I find it really ironic that for the last 7 months the baby countdown gadget on our blog has moved abysmally slow. There have been days when I wondered if our time would ever arrive, now suddenly everything is in hyper speed. I have no idea how we will be able to get everything ready before our little snowflake arrives. We haven’t even picked out a name yet!
Right now we have lists of lists of things to do, stuff to buy and what to bring. Reading the generously shared experience of everyone that has gone before us has really helped a lot. Every time I start to get stressed, it gives me comfort to know that if we do half as well with our singleton as have the parents with multiples; I will consider everything right in the world.
One thing I’ve learned through our entire surrogacy in India journey is to plan for what you can but expect the unexpected and keep the big picture in mind. Right now at this time I am looking forward to experiencing India again. I love the colorful chaos, the diverse people and excellent healthy food. When Brian flew to Hyderabad by himself last January I was jealous that I couldn’t go with him. Most of all I am looking forward to spending bonding time with our baby without the outside distractions of our normal work and life.
We don’t know how long the baby pick up process will be for us but if it takes 3 weeks or 3 months it will be worth it. We do know that the US Consulate in Hyderabad does require a DNA test and we are going to have Chromosomal Laboratories in Phoenix send the DNA kit to the consulate before we arrive. We also know that the US Consulate will not accept the test results via email. They sent us a list of requirements and our view is that if there is a chance they may want Brian’s 4th grade March 3, 1981 spelling test, we will figure out how to get it and take it with us since that is something we can more easily arrange before we go than after we arrive in India. As far as the exit Visa process goes, we will handle it as it comes and try to share our experience on the blog. For us, the important thing is that we are having a baby and everything else is just details…
Wow, time has gone fast, can't believe you are almost on your way. Best of luck and I can't wait to read your next post!!!
ReplyDeleteVery exciting, you are just weeks away from the big prize. I am just thrilled it is your time! Better late than never :) Your strength and support are indeed a sentiment to what wonderful parents you will be.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling when all of a sudden, inpatient waiting because...WAIT...I'm not ready!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have the right attitude and approach and we are all hoping to see Hyderabad be a breeze!!!
On the consulate email thing...did you mention to them (and even if you did, do it again when you are there) that in Delhi they will accept the email report with the actual being sent overnight. It saves a few days but not really that big a deal in the end if they won't.
We're all looking forward to sitting in your backseat as you experience your own personal INCREDIBLE INDIA!!!!
Best wishes.
Thanks for all the well wishes!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, we were told point blank by the consulate representative in Hyderabad that there is absolutely no way they would accept the DNA results via email. However, we will try the "They accept it in Delhi" argument again...
We hear you about the time it definitely feels like we have lost days somewhere......
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm just so over the moon for you guys, its YOUR turn...enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteRelax and Breathe as well :)
YEAH!!!!!! Thinking and praying for all to go smoothly. Your time has come! We are so excited for you guys!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that we are living vicariously through you guys! Such an amazing journey and so happy that you've allowed all of us to be part of it with you both.
ReplyDeleteSo amazed that your time is nearly up too, and so happy for you all in the same breath. Your attitude is right (again...) and go with whatever happens. This is a once in a lifetime event (even if you do go for a sibling project you'll be more blase as you'll have been there, done that) so enjoy EVERY moment. And Amani is going to throw you the challenge of how quickly you can announce bubs birth, so you have 20mins after birth to beat. I reckon Brian's up to it!
ReplyDeleteLisa
xx
We just brought home newborn twins in September to our home in AZ. We were not required to do DNA testing. It is optional for US citizens.It took us about 4 weeks to bring the babies home.
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