Part II Grandma and Grandpa come to India

Second half of the trip:  after a brief recovery from Kerala, I started my job as an Embassy RN at the medical unit while Grandma/pa stayed home with Desmond (and our new housekeeper).  On the way to work, our driver told us about a better job he accepted while we were away on holiday.  The new job pays him much better, pays for meals and lots of overtime, doesn’t require work on Saturdays, and gives him a “prestige” job that gives him long-term stability.  Basically, we couldn’t match it as we only have 1.5 yrs left.  So I started my first day in tears convinced I was making the wrong decision BUT everything has worked out and I really enjoy the job.  Grandma and Grandpa were able to spend some real quality time with Desmond. 

Midweek, we left Desmond at home with our new housekeeper and headed to Old Delhi, a must see.  Upon arriving, our driver, Haris, negotiated a price for a tour Old Delhi on a bike taxi.  First stop:  Red Fort.  I have never been to the Red Fort, and it is much bigger than I expected.  We could have had spent a day there.  One hour later our taxi brought us through the streets of Old Delhi, where we were supposed to stop at Jama Masjid, a mosque, but it was closed for an hour for prayer.  Instead we went to Karim’s, a very famous restaurant in Old Delhi.  I think they were a bit nervous given the appearance and “localness”, but they left impressed and full.  I was proud of their sense of adventure. 

The next day Haris took us to Agra so that they could see the famous Taj Mahal.  Again we decided to leave Desmond at home.  These day trips are very busy and he would rather run around then be confined to a carrier.  We had a great trip, and it only took about 3 hrs to get there.  We stopped once to take a “chai break” before arriving at Akbar’s tomb.  There we hired a tour guide for the day, and he did a great job explaining all of the history of Akbar’s tomb, Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort.  I think my parents were very impressed with the Taj; Grandma kept saying she couldn’t believe she was actually there.  We stayed at each place for about one hour and then had lunch in a very nice restaurant.  As Marcus and I always do with new restaurants, we ordered the veg options to be on the safe side.  All of the food we ordered was amazing!  After lunch, we did a little shopping and then headed home.  The ride home took a little longer and I think we were all tired but had an amazing day. 

Saturday rolled around and little Desmond turned ONE!!!  I cannot believe our little boy officially a toddler.  We had an amazing day!  Desmond had a little Monkey themed party with all of his little friends.  It was really hot that day but it cooled off enough for the party.  Desmond enjoyed playing in the water table with his girlfriend Erica (she has a few boyfriends though being the only 1 y/o girl at the embassy).  He also enjoyed pulling monkey piñata strings with Marshall and Joshua and his other friends.  Finally, he ate (tasted) his first birthday cake:  one shaped like a smiling monkey!  We were so happy to have our friends with us and even happier to have Grandma/pa there to celebrate, especially as they were there at his birth.

Additionally, Grandma and Grandpa took Desmond to Lodi Gardens and the playground one day with our driver.  And they when to Qutub Minar all by themselves on the last day, what an adventure! They were very happy that they went to all three places.

Sadly, the three weeks came to end.  We tried to convince them to stay longer but they needed to return home (I think they were ready for a salad!).  They were adventurous and tried everything we put in front of them. We had amazing time with them and we hope that they return next year =)



Desmond and Haris on the slide at the playground




Old Delhi




Old Delhi




Taking a rest in the bike taxi




Akbar's tomb




The Taj




Taj Mahal




Corny I know, but I love these pictures!




Happy Birthday Desmond!!! Excellent cake!




I made Monkey Cupcakes... a lot of fun



Yummm cake!!!!



Monkey Pinata! Pulling the strings instead of a bat...



Grandma and Grandpa Suarez come to India

Grandma and Grandpa made their way to India from NJ, surviving the long 15 hr plane ride.  We were very lucky to have them with us for 3 weeks.  Hopefully I can capture all the important events. 

The first week was one of adjustment, and (surprisingly) it was raining.  We tooled around Delhi, went to the Embassy/compound, visited a museum, and played with Desmond, who was thrilled to have all of the attention.  Three days after their arrival we all boarded a plane to Kerala in South India for a family vacation.  First we stayed in Cochin at the Old Harbour Hotel.  What a beautiful hotel!  Right near the water, we were able to watch all the fishermen work the Chinese fishing nets and do some fun shopping.  In the evening, Marcus and I were able to have a nice dinner while Desmond was upstairs sleeping. 

