out soon (doesn't cry though).

We went to the Nurse Practitioner for me at 9:30am and Anant did ok. The NP really liked seeing him. She told me I have some kind of mouth sores that start with an A... , she did think that they were viral related and my recent horrible resp virus probably wore my immune system down and so I got this other virus. She said it lasts about 3 days. She gave me a script for 1 part Milk of Magnesia, 1 part Lidocaine (numbing agent) and 1 part Benadryl. It is a liquid that you swish and spit out. Feeld like I've been numbed with Novacaine in my mouth. Not a pleasant feeling but neither are the ulcers. I'll take the numbing feeling over the ulcers. This is called "Magic Mouthwash" and we have used it in our nursing home for people who are on hospice when they have mouth pain from cancer or whatever. Now I know exactly what it is! And have used it myself. It does help you to eat because you don't have the pain. But do I look/sound like I have to eat anytime soon?!

Anyway, back to Anant. Enough about me.

So, after we went to the MD we stopped to get my script filled and asked about Anant's fluoride (which he really likes by the way, just like the Flintstone vitamin-well have to keep all of these high and away). Anant was sleepy during Lunch and his eyes were drooping while he was chewing on his mango seed (he insisted) there was still flesh on there I guess. He ate a whole mango (it was a small one). Don't worry, I'm not eating the mango-now I know better. I have a reaction to mango on my lips when I eat it fresh, so I DONT. But they are so healthy so when on sale I get them for my boy. He went down for an hour and a half nap. When he got up he went in the stroller to the pharmacy with me to get his fluoride and my mouthwash. Then on the way back we went to the park. He is so obsessed with dogs. This boy who screamed every time Derby got near him screams if I try to keep pushing him in the stroller past a dog that we've already stared at and said oooooo ooooo ooooo for 2 minutes. He got a lot of close ups today. The park we went to had dogs in the yards near the park. Anant stared at 3 dogs that were barking at him for 10 minutes. He also looked at the birds. He loves birds too. Nice that our neighbor has a bird feeder that we can see from the downstairs. There was another dog (Lab) next to these 3 dogs. Anant just loved him. I couldn't keep him from putting his hands through the fence and petting him (well I could have but the dog was obviously very friendly and sweet). I had to play the Derby card (we have to go home and take Derby out and feed him) to leave the park an hour later. If that didn't work I would play the Daddy card (Dad called us and was on his way home). After we had gone down slides and climbed on the apparatus in the park. I was very proud of Anant who was on the "big kids" equipment. I was right there (don't worry Nanna and Grandma Kris I won't let anything happen to our boy) with him. We were outside so long I got some color on my face! The boy LOVES the outdoors. He loves plants and flowers and trees too. We smelled the spring flowers in our garden today.

Today was a great eating day too.

Words are still coming. He has been saying "hotta". Hot, as in food being too hot. 

Got some new pics. Check the link at the top of the blog. Daddy was the culprit with dressing him up this time with the flag bandanna. Anant enjoyed playing with his bath toy balls in the living room. The boy has an arm. He will also throw Derby's toy for him and do a fairly good job. Derby actually brought his toy to Anant!

Better go now. Talk to you all soon.

Mary

Ah, the difference between a tired Anant and a well rested Anant. Big change this afternoon. He was VERY HAPPY. A bundle of fun. We had a fun afternoon together. Met a few neighbors who were very kind to us. We are blessed to live where we live.

Well, after the primary MD told us about the sleeping issue I decided that if it is what is best for Anant to get used to going to bed in his bed then I'm willing to do it. So...tonight he was half asleep and I put him in his bed. I turned the light off and then he looked up! I then went over and consoled him because he was crying and standing. Then told him to go to sleep and walked out. Ugh, the pain of hearing him scream and cry for about 15 minutes. He did fall asleep. But we have a feeling that this is probably not over yet. But if its like everything else that he has had to get used to; the car seat, the stroller etc. then he will hopefully be ok.

We'll let you know.

