First Christmas home

Home 2.5 months. Family visiting from India and other goings on.

And then there were 8. Our family. Lucky to have been able to get this portrait done, with my whole family coming to Canada just to be a part of Ayaan's homecoming and to celebrate his first ever birthday celeb as he turned 2. So blessed. Each one of us.

Sibling raised to the power of cuteness. My niece and Ayaan.

The grandparents and apples of their eyes.

Ayaan completes 1 month home: Some updates from my FB

October 14 Happy Thanksgiving!

-32 hours till Ayaan Veer's Papa and Grandpapa arrive! 10 days of being a single Mommy with a single Nani were an adventurous success. And we all survived! So many new experiences, masti and fun. I can't believe it but I am up at 6:30am now... what is THAT all about!  

 

October 11

-A week since Dee has been away. Been crazy busy, exhausting, did I say Crazyyyy...? Whew! But enjoying our daily outings, out in the afternoon till night, back home exhausted everyday with GG (Gora Gabbar) who takes badla of the 'bohot nainsaafi' we do with him by making him nap in the car enroute almost everyday this past week...raat ko jab sab so jaate hain...to GG ki ek daharh, saara ghar ko hila ke rakh deti hai! Anyways, yesterday saw us have a lovely day in the Glebe, enjoying a beautiful, sunny fall day, with Ayaan playing with the colourful leaves in the park by the water, while Mom and I tucked into a yummy Red Roaster truck lunch (they have the best sweet potato fries and the RR burger was def a winner!), a stroll around the Glebe stores, ice cream at Marble Slab Cremery not to mention the fun we had with Nirav and Neenila after Nirav finished school and Ayaan had a go at the play structure (ok he was happy enough just at the slides!) at Nirav bhaiya's school. Dates with Neeni are incomplete without coffee so Cafe Morala it was for the day. And then today...today was Ayaan's FIRST KIDDIE BIRTHDAY PARTY at Funhaven!!! He had more than a blast running around everywhere, taking Vineet uncle and Simran aunty for a walk, and doing a lot more (like enjoying his first ever Ice Cream cake!) at Aryan and Aadi's 6th Birthday party. The Ikea trip after that might have been a bit of a stretch, but alls well that ends well, and baby is now asleep in his bed, content and safe and happy...since 6:40pm...which means, this home might have some early morning risers this weekend. As the Dowager Countess of Grantham said surprised and innocently "What's a weekend!?" — feeling tired.

 

October 6

-Wonderful evening seeing friends, dancing, chatting and introducing Ayaan to the rest of our friends in Ottawa, at Raj & Neelima-Simran's party tonight. Wonderful event, thanks for the invitation and a lovely evening, Raj & Simran! Ayaan had a blast dancing the night away and of course playing with his new friends (after Rashmi Masi allowed anyone else to take over), esp Tanisha didi and Sonika who were very patient with him and got him to stack the coffee creamers!!! Yeah! Partied out at 11:30pm, Ayaan is now sleeping peacefully in his bed. Nani and Mom are ready to pack it in too. Whew! Look fwd to pics taken by Vineet and friends. 

 

October 5

-Deepak's first trip out of country leaving Ayaan and Mom, for 10 whole days. More points for Mommy! Let's see how tired Nani and Mommy are by the time he gets back home.

 

