Anjali has been home for six months now! Things have changed so much since that first day at the orphanage. I'll never forget the sadness in Anjali's face. She didn't smile for the first two or three days. What a jolt the transition into 'us' gave her. Now, she is a bouncy, mischievous baby girl who just can't stop smiling and being on the go. We are her family and we love her the most-y.
As I look back at this year, here are the many firsts we have celebrated with Anjulily.
First day together! I took the picture just after we got to the hotel from the orphanage. We had changed Anjali out of her pretty blue dress into more comfy gear. She kept her necklace and bangles on and would not take them off for a few more days. You can see the joy and emotion in Janardhan's face. Dhruv had sprung into his big brother role and was trying to get Anjali interested in a musical book. Our sweet little baby was so overwhelmed and quiet. She cried a lot on that first day.
Anjali's first meal at home. We arrived in PDX late in the night after a killer over-32 hour journey with flight delays. Despite all the travel and changes, Anju seemed at ease. She really enjoyed her aloo parantha! We of course were super excited to be home at last!
First mommy-daddy-Anju sandwich.
First high-chair nap! Our baby was so jet lagged for a couple of weeks. This picture shows how tiny she was (and still is).
First car seat nap. Car journeys are fun when kids nap. :) Anjali doesn't mind car journeys though occasionally she spends her time trying to get out of her straps.
First nap in mama's arms. I waited three months for this moment! They are still scarce as Anjali prefers to sleep by herself in her crib (unless dad is around).
And of course for the latest on the photo/selfie-queen Anjali. She is having a fun summer with her thatha (grandpa), thathi (grandma) and Priya periamma (my older sister) visiting. She is loving all the good food and attention. Her naughtiness is keeping everyone on their toes. Having my parents around has been helping me get some rest and actually take naps in the afternoon. I have gotten some alone time and it feels so nice. J and I managed to sneak in an afternoon date too. Thank God for grandparents and sisters!!!! :) This two month break from household chores is really helping me spend quality time with kids and recharge my batteries. I always feel bad that Dhruv doesn't get as much attention as he used to though he never complains about it. My dad has been hunting for spiders and snails with him and my mom has been teaching him card games. We are having a laid-back lazy summer and it feels great!!
More recent pics of the kiddos.
Posing with anna. Getting these two busy bees together in a picture is incredibly challenging.
As I look back at this year, here are the many firsts we have celebrated with Anjulily.
First day together! I took the picture just after we got to the hotel from the orphanage. We had changed Anjali out of her pretty blue dress into more comfy gear. She kept her necklace and bangles on and would not take them off for a few more days. You can see the joy and emotion in Janardhan's face. Dhruv had sprung into his big brother role and was trying to get Anjali interested in a musical book. Our sweet little baby was so overwhelmed and quiet. She cried a lot on that first day.
Anjali's first meal at home. We arrived in PDX late in the night after a killer over-32 hour journey with flight delays. Despite all the travel and changes, Anju seemed at ease. She really enjoyed her aloo parantha! We of course were super excited to be home at last!
First mommy-daddy-Anju sandwich.
Caught in the act for the first time. Playing with her brother's cars and charming mama at the same time.
First high-chair nap! Our baby was so jet lagged for a couple of weeks. This picture shows how tiny she was (and still is).
First snuggle with anna (aka big brother). Dhruv was sooo happy he did not want to let go of Anjali.
First car seat nap. Car journeys are fun when kids nap. :) Anjali doesn't mind car journeys though occasionally she spends her time trying to get out of her straps.
First Oreo. Anjali ate it the right way! A natural Oreo-eating machine. Dhruv and I have a song for her "Oreo Anjali" sung to the tune of Tamil song from Ghajini.
First cupcake.
First mommy-Anju-anna selfie.
First bike ride!
First spying-on-the-neighbors moment. Anju loves checking out what our neighbors are up to.
And of course for the latest on the photo/selfie-queen Anjali. She is having a fun summer with her thatha (grandpa), thathi (grandma) and Priya periamma (my older sister) visiting. She is loving all the good food and attention. Her naughtiness is keeping everyone on their toes. Having my parents around has been helping me get some rest and actually take naps in the afternoon. I have gotten some alone time and it feels so nice. J and I managed to sneak in an afternoon date too. Thank God for grandparents and sisters!!!! :) This two month break from household chores is really helping me spend quality time with kids and recharge my batteries. I always feel bad that Dhruv doesn't get as much attention as he used to though he never complains about it. My dad has been hunting for spiders and snails with him and my mom has been teaching him card games. We are having a laid-back lazy summer and it feels great!!
More recent pics of the kiddos.
Posing with anna. Getting these two busy bees together in a picture is incredibly challenging.
Fourth of July fireworks. Anju liked the fireworks.
Posing for her favorite Priya periamma (a.k.a papi).
