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Saturday, August 30, 2008
We've had a busy week. We had the honor of watching a friend's children for her while she handled a family situation,
the death of her Mom. Leah's Mom is Nancy, a friend of ours since before we were married. She was a great
follower of Christ to the end. A woman who listened well and understood your struggles and never played them down. Encouraged
you. And had a great sense of humor. She was very artistic. If you recall, Nancy gave us two Dobson books a while ago
and stopped at the house to talk with me about some of our discipline struggles with Anant. I remember her saying, "its just
hard" (discipline). Nancy and Dan were our mentors while we took a pre-marital class at our church and spoke wisdom to Rob
and I at our wedding. We were able to go on a trip to London together with our church as well. We are so sad to lose such
a great friend but happy for her because she is in the place where sorrow and crying will be no more. We weep for he family
as well who have been and will be grieving in her absence from us.
Anant loved "baby Katharine" as we called her. He kept asking for her after she left. He was not happy when she left
today either. Anant was such a great helper with Katharine. But he was jealous that baby Katharine had his Mother. Katharine
is so cute and sweet. When Katharine's brother Jonah was over as well this week Anant could not handle someone playing with
his toys. I think he is starting to understand the word "turn". He told me after I showered this morning that it was his turn
for a bath. Maybe he is not ready for a Brother or Sister yet.
I also met with the lawyer this week who will do our finalization. I also printed off pictures for our last post placement
report and our CARA (Indian Gov) photo album and for Anant's previous caregivers. I'll also be writing them another note
as is my habbit when I send anything to Holt. I'm also due to send another CARA report for September. So things are moving
along. We think we should be able to finalize by the end of the year. Maybe have a court date in a month or so. By that time
we should have everything that we need.
I'll post some new pictures. We are past due for another hair cut. Both of us.
Mary
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Final Post Placement Visit
The big thing that happened this week was our final post placement visit with our local Social Worker. It went very well.
She never seems to have any issues with us or Anant and thinks he has done very well as do we. After this is written we will
turn in a physician form, more photos for the report, a photo album for the Indian Government (CARA for those of you who are
up on the Indian adoption system). Then Holt will give us (I'm assuming they will have no issues) a Recommendation for Finalization.
Then we can file in the local courts here for adoption of our sweet boy. We want to get this done as soon as possible for
a few reasons some which are:
1. No more of this wishy washy middle of the road feeling that we are "just guardians" it will be official that he was
adopted and we are his PARENTS. Not that we don't consider ourselves his parents now but it will finally be official
and in black and white.
2. For Anant's Certificate of Citizenship (BTW which costs an arm and a leg-Arg!) which gives us and him proof of the
fact that he is an American Citizen and therefore not subject to laws of India but a ligitimate American Citizen and all the
rights and obligations thereof.
3. Tax credit return if we get this in by the end of the year. Which is greatly needed. Rob reminded me yesterday that
we still have $$ from travel that we have not entirely paid off as yet but will be soon.
One of us will meet with a lawyer on Wed to discuss our case and to deal with whatever we can to get ready for our finalization.
So, as you can tell. Big things are coming.
Sammy Progress: Sammy was over to play this week! He is looks and acts like nothing happened. Not so helpful for his
parents who are supposed to keep him quiet for a few weeks. No jumping or excitement.
Work tired me out this week for some reason. We did play with Joey, Annabell and Kayla a few times this week. Anant just
loves Annabell's sister "Baby Rose". He talks about her a lot. When using his microphone he says into it "Baby Ro" "Babby
Ro". How cute.
He's still talking about the Browns. "Please Momma Lydia" "Please Momma Afca" (Translation: I want to go to Africa with
Lydia). Been chatting with Miska often.
Anant walked the whole way to the playgrount yesterday. 1/4-1/2 mile away? Wow, we were surprised. We were not surprised
at the pace. Stopping every few steps to see something...trash, whatever.
Anant is now just waking up. Wow, he must know its Saturday! at 8:20am still not out of bed. He's usually up about an
hour ago.
Well, better go. He's calling "Momma" "Momma". "What Baby?".
Mary
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Friends
Let me give you an update on Sammy. He keeps vomiting every time we think he is going to go home with his family. He
did this again this morning. Otherwise he seems to be doing well. But the vomiting is concerning. I spoke with Nancy briefly
this morning.
