Thursday, July 31, 2008
Mom was adopted too
Forgot to tell you all that on Friday I went to a work meeting where the facility I work for adopted me. That was
the exact words they said. I thought that was pretty cool. Still enjoying the job. Feeling overwhealmed at times but I have
to keep telling myself that I'm new at this job. I'm so glad to have made this move to dialysis. What a great experience.
I love the patients. They are teaching me a lot.
Monday we went to Everybody's playground. Love that cool water mister in the heat. Also had fun swinging in the big "throne"
swing with Anant.
Tuesday Nathaniel came over and Anant was challenged with sharing. It was fun watching 2 boys. They were fun. I had to
coach them on how to play together in the playhouse. They did have fun playing together. I went to work on Tuesday and Auntne
(Anant's name for Neha) helped watch Anant along with all our friends at the Food Cupboard.
Wednesday I worked again and Rob took Anant to the same park we went to on Monday. Rob thought that either Anant got
hot or was disappointed in not seeing the friends he saw 2 days prior at the same park (Annabell, Joey and Kayla). Rob said
when they got there Anant said "Annabell, Joey?".
Today we played at home in the morning. It was relaxing and fun. Then our friend Faith came for Lunch and after nap we
went to Nancy's house to play with Sammy, Maddy, Nathaniel, Abigail, and Lydia. Anant was so happy to see them.
Anant has played a lot with Reina, Jay Jay, and Hanna in the neighborhood. He really loves their company. He will walk
right up to their houses and knock on their doors. Its neat how they all get along with him and enjoy his company. Anant doesn't
hesitate to kiss his friends good bye. Some are into this and some are too cool and run. Like Jay Jay. Every now and then
Anant gets him anyhow. I think Anant has extinguished the "rolly polly" spiecies at Reina and Jay Jay's house. One thing they
like to do that Anant joins in on is to look under rocks for bugs. The ones they see most often are the ones that roll up
(I think I used to call them pill bugs). Anant gets them and accidently smooshes them. Haven't seen many of them anymore????
Anant has done more playing on his own lately. We've been able to cook and do some other things like wash dishes and
he has played happily!?
The India program director from Holt called us last night to check in. We will go to get Anant's SS card soon (he asked
us if/when we planned to do it). Some offices will not allow you to until you finalize. Maybe tomorrow morning we'll go???
To get our tax credit $$ next year we would need that. I think we would need to finalize as well. Important. Its possible
that we will need to get a form signed from our Pediatrician that I'm pretty sure we had gotten completed before. One of the
things I didn't photocopy before I sent it (assuming I did? you just never know...). I told Dean how well Anant was doing
in all areas. Rob has measured Anant again this week and he continues to grow quickly which we are happy for.
Mary
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Baptism
Anant was successfully baptized today. He did really well. I think the verbal preparation may have paid off. We were
able to talk to Pastor Terry before the service and showed Anant who was going to put the water on his head. He was completely
calm. After, while Terry was baptizing William (Anant's friend adopted from Taiwan) he was saying "Momma water" (we had to
get him to be quiet for a little bit). He saw William at the beginning of the service and called his name. Then when they
were next to each other Anant held William's hand. It was so cute.
We do not believe that he is automatically a Christian but believe that, as the Bible states, that the promises God made
to Abraham extend to our children as well. God promises to be our God and we are his people. We trust that the same grace
that has saved us will save our son. We promised to raise him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord by His power not
our own. I really liked the prayer that Terry prayed for him, that he would be a "mighty man of God". A little girl we know
named Elizabeth made a picture of Anant being baptized and gave it to us. We treasure these pictures that are drawn for
Anant.
Anant preferred pizza to indian food at our gathering afterwards. :( I'm hoping that it is because this is what the other
children were eating. I made Aloo Gobi, rice with cumin seeds, and Indian Pudding that took 6 hours to make (stirring every
1/2 hour). It was really good, says Anant's Dad who had a few servings :-) Nancy made Channa, Premila made raita, Nana made
salad. Pop-pop was there too. He finally went down for a nap at 3 and slept until 5! I had to lay down too after cleaning
and cooking for a few days.