October 4

-As I am getting some messages requesting an update about what's going on in the DeeRas Villa, here goes!
**Ayaan has been home for 3 weeks and a day now. We are all adjusting to this new phase of life well and I cannot stress how wonderful it is to have my Mom here, from India, to help us adjust to this new life and show us better ideas to deal with situations when it gets hard. Thanks so much Mom, you are the best! And yes, Im happy to report that I haven't fainted from a single diaper change or loo trip (yeah we are trying to P* train him, and its going well). Veer ji is adjusting very well to all the yummy new food he is being introduced to and quite enjoys his dal chawal (rice and lentils), fulka sabzi or khichdis, bhurji paronthis along with having enjoyed his first Burger at A&W (Buddy Burger rocks!), his first hot dog (without the bun). Lassi is def his favourite beverage, milk directly in a cup not so much. Health wise (touchwood) he is doing good thus far, the slight cough he had when he came here was fixed by mom's ginger juice in some honey, we are waiting to get a referral to CHEO's International Adoption Clinic and while he is only at 10%ile of his age gp's weight, his height is at about 25%ile on growth charts. His skinny arms and legs are already feeling stronger and looking better with all that walking around he is doing and activities he is kept busy with during the day on every level of our home, including about 2 hours a day with a lot of interaction and 'teaching' sessions with Mom downstairs. The gates are increasing on the staircases and he is slowly learning that it is ok and that we haven't left him alone if he is in his own room left to play with some interactive toys or explore his dressers and cupboard. Sleep sessions are also much better with minimal to no crying when I put him down to sleep. Now sleeping in his own room, and wakes up at 7am every day whether he sleeps at 8:30pm or at 9:30pm. Afternoon naps are 2 hours long and don't even ask me about how excited he is to have his bath every day! The only whining you hear is when I try to lift a wet, wriggly toddler out of the far edge of the bathtub, cause he just doesn't want to stop having his fun bath! Attachment wise too, he is doing better now, and looks at us sometimes before he goes to someone new, and even surprised us by wrapping his arms around Deepak and refusing to go to someone! Now that was a rare sight and def good to see. (Sorry, guys, its a little different with Bio kids and adopted babies, they have to slowly learn boundaries and how to be attached to their family more than being happy about going to any new person who they perceive as their next caregiver.) He can do the whole 'Twinkle Twinkle' poem with actions, says "Amaamaa" (which is Banana), "Aai" (a very enthusiastic Hi!), Mamama, papapa, "aanu" (which is Thank you) and some version of I Love you as well, claps when he does the jobs in the loo, and gets SUPER excited when a door opens or he is picked up to be taken outside, goes in the car or when the car stops-that is the best sounds with an excited face he makes! All in all, things are going very well, touchwood, and while we are tired by 8ish every night, we still manage to catch up on our other duties, indulge in some TV shows (or hindi ones on youtube with mom!), outings happen, mall visits, chiro trips, lunches and dinners out...so life is being kept as close to normal as possible, while Ayaan adjusts to his new life and we adjust to ours. But I can say, after all... It is a wonderful life!
Counting down to the arrival of Ayaan's Nanu (My dad) from India in 11 days! Then lawlessness begins in the house! — feeling happy.

October 2

-Ayaan's 1st appointment with a Doctor in Canada! Let's see what's going on inside. — feeling anxious.

TUSAU KESU! Ayaan's Kazakh ceremony and party at home.

#TusauKesu

#Kazakh #Adoption #Tusau Kesu #Rasna #Ayaan #RasnaArora

Lots of Kazakh-Russian food!

#Tusau Kesu

Link to Kazakh music / songs

http://russianreport.wordpress.com/russian-music/kazakh-music-from-kazakhstan/

Links to Kazakh food and recipes

http://carpeseason.com/traditional-kazakh-beef-pilaf/

http://www.pinterest.com/thetiesprogram/kazakh-food/

http://inkazakhstan.blogspot.ca/2010/03/food-in-kazakhstan-manti.html

http://www.uncorneredmarket.com/2008/02/central-asian-food-good-bad-inedible/

First 5 days-Wow! Life has changed completely! For the better :)

To be contd...

Day of Delivery!

Morning of September 12 near Ottawa

-WISHES DO COME TRUE! Ever since I saw the movie 'JUNIOR' when I was a kid, considering my paralyzing fear of needles and doctors, I had wished and hoped and prayed that by the time it was time for me to have a child, science would have figured out a way that my husband would be able to carry and deliver our child. And looks like the universe heard my wish... For today... My husband is carrying and going to deliver our child! Never stop dreaming, eh!? Its Delivery Day and mama is going to be waiting impatiently outside the exit doors! — feeling ecstatic with Deepak Arora.

 

Evening: September 12 near Ottawa

-I am the happiest person on the planet today! After an event filled day, flight delays, scary 0 visibility thunder and rainstorms, Ayaan landed on Canadian soil, delivered safely into his Mama's arms by his wonderful papa Deepak. I cannot express how touched I am and always will be grateful that Samara Rose-Nadeau, Rick and the kids were also present with us on this never-to-be-forgotten-occasion, the family-members from both sides: Vinay, Deepak's brother who couldn't wait to meet his chick magnet and Ayaan's Nani Bhoal Channi (my mom). Indescribable joy, tears, extreme happiness... the people at the airport were def wondering who the celebrity was that so many camera/videos were clicking away, but many came to wish us well, which was so sweet. The first snack Ayaan had in Canada were the delicious cookies Samara baked at home esp for us (she knows the tradition of having sweets on a happy occasion as per Indian custom, so this special touch was so sweet! Thanks Samara!) Maksim taught Ayaan how to Hi-Five and Ayaan loved the balloons Ana got! Loads to write, loads to express, but for now... here are 2 pics on my profile and cover to give you an idea of how things went. Oh yes, and Ayaan LOVES Nikki and thinks he is a hilarious creature! Nikki... well, not so much... We got scolded throughout the evening by Nikki and his barks. Ah well. They'll get used to each other. Thank you for all your calls, emails, messages and so much more. Time to call this beautiful day a night. Good night. Will wake up to my first diaper change (cajoled Dee into doing just 1 more for tonight lest I faint.) — feeling wonderful.

