Christmas!

Pratima opens her stocking at one Christmas gathering.  She loved all her gifts.
Christmas morning at my Mom's house.  Santa found us!  Molly and Pratima snuck downstairs before the rest of us were up!  They had waited long enough!
We had to wait to open until my sister, Matt and the girls arrived.  This is right before we started opening.
Santa brought dolls for Molly and Pratima.  Both girls are delighted with their dolls!  Molly's doll is Julie, and Pratima named her doll Snay-ha.  (Not sure I am spelling that right!)
Clothing for Snay-ha.

A Christmas kiss for Molly.  These three have so much fun together- Pratima just sat back and watched the antics.

Christmas was so special this year for us.  Finally, we have our Pratima with us, and she is thriving.  She skips around the house, has lots of smiles to share, and isn't afraid to be silly with us!  Her face is so expressive, she has no trouble letting us know how she is feeling!  She is saying a few more English words here and there, and seems to understand simple English when we speak to her.  We were worried that large groups of people might be overwhelming for her this year, but she has done beautifully.  She plays with the other kids, and when she gets tired, will come sit with the adults.  She really enjoys playing with little kids, like our niece, Ellie.   

Aimee came over for a visit!  Pratima seemed very happy to see her.  She brought a bag full of goodies for all of us from the Indian grocery store.  Aimee first met Pratima a year ago in India.  She connected us to Pratima.  We will be forever grateful to her for finding our daughter.  Thanks, Aimee for all your help and prayers thoughout the entire process.  We couldn't have done it without your  help.
We payed Molly's Brownie troop a visit last Friday.  Molly gave each girl some Indian bangle bracelets.  This was Pratima's first visit to school.  I'm not sure she loved it.  I don't think she is ready to dive into school just yet.  I am glad that I can spend some time at home with her for now.  It's fun taking her to all the normal places we all take for granted.  Everything is new to her!  Christmas will be interesting.....I'll let you know how she likes it!

Thanks for the continued prayers.  Say an extra for Molly if you think of it- she has had a big change in her life too.

Melinda

Here are some pictures from our first week home.  We had a wonderful week.  Pratima is really fun to be with.  She seems so happy despite all the changes she encounters every day.  What a blessing she is! 

We arrived home to some festive decorations....

The Lincicome girls came for a visit.  Pratima and Lucy had fun playing tic-tac-toe.

Pratima's first time sledding.  We went down the hill together, screaming all the way (both of us).   She had a blast!  Thanks Sherry and Jason for letting us tag along.

The first thing Pratima wanted to do on her first day home was play in the snow.  She wouldn't wear a scarf until about half-way around the block.  She was then more than happy to take mine.

St. Nick came while we were gone.  Check out the size of that stocking!  Hope the girls don't expect that every year.....Thanks St. Nick!  (wink, wink)

