Our Baby has Arrived!!!

We are so happy to introduce Ashton James. He was born on 11/04 and he weighed 7.3 pounds. He is perfect in every way and has a calm, happy temperament.

                                                   Ashton in his Phil & Teds Carrier

                                Ashton on Daddy's lap in Newark Airport, waiting to go home.

                                                   Ashton at home with his brother, Jared.

                                                   Ashton with Daddy at Newark Airport

                                       Ashton with his Indian Godparents, Annie and Rajiv.

So sorry this post is sooo late, but let me say this has been a whirlwind. I will attempt to fill you in over the next few days as we are still attempting to get a schedule down. We arrived in Delhi on Oct. 26th and foolishly believed birth would be immediate. We were there 8 days before the birth at 40 weeks, 1 day. We called Poonam (the attorney) immediately following birth and she had us come in that afternoon (on a holiday) and she filled out all paperwork, submitted it and had an embassy appt. and FRRO apt, in the following 2 days. She had all processes completed within 3 days. Ashton was born on Tues the 4th and our passport appt. was the 6th and we received our emergency passport the same day and our exit visa on that Friday. She is worth every penny!!

We are settling in and over the next few days I will make separate posts about every step of our process in India. We couldn't be happier that Ashton is finally here and we hope this blog inspires others about to begin or currently in the process. God is good and to him we are so thankful. God Bless you all!! TTYS

39 Weeks, 6 Days, and Counting!

We arrived in Delhi on the 26th and we were 38 weeks, 6 days. One week ago. We really expected the baby would be born by now, but, alas, babies come at their own speed. It is rather bizarre though as it is as if we are vacationing here with no real purpose. The three other couples that were in our cohort have had their babies and are speeding down the road to go home and we sit and wait. I will say that my dear friend from Australia, Lorraine, and her husband Peter, have been wonderful about allowing me plenty of cuddles with their gorgeous boy. He is soooooooo adorable!!! He is absolutely perfect. A miracle. He knows Mummy and Daddy and will allow me to hold him, but then he wants to return to the comfort of Mummy or Daddy. I am blessed we were allowed to have such great people to share this journey with. I wish they lived next door.

We are planning to have some photos taken with the babies together if Babykins decides to arrive before college. LOL! The other IP,s that has had photos done here posted them and the photographer is very good. It will be amazing to have photos of them together.

A few tips for those coming behind:

-If you forget a needed medication, the concierge at Hilton can send someone for it as the pharmacy is very close. If you need a doctor, they have one on call that can come to the room.

-We have been hand washing and hanging to dry smaller items, but they take 1-2 days to dry. You can either negotiate laundry into the price of your stay or you can use the laundry mat listed on the SCI forum. It is modern and clean. I would use it for larger items.

-Western snack items are limited, so bring a.supply as it is really comforting. We brought Jif peanut butter, assorted chocolate, jerky, pouches of tuna and canned meat, shelf stable microwave meals which are delicious. Also, we give the waiter a tip at the hotel restaurant daily and he sends us with a bag of fruit, yogurt, banana bread and chi tea. It makes a great afternoon snack.

-You will need to have 3 photocopies of every document to distribute as needed.

-if jet lag affects you, bring a sleep aid of some sort. Staring at the ceiling all night, every night, for days is not fun. I would have given a lot for NyQuil.

- bring sinus medication as the smog really affects the sinuses. If you have asthma, bring medication and stay indoors as much as possible.

-Bring a laptop in lieu of an iPad. The wireless signal is spotty and it is best to plug straight in.

-Buy the SIM card for the phone as soon as you arrive. The concierge will arrange a driver to take you to the shop and he will negotiate the price for you. It takes a few days to activate.

That is all I can think of at the moment. I highly recommend the Hilton. They treat us exceptionally well and price is better than Svelte. Pray Babykins comes soon. We are ready for the next adventure.