From Cochin we headed to the backwaters and stayed on a houseboat for one night.  We were able to get a quick glimpse of life in Kerala:  the women doing laundry in the water, the kids bathing, the people fishing, etc.  We were able to see some great birds and rice fields.  Desmond probably did not have the best time because he was not able to run around but I think the rest of us enjoyed the trip.  All of the meals were delicious and there was enough food to feed an army.  We even ate our lunch off of bananas leaves!  So far the vacation had been great.  However the next day we hit a few minor bumps.

The quick version:  a man ran into our taxi door as it was opening on his motorcycle and was flung clear into the water (no one was hurt), holding us up for 2+ hours.  When we got to the resort we were told we did not have a reservation and when they did find it we were quoted a higher price then we agreed to (which we worked out) and the pool was not functioning (it was 96 degrees out!).  Our rooms were next to each other and my parents left the door open so we could come in with Desmond, but instead a stranger came into the room and climbed into bed with them…Grandma ran out calling for me and Grandpa was slowly waking up.  I called security but they did not understand me, so I got Marcus to go in (Desmond is napping).   Marcus goes out and another man comes running around the corner and slips- we think everyone is drunk but not the case.  It turns out to be the father of the stranger in bed with Grandpa, and while running around the corner, he slipped on some water after hearing all of the commotion.  It turns out that the stranger was his special needs son.  In the end, everything was fine but Grandpa thought we hired someone for some special “Indian relaxation therapy” (he had only heard of Ayurvedic massage) and was very confused. 

The rest of the stay was relaxing and amazing, the resort made up for their errors in the beginning by upgrading us villas with outdoor showers and private pools!!   They were extremely accommodating in every aspect and would recommend staying there to anyone who plans on being in Kerala.

Sadly, our vacation had to come to an end and we headed back to Delhi.  This really concludes the first half of their trip and we all had a great time.  I will post the second half of the trip soon, the adventure continued….



Desmond ganking Daddys breakfast




Right outside our hotel in Keral, Chinese fishing nets at sunset





Lunch on the houseboat in the backwaters on banana leaves



Desmond taking a snooze with Grandpa



Desmond and Grandpa walking up and down the boat



Desmond hanging with Grandma in the morning

At the resort, he likes that coconut drink



Daddy taking cooking lessons at the resort - curry




yumm dinner!




Our private pool at the resort!!




Family playtime




Our "room" or villa



Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday Desmond!!!

Some quick updates

Well, we have been extremely busy in the last many weeks.  So busy that I have not had a free moment to write in our blog and life is about to become even more crazy so I am going to try and catch up on all of our events.   Desmond began walking in the beginning of January but didn’t really pick up on it until the middle/end of January, now there is no stopping him!  I know I probably say it a million times but our little guy has grown up so much in the last few months!

After Marcus’s dad and sister left, we settled back into our routine of sightseeing in Delhi.  Marcus and I first went to visit the B’hai temple, or Lotus temple.  Open to all religions, it emphasizes that a House of Worship be a gathering place for all to worship God without denominational restrictions.  We have seen the Lotus temple many times from a distance and finally decided to check it out ourselves.  The temple attracts many visitors so it was extremely crowded.  As in any crowded place in Delhi, Desmond becomes the main attraction so we really need to keep him close or everyone will want to touch him or take his picture.  The temple itself is simple and beautiful and we were happy to make the trip out there.

In the beginning of February, we went with friends to visit Tughlaqabad Fort, a complex of ruins in south Delhi, stretching across 6.5km.  It was built in 1321 and abandoned in 1327.  Out of all of the forts we have seen this one is probably my favorite, probably because there were not many people there and the ruins left a lot to the imagination.  Afterwards we went to our favorite restaurant in Delhi, Saravana Bavan, which serves South Indian food.  There are millions of places to eat in Delhi but somehow we keep ending up back at this one, great food and child friendly (in the fact that they don’t mind a messy eater).

As the weeks roll on, the weather warms up.  I cannot believe how quickly it went from cold to hot; it will be a long ‘summer.’  We have been going to a park near our house almost every day so that Desmond can play and walk around.  He loves the slide and wants to play with the big kids… but the big kids do not want to play with him.  Right now he has no fear; he tried to go face down the slide several times.  I know we are in for many bumps, bruises, and tears.