Hello Friends!
I am so sorry that I haven't written for a couple of days. Jet lag has gotten the best of me! I'm better today. Let's see, where did I leave off?
We left India early Saturday morning- the security at the Delhi airport was unbelievable. Ten people must have checked our passports by the time we boarded our flight. We never felt like we were in danger- not once on the whole trip- despite the whole Mumbai situation.
I was worried that Pratima was going to be sullen the whole way home, but she was actually quite happy. Especially once we arrived in London. She LOVED the escalators- and there are alot of them at Heathrow. She we giddy! It was so cute- and she wanted to hold my hand on each one of them, which I loved. We went to a bagel shop to get lunch while there, and she was making faces and waving her hand in front of her face because she thought the bagels smelled. I find it very ironic that she found bagels to be smelly. Have YOU ever smelled Indian food?
We arrived at O'Hare at about 9:00 pm- to Grampa Bob and yellow roses. Pratima put her winter coat on for the first time, and once we were outside she agreed to put her hood up and her mittens on. My sister, Ella and June Bug were waiting for us at my Mom's house when we got there. We were so ready to get home, so we didn't stay long. We got to our house by about midnight- but we were wide awake! St. Nick had payed us a visit, and our house was festooned with streamers and balloons. Thanks Minnesota Plamanns! The streamers are still up in the kitchen, I hate to take them down. We all went to be around 2:00 am, and slept until morning.
Sunday morning Pratima got her first good look at snow (there were about 4 inches- now we have lots more!) and the outside of our house. She wanted to go outside and play immediately. She wouldn't put on a scarf- until we were half-way around the block- and then she happily took mine from me. We were outside a good hour! And it was cold- I bet it was in the teens.
We spent the rest of the day inside just hanging out, playing, etc. She loves my old Barbies, Molly's doll house, and Littlest Pet Shop. In the late afternoon, Pratima fell asleep on the couch and I couldn't wake her up! Finally she did wake, and I got her to bed, but both girls woke up at 1:00 am ready to play. I was exhausted, so I let them get up and play. I think one of the Barbies got married while Jim and I slept. Finally at around 4:00am, I gave them both Benadryl put them to bed. It worked like a charm.
Monday came, and Molly was in no shape for school, so I let her stay home. The girls played in the snow again, this time with sleds, and had lots of fun. Grandma and Grandpa Plamann came in the afternoon to meet Pratima for the first time. I think she enjoys visitors!
Every meal has been an adventure, I don't know what to feed this girl! But she has been very brave since we got home, and eats almost anything I put in front of her, except Indian food. She has liked pretzles, Jimmy Johns #6, grilled cheese and tomato soup, veggie chili, oranges, donuts and scrambled eggs. I don't think she has eaten eggs before! She is so expressive with her face, it is fun to watch her try new things. This is all a huge change from what she would eat in India! She basically ate Parle baby biscuits and hot milk all week. I am very proud of her!
Today we were all up by 5:00 am, so Molly and Pratima had lots of time to play in the snow while they waited for Molly's bus. After Molly left for school, Pratima and I went to Target. She is pretty particular about clothing, and only had one pair of pants that she wanted to wear. I can't do wash that often, so we had to find some more. Mission accomplished- along with a new robe, slippers, warm socks, lotion, chapstick and all the other cold weather necessities. I made the mistake of taking her down a toy isle. She wanted one of everything and wasn't understanding the concept of "just looking" or "Christmas is coming". Molly has taught her a nice pout and loud "hmph" already. Beautiful- just what I need, more attitude in my house! All in all we had a great time, I think she really enjoyed it. She came home, helped me carry the bags into the house, and put all of her new stuff away. Wish some of that would rub off on Molly!
I'll post some more pics soon, although Pratima is suddenly very camera shy. Oh, and we are trying to figure out her name situation......when a stranger asks her name, she will tell them Pratima. We think that she likes to be called Pratima- by all but close friends and family- who can call her Nanda. We aren't sure, but that is what we are puzzling together at this point. Sorry for the confusion! We are confused too! Can't wait until she can tell us everything in her own words. Won't be long, I'm sure. She has been so much fun! Her eyes sparkle and she is so expressive with her face. Can't wait for you all to meet her!
Love, Melinda

Yes, Mom is here with us. We love her very much. She has been a great help. Did I mention that we love her very much? She says hello and thanks for all the comments. They are a highlight of each day.

Here is Delhi! Today we took a sight-seeing tour of Delhi. We only left our car once, but we saw alot of interesting things. India is a land of contrasts. This bus of school children pulled up next to us at a stop light. They all wanted their picture taken! It was so fun to wave to them and see their smiling faces.

Mini took us to Old Delhi so we could see how far New Delhi had come. Oh My Gosh is all I can say. It was a sight to behold. For many reasons.....you just have to come and see for yourselves.

Tonight we had dinner with Surrender (I know I am spelling it wrong, sorry!) He is the man we met at the embassy. He came up to our room after dinner and prayed with us and told us about his faith journey. Nanda wouldn't go to bed until he left at 10:30. She was quite taken by him. He is a very faithful man, and we appreciated his willingness to share his time and insight with us.

Tomorrow we have plans to do some shopping near the hotel, but nothing else. We don't want to torture Nanda any further- she feels more comfortable here. I hope she does okay on the long journey home! Love to you all, and we'll be home soon!

Melinda

We are having a great time getting acquainted in the time we are spending at the hotel. Nanda feels very comfortable when we are at the hotel. She will chat away in Gujarati like I can understand her. She does get frustrated that we can't communicate very well. She discovered the phone today as I was talking to our guide, Mini on it. She wanted to say hello to him, and so I handed her the phone. She was amazed! Then when I was ordering room service, she picked up the other line and said, "hello?". I think I may be in trouble...... Nanda tries spaghetti.

Watching "Tom and Jerry". Nothing like a little slap stick humor to cross communication barriers.

Molly had her hair wrapped at a cute market we went to today.

Molly and Nanda shopping. Nanda does not like to shop, although she liked to look at the jewelry, and picked out another charm for herself.

Today we finished our Embassy work! Horray! Now we can relax and do some sight seeing and shopping. The weather has been absolutely perfect here- not to hot or cold. I think it must feel cool to the Indian people, however- everyone is all bundled up! Nanda doesn't seem to be too cold. Just wait until she gets off the plane. Bob, don't forget her coat when you pick us up! Jim shows Molly and Nanda a video he just took of Molly dancing until her skirt falls down. It was funny because after the skirt fall off, she steps on the beaded tie, and starts to whine and cry about it.

