Manu-versary

It's hard to believe that a year has passed since we first held our new baby boy. At times it seems as though it was only yesterday, but in our hearts he has been there forever. It is amazing how someone so small can have such an enormous impact on the world around him. We hope that one day we'll be able to adequately express to him how we felt on that special day, and that his presence in our family has changed our lives eternally. We love you Manu.

And to close out what has been the best year of my life, here are a few more pictures of the most wonderful two people in it.

Me, You and Manu, The Year in Review: Part Two

It was obvious to us by the time we started towards Delhi that this parenting thing was going to take a little practice in order to get it right. Click here to read our account of Manu's first road trip. We arrived in New Delhi over a long holiday weekend, so there was plenty of time to check out the city and all of its sights and attractions. Our embassy visits were relatively painless, and with Manu's Visa in hand, it made the last few days before returning home very relaxing, knowing that he was now ours to take home! Here are a few more pictures of our Delhi adventure.

Mommy and Manu enjoying a mid-afternoon snack.

The three of us near the entrance to the Taj Mahal grounds.

The Taj from a different perspective. It was one of the most beautiful sights we have ever seen.


One of two identical mosques as seen from the Taj platform.


Workers demonstrate the art of marble inlay, similar to that adorning the walls of the Taj.


Daddy and Manu at a restaurant in Agra.


School children on a field trip to Humayun's Tomb.

Humayun's Tomb. Similar in architecture to the Taj, but constructed of red sandstone.

Mommy and Manu sit down and relax after a hard afternoon of sight seeing!

These ladies all but begged us to take their picture, and then wanted 100 rupies each as their fee, LOL. We gave them 10 each.

This is the room in which Ghandi spent his last days before his murder. It contains all of his worldly possessions

Haley meeting her new cousin for the first time at the airport.

Me, you and Manu, The Year in Review: Part One

It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since we traveled half-way around the world to meet our son for the first time. Our "Gotcha" day, a day that we will celebrate forever as the day we finally became a family, is January 21st. Leading up to this momentous occasion, we thought we would reminisce a little bit with some photos of our adventure that have been previously unpublished. In part one we'll revisit Bangalore and our time at Ashraya Children's Home, in part two we'll travel to Delhi for a recap of our week of sightseeing and random adventures!

A typical street scene in Bangalore, taken just a few blocks from Ashraya on CMH Road.

Leslie standing outside the nursery and toddler building.

Leslie enjoys afternoon tea while Manu naps in the crib behind her.


Manu in one of his last naps at Ashraya.


Rani, one of Manu's Favorite Aunties. I noticed a few tears as we took Manu away.


Devi was Manu's other favorite caregiver. It was obvious that Manu was loved by all of his Aunties!


Daddy and Manu back in our room at the Daffodil.


Mommy and Manu enjoying a latte at Cafe Coffee Day.


Our last meal before flying out the next morning for Delhi. The food was spectacular everywhere we went. And cheap too!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Throughout most of the Christmas season, Manu didn't really understand what was going on, but he did know that he liked it! Christmas lights, Christmas songs, gifts and attention; all things Manu now loves. His little head is still spinning in awe of all of the new toys, books and clothes that he got...well, mostly the toys. Santa, and the family spoiled him rotten. Mommy and Daddy got the best gift of all though, in completing his adoption. This has been a special year for us, and Christmas was simply icing on the cake. It was so much fun experiencing it again as a child through his eyes. We're already looking forward to next year, when he'll really know what's going on!

Today is New Years day, and we're celebrating by taking down all of the decorations. Manu seemed to be OK with it, until after his afternoon nap, when he pointed to where the tree was, and said, "more, more, more."

Manu in his Santa hat, playing around after court.

Manu admiring his handy work.

Opening presents from Mommy and Daddy on Christmas Eve.

So who broke in and left all of these toys?


Will the gifts ever end? I hope not!