Mary

Our doctor's visit went just fine. Dr. Gerwitzman went very well. He looked at Anant's ears. He saw just mild fluid. He did want to have us see the audiologist so we will go to CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) to have this done. He did a little "mock" hearing test with keys (high pitched) and thought it was good that he could follow the key sound (of course, he said this was not a sophisticated test). He was happy with the fact that Anant is saying some words and felt that this is happening quickly for Anant. Yay! We did get the blood work done (3 VIALS!!!) and will find out the results soon. Thanks for praying!!!! Your prayers are what made this go well. We were pumping fluids into him like crazy this morning. Juice, water, milk, juice, water, milk. Even gave him drinks out of the "big people's glasses" sometimes this helps to get him to do things by changing the venue. We do this with his food too. Give him a spoon or a fork that he didn't have before and you can get him to eat more. He is checking some of the titers for his immunizations and feels that if these turn out good then he trusts that the rest were good too. Anant's AIDS test came out non-reactive which was good to know too (even though the one he had done in India was also negative). He had two shots, DPT and Hep A. He was not happy about these, as you could imagine. His fecal tests turned out with no bugs. So, hopefully Derby (who likes Anant's diapers and has a nasty habit if you know what I mean) doesn't have any bugs either. Although if you eat poop what do you expect.

The MD also said that he though Anant's weight was just where it should be for his height. He is "short" but some kids just are, and remain that way as they grow. He said that the important thing is that he keep parallelling the "normal" growth curve and not level off or go down. Anant has always been parallelling the "normal" curve. So we were happy to hear that. This MD didn't think we needed to "pump" calories into Anant because of his height/weight ratio being at the 50th percentile mark. The doctor said he sees way too many obese children with terrible health conditions. He commented on this because I am a Dietitian. He said there are so many children that need help.

The MD signed a paper saying that it did not look as though we were abusing Anant for HOLT.

We have paid for finger printing with the FBI (yes more-thanks Ed Rendell!) and will need to go to Norristown to get these done soon. Also, we got a notice from US Citizenship and Immigration that Anant's Biometrics were missing or incomplete (AKA fingerprints). So...I guess we will have to get these done as well (I think we have to go to center city for this too). Funny thing is we were just supposed to get the Alien Registration Card (AKA Greencard) in the mail but instead this is what we got. Oh brother. I just hope they will not be expecting more $$ for the prints. I'm all printed out. Good thing we both have so much time off!

Anant, after so much trauma and way past his nap time, was really grumpy in the car and fussing. So we opted for no Lunch and went right to bed. Don't worry, we didn't starve him, just had a lot of snacks today anyway.

Oh, and the primary MD talked about the rocking Anant to sleep too. He said we were playing with fire. He said it is not good for Anant to be rocked to sleep, that when he wakes up, instead of going right back to sleep (which is what kids do) he will want rocking again which will not help him or us. He said to let him cry for 20 minutes! Argh!!!!!! Of course Rob was giving me "the look".

Yesterday evening we put him in his crib to walk around in it and play a little in it. We pretended to put Scooby Doo to bed (this is our "transitional object" of choice-Thanks Darrah! This is the object that will be with Anant while we are getting him ready for bed and be with him in bed. The adoption clinic recommended we do this.

Oh, and my mouth ulcers, terrible. My mouth just hurts all the time. I called the dentist out of sheer misery and they said to rinse my mouth with Milk of Magnesia (I WILL NOT be swallowing this!) that this will coat it and help it to feel better. Worked for a while. Being I love to eat this is so miserable. And I just made Tequilla Beef Casserole with lots of tomatoes (boo-hoo). The dentist said that maybe it could be a viral issue since I was very sick for about 5 weeks with that respiratory thing. So...I go tomorrow at 9:30 am to my primary with my little boy in tow (not sure how that will work out).

Wow, Anant has been sleeping for more than 2 hours now!!! He should be a happy little camper tonight. Uh well, lets hope he goes to bed too!

That's all for now. I guess we will go to the food cupboard tonight like we have been.

Mary

Just put up more pics of Anant and Derby. Derby was pretty tired of this, especially the 2 year old hanging on him and pinching him after the kisses. It all started with the Blues Clues Feelings book. Anant likes the blues crying page (is he morbid?), I think he just likes to see me fake crying. He copies me. Derby heard me crying and started licking me (sweet Derby). Then Anant kissed me and then Anant kissed Derby.

We watched some BSSK video today from when we were there. Again, I'm crying. Anant seemed interested and was pointing to himself and caregivers. He smiled and was looking at us too during the videos. I also played one of the songs again. He, again, asked for it to be played over and over again.

Anant slept all night. Yay. We'll be going to the MD soon. Pray for good veins. We've been giving juice and whatever we can (don't usually do juice to encourage the milk and since he gets plenty of fruits the IAC MD wanted us to do the milk-but today we need fluids).

Pray for a good stick the first time!!

Mary

Just uploaded the pictures. Enjoy.

Mary