Emmy Award Winning Art Fennell with Crystal Travis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAkqal3-4Yc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaKRd0uVLn4

Daddy and Mark's Trip to Toys R Us

Now that Mark is nearing 3 years old, it appears the simplest comment can take you down a long road you didn't intend.  While looking at the computer today Dad searched "robot" and mentioned casually that you can buy robots.

On the way to the toy store, Dad mentioned the name - Toys R Us - and Mark said "We aren't toys!"  Dad said, "I like that!  You're right!  Give me a high five".

The store had moved, so they got out of the car in the parking lot of the old location to ask directions to the new location.  After a passer-by gave them directions, Dad put Mark back in the car.  Not understanding both would get in to drive to the new store, Mark started to cry.  "I'm going to miss you!" he said.  In a few seconds Dad figured out what Mark was thinking and said, "Mark, I would never leave you in the car!"

In the checkout at the new location after agreeing to the cheapest robot - just $10 - Mark spied a plastic rocket on a string.  The 2 cent rocket was attached to a Toy Story flashlight.  "I want the rocket!", he said, and stuck to that decision even after being told it would mean no robot today.  That 2 cent plastic rocket sealed the sale of a 50 cent flashlight for the incredible price of $8.57.

The Happy Meal ploy - a cheap toy to force the parent's hand - had worked.  Apart from that, it was a perfect outing.

My trip to Anand, India & New Delhi India

I just loved this!

Crystal & Nayana 18 1/2 weeks pregnant

Computers at the Surrogate House

One of Dr. Patels staff went to locate this couple, because this guy is from Libera and is studying for his Masters degree in Anand.  He was thrilled to meet another person of color.  He meet his wife while in Anand, and they will be going back after he finishes his studies.

Ceremony at the Surrogate House

International Airport in New Delhi

Well I'm back home and I had a very interesting time in India. The BBC filmed Najla and I while we were in Anand and it seemed to go well, but we shall see when it is broadcast within the next 7 days. The BBC was very interested in our thoughts about regulation of surrogacy in India, and I told them that I thought it would just breed more corruption. After having several meetings in India with IVF doctors, I still think the same way, however I do feel that regulation is needed but who would really enforce it. The BBC reporter asked if I thought the surrogates were being exploited at all, and I said no, and that I'm so tired of that thinking because no one every says that American surrogates are being exploited.  Indian surrogates get compensated as well as American surrogates when you look at the economics of the situation.   I was very happy to visit several clinics in New Delhi, so that I can offer my clients more options as well as make them aware that India does have state of the art clinics and several doctor's that make sure that intended parents get the highest optimal choice for success.
 
 
 
While in Anand, I shared in a ceremoney with the surrogates as well as visited with surrogates of clients who asked for photo's and for fresh fruit for their surrogates.  I was luckly enough to see my surrogate (Nayana) and be there when she was sonogramed.  It was thrilling to see our babies move around, because it makes you feel so much more connected.   While in Anand 3 surrogates gave birth to twins, and they were all one boy and one girl.  I will be back in Anand in December for the birth of our twins.  We are serioulsy thinking about moving to New Delhi, or Bangalore, India for 3-4 months of the year, so that our children will have a global life. 
 
It was great to seeing all of our friends that we have made in India and to break bread togather once again.  I know that when we arrive in December not only will there be celebrating during wedding season, but there will be lots of celebration in Anand and New Delhi for our son Mark as well as the twins.

Random Photos of India and Mark

This post has one picture of Mark and a bunch of pictures from my trip to India.  Many of them are from the wedding of Dr. Patel's daughter, but we start with a picture of Mark looking off to the side while eating a bagel.  The wedding was in Anand, which is in the state of Gujarat in the northwest of India.  The other locations where these pictures were taken are Jaipur, Delhi and Agra.  All of these are within a few hours drive of each other, in the north central part of India.  The Taj Mahal is in Agra.  Jaipur has a beautiful hotel called the Rambaugh Palace, which is the nicest place I've ever stayed in my life.  Other posts in my blog have pictures from there.

Mark eating a bagel

Nayna, who carried Mark, and her husband

The band that played at the wedding of Dr. Patel's daughter

Dr. Patel's daughter and new son-in-law

My friend and travel partner Beth (left) with the woman that helped dress us in our Saris for the wedding

In Delhi at a store called Nalli, where you can get the most awesome fabrics

Grand entrace to the wedding of Dr. Patel's daughter

Right to left: Dr. Hitesh Patel, his daughter; his new son-in-law and Dr. Nayana Patel

Elephants in Jaipur heading for a castle

Man washing himself outside in Jaipur

Taj Mahal around dawn (shrouded in fog)

Taj Mahal with the fog lifting a bit

Taj Mahal with the for lifting more, and taken from a greater distance

Princess Crystal sitting where another princess once had her picture taken