Sunday, September 29, 2013

As a Chapter Closes... Another Chapter begins!

Wow! These last two weeks have been a blur, but a very good blur! The babes are just so much fun!
The Process was fairly straight forward:

1)Birth Certificates - I finalized these on my first day and picked them up the next day (5000 Rps each)

2)Passport Photos - Photographer came and took pics of the babes. Ravi was fine with this but Zora did not enjoy having her hands held down to get a good shot but we finally got usable ones. I paid 1000 Rps and received about 20 photos each as well as electronic copies (which were very useful for the FRRO online application.
Zora Jacinda

Ravi Sadat


3)Pay Final SCI Bill and receive Documents - I had SCI make 2 physical copies (1 for the US embassy and 1 for FRRO) and an electronic copy. SCI was a huge help in making sure all the documentation was correct and copied appropriately.

4) Passport Application/DNA Test at US Embassy - Passport App was about $205 each and the DNA sample cost 1600Rps each (Bank draft was not necessary, but preferable). Total time took about 2 hours.

5) Pick Up Passports at US Embassy - After 4 business days I got the confirmation that I am the fathe rof these children. Whew! You never know, ya know. It was a big relief, because I knew once I got their passports we would be close to the end. US Embassy gave me emergency passports good for 1 year.

6)FRRO - I came here right after picking up the passports. It is advisable to make your appointment ASAP as they let you in based on your appt time allotted, although they will let everyone in after 1:30 as thats when things die down. They first told me they wanted to re-verify my application (I think it was slight harassment for being single and assumed as LGBT). They threatened that it would take 10 days even though my flight was leaving 3 days from the date. After begging and pleading and letting them know I was "on the list", they told me to come back the next day. I went to SCI and they let me know that everything would be fine. I went to the FRRO the next day and got the exit visas without a problem. I was dealing with the same people but the treatment was like night and day. I just wanted to let singles and LGBT people know to be careful as the FRRO might mess with you, but as long as you are on 'the list' you should be fine.

Overall the process went well and smoothly. I am happy and grateful that SCI had prepared me well.

The Babes are just lovely. I am still in amazement that they are here and real. I was trying to explain that 'this surrogacy process' kinda consumes you for such a long time, it becomes a part if not all of you. It is weird to know that 'the process' is over, and parenthood begins.

I am so grateful to have them. Twins are really unbelievable. We try to keep them together because surprisingly enough, they tend to soothe each other.
As you can see, Ravi has very long arms (just like his father). They both have 'mama' second toes longer than their 'papa' big toe, just like me as well. They definitely have my bigger lips and Ravi has my huge eyes. It is fascinating to see the similarities.


As I leave India...I must thank:
SCI for partnering with me to help create my two miracles Zora and Ravi
The blog family for their hope, inspiration, and abundance of information
My family and friends for their undying love and support







I think it is safe to say that life has gotten super busy and I probably won't be posting every week, but will try to get on here at least once a month to give updates. I hope this blog has helped others and I thank you for following me on this journey. Until the next feeding...

-Anwar

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Journey of a Lifetime (Beginning)

Wow, what a crazy last 48 hours it has been.
Before I left, I had some of my friends stop by and wish me well. Below you will find a pic of my friend Jeff getting me some matching outfits for the babes.


That next day Mom and I set off for the "Adventure of a Lifetime". Here is a pic as we set off from the San Francisco Airport.


We flew Virgin Atlantic and stopped in London. We had about 5-6 hours to spare so I decided to show my Mom around the town. My Mom had never been to London (or even Europe for that matter), so it was great to experience London with her. She had a ball. Here's us in front of the London Bridge (completely sleep deprived).

From there we headed off to Delhi. I could not sleep at all on the plane because I was so excited. As we got through customs, we saw one of Rahul's driver awaiting us. This is a huge difference from last year when I came into Delhi and 1am and my driver from the hotel was not there and I had to argue with a driver to take me all the way to the neighborhood GK-2. The smoothness of this trip has been a blessing. We got into our hotel room, I went and picked up fresh Aquafina water, and then we headed to the hospital to pick up the babes. When we got to the hospital, we could see that they were sleeping next to each other (swaddled down), which was great.


There was a little drama at the hospital as there was a slight miscommunication as to when we would arrive and be ready to pick up the babies, but it was all cleared up and the process took an hour. Here's a pic of me first holding my girl Zora Jacinda:

Fellow SCI blogger and friend Fred asked me what was I thinking when I first laid eyes on them.
I guess I would say
1) WOW!
2) Beautiful!
3) OMG, what do I do now!

As I held them my arms shook. It was finally real and it was amazing. Being so removed from the process is a bit difficult, but makes this first moment so special. It is truly unbelievable.

While at the hospital, I met a couple from San Francisco who were picking up their twins. This was the second time they had used SCI (they had a 2 year-old daughter already). We exchanged information and wished each other well. I expect many play dates in the future with them.

Below are some pics from the ride 'home' to the hotel:



I will say that I am so glad my Mom is with me for obvious reasons. But it became super apparent to me how amazing she is. Once we got to the hotel, the babes started crying in unison and I was a bit frozen; the dreaded twins double team! Mom jumped right into action and worked it all out! Amazing! The first couple of days has been a really great mini-Mom boot camp. I have learned a lot.

About the Babes, just some tidbts:
They are strong and healthy. I am surprised how alert and active they are. They both loving having their arms free
They are both very social and their eyes follow my voice and look right at me. I was surprised to see that they are both trying to hold their heads up.

Zora is more vocal while Ravi is more chill.
Ravi pees every time he is getting his diaper changed. =)




That is it for now. Oh yeah...the paperwork process is going smoothly.

I love being a parent,
A






Sunday, September 8, 2013

I got Twins y'all!

 
Item Thumbnail

Twin 1- Zora Jacinda White
Sex: Female
Date: 6th September 2013
Time: 10:25PM
Weight: 2.56Kg (5lbs 10 ounces)




Twin 2-  Ravi Sadat White
Sex: Male
Date: 6th September 2013
Time: 10:26 PM
Weight: 2.63kg (5lbs 13 ounces)



  • Both the babies are healthy and fine.
  • Both the babies are on Demand Feed.
  • Vitals and Systems of Both the Babies are Stable.
Dr. Shivani said, and I quote, "They are chubby and adorable. Amazing weights for twins. Cheers"

What joy!
With Nothing but Gratitude,
Anwar

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Baby Shower Pics

Hope everyone is doing well.
I finally got the pics to my baby shower:
https://anwarsbabyshower.shutterfly.com/.

Was it a baby shower or a frat party?... you be the judge.

Also, my Mom came into town on Wednesday in preparation for the flight to India on Monday. We are all super excited for the babes to come. I'm so glad she is here.

On Thursday, my work threw me a surprise baby shower and breakfast. It was so sweet. They all pitched in a got me a Target gift card with an amount on it that blew my mind. Let's just say, I can get everything the babies need during my paternity leave, and more. What a blessing! I was telling my Mom earlier that I consider myself a pretty independent person and try not to put an expectations on anyone because I know that I can do for myself. So when people go out of their way to help or support me, it really does touch. I am so grateful.

My last day of work was this Friday... so let's bring on the babies. I mean we are already in week 37. I think it might be a record for SCI twins, hahaha.

-A