Deciding on a Second International Adoption - Adoption Blogs - Adoptive Families

Deciding on a Second International Adoption - Adoption Blogs - Adoptive Families

Christmas 2012

Manu in Disneyland

Post Options

Two Years Ago

Two years ago today, I looked into my baby son's eyes for the first time. Through my own tears of joy, I saw innocence in its purest form. I saw in his eyes the promise of a new beginning, and an end to the loneliness that we had both felt for too long. There was something eternal in that first glance, and I never wanted it to end. Two years ago today, I became a believer of love at first sight.

Two years ago today, I became a man. I learned more about myself in those precious first moments of meeting my son than I had in all my years prior. In my heart, a new sense of purpose was born as I pledged forever to place his interests before my own—I now had a reason, beyond myself, to exist.

Two years ago today, we became a family. An inseparable and impenetrable bond was forged instantly as three people so very different, but all searching for something so similar, found each other half a world away. Never have I felt more at peace than that first time I saw my wife holding my baby boy—a sight that is forever emblazoned on my mind.

Two years ago today, I became rich. Though the journey was long and the sacrifices significant, no price can be put on what I have gained in return. Nothing of material form makes me happier than the time I spend with my family, and no amount of money could compel me to give that up.

Two years ago today, was the happiest day of my life. Two years ago today, we adopted our son, Manu.

India comes to Kentucky on horseback

For two weeks Lexington played host to the World Equestrian Games; an Olympic-styled competition of equestrian arts featuring riders from around the world. In fact, this is the first time that the competition has traveled outside of Europe. Lexington was bustling with events and new visitors, with a buzz of excitement everywhere you went.

As luck would have it, we stumbled upon the Indian Tent-Pegging team. Tent-pegging is an ancient cavalry maneuver turned competitive sport. While watching, Manu was noticed by the Colonel in command of the Indian team. He motioned to Manu to come over, and then he picked him up and shared his horse. This made a great day at the games even more special.

Manu with the Commander of the Indian team.

Manu and Haley pose with the rest of the team.

Vacations

In July of 2008 we headed for our summer vacation on Hilton Head Island, having just hours before leaving, completed our dossier and mailed it to India. I remember vividly how excited we were to be finished with the paperwork, as well as how exhausted we were after months of shuffling it. We clang tightly to the few pictures we had of our future son as we lounged on the beach and explored the island.

 

What a difference two years can make :-)

Random mid-week cuteness

Wonderful news for one of Manu's "cousins"

We are relieved to learn that Nisha, one of Manu's "cousins" from Ashraya, got a very good report from the doctor. You can read about this medical miracle here: http://doingtheworksofgod.blogspot.com/2010/08/blessed-be.html

Friends in India

Please join us in congratulating our friends, the Stums, as they travel to Ashraya, Manu's children's home, to meet their new son Vismay. You can follow their journey here: http://thestums.blogspot.com

A Very Special Reunion

Last weekend we headed north to Cincinnati to spend a few days getting acquainted with some very special families - families who adopted children from Ashraya, Manu's children's home in Bangalore, India. What's even more special is that, of the families who could attend, all of our children were residents of Ashraya at the same time, and now they are together again, a couple years later, and half a world away.

We met up with the Stafford's, and their 3yo little girl Anju, on Thursday night at the hotel. Manu and Anju are the youngest of the four adopted kids who attended. They played in the "kiddie" pool while the adults got to know one another. The Next morning we met up with Jennifer Carr and her troupe of children, which included 5yo Bailey, and we headed to the Zoo. After navigating miles of stalled interstate traffic on the way, we were welcomed to the park by a torrential downpour that completely soaked everyone. Hey, when life gives you lemons...Thankfully it also cooled down the weather and made for a pleasant afternoon once the showers moved on past. Back to the hotel to freshen up a bit before heading to an Indian restaurant for dinner, and then back to the pool for another evening of swimming and socialization.

Saturday morning we were joined by the Brooke Tague and her familiy who were delayed by an unexpected surgical procedure for their daughter Nisha, not to mention simply getting the dates of the reunion wrong ;-) Thankfully Nisha was doing well enough that they could make the drive down from Indianapolis. We headed to Big Bone Lick State Park to see a herd of Bison that included some very young calfs. Later we took over the back room at a LaRossa's Pizza parlor and lunched while discussing our experiences in India and our time at Ashraya. It was fun listening to other stories of people who have experienced the same journey that we have. Afterward we said goodbye to Jenn and family, who were headed home, and we broke away from the rest of the pack to do a little shopping at IKEA while the others visited a museum. Dinner downtown and then back to the pool where we talked with Amy and Brooke for a few more hours.

It was a very touching meeting these children, knowing their past circumstances and seeing how well they've adjusted in their new lives. It was fun watching them interact with each other, and especially watching Manu mimic the actions of the older kids. The kids seemed to bond almost instantly, and it was sad when we all had to go our separate ways. Sometimes it's nice to know you're not alone in the world, and we hope this and future get-togethers will give Manu a sense of community and a better understanding of the past he left behind. I know it was good for us.

Anju, Bailey and Manu at the zoo

Follow me!


Our future engineers


Or marine biologists


Tough day at the zoo


Bailey (5), Nisha (4), Anju (3) and Manu (2)


Ever try and get 3 kids to all look at you at the same time?


Anju and Nisha say goodbye


Hugs all around


Anju and Manu, hey that rhymes!


The gang's all here!