Desmond is now laughing and smiling all the time.  He started out being a serious little dude, but now he is happy and curious.  When Marcus gets home from work we bring him into our room and he jumps and plays on the bed with us on either side, laughing the entire time.  He also loves the bath, splashing his ducks in and out of the tub.  I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time at the embassy pool this summer.

 Marcus’s Dad sent us a globe that arrived in a super large box, which quickly became a toy for Desmond.  He loves to hide in the box for us to find him, and he loves for me to hide in the box for him to find me.  But his favorite activity right now is going up and down stairs, over and over again.  He actually cries when he has to stop.  Now he runs right to stairs as soon as he sees them so we have to keep a very close eye on him.

The next adventure to blog about will be about my parents visit to India, hopefully I will be able to start a post of two soon. They leave in one week and it sure has been an adventure for everyone.

Lotus Temple

Tughlaqabad Fort

My hangout spot

Desmond on the compound grass

Our First Visitors

            We have been super busy here in India since Christmas, where does the time go?  Two weeks ago we had our first visitors to India!!! Aunt Becca and Grandpa Marty came to visit us but let’s be honest, they mostly came to see Desmond.  Poor Desmond had been pretty sick prior to their arrival with a double eye infection that went to a double ear infection and a chest infection, poor kid! We were very thankful he turned the corner right when they arrived.

          They arrived very early in the morning so Desmond and I didn’t see them until we woke up, which is also very early in the morning.  Desmond and I took them around Delhi later in the day. First stop, my favorite place for walking around (with a stroller!) is Lodi Gardens, next stop, embassy to have lunch with Marcus.  I showed them around the compound and then our driver showed them around Delhi.  By mid afternoon they were tuckered from all of the excitement so we went home for naps. In the evening we all went out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. 

The next day we hung out at home for awhile as Desmond took an epic 3+hr nap, poor guy still wasn’t feeling great.  Afterwards we went to India gate and a fort and drove around Delhi some more.

For the next few days we all flew to Jodhpur to see the Mehrangarh Fort where Marcus lived when he did a study abroad in college.  We stayed in the city and had an amazing view of the fort from our hotel room.  We first went out into the city to walk around and ended our day on the rooftop restaurant watching the sun set, beautiful.  The next morning we went to see the Mehrangarh Fort.  We had an amazing time listening to all of the history and taking a ton of pictures.  We even extended our stay at the Fort walking through the garden.  That evening we, again we watched the sun set and we could even see stars.  The last day we decided to walk around the market to do some shopping.  Becca and I came back with new bedspreads and pillow covers, pretty great finds.

The week came to an end very quickly and we spent the last day sightseeing (and shopping) in Delhi.  We also went to our favorite South India restaurant for lunch.  After dinner we celebrated Becca’s birthday (early) with cake.  Sadly they flew out that evening so Marcus took to them to the airport.  We had amazing time and only wished that Grandpa Marty and Aunt Becca were able to stay a little longer, one week is not enough time to see everything and get Desmond loving.  I think Desmond was sad the next morning when he woke up and realized his Auntie wasn’t there to play and sing to him. 

            Becca put together an amazing video of pictures from her camera, check out the link below.

In other news, Desmond is officially walking!!!  He has been taking steps here and there since January 4^th but nowhe is walking everywhere… We love to watch him grow up and can’t believe how much he has changed in the last month, out little baby is going to be a toddler soon.  Desmond is so much fun to be around right now, we are always making him laugh, he especially likes to watch things fall (like his blocks) and to watch Daddy juggle.   I will be posting some videos soon so stay tuned.

Marcus and I are really liking India and have made a nice home here. Our second visitors, my parents, are coming in a month, I can’t wait!

Desmond wanted to learn a little something as well

Family photo, Des is happy to be out of the Ergo carrier

Aunt Becca!

Family photo in front of the Fort - from our hotel



Grandpa reading Desmond a story from his new book



Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

First, a lot of family and friends have received our Holiday card and want to know if our address is really Dulles, Virginia even though we live in India.   The short answer is Yes.  The long answer, all of our mail goes through Dulles so that no one has to pay international shipping (including us back to the States) and so that they can make sure nothing dangerous is sent out way, you big brother keeping a watchful eye. I have to admit how much fun it is for Marcus to come home from work with packages or letters, I have reverted back to snail mail and look forward to mail now, it isn’t just junk and bills.