Jim shows off his new "do"- Indian #2.

Molly and Nanda spend alot of time coloring. I bought a book of "hidden pictures" sort of like paint by number, and they love it. Now they are making their own hidden pictures for each other to do.

Love to you all! We are still having fun, but it will be nice to get home. Karaba's- give Clawedlette some love for us. We miss you fuzzy guy!

Melinda

Hello Friends!
I hear it has snowed at home. How much did we get in Thiensville?
Today we went to the US Embassy, located on a road of embassies from all over the world. Pretty cool! Nanda was is a sour mood, unsure of what was going on I'm sure. I wish I could speak Gujarati! As we were in one waiting room, a cute Indian man started to talk with us and to Nanda. I don't think he was speaking Gujarati, but Hindi must be close enough that she could understand a bit. He just kept looking at her and talking to her, making her smile. It is really strange to have someone talking to your child and not know what they are saying. It made me nervous! We were then called in, it was our turn. When we were done, we walked through that same waiting room to another waiting room. The guy, (Surrender was his name), followed us and sat down next to Nanda again. He said that he had something for her, a gift- something he had had for a long time. He pulled a card out of his wallet. It read "With God, all things are possible." (from Matthew). I couldn't believe it- there are very few Christians in India. He said that he could sense that Nanda was nervous, so he prayed for her after we were called inside. He invited us to a worship service at his church on Friday night. I think it would be so interesting to go!
This afternoon, we hung around the hotel. Nanda is much happier here. We shopped in the shops downstairs for a while, and she picked out a sparkly necklace, which she would not take off before bed. She will say, "No Mom". She also has an opinion about what she likes and doesn't like. While we were shopping, I would look at something, and if she didn't like it, again I got the "No, Mom". She and Molly were just watching "Tom and Jerry" in the other room, and I could hear her laughing and laughing. She is so sharp- it is fun to watch her discover new things, and make connections. She tried spaghetti noodles for dinner. We all had a good laugh about it! You can't eat spaghetti gracefully.
Tomorrow we go back to the embassy for an interview. I hope the line is short. Nanda is like a different person when we are out in the morning going to appointments. I feel so bad that I can't ease her fears better. When we return to the hotel, she seems so light and happy.
Sorry no pictures this time, I couldn't get them to load. You'll have to wait to see Jim's new haircut until tomorrow. (Let's just say the Indian #2 is different than the American #2).
Love to you all!
Melinda

Nanda's first plane ride. She loved to look out the window.
Molly walks on water at the hotel pool.
Nanda is giving Molly the trinkets she picked out for her from our shopping excursion.

Today was all about doctor's appointments- we had to go to four clinics. I must say that medicine in India has it's advantages. We didn't wait in line at any of the four places, we walked right in without an appointment at two of them. A routine chest x-ray cost $6.00, and some antibiotics were only $1.00! One doctor we saw who speaks Gujarati, said that the tatoo on her arm says her name, "Om Mala Nanda" ). As the doctor was saying this, it sounded alot like Melinda! I was kinda freaked out by that. Tomorrow we will go to the embassy to file our paperwork.

We tried to take Nanda shopping after all that running around, but she wasn't up for it. I have to keep reminding myself how different everything is for her. She is doing really well, all things considered. She has a great sense of humor, and laughs when I make a fool of myself (which is often). Last night when I was telling stories to the girls as I tucked them into bed, she sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to me. My heart melted! Jim took Molly on a hotel tour for a while, and when they returned, she rolled her eyes as if to say "here comes trouble!".

Thanks for all the comments, we love to read them and are encouraged by them each day. Keep them coming!

Melinda, Jim, Molly and Nanda

Sorry I didn't add a post yesterday! It was a busy day. Mr. Pandit from the orphanage wanted to meet with us again because he forgot to tell us a few things. We were happy to go back, because once we got back to the hotel with Pratima (who prefers to be called Nanda (rhymes with Wanda or Rhonda:), we realized we had more questions. We had Indian Tea and cookies with Mr. Pandit, and sat and had a nice chat. Mona (our guide) was able to talk to Nanda's caregiver and get some more info. on bathing, etc. Nanda got to see her friends one last time. I think it hit her that she was really leaving, because once we returned to the hotel, she was feeling very sad. I feel so bad for her! Everything is so new for her. I don't think she left the orphanage very much. She had never been in a car before we took her away. She had never used a western toilet before either! She didn't know what to do. She is a very brave girl.

