We made it home on August 11th and our new version of normal life has begun. On reflection, our experience in India was a really happy one in so many ways: priceless time with our wonderful son Noah, quality time with Adam's family, rewarding time spent with the community of parents and intended parents and lastly, sufficient time to handle all the bureaucracy without getting stressed.
Someone very wise said to me that the people who don't enjoy their experience in India are the ones who come with the aim of trying to leave in record time. They get frustrated when things take longer than expected.
I realise we are so fortunate to be Australian/British dual citizens. Unlike all the other Brits who wait at the behest of the British High Commission, we were able to side-step all of the waiting by applying for Noah's Australian passport and travelling to the UK as a visitor. Perhaps this strategy more than anything made our trip so pleasant.
Now that we're home we've had the pleasure of introducing Noah to my family and our friends. And we've begun to experience what everyday life is like as a family. This is the priceless part that makes the whole journey worthwhile. Seeing Noah's every milestone of development is such a joy. At the weekend he smiled for me for the first time. What a precious moment that was.
So here are a few pictures.....
We are incredibly happy right now and we wish all the wonderful people we've met along the way who are still striving to become parents the joy of family life. Never give up on your dreams.
Someone very wise said to me that the people who don't enjoy their experience in India are the ones who come with the aim of trying to leave in record time. They get frustrated when things take longer than expected.
I realise we are so fortunate to be Australian/British dual citizens. Unlike all the other Brits who wait at the behest of the British High Commission, we were able to side-step all of the waiting by applying for Noah's Australian passport and travelling to the UK as a visitor. Perhaps this strategy more than anything made our trip so pleasant.
Now that we're home we've had the pleasure of introducing Noah to my family and our friends. And we've begun to experience what everyday life is like as a family. This is the priceless part that makes the whole journey worthwhile. Seeing Noah's every milestone of development is such a joy. At the weekend he smiled for me for the first time. What a precious moment that was.
So here are a few pictures.....
We are incredibly happy right now and we wish all the wonderful people we've met along the way who are still striving to become parents the joy of family life. Never give up on your dreams.
This post was a great way to start my morning. Glad everything is going so well for you all.
ReplyDeleteThis totally made my morning, too! I swear every day I "intend" to email, but know that you guys are in my thoughts all the time. That Noah, he is sure is one lucky guy to have such incredible parents. I feel so fortunate to have met you guys and promise to do a better job of staying in touch. Hooray for the smiles:):):) xo
ReplyDeleteSo many smiles - congrats on your new normal!
ReplyDeleteLove that superman outfit!!Noah couldn't be any cuter!!Great to see your smiley faces again!!I am glad you three made it home and finally get to enjoy some "real" family time together!!
ReplyDeletePlease keep in touch!!
kitty,david,amy and ellie
I'm so glad that you guys made it back home and are starting your new life as a family. He sure is a cutie!
ReplyDeleteAdam and Phillip you have such a beautiful little boy there! So glad you are home and are sharing Noah with family and friends. Seems like yesterday we were all at svelte staring at Sam and Phil's bubs and hoping we would be so lucky !!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new family. And also a giant thank you for your blog-- we are gay couple in London and are trying to start a family as well. Your posts have been really helpful, as we go through this journey. Best wishes for a lovely family life! N & R
ReplyDeleteHey Philip,
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you were able to travel into LHR on a Australian passport for the baby. Our plan is similar. Baby will be born American/British in India, but we will get the American passport for the child, as it's so much quicker. Did you have any problems at LHR with your Indian-born baby traveling in on a Australian passport? My strategy is just to argue that it's a British child anyway and so they should pls let us in and we will take care of British passport / parental order as soon as possible. Any advice? Thank you.
We had no problems at immigration, especially as Australian and US visitors don't need to apply for a visa before travel. And the UK courts are used to PO applicants coming before them with the child on a US passport (some of the published PO judgements evidence this).
DeleteThe only new hurdle I anticipate is getting an exit visa in your child's US passport from the FFRO, given their newly published rules on entry visas. From our experience, they'll ask to see your entry visas as part of the exit process. Your circumstances may get around the new rules, but it's a potential obstacle to be mindful of.
Hope that helps,
Philip
Hi Philip,
DeleteThat was very helpful, thank you. Glad to know UK immigration is on our side (or at least not against us). The entry visas for us won't be a problem, as R and I are of Indian origin and have lifelong visa access with our overseas Indian citizenship. I think we're the last loophole! Thanks again, and all the best. N