 

Thou shalt not give up! Guess who is finally coming home---TOMORROW!!!!!

I will write in details later how this was managed, but the important thing is that after the past few days of trying to look for early flights, giving up hope, then picking ourselves back up again and writing to every one possible, including the CEO and board members of Lufthansa (and they did NADA, ZILCH to help, btw) I finally in the nick of time, literally, got them tickets in First Class on Aeroplan on the 1 seat they had, emptying all of our points into this ticket, just so that they can come home. I cannot wait anymore and just had to fight with every ounce of everything I had, and alls well that ends well.... THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY HOME!!!!! YIPPEEEE!!!!

Ayaan is coming home in style, First Class, will chill in the Frankfurt Lounge and be comfy, before finally catching the flight from Frankfurt to Ottawa flight, again in First Class. I dare say, he might quite enjoy it. :)

The flight from Aktobe to ALmaty was a breeze, Deepak tells me. Ayaan was wonderful and happy, slept through the landing and sipped on his sippy cup on take off, played with the magazines (throw pick up throw) and ate almost all of Deepak's in-flight meal! Good Boy! :)

Now come home to Mommy, and Nani (my mom) and Lil Nikki (Our dog)! We await your arrival in less than 16 hours baby!

The last stretch. And Guess what... still not easy! No earlier flights because of Lufthansa. :(

These past few days have been difficult to say the least, the only source of joy being able to skype and see lil Ayaan. He is so crazy about his Papa! Follows him around with his eyes, turning every way he sees his dad move, smiling, talking in his baby language, trying to adjust to his new life and surroundings while Daddy tries hard to stay strong, do everything that comes along with being with a baby full time, including the sleep issues, while managing work-which is in itself giving him a hard time because of some situations Dee did not see coming and is feeling pretty hurt and upset about. A manager who doesnt fight for you when he should is a manager you wonder why you put your heart, soul into and sacrificed your family life for many times, with all the extra work trips etc. Anyways, that apart, the good news is that the PASSPORTS with VISA have arrived from Moscow! Yippeee! SO now Ayaan is free to leave the country of his birth and travel to the country of his life! But ... wait for it... He cant. Just yet. :(

So it seems that Aeroplan is unable to pre-pone their return, originally booked for 17th Sept 2013 as we had no idea what date the paperwork would all come through, so we played safe, as you try to in adoption and its constant problems and delays. But now, Lufthansa hasnt released the seat needed for the Almaty to Frankfurt leg. Which means they are stuck there till Lufthansa does. Which Lufthansa isnt doing.

I am trying everything, writing to whoever I can, pleading, cajoling, begging. I JUST WANT THIS TO BE OVER PLEEEEEASE! And I just want my son home now! This has been a difficult difficult journey and I cant believe that the airlines dont have it in their heart to give us a break and help us on simple humanitarian, logical grounds.

My last hope is writing to their senior management (Thanks Kirstin for getting me the details). Now I can only wait and see if they are willing to help bring back Deepak and Ayaan, from Kaz to Can. Last stretch. Please pray.

Of course a tenant choses this precious time to give notice. And day 2 of Ayaan being with Daddy in the hotel

So one of our tenants has given notice to move out of a townhome we have. And to make things worse instead of the reqd 60 day notice it will be for a month less, leaving us lean season for rentals and a month short to try and rent it out----while I prepare to welcome our son home to his new life! COuldnt have been worse timing.
But then, when was anything in this process easy.

After a very stressful past 3 days of trying to convince her to stay, back and forth emails and some upsetting situations eventually, I am glad things have been settled a bit, as in I have decided to take the hit and loss of rent and allow her to leave early and not pay penalty of a month's rent as she seemed really upset and I truly do not feel comfortable. RIght now, I only want positivity in my life and this situation was getting ugly. So, I am glad that for now we have decided to let them leave so that we can try our best to rent out the house for 1st November. She has assured us she will try and make it easy by keeping the home show worthy to prospective tenants, so let's see how it goes.