This is the welcoming committee at the hotel in Ahmedabad. I think everyone is being extra careful after all that has happened in Mumbai. This is the outside of the orphage. You would never guess that there was a lovely, large complex behind these doors. The orphanage is the oldest in India, started by Ghandi himself! Over one hundred years old. We were able to tour the eating area, sleeping area (we saw Nanda's bunk) doctors office, tv room, and school. We saw the nursery and toddler rooms too. They told us that they have to keep the toddlers away from the babies, because the toddlers take the babies bottles! Everything was very clean and neat. If you could see the poverty outside the gates (see the last picture) I don't think this orphage is a bad place to be. It seems that the children are loved and cared for. Mr. Pandit knows all 130 of their names, and is there every day of the week. He is very proud of the MRA.

Here is Nanda with her friends, caregiver (and Molly). It was so sad to see this and know that she may never see these girls again. There were no hugs or tears for good-byes from anyone.

This is the view directly across the street from the MRA. This is a very typical street scene. It is so different from Thiensville! You see every kind of vehicle including camels, motorcycles (with full families on board, mom side saddle in the back holding baby), rickshaws, buses, tractors, donkeys, bikes, cows and cars. Driving here is organized chaos. It seems to work, however. Mini said that the horn is more important than the brake!

Last night Mona and her sweet friend, Rushme, took us shopping. It was SO fun. The first store was like April Cornell on steroids. Shelves full of brightly colored clothing for all ages. Home goods too. Everything was so beautiful! Then we took Molly, Grammy and Jim back to the hotel, and the rest of us went out to a street market. This one near the hotel was full of mirrored skirts and textiles. It was amazing! Nanda said didn't want one though, she said she prefered jeans! I love her! She thought Molly would like one. She picked out some bangles and hair stuff for Molly. Very sweet! It was invaluable to have Mona and Rushme there to translate for us. Thank-you again Mona and Rushme (I'm sure I spelled your name wrong-sorry!)

This morning we left for Delhi, Nanda's first plane ride. She was excited to see the planes and once we took off she motioned that everything looked small from way up there. She is so sweet, but she is really missing her home. She will wear only the clothes that were given to us by the orphanage, and will only eat the biscuits they gave us as well. Please pray for her comfort and well-being.

Tomorrow we are off to the Embassy! I'll write again!

Love, Melinda

Mission accomplished! This morning we picked up Pratima from the orphanage. It could not have gone better. Mr. Pandit, the director, gave us a full tour of the orphanage and school. I am so glad we were able to see where she has lived all these years. Here is a picture taken right after she came into the room. Molly gave her the stuffed cat that she is holding.
This picture was taken in the courtyard of the orphanage. It is very nice- a nice garden for the children to play in. My mom and Mr. Pandit are also in the picture.

I love this picture! This is Pratima's classroom and she is sitting in her seat. Look at all the precious faces! Not all the girls are in the orphanage. Pratima showed no signs of being sad, she waved good-bye to them all. Mr. Pandit told us that she would point out airplanes in the sky and say that she will fly to America someday.

Back at the hotel, Molly shows her how to play with Wicki Stix. Pratima seems to be a quick study.

Look at Molly chasing pigeons near Covent Garden in London! She was such a trouper yesterday. We arrived in London at 1:00am our time (6:00am London time). We hopped on a train and headed to the city center. We walked all over the place, and she still had energy enough to chase pigeons. We totally lucked out on our Chicago-London flight.....they bumped us up to business class which has those seats that lay completely flat. It was so luxurious! We were back on the plane to fly to Delhi by 3:30 London time (10:30 our time). We are spending the day in a hotel near the airport as we wait for out flight to Ahmedabad early tonight. It is so nice to get a shower, put our bags down and have a snack! We are watching the news about the attacks in Mumbai. Yikes. Please pray for our safety!
This was our first view of Delhi out the window of the car. It is very hazy/foggy/smoggy today. The roads and roadsides are a sight. I kept thinking about Thiensville, and how different it will be to Pratima. SO different! We will meet her tomorrow. I can't believe it.
Molly says hello to Clawed! Give him a scrunch for us. We miss you little guy!