We are so happy to have you in our lives Anant. We are indeed blessed and we love you deeply.
We do have pics so check the link out!
Mary
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Anant has gotten in the habit of not going to sleep right away lately. He babbles and half cries for a half hour. He's
back to doing what he can do to keep from having to go to sleep. He wants water, a kiss, he wants scoobie doo, he doesn't
want scoobie doo etc, etc. But once asleep he stays asleep. Naps have been longer lately.
He has been "washing dishes" the past few days while I'm cooking which has worked well. You'll see pics of this. Very
cute. He played with Reina and Jay Jay twice today. They came over and played in Anant's pool for a while and had a great
time. Then later played together again.
Anant does talk about getting water on his head (his baptism). When we ask him who is going to pour water on his
head he says Terry" (Pastor Terry).
Mary
Friday, July 25, 2008
Anant did very well today at Miska's house. I told him that he was going to Nathaniel, Abigail and Lydia's house. He
was so excited that he was throwing a tantrum because I told him too early. We waited outside for them to come to help him.
Miska said he didn't cry for his Momma at all. He fussed when I tried to get him to leave. I felt better for leaving him for
4 hours. It would be harder if I knew he was sad when I have to work. Miska said he was really happy to see Lydia and Abigail.
He only got to see them briefly and seemed disapointed that they left again once Miska picked them up. So cute. He will really
miss them next month when they go away for a bit :-( So will I...
Rob thinks that Anant has grown again since Anant likes Rob to measure him. He says "big boy" (because that is what we
say to him when we measure him).
Another thing that is really cute is how he will hug us and say "awwwwwwwww". Becuase that is what we say when he hugs
anyone. Funny the things he picks up.
Mary
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Anant and I had a good time today playing. He is catching on to so much. He was counting the "moon" blocks (half circles)
today. He is understanding shapes with his shape sorter. He was trying to say circle today and wanted me to go over it with
him. Good nap day. He played with Reina and Jay Jay. They are wonderful to him. He plays so well with them.
Have some new pictures up from Anant's playtime with Annabell and Joey. And a few thrown in there that Anant requested
I take of him.
I've been talking to Anant about his baptism. Telling him that Pastor Terry will be pouring water over his head. Now
and then he says "water, head, Terry". Very cute.
Tomorrow Anant will be with Miska for about 4 hours. I will be at an eye appt and work for a meeting. Anant will be happy
to see Nathaniel. Since he has been asking me to see "Sammy/Thaniel, please Momma". Work is still going well. I like it. The
patients are great and the other staff are nice. They are even going to give me clothes (scrubs). Cool. I can pretend I'm
a nurse-Ha! I still can't believe that I'm around all this blood and not passing out!! Kind of wierd. There was a time I got
sick and wanted to faint in a dialysis. I'd better not brag, I'll be on the floor tomorrow-LOL.
Mary
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
My How Time Flies
Wow, what a lapse.
We got our pics taken for the church directory tonight and they looked so great! We did order some (I know some of you
are soooo excited to see them). Anant wore a tie with a white shirt and navy shorts. Soooooooooo cute.
Anant will be baptized this Sunday at church. We were reminded recently by a friend that the promises in the Bible are
for our son. This Sunday will indeed be a special day. I'm sure I will cry like the sap that I am. Anant's friend William
who came home just about the same time as Anant from Taiwan will be baptized the same day!
Anant missed Momma Sunday and Monday but he was back with me today. We stayed home and played in our pool after dead
heading our purple coneflower this morning and putting them on the side of the house hoping that they will seed there. Anant
helped of course.
Rob and I saw a really good movie about a young woman in Idia that reminded me of Anant's birth Mom and Dad. It was called
Vanaja. Really great movie. The actors and actresses were not professionals either.
I think Anant is starting to understand colors. Yesterday he pointed to a car and said black car. He remembers just about
everything. Helps me find things sometimes. He'll tell me where what I'm looking for is.
