Post-Embassy Tickle Celebration

Home at Last!

First picture in America as we wait for luggage in Nashville after our 30-hour journey home. Our flight from Delhi to Newark was nearly 15 1/2 hours. The layover in Newark was fast simply because we were busy in Immigration getting our new little American squared away with a pack of paperwork from the US Embassy in Delhi. He slept the entire 2-hour flight from Newark to Nashville. We were all so thrilled to come home to the cool breeze of Nashville after the 100 plus degree weather of India.

The excited family greeted us in front of the house!

 E and G prepared a sign to welcome us home.

 When we moved to Nashville from Cali in 2011, Jen picked us up at the airport to deliver us to our new home. It seemed only fitting that she make the delivery again for our new addition.

 We wasted no time getting our hands on the toys in his new pad.

 Have to catch up on 10 days of missing hugs!

 Trying to warm up in the usually cool weather of Nashville.

 He is anti-sippy cups, so we went straight for the glass of milk.

Taking it all in

The Power Team with G (E was at school for this pic): Mimi, Aunt Jean, and Aunt Rita. It is much easier to leave the continent when you know your first two babes are in good, loving hands!

 Sharing a snack with Mimi

 My first outing to big brother's baseball game. I just stayed in Mama's arms and took in the sights.

I can't say this was G's most focused game; he was busy coming by to check on the new brother and yelling at him from his position at short stop. He did hit a triple in honor of baby brother...I think it was so he could be on third, right next to where we were sitting in the stands.

 It doesn't take long to figure out it is fun to have this dad. All little people love to practice their skills as a human airplane as they soar around the kitchen!

Smiles all around! Day three at home and we are all feeling more rested, despite the struggle with jet lag. AJ is already warming up more and more to E and G. He loves giving Aunt Rita and Mimi high fives. He is loving exploration around the house, and we are realizing we have a lot more to do to toddler-proof our home. Outlet covers and cabinet locks won't be enough for this great explorer. Everything is a new discovery, and we are so grateful for his enthusiastic curiosity. He plays hard and sleeps hard (once we convince him it is necessary to sleep).  So very grateful to be home and getting settled into our new routine as a family of five.

For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name.

2 Samuel 22:50

Last Day in India

 G caught him watching the bird just outside our hotel window on the ledge.

 He was suddenly inspired to take off his shirt as we sat on the patio outside the hotel lobby.

Since we were not able to make the trip to Agra, Rajeev treated us to an adventure at Humayan's Tomb. We had to check out of our hotel at 2pm, but our flight wasn't until 10:50pm, so we had a solid afternoon to be tourists.

 In front of Humayan's Tomb in Delhi

 Upper level of Humayan's Tomb

Next we visited Qutab Minar in Delhi

All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.

Psalm 86:9

Play Time in India

 First ever pool time! 

 Loving his goldfish as he chills poolside

 Coloring between the lines is overrated 

 Had to do it after a week...G said he couldn't do another meal of curry chicken, curry rice, curry vegetables, followed by curry flavored ice cream. The shameless Americans had to have a burger and fries.

 On stage for some dancing 

 First dance together

 Looks like trouble brewing....

 On my 14th trip down the escalator.....

Cruising through the air conditioned mall (not usually significant but important when in India!) 

 This dinosaur moved and roared...not sure which boy in the photo liked it more...

 Hello....hello.... I need a warm glass of milk delivered to room 529 pronto.

The little man didn't get to sleep in as late as he prefers since we had a scheduled appointment at the US Embassy. He decided to reclaim his missing sleep with a snooze on the way home. 

We love that he can transition from the car to the room without missing a moment of rest!

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27