Today we leave for India! We are all packed up and the house is clean. Yesterday was a busy day! I am feeling very calm believe it or not! Thanks for all the prayers and offers of help while we are gone.
Sunday night we took our cat, Clawed over to the Karaba's house. They are so nice to catsit for us! We knew Clawed would be lonely staying here for two weeks without us. He is so needy! So far, he seems to be adjusting OK. We had to go visit him yesterday- Molly really misses him.
One more thing.....I have to update you on my failed picture hanging ordeal in Pratima's room. Jim went to do it yesterday and it turns out I had the drill on reverse! Duh! I'm sure I will never live that one down. The good news is that the mirror is hanging without any further trouble:) Now, don't you all tease me about this when I get home!
Hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving. We count each of you as blessings!
Love, Melinda

1.)This is Pratima's bedroom. Today is devoted to getting her room ready. The bed is made, curtains ironed, pictures hung and fringe hot-glued to lampshade:) On the opposite wall I tried to hang a mirror, but there must be brick or something right behind the plaster. The drill would not budge! JIM HELP! Oh yeah, he's not home. I guess her room won't be quite finished today!

2.)These are my "Iowa" cousins!  (And my sister, Jody).  My family would visit them in Iowa for weeks every summer.  We always had a great time.  It was fun to see them at my Granny's 90th Birthday party earlier in November.  We don't get together very often!  From left to right- Monty, Me, Jeff, Jody and Spencer.  Jody looks like she needs a step stool:)

3.)This is my Granny!  Happy Birthday, Granny!  Also pictured; Ray (her husband), June Bug, Molly and Ella.  June and Ella are my sister's girls.  They LOVE each other.  It is so cute.

Hello People!

I am sitting here exhasted from a fun week-end at Great Getaway!  Great Getaway is our all church retreat, for those of you who don't go our church.  We all have a blast- sleep too little, learn about God, and eat too much.  All with a bunch of friends from church.  What could be better?  I am looking ahead to my week, and trying not to feel overwhelmed.  I have a too many things left to do before we can leave for India.  Jim is gone all week for work, so it is up to me to get it all done!    

I am getting so excited to meet Pratima.  I have all her clothes out, ready to go into the suitcase.  I hope I guessed correctly on the sizes!  We can buy stuff there if I'm too far off.  I keep wondering what she is like.  Is she outgoing?  Is she timid and shy?  Is she ready for this great adventure?  Think how her life so far will impact the rest of her life,( and ours).  She will have such a unique perspective on the world, and will help us all to see things differently.  I think it is cool that she is old enough to remember and tell us what her life was like and what she was feeling all those years she spent in the orphanage (once she learns English!).  

If you are a prayerful person, could you please pray for Pratima?  Also, Molly is nervous about our trip, and says she doesn't want to go- would you pray for her too?  I so appreciate all the prayers said on our behalf.  We are feelin' the love (and joy, and peace)  So, THANK-YOU!    

 

Yes!  We finally booked our tickets for our trip.  We will fly out of O'Hare on Tuesday, Nov. 24. We will get Pratima on Friday, the day AFTER Thanksgiving.  I was hoping to get her ON Thanksgiving, but it just will not work out.  There are very limited flights between Delhi and Ahmedabad.  Who knew?  We have also booked our hotel in Delhi- we are staying at a very nice place thanks to Jim's hotel points!  All those nights on the road will pay off.  We then return on December 6, with new daughter in hand!

So now the frantic count-down begins.  I have so much to do, and so little time!  Fortunately, I work best under pressure, as many of you know:)  Please keep us in your prayers, they are definitely working!  

I'll keep you posted!

Melinda

Namaste!  We have Pratima's passport!  Aimee called early Friday morning with the great news.  We haven't purchased our plane tickets yet, but I think we will go over Thanksgiving.  Molly has 4 days off school that week, so she won't miss as much school if we go then.  Should work out great!  We may even pick her up on Thanksgiving Day.  We have so much to be thankful for this year!  We have seen God working in our lives throughout this entire adoption.  We don't know why our daughter was born in India, but we feel like she is meant to be ours.  God has a plan for her precious life, as He does for all of us.  We look forward to seeing His plan unfold as time goes by.  She will be such a blessing to us all.  

Welcome!

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Plamann family adoption blog spot.  Here you can find out the latest hoo ha about the adoption of Pratima into our family.  We are currently awaiting her Indian Passport to be completed.  Once we have that, we can make our travel plans.  Looks like we will travel in November sometime.  You know, we decided to adopt Pratima just before Thanksgiving last year.  Little did we know it would take a year!  We are patiently waiting our addition, with God's help.  We are so excited to meet her, and get this party started!  Before we go, I have to finish her room and teach Molly how to swallow a pill.  Have any of you seen that email about giving a cat a pill?  Hope Molly won't be quite so difficult.  Should be interesting! Wish me luck, and I'll keep you posted!

Love, Melinda