Saturday, December 15, 2007

Eight Crazy Nights of Hanukkah


Hanukkah came early this year and we had barely recovered from Thanksgiving before we had to bring out the menorah, dreidels and decorations. Indigo quickly learned that after we lit the candles each night, miraculously, a gift would appear for her to open. During the week we took her for her 18 month check-up. Indigo did really well except she did not want the doctor to look in her mouth, nor did she like being held down for her latest round of vaccinations. She is 33 1/3 inches tall which places her in the 90th percentile for height on the American scale of babies, and her weight of 22 lbs. puts her in the 25th percentile. This is funny to us because the generalization is that taller Chinese are from the northern provinces, and Indigo is from a southern province. More importantly, the doctor seemed to be pleased with her development and felt that she is on track which is of great relief. On the Wednesday we had our first snow of the season, about 2 to 3 inches. We know that she has no gloves on in the snowsuit pictures in the snow but she was only outside for a few minutes. That night our friend Mallun came into town from CA for a short work related visit, and after finally being able to hail a cab at Dulles and making her way on the snowy streets of our neighborhood (and the treacherous trip up our driveway!) was able to meet Indigo in person. Indigo took to Mallun right away and enjoyed showing Mallun her books. The following day our social worker came to conduct the six month post-placement report that is required to be sent back to the China Center for Adoption Affairs. Indigo was in a terrific mood, despite having a cold, receiving her vaccines the day before and bumping her forehead and eyebrow a few days before - we were so afraid she would have a black eye or something when the social worker turned up. We were very relieved that the social worker gave us a lovely report. Now we just have another 12 month post placement visit and probably readoption in our state and then perhaps all formalities and paperwork to do with the adoption part will be done. When we came home from work the next day our nanny told us that Caleb (our 13 year old Labrador) would not get up and something seemed wrong with him. Given that he has never had trouble getting up ever before in his lfe, we thought he must have hurt himself during the day. Melanie had just taken him to the vet earlier in the month for a minor cyst on his shoulder and he had been pronounced to be in good health, although Melanie had told the vet he was straining to poop. The vet said that could happen with older dogs. When I took him to the vet that evening, and again mentioned the pooping, a different vet determined that he had an internal tumor in the rectal area. A biopsy was taken and it has been determined that he has a cancerous mass that is not surgical. We still don't know why the babysitter experienced him not being able to get up because that has not happened since. For now, he is doing well, eating well, and is comfortable and still playful and enjoying life. He is getting a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for pain relief - based on the assumption that he may have discomfort from the tumor. Because he is over 13 we don't feel that it's right to try heroic measures. The vet says the tumor is not operable because of the location and we don't think it's right to put him through a bunch of stuff for our benefit. Our goal is to keep him happy and comfortable and if that changes then we'll have to cope with that. Caleb is just an awesome dog and has been his whole life. He has been phenomenal with Indigo and she loves him (and Egan) so much. That just makes it even more heartbreaking. On a happier note, the Chaklader's joined us for a night of Hanukkah celebration - the second year so I guess we're making it an
annual event. Melanie made potato latkes and after dinner we all played the dreidel game with gelt (chocolate wrapped in gold coins). Indigo enjoyed having Harry and David, as well as Becky & Subir, over. On Saturday morning, we went over to Patricia's house where her husband Jon cooked wonderful pancakes, bacon and lots of other breakfast delights. Indigo had lots of fun playing with Anna Kate and Louisa downstairs in their play room. That afternoon we went to get hair cuts for our evening event and Indigo ended up receiving her first proper haircut, sitting on Daddy's lap and wailing her eyes out - mostly because she did not like the cape being put on. Later that night we had our firm's annual holiday party which is at the Four Season's in Georgetown. Our friend Mary Till came over to watch Indigo so we were able to go to the party. We can't thank Mary enough and we had a fantastic time (and did not call home once). We had no worries knowing that Indigo was in such capable hands. Indigo has been loving her small Hanukkah gifts and we thought she looked like a real "lady about town" strutting her with her handbag on her arm. Elizabeth, who cares for her while I work, was kind enough to give her a Hanukkah present so here she is opening her present from Elizabeth, whom she just loves.

2 comments:

Kristi said...

I love her hair! We still haven't gone their yet with Zoe and her mullet is quite the sight :) I know many tears will be shed. Glad you had such a wonderful holiday season. I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I know how hard it is when they get older.

bugs parents said...

Wow! You guys are always busy! I'm so glad you were able to celebrate Hanukkah with Indigo this year. Her hair cut looks cute! So sorry to hear about your dog - I know how much you love them and how difficult this must be for you. We're looking forward to the next Indigo installment!