He also seems to be understanding the word wait. Today he wanted more chocolate at Lunch. I told him no. Then he said
wait and smiled. Wishful thinking Anant!
Anant asks to see his friends in the neighborhood Reina and Jay Jay. He'll say, "Reina, Jay Jay, please Momma". Today
he got to see them for a while in the afternoon. Reina is learning to help Anant say please when he asks for things. He also
still talks about Abigail and Lydia.
Mary
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Anant's Mom's new job seems to be going well. I think I like it. At times I do get overwhealmed though and afraid. But
everyone has been really nice so far. I think I'll be there tomorrow night again. Pray for God to continue to sustain me and
give me wisdom. I know it has been your prayers that things went as well. God is gracious.
Anant did cry when I left for work on Friday. That was hard. But he was ok after the initial good-bye. He had a good
day with Daddy.
I think I said before that Anant's favorite book is Go Dog Go. He is so cute. I'll say part of the book but in another
sense like instead of "up the tree" I say "up the stairs" and he'll say, immediately "why?" Because that is in that part of
the book. Its so cute.
He woke up at 5:30 today and I brought him in our room. After a while he fell back asleep until almost 8am. Then we had
pancakes while Daddy was out at Men's group. Yum! Then we cleaned a lot.
Anant had a particularly hard day especially after nap. Not doing what I ask him to do. But we still had a good day.
He went to Sophie's house to play in her baby pools. He was happy to do that.
I'm off to bed now.
Talk to you all soon. I took some pics of Anant in our bed this morning. So sweet. I'll try to get them posted tomorrow.
Mary
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Prayer for Anant's Mom
Just wanted to ask you all who read for prayer for my new job. I really will be getting started tonight as I will be
meeting my first patients in my facility. I feel inadequate and fearful of the unknown. I crave comfort and I'm out of my
comfort zone which is I guess, God's way of exposing my unfaithfulness to him but also his love to me by making me run to
Him who is able to keep me from falling.
Tomorrow will be a full day there too. I need guidance on how and what to do.
Anant has had a fairly good day. We went to Mason's Mill park. Interestingly enough an Indian woman spoke to us. She
is interested in adoption. We talked briefly and I gave her my contact info along with Holt's website. She said she has been
married 10 years and is unable to have children. She also said that she felt that God brought our path's together. I believe
that too.
Mary
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Baby Boy
Anant has a nick name from Mom. Its Baby Boy. I even sing him a song about his nick name. Unfortunately he is now calling
himself Baby Boy. Oops. I think I'd better start saying Anant again. Rob has been saying his full name to get him used to
knowing what his full name is.
I've noticed now that he is more willing to fight for his rights. Interesting. Before I would notice that when he would
be with other children he would just let them take toys from him and he would look at the adults for help. Now, is a different
story. Rob reminded me that this is not necessarily something to be "happy" about. Maybe its that he is becoming more comfortable
with some of his friends that he feels that he can do this now. Or maybe he is settled enough, secure, and comfortable
that he can be himself?
He now tells us to "sit down". His communication continues to improve. He is so smart too. With his shape sorter that
has 9 shapes he knew that the diamond was missing tonight. He knows that Momma has a diamond too. The other day he took Derby's
food scoop back to the laundry room and on the way back up turned his music on. He requests often to have his music turned
on. He seems to understand on and off. He will often help me look for things and finds them for me (forgetful Momma).
Monday we played with Kayla. There is a pic of them together.
Today he took a little nap on the way home from the Montgomerville Mall. Not a good thing. Then we had the speech therapist
who discharged him from her services since he is all caught up and doesn't qualify anymore. We ate while she was there. She
watched him eat and he was chewing and moving his tongue very well. He ate 2 hot dogs!! On request. When I tried to put him
down for a nap around 1 or so he didn't go to sleep but was chattering. I was finally able to get him to sleep after trying
our room, after he cried for almost 20 brutal minutes! Then he slept for about 40 minutes until his teacher came. She will
be coming only once a month now. So will the OT.
