Thursday, January 22, 2009

Me You and Manu Day Two.


Well we finally got some sleep! We turned in around 9pm, set the alarm for 8am but couldn't sleep past 6:30. But we feel remarkably better today. We started getting ready and had breakfast at the hotel; a grit-like mashed grain with onions, herbs and spices and spicy cucumber yogurt. Very tasty! At 10:00am we headed back to Ashraya to see Manu. We played again all morning. At one point while Leslie had Manu, I started playing "catch" with an older boy and a little plastic ball. Well, after seeing that all of the other older children wanted to play too, simultaneously! Suddenly I found myself playing with 5 children, all throwing stuff at me at the same time. Around 11:30 we met with the directors regarding his paperwork. We also talked for a while about Ashraya and all of its children and women's projects throughout the area. We picked up a few souvenirs made by the older children there and watched a short documentary that was made in December for their 25th Anniversary. We continue to be touched be this organization and their mission.

After we finished with that is was feeding and nap time, so we left little Manu for the last time to head out in search of food and batteries! After about a 10 minute walk we found FabIndia, India's version of Pottery Barn plus clothing. We bought Leslie a bracelet, a few souvenirs for the house and 4 Indian-styled shirts for Manu; all sizes larger than he is (and he is a tiny little fellow) so that he can wear them in stages for several years. After that we found the batteries and lunch at a little place that served all foods on a banana leaf and you eat with your hand, your right hand only that is; if you don't know why, I'll explain it to you later.

Back at the Orphanage we said goodbye to the Aunties with the promise to return tomorrow at 3:30 for tea and so that they can see him one more time before he goes. We carried him back to our room, changed his diaper and his outfit. We mixed up a bottle of Lactogen and attempted to feed him. We finally got him to finish it after trying 2 bottles and 4 different nipples, none of them really to his liking. After cleaning up a small mess, we put him in the baby carrier and took a walk in the park adjacent to Ashraya. He took it all in stride, mesmerized by the sights and sounds that were foreign to him. Back to the room for more play and bonding, the baby formula made it's second appearance of the afternoon, only this time not in a bottle. As we expected, the change in diet isn't sitting well with his system: he spit up probably a third of the bottle over about an hour, soiling several outfits, his included. But through all of that his spirit wasn't dampened; he continued to smile, laugh and crawl around on the floor. About 3 hours later it was time for cereal, so we mixed it up and hoped for the best. He seemed to really like it and it's been 2 hours and no spitting up. Tomorrow morning we'll try again with the Similac to see if we get better results, and after that we're off to a local baby store for more nipples and a different sippy cup.

Bath time for baby! We stripped him down and plopped him into the sink in our room. We thought this might actually make him fuss, but not yet as he seemed to enjoy the bath and attention. It was only after Leslie and I fumbled with dressing him in a new outfit that he put up any fuss at all. But now he smells more like baby and less like sour milk, so it was worth it!

As I'm writing this we are trying to get him to sleep, but the new setting and parents are just too distracting and he's fighting it. Wish us luck!

7 comments:

  1. You guys rock...I'm so glad you all decided to blog...your updates make my day. Everyone at ESH (employees)agrees Manu is the cutest thing ever!!! Can't wait to meet him in person. P.S. Siggy is good. Love, Amee

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my goodness this is wonderful. You two are going to be wonderful parents and I sure am getting anxious to be a proud grandmother again. Love the blogs, keep them coming. Manu is a beautiful child and such a lucky young man to be adopted by two wonderful people. Love ya bunches, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  3. We are so very happy for the three of you and can't wait to see you all back in Kentucky. You will surely treasure these moments forever. Thanks for sharing them with us. Congratulations Jeff, Leslie and Manu! Together at last! With warmest regards, Cliff, Ying, Anna and Carson

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can't stay away from the computer. Manu is just beautiful. I know you all are in heaven. I am so happy for all of you. Thanks for sharing your with us. Again love and prayers. Aunt Alice

    ReplyDelete
  5. Manu looks so happy!! I love the updates.. it almost feels like we are there with you. Enjoy yourselves and take care.
    Love
    Tara

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are two of my oldest friends and I'm overwhelmed with joy this moment is bringing! The pleasure Manu will bring you two is indescribable and will last a lifetime.
    --Derek

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm glad to hear all is going well! It's so great that the 3 of you have each other! Take care Mommy and Daddy!
    Tonia

    ReplyDelete