Happy Holidays!!! We hope you are staying warm and enjoying the time with friends and family. We are missing our family this Christmas but are looking forward to spending Christmas with new friends.

It sure has been an exciting year for us, we rang in the new  year by going to bed at 10PM as I was pregnant and had to work the next morning. We celebrated February with a huge snow storm and while everyone hated the weather, I secretly loved it. I knew it would be awhile before I saw snow again.  Besides I got to spend a week stuck inside with my husband and best friend and enjoy mindless TV and good conversation. In February we also welcomed Addison, our niece into the family.  In March, we welcomed our little Desmond into the world with a 30 hour grueling labor but one of the happiest moments of our lives.  April/May flew by as Marcus and I aged another year (perhaps 10 if you count baby aging) and we welcomed another niece, Nadine to the family.   Before we knew it summer had arrived and we were getting ready to move away to India.  

We were lucky to have many friends and family from the West Coast come to visit to meet Desmond.  We enjoyed our time with Miranda, Oliver, and Declan and were so happy that Uncle Peter and Aunt Becca were able to make their way out and meet their nephew.   We took a trip down to North Carolina to so that Desmond could meet Great Grandma Mildred, Grandma, and Grandpa Carpenter  - he was only 2 weeks old.  Sadly, Great Grandma Mildred passed away this August and she is greatly missed. 

We took a few trips up north to New Jersey to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Suarez and relax on the beach.  And finally, August rolled around and we were off to India.

India has been an exciting time, with ups and downs but I have to say mostly it has been a wonderful experience.  We have traveled some and explored Delhi some but plan to do a lot more in the coming year.  Desmond started to stand, crawl, cruise, and is now standing.  He has 4 teeth and went from a fussy baby who gave us a run for our money to a happy baby who loves to smile and explore and is an excellent little traveler.  Marcus works hard but he enjoys the job.  I have enjoyed the time off but also look forward to working part time next year.  Reflecting back, I can’t believe how much our lives have changed in a single year… we would do all over again if we had to. 

We wish you and your family a happy holiday and a happy new year!

hmmm why am I here?

And who are you??



Happy 40 Weeks Desmond!!! Almost out longer than in - 2 weeks left!



Christmas morning, love the puzzle - tastes yummy!

Still eating the puzzle, time for breakfast??

Thanksgiving Weekend

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope everyone enjoyed the holiday! We had a nice long 4 day weekend here.  We celebrated Thanksgiving with some friends and had a really great time.  Desmond was not in the best of mood for the day so we didn’t get any pictures but everyone still loved him the same.  The next day, Desmond went to daycare and Marcus and I saw the new Harry Potter movie and then picked Desmond up and spent the afternoon together as a family.

We spent Saturday sight-seeing with friends in Delhi and saw Qutab Minar (in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m. Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar in AD 1199. The minar was said to have been built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori, the invader from Afghanistan, over the Rajputs in 1192).  Just a short history, it is also a UNESCO world heritage site.  We really enjoyed our time there and probably will go back several times during this tour with friends and family.

On Sunday, I woke up a with an ear infection so we stayed home and rested for most of the day.  Both Desmond and I have been battling colds that we probably are passing back and forth. I am extremely thankful that he did not get an ear infection (knock on wood) as it was not pleasant. 

I never thought it would happen but the weather has really cooled off, it actually is pretty chilly in the morning.  The houses here do not have insulation so we actually feel what the temperature is outside.  Right now we are all dressing warmer but I think we will need to invest in some heat before it gets too cold.  It is beautiful during the day with a perfect early fall temperature.  In the winter is when the trash burning begins, giving off a lot of pollution and decreasing the air quality.  We had a few weeks of terrible air quality but these past 2 weeks have been nice.  I know it won’t stay this way so I am trying to enjoy it while I can. 

We are finally settled into our home – our stuff did not arrive until a month ago. I did most of the unpacking while Marcus was at work but he did most of the clean up and all of the decorating.  It is nice to come home to a home and not just a space.  We plan to decorate for Christmas this weekend however it just doesn’t feel like Christmas here. There are no decorations up, nothing in the malls or stores or houses.  I am surprised at how much retail in the States puts you in the holiday spirit, even if you hate all the advertising, it works.  Right now we are thinking of having a Christmas dinner at our house in the early afternoon with friends.

