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
All dressed up and ready to go....snowpants, boots, hat, mittens, coat, backpack, lunch, school supplies...she was loaded down!
This is where she hangs her coat and backpack. No lockers, just hooks. It's alot of work to get dressed and undressed for the cold weather here. It still takes her some extra time. Even putting on gym shoes is difficult. I don't think she had worn anything other than rubber flip flops before she arrived here. 
Last week we also made a trip back to the ear doctor and it seems that Pratima has a hearing loss in both ears from chronic ear infections. When we first got her, her right ear was infected. We found out last week that her right ear is actually her better ear. She probably couldn't hear us at all while we were in India! The good news is that both ears can be repaired and hearing restored. The bad news is that we can't schedule surgery until May. Learning English when you can't hear very well will be even more challenging. If you want to talk to her, make sure she is looking at you and speak clearly and slowly. If there is alot of background noise, it may be hard for her to hear you. 
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