We're Back!

Hello Out There! Yes, we're back! Sorry it has taken me so long to confirm this news - we arrived in Bangor on Thursday afternoon and naturally have been non-stop ever since. Unfortunately, it has also involved a hospital over-night for Owen Ankush and Mommy...don't worry, he's okay, more on that later.

So, the trip ended in New Delhi where we finally had one free afternoon to for sightseeing on the day we flew out at 10:50pm. We took a driving tour while the boys (at least the olders) took a nap. We saw India Gate, Old Delhi, the Red Fort, Gandhi memorial, and many others. Our hotel in Delhi, Le Meridian, was amazing! Deluxe rooms and a great pool. Mom and I finally had some time to do a bit of shopping, and Eric ate a steak dinner without worries.

The flight - very long. Mommy through a hissy fit at the airport when the not-so-kind agents at the Continental Airlines desk failed to come up with seats together or even nearby! It was not good- three seats together in the back cabin and two seats together and a single in the front cabin. Because the older boys are four they are required to be in seat and not allowed to be seated on a lap, which would have made things more comfortable for everyone. Of course we made it through- Owen was uncomfortable (broken leg and recovering from an ear infection) and Sam Ram apparently displayed a nearly hour-long tantrum that rated a perfect ten by all flight attendant (I say apparently because I was in the forward cabin at the time and slept on). Anyway - by Newark we were all exhausted and had to wait over four hours for our last flight to Bangor. We ended up pushing the boys around in a wheelchair!

It was great finally landing in Bangor, and heading off to our first night at home as a family. We all slept well, at least for a while, although the older boys were not that excited about their toddler beds (once we met them we realized the bunk beds are just too dangerous for them now). After attempting a variety of sleeping arrangements they are now sleeping in the same bed on a twin mattress next to our bed (which is in the living room next to their rooms). Owen does like his crib and he just adores his changing table, although he has not had much of a chance to fully explore the rest of his room due to his new cast.

Next day, Friday, Eric and I took Owen Ankush to a doctors appoint we had scheduled while still in India. We were concerned about the leg, which, although casted, was bothering him. Also, we wanted to check out the respiratory infection, which turned out to be an ear infection (which we had been treating him for since day two in India). The doctor was concerned about TB, since we told her his cough had been quite bad. They did a TB test (results in today, negative), took chest x-rays, drew blood for several tests and the topper was going to the paediatric orthopedic surgeon. The new x-rays confirmed that Owen did have a broken femur, but also that it had gotten worse due to a less than appropriate cast applied in India. We were heartbroken, thinking we had properly treated it, but it turns out the cast itself had probably further damaged the bone (which is brittle to begin with due to improper nutrition). So on our first full day home Eric spent the night with the older boys at home while I stayed in the hospital with Owen who had his leg re-set and a spica cast (full body) applied. We all feel so bad for the little guy, but despite all of his health issues he continues to smile, smile, smile! The cast should only be on for about three weeks because some good healing had already happened.

The grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbors have been wonderful and pitched in so we could keep going during the past days. Thank you so much to everyone with your kind thoughts, deeds and prayers. There will be more soon but I am getting tired again and need to go to bed.