I wanted to say how things went when we said our temporary good bye to the Browns on Tuesday. As I left I was overwhealmed
with how good God is even in the midst of the pain of good-bye's. I feel that God was so good to time things so that the Browns
could be here for Anant's arrival (Miska expressed this to me). Our adoption process was supposed to take 2 years in total
which would put our child's time of arrival at May of 2009 or thereabouts. Since it took 9 months the Browns were still here
and able to be here to get to know our little one and help to support us through a transition. I feel so blessed to have had
any time with the Browns. I feel that keeping them here would be hogging them when they could be blessing others who have
never heard of our Father or His Son. I know they will be a huge blessing in Africa where they will work for the next 10 months.
I think its so amazing that when I thought God was holding out on me by not giving me children as I looked around at
other families I heard the lie that God doesn't love me or else he would have given me children like these other families.
He must love them more. Not true. I am so grateful to Him as I write this it brings tears to my eyes to know the good that
He had planned all along. I am so blessed to have Anant in our lives. He brings such joy to us. This was no plan B of Gods.
Its plan A. Miska, Luke, Nancy, Lawrence, Rob and I were all single friends at one time about
12-13 years ago. Much has happened but we remain close. These are the kinds of friends that even though you may not talk to
them for a little while you just pick up where you left off. These are friends that love you and care for you and you them
(you hope). We all got married. Luke and Miska being the first to blaze the trail. They had the first child of all of us as
well. Then came Rob and I and then Lawrence and Nancy. Somehow we all managed to have 2 year old boys together. Which I didn't
think would have happened, thinking I was behing the 8 ball but with adopting from India our son was actually born before
either of theirs (ha ha beat ya!). It has been an incredible bonding experience for all of us. Nancy had prayed that we would
have a child Sammy's age (maybe she even prayed for a boy-can't remember the details).
Last night Rob, Anant and I went to Auntne's (Neha) 30th Birthday party. We have pictures. Auntne looks so beautiful.
We talked about what we appreciate about Neha at a certain point at the party. Neha is a blessing to us because she just stops
over and encourages us. Especially on those days that I've been needing adult conversation and companionship or help with
entertaining Anant. She is honest and teachable. Always being open about where she is at. We are grateful that she is in our
lives.
We are truly blessed to have these and all our friends and family in our lives.
Mary
Mary
Friday, August 15, 2008
Sammy
I've been a lame blogger. Just haven't had much time and not feeling like it I guess.
Most importantly, Anant's friend Sammy fell out of his 2nd story window yesterday and fractured his skull. He seemed
to be doing ok yesterday evening when I visited them. I left around 10pm. Our friend Missy said that the Neurologist thought
that he could probably leave this morning if all went well last night. The studies weren't showing swelling. Abington didn't
have a ped ICU so he was airlifted to CHOP. You can imagine the scare his family and all of us have had. I'm anxiously awaiting
any new news but hesitate to call at 7am. I can imagine that they have not had much sleep although I prayed for this. Yesterday,
before all of that happened, we had gone to Sam's Club to get some groceries together with Rebecca (another friend from
church). I had Sammy and Anant in the front of the cart. Anant was not having a good day and was hitting poor Sammy (who
is a month younger and quite a bit larger than him!) and having a fall out. I was trying to entertain Anant to keep him from
fussing and pushing the cart fast. Sammy said "too fast". Then at the register Anant had a complete fallout of crying fits
and Sammy said "I want out". Out in front of the store I was turning the cart in circles to try and cheer up Anant (should
have known that Sammy wouldn't like this by now eh?). Sammy said "don't like spinning". So we stopped. We all went over to
Baja Fresh to eat and Anant continued with his fallout. I think because on Wed he didn't sleep at all he was suffering for
it on Thursday. He just wouldn't go to sleep on Wed (maybe because he slept really late that morning like 8 or 8:30). So I
had to just take him out of Baja and go home and put him to bed. He had a 2 1/2 hour nap which allowed me to work yesterday
(from home).
Sammy's accident happened around 5pm or a little after that.
Well, better go. Gotta work today unfortunately.
Anant is getting up and he really missed me last night.
Mary
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Brown Tribute
Anant got his SS card yesterday. Funny thing is it has our last name on it. Not going to question that one. Didn't think
they could give him our last name yet. Not complaining just musing. So it only took a week. I thought we were going to get
a letter stating that they couldn't issue it because of this that or the other. Once we finalize his adoption into our family,
which, hopefully will be before the end of the year, we will need to get the card updated with his full name; Thomas Anant
Blake (but to be called Anant).
We have had a flurry of activity, non-stop. Which would be why I haven't blogged. Just too busy with work and getting
together with friends who are leaving to write.