Today he was playing with his shape sorter and
We were able to exchange an outfit Nana gave him at Pennys for the 18 month size instead of the 12 month size since it
was too small. Forgot to tell you that today Nana.
Actually managing to write this back and forth while Anant is playing with us tonight! Now Daddy is putting him to bed.
I have some pics of Daddy rough-housing with Anant. He just loves when Daddy plays with him this way.
Well, better go.
Mary
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Your Opinion Please Anant
As I said in the last post tantrums have increased. Anant has gotten more opinionated and states his displeasure with
many things. Like a hot car. I think maybe now that he knows the language he is now able to communicate these types of things.
He knows what he wants and how he wants it like most 2 year olds.
I got to watch him in the nursery today. He was so animated in there with the other children. Running around playing.
Yelling at other children. He was telling Nathaniel when he didn't like what he was doing; playing with something
he wanted or something like that. It was interesting to see him in the nursery and watch his interactions. I was such a proud
Mommy to see him during the song time. He was doing the motions. The musicians just loved him. I think he knew he was
getting positive attention so he was happy to entertain.
We had Luke and Miska and the children here tonight. We realized that Anant was getting Lydia and Abigail mixed
up. He was trying to rectify it. He just loves them and gave them plenty of hugs and kisses. And as they were driving away
he was blowing them more kisses. We are going to be really sad when they leave us next month!!! :-(
Anant loved to play with Abigail and Lydia so much so that when he wasn't allowed to go upstairs with them he threw such
a tantrum but was so happy when they returned downstairs. Lydia helped him put his PJ top on. Seeing as how he was giving
me a hard time putting them on. When I dress him or put a diaper on him I feel like I'm wrestling a alligator! Note he doesn't
do this to Rob...hmmmmm.
Got some pics of Nathaniel and Anant. They do seem to love each other but my how they fight. They both seem to have an
agenda but usually they don't match and they don't know how to communicate this. I ended up putting the plastic wagon outside
since Nathaniel and Anant were screaming and pulling on opposite ends of the wagon. Prior to that we were directing them on
how to play together. One woulld pull the other one (hence the pictures).
Its not been a champion eating week. But I'm not worried because I've read toddlers go through this and hear it
from a lot of Moms that their children "pick" but they somehow manage to grow anyhow.
Going to bed. Staying up too late these days.
Mary
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Anant went to bed late and woke up later. Glad he didn't wake up in the middle of the night. Tantrums not much better
today. Friends I went out with tonight are wondering if maybe he is now comfortable and acting more like his true 2 year old
self.
Derby got sick this morning in his bed. Anant looked into Derby's bed and alerted me to the problem saying "Derby poo
poo". Then I looked and saw that Derby had vomited. Looked like it was from eating grass yesterday when we were in the pool.
All in all Derby seems to be doing better with his energy level during this course of antibiotics.
Anant is more and more expressing his likes and dislikes more. Liking to say "No".
His favorite books lately have been Go Dog Go a Dr. Seuss book. Its quite a long book. He likes the page where
all the dogs have to stop at a red traffic light "Stop dogs stop!". Its an entertaining book with an interlude that breaks
in a few times where a dog asks if another dog likes her hat. The other dog says "No" then they say good bye. Pretty cute
(we have to read that one quite a bit). Today I also got out a book about India designed for children that Amy and Rich
gave us. Anant saw Indian children and many other things Indian. Its so cute to hear him say Indian food or Indian everything.
I told him that Anant is Indian. at this point just planting small, age appropriate seeds about his heritage. Rob's been working
on Anant hearing his full name. Thomas Anant Blake (I guess for a while he will be T. Anant Blake unless he decides he likes
the name Thomas better at some point. I really like his name. It means eternal.
Another book he likes is Have You Seen My Cat? Rob has taught him every cat in the book; bobcat, mountain lyon,
tiger, panther, cheetah. And Anant names them. So cute.