Desmond is doing great; he is still a very serious baby but is laughing a lot.  He is extremely focused at the task at hand and is very determined towards something once he decides that is what he wants.  His eating is not the best but we are working on foods everyday – he loves any jarred food but hates anything I make him.  Thankfully I brought a bunch of Earth’s Best jarred food with us. Hopefully he will be better by the time that runs out.  He is scooting all over the place and climbing on anything he can.  I know he is going to be a hand full once he really starts moving. He lets go and stands alone every now and then, he is capable of walking but I don’t think he realizes it and we are not pushing it. I just can’t believe how quickly he is growing up!

That’s all we have for right now, things are going really well and we are all doing well.  Once Desmond and I finally beat these colds we will be ready for another adventure.


Qutab Minar

  

Around Qutab Minar

Hey!  What's happening.

Loving on Mommy!

Not sure how to rotate the pictures - if anyone knows, please let me know.

Obama Visit

Again, I am sorry it took so long to post.  I am just now finding a free minute to upload and go through pictures.  Two weeks ago, Marcus worked many hours to prepare for the visit of the President of the United States (POTUS – as they call it here).  Desmond and I hung out waiting for Sunday, Nov 7^th to arrive as the POTUS was coming to the embassy.  Sadly Marcus had to work and could not come.  Desmond and I arrived at the sight on an unusually warm Sunday afternoon.  Thankfully, Des slept for a bit because we stood in the same spot for several hours.  Around 3:15pm they had everyone stand up which made me think that the Obama’s would be here soon, but no they didn’t come out until after 4pm.  It was hot and Desmond was tired, hungry, and squished with all of the people around but we were in the front row and I knew he would hang in there and he did.  When Des gets super tired or has had enough he will start saying Mama, which he did and you can hear this on a Youtube video.  However all of our waiting paid off, twice.  Des and I both meet the POTUS and First Lady, they both said Desmond was adorable.

After we shook hands and they pinched his cheeks and played with his feet we moved out of the way so that Desmond could move around.  I was talking with a friend on the other side of the rope where it ended and they came over again to meet some more people so by mistake we got to meet them twice! This time there were 2 babies and Michelle said ‘Oh look at the babies, they are sooo cute’  Overall a great day and worth the wait.  Sadly Marcus didn’t get to meet the POSTUS but he did have an eventful day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1pMZBO6dck&feature=share

Around minute 2:30 you can hear Desmond saying Mama and whining some. 



Michelle looking at the babies - 'Oh look at the babies, they are sooo cute’ 





Obama




President is looking at a picture and Desmond is looking for a way out



Our little boy, taking a nap...

Halloween Weekend

I am slightly behind on posts, sorry.  We have been pretty busy here in India.  On October 29^th Desmond celebrated his first Halloween.  We started with a trick-or-treat tour of the Embassy, visiting all of the different offices.  This event alone tuckered Desmond out so much that he fell asleep.  Later that evening we went to a Diwali (Festival of lights) party.  Diwali is like Christmas in India, a very festive time.  We had a good time and Desmond tried to dance to the beat of the drums.  After that party went to the compound to see all of the trick-or-treaters and finally we headed home.  It was a very busy day and it sounds like we probably stayed out really late, but no, we are always home by 8 or 9pm. Desmond hits his limit by then and passes out on the ride home. 

The next morning, we woke up early and headed to Lodi Gardens to have our pictures taken.  The photo shoot went well and Desmond seemed to have a good time.  We still have not actually seen the pictures so we may be getting ripped off, we just don’t seem to have luck with photographers.  Afterwards we walked around, went to a market, and ended at a free family fun festival.  The festival was really nice and included free camel and elephant rides.  Since Des has already been on an elephant we decided to call it a day and head home… Overall, a great weekend.



What is this?



Oh so tired.. even though mommy carried me everywhere.

Diwali sand art

Daddy and Des (Man with the Yellow hat (well green) and Curious George (monkey) - Close enough)



So happy!



Desmond cruising back and forth  - we only got a quick sample but we were there for at least 20minutes while he went back and forth, it was perfect for him.