On that note. I wanted to write a little about our friends. Miska, Luke, Abigail, and Lydia. These friends who are so
dear to us will be leaving on Tuesday for 10 months or longer to serve our Father in a far away place. We pray for God to
send them but we are torn between our wanting them to stay because of our love for them and our Father's plans for them. Which
in the larger scheme of things is much more important. Many are dying without the hope of our Father and His plan for their
lives. People who have never hear the name of J.
I'm so grateful for Miska, who has been an oasis for me in my transition to Motherhood. She has been a constant comfort
and source of encouragement in my faith. Anant will, no doubt, miss you all. Luke, your love of our Father's plan has been
evident in your heart as well and we are glad to see you and your family follow His call. You are all loved deeply and will
be deeply missed. But we know we will see you again. We hope that our Father's plan is for you to go and be fruitful for Him
but again, we are torn even in our praying for this. He calls us to pray for workers for His harvest field, so we do.
On a lighter note. Today we went to Anant's friend Joey's house for his 3rd Birthday party. The first Birthday party
for Anant to go to of one of his friends. He had a blast. Mostly between the pool and the sandbox. He was well loved by all
the auntie's there. He immediately endears himself to people.
He's sound asleep now.
Check out all the new pics.
Mary
Monday, August 4, 2008
We bought Anant a new organizer for his toys. I was tired of the disorganization. We bought it at target. It has 3 levels.
There are bars that hold the plastic bins and the child can see what is in each bin. I really can see that the toy boxes are
not conducive to play. Things just get buried. Its already worked so far. Unfortunately while I was organizing Anant was pulling
everything out. I think we will have to train him that he needs to put one group of toys away before getting out another.
We'll use the toy boxes for storage and rotating toys out. Plus, they look like nice furniture. I think our downstairs will
be our main place for toys. The disorganization was bugging me for a while so I was really happy to get this in place. Thanks
Rob for putting it together (oh, and I can't forget his helper Anant).
We are noticing that Anant now cries or whines when he has to leave his friends or his friends leave. We suspect that
he is getting to know these children more and more so that he really is sad when they depart. Very cute. Kayla came over today
to play in the pool and his little house. Of course they fought over toys but when she left he stuck out his bottom lip and
said "Kaaayla" sadly.
Another thing we noticed is that he is able to play so much better now. Toys that he just didn't understand how to play
with or didn't have interest in (like the play tools) he is able to play with now.
Something he has done that is really cute is look at me and point his finger and say "Be back, Momma". When he is going
to go somewhere or do something and he is coming back. I guess I do this?? He has to get it from somewhere. He also tells
Derby "Be back Derby" when we leave.
He ate a really great Dinner tonight of fried rice that I made. Even the chicken. I think we gave him 3 more servings
on his request. We were amazed. Guess I should make that again???
According to Rob's measurements Anant has grown about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches since coming home! He is growing like a
weed.
Anant was really busy today. We went for our morning walk, baths, music at the library (went ok), then the playground
to play and eat Lunch, nap, then backyard pool play with Kayla. Anant kept dumping water over his head. The mosquittos are
brutal this summer. We have to wear repellant constantly even in the day. I guess its our proximity to the creek. They still
manage to eat us. Anant gets huge welts on his little arms.
Better go to bed. I think I am in for an early grocery trip. Then Anant is going to play with Lydia, Abigail and Nathaniel.
He will be so happy. All I hear is "Abigail, Lydia, wait" meaning I want to play with them but I know I have to wait. He also
must miss Sophie because tonight he kept saying Sophie's name and saying "wait". Anant should see her as well tomorrow.
Mary
Friday, August 1, 2008
Social Security
Applied for Anant's SS card today. The woman at the office didn't know what to do with us. She had never had our situation.
Where we actually weren't the official "parents" of the child. Guardians. I showed her our ICPC approval and that seemed to
solve it. She just kept trying to input the info until it worked out. Anant should have a SS # in a day or so and the card
should come in 2 weeks! Wow, that was pretty easy. Though, not so easy to keep a 2 year old busy while you discuss our situation
with the SS worker. We were on our way by almost 10. Went to Alverthorpe and walked for a while with Anant in the stroller.
He broke down half way through wanting to get out. I then told him were were going to go swimming soon. They have a baby pool.
So we put on our suits after our walk and got in the pool. Its deeper than Anant's bath but he was still trying to swim on
his belly. I told him it was too deep. He still tried. It was fun. Felt good to get the SS stuff taken care of. Should have
done it much earlier. We were told in order to get the tax benefit for the adoption next year his SS# would be important.
Its just good to do as soon as possible anyway. Once we have his full name we'll need to get it changed.
Anant has started requesting songs now in the car. He'll say "itsy bitsy spider" on or off. And "Noah Ark" on or off.
