I have neglected to provide a status update on the general well being of this family.
The first week was expectedly rough, as we recovered from jet lag. It affected us all differently, with the most pronounced issues being dizziness, a constant feeling of an upset stomach, foggy speech and thinking patterns, overheating very easily and quickly, and getting little to no sleep.
Everyone has seemingly beat the jet lag funk and as of last night, everyone is sleeping in their OWN beds, at the appointed time for sweet dreams, and waking up shortly after the sun rises.
Terran is adjusting marvelously and I think he's pretty excited for school to start (August 4th). He's already met several kids that are starting Grade 9, as well as one of the track coaches. His room is in massive disarray as we figure out what shelving and storage he needs, but his xBox is hooked up and that seems to be all that matters!
Tony is also doing really well, albeit a bit perturbed that he has yet to start school and has not been able to take a formal tour of the grounds. We've "snuck in" to see some of the classrooms and took a peek at his playground. He is such a kick, asking Rosy every morning to teach him a new Hindi word.
The boys will both be going to the same school, located on the same gated compound. They will be taken to school by the driver, Kushal, and Terran will walk Tony to the elementary school portion of the grounds.
Mia has been registered for playschool. We found a wonderful Montessori school that she started at yesterday. She was such a big girl ... when I asked her if she needed me to stay, she looked me and stated a resounding "NO!" All of the children in her classroom are Indian, as are her three teachers. I'm not sure what I think about her being gone EVERY morning (8:30 - 12:00) but we'll take it one step at a time and see if this momma can let go of her baby for "school."
Todd is still crazy busy at work and it seems that may never change. Always so much to do and not enough hours in the day. I think he is relieved that we are here now and that our family is complete again and on the same continent. He squeezes out every possible moment on the weekends and it's hard to let him leave for work in the mornings!
Me. I'm officially now an expat mum. Most moments I would say that I'm also doing great. India is indeed a magical place and it has so many facets of interest that I fear I will never be able to do it justice. I do have a very large part of my heart that is homesick. I miss my friends. I miss being able to pick up the phone and say "What's up?" without figuring in the time difference. I miss the "normalcy" of what I've been accustomed to for so many years. I miss knowing what to expect and I definitely miss the quiet of our house/yard and the smell of fresh air.
I am still working my way towards "organized" with all matters relating to staff, and the managing of this household. I am hoping to get the house fully unpacked and settled by the end of this week. As we get closer to our things finding their 'permanent home' and the walls dressed with familiar artwork and photos, this house is beginning to feel more like home.
This was a good move ... and it can only get better from here. My ability to put things into perspective has been challenged nearly EVERY minute since we landed in India. My mind struggles to keep up with the requirements to process so many things at any given time, and I can only imagine that because of it, I am changing ... with each of those minutes. Changing into a better me.