As I mentioned briefly earlier, I went out to Dinner with some friends today. When I got home Rob had just put Anant
to bed. I went up to his room to say good night. It was dark at first so his eyes got wide when he saw me. He pointed over
to the chair like he wanted me to rock him a little. When I sat in the chair he said "Jesus" indicating he wanted me to sing
one of our usual bedtime songs "Jesus Loves Me" or "Jesus Loves My Baby Anant" (my version of Jesus loves me). Anant knew
where I had been, he said "Momma out eat" and "Momma Home". Then he quietly went to bed.
Mary
Friday, July 11, 2008
Anant woke up at 2 am crying. Rob went in and changed him and then he went back to sleep. We took our walk and then got
our baths. We then met Kayla, Joey and Annabell. Anant wants to do what his big bro Joey does. Anant played in the sandbox.
Managed to dump sand on my head when I wasn't really paying attention. Later he would do this in the pool. Dumping cold water
on my head over and over again. We had fun playing Ring Around the Rosie together and then taking turns "swimming". When we
leave the house he now tells Derby "Derby be back" (I figure I must say this a lot for him to pick up on it). He also told
me when I was in the pool and he got out to get a toy "be back". A few times I could get him to dump it on the Alligator.
He saw Reina and J.J. after begging me to go to their house. Earlier he didn't really get to eat lunch because he was getting
too upset. So I put him to bed for his nap. Wasn't a good eating day. Oh well. He had a rougher time going to bed tonight.
Kept wanting a kiss and cried after I left. He hasn't done this in a while.
Took some pics of him in this cute red plad shirt. Mom, I know you'll like it since you love to see him in red.
Well, better go.
Mary
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Daddy Dance
Rob was observed by a Genuardi's employee dancing the hokey pokey chair style while waiting for me to come out. I walked
out of the grocery store to see/hear this employee clapping and laughing. I looked to see who he was clapping and laughing
with/at. I got in the car to see Rob smiling and telling me that the man saw him entertaining Anant in the back seat. Unfortunately
or fortunately the employee didn't see our 2 year old Anant in the back seat. I got a kick out of this.
Anant enjoyed playing with his friends Sammy and Nathaniel today. Its neat now you can sort of have a conversation with
Anant now. Rob was asking him who he saw today. He said MommaNuh (Miska), Sammy Momma, Sammy and Nuh. Got some new pics posted.
After Dinner (BTW I was able to straighten up the toys and cook Dinner while Anant played with play dough and colored)
Anant played with Reina and J.J. They looked for bugs. Anant smashed a few on accident. Mostly the bugs that roll into a ball
when you touch them. He sat in J.J.'s lap and Reina's lap. Hugged them both and kissed them before going in to bed. J.J. didn't
seem like he knew what to do with this being the tough boy he is. It was cute.
Mary
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Yesterday my trainer left me at my dialysis unit. I really started to panic actually being in my facility. I feel so
overwhealmed with this new job on top of still being a fairly new Mom. My personality tends to freeze when overwhealmed. Not
a good thing.
Anyway. Anant is with me today and Dad says he is happy not to have to hear "Momma home" over and over.
Rob took Anant to the Pediatrician for a few things yesterday. The most concerning to the MD was the excema that Anant
has had this past week. He has had bumps all over his shoulders and chest. The MD said that we need to use soap without scents
and be sure to moisturize Anant's skin daily. He said that the excema can get inflamed. Looks much better today. At the pediatrician's
office Anant grew 3/4 of an inch since his last visit and weighs 23.5 lbs. He was happy about this since non-growth would
have been his concern especially with the abnormal thyroid levels.
Anant continues to be a caring little boy. Today he was with Nathaniel and Sammy and he gladly gave Sammy a hug when
he cried and gave him a toy.
We found some pictures that Abigail and Lydia made for Anant for his 2 year Birthday. Anant looks at them a lot and says
their names. He also says thank you to them in words and signs. I love it it is so cute. So thank you Lydia and Abigail. He
still is saying Abigail's name a lot. He is getting better at all his pronunciatins and even said Nathaniel's whole name today
instead of Nuh.
