Recapturing the Magic: Delhi Days 47 & 48

So it hasn't been Master Hayden's best weekend. (I really love that they refer to him as "Master" Hayden. It makes him sound so distinguished. Think I'm going to keep the title.) 

His CRP (C-reactive protein which can indicate an infection) was 23 (this is high) as of yesterday. The doctors have done some blood cultures to see if he has a bacterial infection. We'll know the results tomorrow. In the meantime, he is back on high flow oxygen, Lasix (diuretic for his breathing), IV antibiotics, caffeine, feeding tube... you know, the usual spiel. 

As I've now spent a month and a half as a parent of two NICU residents, these "incidents" tend to evoke less of a reaction than previously; nevertheless, it is incredibly frustrating to think that we are right back where we were 3 whole weeks ago... 

Master Hayden:

Concerned about the effect of the lack of oxygen on his pallor, Hayden siphons some rays from his roommate's tanning bed.

A rare moment of rest for this guy. Perhaps he should try it more often, maybe then he would require less oxygen?!?

Meanwhile, Twin I and I were determined to start this week off on a different foot. Last week was downright depressing-- for both the "H" family members residing in Delhi, as well as those on the homefront. (Don't worry, Carlos, you still have a mom!)

The time apart was taking its toll, and I decided that it was time to regroup and channel that initial excitement that propelled us through April at what seemed like lightening speed.

I realized that after a month and a half in Delhi, I had become too comfortable. I was no longer appreciating the magic of this experience.

Need I remind myself that after four agonizing years, I am the mother of not one, but two beautiful children? And that we are truly privileged to be spending our first three months together in breathtaking India?


I should be sopping up every second of this time and enjoying it for what it is.

India is an incredibly spiritual place, and I decided that the only way to recapture this magic was to visit a holy place with my Scarlett.

Rather than go the obvious route and make a visit to a temple, I decided that I wanted to take Scarlett to a Christian church. As it turns out, it was the perfect choice.

I decided on the Cathedral Church of the Redemption. I had read online that the English service was at 8 a.m., so we headed out around 7:15. It was the first time I had been out in Delhi at this time of day. Delhi is a late riser, and I was stunned by the tranquil state of the streets. It was absolutely breathtaking. No horns, no beggars, no traffic... just peace.

As it turns out, the service times advertised were incorrect (no surprise, we're in India, right?), and the service when we arrived was being conducted in Malayalam, a language spoken in South India.

As a result, it was that much more beautiful. 

As I sat with my Scarlett in this austere building from the British reign, the sun rising against our backs, windmill fans humming above the pews, surrounded by our colorful Indian neighbors who were all too eager to have a peek at her, I once again felt the magic of this journey.

It is a feeling that I am determined not to let go of as I enjoy each and every one of my remaining days in Delhi.

A true child of India, my Scarlett is not an early riser. 

An early morning game of cricket.

Finding peace.

One for Hayden, one for Scarlett and one for our ever growing surro family.

Scarlett upped her feeds to 120 mls. I now know where it's all going.  

11 days home and Scarlett has become a total "poolie." 

Backyard photo shoot. (If you saw our front yard, you'd understand why.)

Scarlett stakes her claim. (The good ones tend to go quick.)