Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Sorry for the Long Post

Let me begin this post by explaining that when travelling such a great distance you need to be prepared for anything and everything. We arrived at LAX on Friday at 8:45 PM for our 12:05 AM flight. While we were in line, a representative from Cathay Pacific started approaching passengers to check their itinerary and would tell them to take the earlier flight. This made us a bit anxious. She approached us and began telling us that because there were strong headwinds, our flight was delayed and it would also need to stop in Korea to refuel. Balls. She arranged for us to get on the 10:20 flight, gave us each $100 cash compensation for the inconvenience, and then promised us we wouldn't miss our connecting flights. Allow me to interject for a moment with a random thought. I have this amazing knack for picking people out at the airport whom I know will not only be sitting near me on the plane, but will also be loud, stand in the aisle when the fasten seat belts sign is on, and almost always have a screaming child with them (I guess we should give them a pass on the screaming child part – that will be us before too long). We rushed through security without a moment to spare, got to our gate, and noticed that our 10:20 PM flight had not boarded yet, and it was total chaos at the gate because the terminal was under construction. This is where I wish I could have started drinking. Finally, we make it onto the plane with all of the other passengers when voila, like magic, the "problem" family appears to be sitting in front of us. They didn't like their seats and neither did I. They wouldn't sit down, and delayed our flight even more. Damn me and my stupid "knack" for picking out the problem people!

Long story short – we missed our connecting flights and found ourselves happily stranded for 24 hours in Hong Kong where we got to meet up with B's college friends who just had a baby. We may have missed out on the Taj Mahal, but I was more than happy to see familiar faces, a new face, and eat Pizza Express! Congratulations again C & S on your happy and beautiful little boy.

We left Hong Kong on Monday morning for Delhi. We arrived in Delhi at 1:15 PM and then began our 9 1/2 hour layover. The only way I can describe this airport is to say that it is worse than a Greyhound bus station, and I would rather get a bladder infection than use the toilets there.

Mr. Uday (Dr. Patel's driver) picked us up from the airport. He is probably the happiest person I have ever met in my life. I love him. He made that long agonizing trip melt away with his exuberant laugh. He also told us that a Domino's Pizza had just been built next to Big Bazaar. Yet another reason I love this man.

On Tuesday morning we went to see Dr. Patel. We waited in Hitesh's office for a while and met another couple who was there visiting their surrogate who is 4 1/2 months pregnant. They also happen to be from Los Angeles, so we exchanged contact info. We went into Dr. Patel's office, met with our surrogate, M, had an ultrasound, and got to hear the heartbeat. The baby had its hand in a fist next to its head and looked so adorable. Hearing the heartbeat was music to my ears and immediately made me cry tears of joy. Dr. Patel said our baby was large. I asked her if it was larger than six pounds, and she said it was. M looks amazing – so healthy, and happy. That too brings me great joy.

We found out that today was M's birthday. We arranged for a birthday cake for her. This was the first time in her life that she had ever celebrated her birthday. It made me aware of all that I have and that I should never take anything for granted. We met with M, her husband, her Mom, her three boys, her good friend, and a few of the nurses to celebrate her birthday. She was very happy to have us all there. She even let me touch her belly a few times. What an amazing day! Happy Birthday M!

7 comments:

GeekByMarriage said...

Oh my gosh! Glad you made it there in one piece!

I burst out laughing at "Balls."

All the best to you guys and your adorable baby!

Carrie Jo said...

Tracy,

This post just about made me cry! (Sorry for the crazy flight issues!)I was just thinking how amazing it would be to hear your baby's heartbeat and celebrate your surrogate's birthday with her.

I can't wait to hear the good news of your baby's birth. Not long now!

Sanda said...

Wow, what a travel ordeal! But glad to hear you made it over there okay. And that is awesome that you got to share M's birthday with her!

HammockGuy66 said...

Tracy, first let me say that I really enjoy your writing. The visuals you offer-up are exceptional! We are most excited as you two sit on the brink of parenthood... On a quick sidenote, thanks for the Domino's Pizza info. When time permits, let me know if you don't mind me adding that to the restaurant thread in the forum. Keep us informed, as time permits...

Aliwat said...

Congrats on making it to India! I am so glad you got to hear your baby's heartbeat and see him/her on the ultrasound - that must have been such a wonderful moment!

I am just thrilled for you for all that is to come. Yay!!

Anonymous said...

Hee hee, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who says "Balls"!! :) On a more relevant note, I'm so excited for you, you are SO CLOSE!! So happy that you got to touch your surrogate's belly and hear your baby's heartbeat.

Unknown said...

Tracy,

I'm reliving Mark's birth all over again. We are all here for you, if you need us. Rely on Uday to help you get what you need. If you plan on getting the babies visa from Anand, let people who know how the system works, handle it for you.