He definately associates people with certain things. When he sees our friend Heidi's picture on the refrigerator he says
"Heidi, bye-bye". I guess he remembers the last time she visited and says bye-bye. He still says Nana applesauce and crackers
because this is what she served him the day she was here. He says Antne cookies referring to Antie Neha making him cookies.
I'm amazed at his memory.
Tomorrow Anant will have Sammy and Nathaniel again to play with at our house. What fun. Some new pics are up. Anant is
up, gotta go.
Mary
Monday, July 7, 2008
I've noticed lately that Anant's 3 or 4 word phrases are in the right order as far as nouns and verbs. Could be a coincidence
but he really seems to be getting the language. We started working on colors. Also, he has been able to do the hard shape
sorter that Rob got him early on by himself. The past few days he has wanted to put his clothes on by himself and will get
really mad if I try and help.
God has been providing work for me. Not just the dialysis but a few other things like covering vacations and consultant
work (some that I can do from home). Its been hard for me not to worry about finances when we were used to having 2 incomes
and now counting on one and whatever I can get on the side. Its also hard to start new jobs that I don't know much about.
I haven't actually been on my own in the dialysis job yet. That will start probably next week. I would greatly appreciate
prayer that I wouldn't be anxious. I was so glad to hear the sermon on Sunday at church about Abraham who had no idea where
he was going or what he was doing but knew that God was faithful to keep His promises. This is kind of how I feel right now
about my life especially my worklife. I just need to trust that He will help me to step out into areas that I don't know because
he has provided this work. We also need prayer about how to manage caring for Anant withe the work schedules. It may get challenging
when Rob goes back to work FT.
Mary
Saturday, July 5, 2008
We've had a few fun days. Anant really liked the Glenside parade. We left early to go and visit Judy and Crag, William
and Andrew for Dinner. We had a good time talking and catching up on our adoption processes. Anant liked the motor cycles
and the music. He would sign more after the motorcycles and the music. We had him signing thank you to the policemen and the
fireman. It was sweet. They probably thought he was blowing kisses to them.
Naps are really getting scarce. Most days they are no more than an hour and a half. I would say he doesn't need
them but he is really grumpy when he gets up. Although he is grumpy after long naps too, just not his time of the day I guess.
Tonight he was really funny after Dinner. So animated. Talking, playing games he makes up, making up his own short sentences;
"Momma move back" and earlier today he said "Dadda all done eat" (wow, actually in the right order he is getting it!). He
was blowing bubbles on my back! Funny boy. Not sure where he gets his ideas. There is a pic of Anant tickling Dadda on the
back. Also some cute pics of him in his patriotic outfit today.
He played with Hannah, J.J., and Reina today. J.J. fell tonight and we had to make sure he didn't get boo-boo's or else
we would have heard about it from Anant for a few weeks afterwards. We are still hearing Anant say "J.J. boo-boo".
Mary
Thursday, July 3, 2008
New Pics
Just uploaded some pics from a Dinner with friends last night.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Singing Boy
Anant has started singing this week. He's been singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and the B-I-B-L-E song. Of course he has
shortened them quite a bit. Like the B-I-B-L-E song has been reduced to "the B-I-B-L-E, BIBLE!!!!! and Itsy Bitsy spider is
"the bitsy spider". But very cute of course.
Also the early intervention coordinator called and she said that the OT and the teacher think he really is doing great
and will probably only come once a month.
Anant has had some grumpy times a few days this week, not liking the word "no" and whining a lot not knowing what he
wants. But he was happy today after nap for Rob (I was in training for work). I visited a great program called Manna with
my dietitian trainer today. They serve 3 meals a day 5 days a week right now to people who are really sick. Some are dialysis
patients. Soon they will be serving 7 days a week 3 meals. Very interesting and organized situation. I really enjoyed it.
Anant has also been practicing names lately. Especially Abigail's name. Started out as "Owl" and now is "Abby-gail".
He says it oever and over again. Grandma Kris says he probably knows he's not quite getting it so he says it over and over
again.
Well better go.
Sorry for the lack of communication. I've had blogger burnout. Really busy too with working now. May not write every
day as things have calmed down too.
Mary