"Wash Hands" off etc. Pretty funny.
Dadda made Dinner tonight since I went to a work meeting for an hour or so. Nice that I'm that close that I can get there
quickly.
Well, I'm really tired so I'd better go.
Mary
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Our Adoption Process of Anant
- April 9, 2006 Anant is born in Aurangabad, India
- Spring?, 2006 Mom and Dad meet with a social worker about India adoption and become discouraged that
the road can be long and difficult
- March 15-30, 2007 Mom and Dad visit India
- April 23, 2007 Dad inquires of Holt about India adoption
- May 10, 2007 application for home study (report by local social worker with all kinds of
personal information about us-basically a report about our family) started
- July 27, 2007 joined waiting child program with Holt
- August 9, 2007 Home Study approved by Holt International Childrens Services in Eugene, OR
- August 27, 2007 New Waiting Child listing sent out with guess who in it
- September 8, 2007 fingerprinted in Center City Philadelphia for filing of I600A (US approval for us
to adopt-finalized in India)
- September 13, 2007 Waiting Child Committee accepts us as Anant's parents!
- September 22, 2007 completed Dossier (Stack of official papers about us that go to India) sent
to Holt--Whew!
- September 26, 2007 I600A approval from US Gov-fingerprints cleared.
- September 27, 2007 Anant's acceptance papers sent to Holt
- October 12, 2007 Paperwork sent to BSSK (the childcare agency in India where Anant lives) for India process to begin!
- October 20, 2007 BSSK has looked over our papers and filed for No Objection Status with the Indian government
- December 3, 2007 Holt called to tell us we have our No Objection Certificate (actually dated 11/27/07-see post regarding
the importance of this date on 12/9/07). This will now be filed in the local (Pune, Maharastra) court for guardianship.
- December 6, 2007 Received word that our I600A approval has indeed reached New Delhi (this is needed in order to bring
Anant home. The other part of this is showing up with him at the US Embassy in New Delhi to do the I600 and complete his visa
with a medical evaluation! Now it will be legal for us to bring him home.
- January 18,2008 We are notified of receiving Verbal Gaurdianship of Anant.
- January 30, 2008 We receive Written Gaurdianship of Anant Blake. It also happens to be Rob's Father's
birthday.
- February 22, 2008 leave for India
- February 25, 2008 meet and take home Thomas Anant Blake (This happens to be Mary's Dad's Birthday)
- February 29, 2008 leave India
- March 1, 2008 home!!! YAY.
- April 29, 2008 Alien Registration Card Received
- August 1, 2008 Applied for SS#/Card (should have done this sooner)
- August 8, 2008 SS#/Card Received
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Anant's words: pretty much said in this order
Momma
Bye
Hi
Ball
Up
Down
Uh Oh
Amen
Ball
All Done
Eeew
Wow
Yay
Bible
Out (referring to Derby to get out of the kitchen and stop eating his food! You can tell we say this a lot)
Ow
Hot (means hot and cold and blows on the food whether hot or cold)
Apple
Anant (pronounced Ana)
More
Egg
Water
Banana
Head
Hide
Peek
Makes a car sound
Makes a dog sound (I'm told by the speech therapist that these count! So I'm counting them)
elbow (4/23/08)
Bowl(4/24/08)
Orange
Strawberry (Pronounced Sraugh-not sure whether to count this or not?)
Waffle
Hello (4/25/07)
Eye
Cup
Mouth (sounds like mou)
House 4/26/08
Please Momma 4/28/08
Cracker
Choo choo (train sound)
Makes a monkey noise
Tea 4/30/08
5/08: Sock, Shoe, Derby, Dog, Bath, Bag, Door, Fork, Spoon, Bath, Reina, Dance, Cry, Deep, Wide, Bubbles, Bird, Nana,
Bus, Eat, Milk, Bus, Nana, Door, Nathaniel (pronounced Nuh), Chop (chop Derby's food), Ear, Open, Hand, Off, On, Cheese, Girl,
Fish, Josh, chair, teeth, know (song), car, bucket, Gritts, Moon, J.J. (our neighbor's name), Sooby (as in Scooby-Doo, sounds
like scoo), Cold, Wet, Broccoli, Close, Happy, Poo-Poo, Pee Pee, Plane, Come, Cut, Church, Natalie (sounds like Na), Melon,
1,2,5 (yes, in that order), Spoon, Fork, Scoop
6/08: Vacuum, Peas, Bib, Lid, Sky, Star, Big, Money, Baby, Nana, Pool. Too many words to keep up with now.
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