There is a saying I truly believe in, 'Achhe logon ke saath achha hi hota hai". Only good things happen to good people... so Im hoping that things will work out for the best for us.

In other news, Ayaan and Daddy had a wonderful day together and now Ayaan is sleeping restfully, better than last night-in his hotel room, next to daddy, in Aktobe. Here is Daddy's FB status of the day:

Deepak Arora

Day 1 of Ayaan-Papa time - baby slept well but is a total clock...went around and around several times on the bed and does not like to be covered with blankets. Diaper change successful (twice now) with no out of diaper incidents. We eat like a champ, at both breakfast and lunch and also like to nap with Daddy ...does not like the bath though...full on drama even though the water was just luke warm and he was only in there for 7 min...as soon as he came out all smiles and laugh...now off to do some essential shopping and stop the mosquito onslaught from happening again...tonight they leave us alone...as Ayaan says "Aata" — feeling loved.

GOTCHA!

Today is GOTCHA DAY! :)

Ayaan has left the building! YMIT, Bye Bye!

Reunited-Daddy and Son!

Ayaan was very pleased to see his daddy after almost 3 months, in Aktobe, Kazakhstan!
There was no crying or being upset and though he had just been woken up from a nap, he was smiling and responding to all things Daddy. :) I will let Deepak write his experience once he is home, here. :) For now, we are counting down to the day Ayaan will be home in Canada, hopefully sometime next week.

Trying out the stroller. And very happy in it.

Another first! Daddy taught him how to drink from a straw! Juicyyyy!

Dee will be taking Ayaan out from the baby house tomorrow around noon and they will both begin their 24 hr/7days a week time together, at Asia Hotel in their standard room, in Aktobe while they wait for Ayaan's passport with the Canadian visa stamped from Moscow, hopefully soon.

Almost 3 months later... Deepak flying out back to Aktobe!

The day is finally here!
Deepak is getting on the flight today (Air Canada: Ottawa-Frankfurt-Almaty. Overnight in Almaty and then morning flight on Friday at 10am to Aktobe!)! So excited! He has been very busy here at home, trying to work with me and mom to finish up the beach that got partially washed out by the rains at our home, then making the flower beds with mom, shopping for plants with us and helping mom with the digging and planting of all the plants and shrubs. The past few hours have been spent assembling Ayaan's beautiful new Stokke stroller and the Britax Marathon car seat in our car. He has just finished putting mulch over the flower beds and has finally started to wind things down and prepare for his flight this evening at 7:30pm. We will drop him off at 5:30pm and pray that everything goes well and father and son are soon united. We wonder if Ayaan will remember him when he sees him in less than 2 days, and I have to say Im pretty positive, he will. :)

I have been watching Ayu's videos and pics daily and i cry sometimes cause I miss him so much and then I laugh at his cute antics and our own follies (trying to put him in the Beco carrier for example for hilarious).

The passport is on its way to Moscow FINALLY! And we hope and pray that this hurdle is crossed quickly and the ongoing almost 5 month long Canadian Embassy strike that's still going on, doesnt cause further delays.

Deepak will be meeting Koko & John mid way in Frankfurt and from there on, they will be all together till Aktobe, and then share an apartment in Aktobe, for convenience. As I am unable to go on this trip, I will wait patiently with Ayaan's grandmom (my mom) who has come all the way from Delhi, India just so that she can help us settle down with Ayaan and not get overwhelmed. With the Rupee touching 64 Rs per 1 Cdn$ I am very thankful that she has and my whole family is set to follow suit over the next 2 months, just to meet Ayaan, the newest member of the family.

I hope and pray that all those reading as we embark on this final phase of the process, will send in positive thoughts and pray hard that everything goes smoothly for us and Ayaan, our much loved adorable son, is home soon with us, safe and sound.

Mom arrives on 20th Aug '13

The backyard is finally ready!

Plant shopping

Hard work in process, Mom and Dee putting in a lot of hard work to set up the flower beds

Beautiful sunsets in our backyard

Setting up the new Stokke Stroller

Ta da!

Finally! Packing his and Ayaan's clothes

Hard work pays off. Mom and Dee have completed the first phase of the flower beds.

The Britax car seat being installed. Yes, the new Prince of Cambridge rides in a Britax too. ;)