Everything but the Kitchen Sink!

Well, we are all packed and ready to go. Just need to remember to add our sunglasses and double check all the TSA locks. The luggage pictured above is the normal amount Pankaj and I always take to India, except for the umbrella stroller, which is new this time. Also, the contents of the suitcases are much different than on previous trips. In the past, we'd load up on Charmin Ultra, Bounty paper towels, mac & cheese and other snacks, and at least three large boxes of Cascade powder dishwashing detergent. This time, there are only a few snacks and we absolutely had no additional room for the Cascade detergent. (Sorry, Mummy!) Instead, the space is filled with jumbo packs of Pampers, baby food and cereals, Pediasure drinks, a large can of formula, and even a child's sleeping bag!

I think I am most proud about my ability to pack light this time. Especially for me. I limited myself to only four salwar kameez traditional Indian ladies outfits, and two pairs of sandals. I have been known to travel to India with 6-7 pairs of shoes/sandals in the past, so this is new for me. Now don't get me wrong, there are still a few pair of capri's , tank tops, kurtas, sweaters, jeans, and even a full length heavy bathrobe packed inside my bags. The bathrobe was a last minute addition (and only if there was room) because it will be 50 degrees at night in New Delhi, and the apartment where we'll be staying doesn't have central heat. I get my bathrobe for an extra layer, and Samedh gets the Benji sleeping bag. Yes, "Benji", as in the little dog who used to have his own TV series when we were kids. My sister Liz got that sleeping bag in the first grade or something, and it's still in great shape today. (Thanks, Liz, for letting your nephew borrow it!)

Well, that's it for now. I'll try to squeeze in one more post tomorrow if possible. Many thanks to those of you who have emailed me directly, wishing us well for our trip. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated, and your support means the world to us. Yes, our lives are about to change forever, and it's great knowing that we have such a wonderful support system literally all over the world!