So Much for Citizenship

It appears that Anoush is not entitled to dual citizenship due to a law change in the mid-80’s.  Found here, the law has a caveat that says the parents must be residents.  Of course, our student visas have us placed in a grey area.  I must admit, I was hoping she would have dual citizenship especially for future educational opportunities.

This new information does make me appreciate American laws even more.  Come to find out, most countries in the world do not grant citizenship at birth on their sovereign soil.  Some countries mandate a religion and/or ethnicity in order to be eligible for citizenship.  Of course, the developed countries offer humanitarian visas and avenues to citizenship which is to be commended.

Regardless of citizenship, the future is bright for Anoush as she has lots of choices available to her.

Feelings of Early Motherhood

Well, it wasn’t a conventional birth, but I would not go back and change any of it. All unexpected elements considered, it went very well! Everyone involved was very helpful, reassuring and calm. Jason was fantastically supportive. Although we both thought I was simply going crazy as the labour progressed at lightning speed, when I told him he needed to call the hospital, he didn’t hesitate and was collected about the entire experience. I am so thankful to have a husband with a strong sensibility about him.

Anoush’s birthing experience in no way deters me from wanting to have more children. We’ll just have to live at the hospital for my last month of pregnancy next time!

Anoush is a little sweet pea, and we are enjoying her so much! We always had a feeling that the baby would be a little girl. She’s already gaining better control of her eyes, head and neck. She’s taking after both of her parents and turning into a thumb sucker. Interestingly, she seems to be keeping a similar schedule to what she had in-utero: wakeful early afternoon and late evening, quiet morning and midday. She’s gotten the hang of feeding quite well and is doing so with more frequency now. The first two days, she slept for hours and hours on end, followed by feeding for hours at a time. Things have evened out a bit more today. Last night, she slept for five hours straight without hardly a stir or peep.

I am feeling quite well today. Better than yesterday, although I can’t say that I have felt badly at all. I attribute that to having kept very active during the pregnancy – getting outside nearly every day for a walk, doing yoga and stretching often, and most importantly, having a positive outlook.

Everyone’s wonderful support and love has been overwhelming. I said to Jason yesterday that I feel similar to the weekend of our wedding. So many friends and family sending well-wishes and feeling so loved. Thank you all for your wonderful comments, phone calls, and emails. I’m sure you’ll understand if it takes me awhile to get back to you, but know that your communication is much appreciated!

I must also acknowledge my incredibly supportive husband! He’s been so wonderful – at the birth and every moment afterward. Cooking, doing dishes, going to the store, making me tea, asking me a million times a day if I need anything, changing diapers…the list goes on and on. Anoush loves being snuggled by her Daddy. She spent some time sleeping on his chest this morning, which was adorable. He’s simply fantastic with her!

We’ll be posting regularly on the website, so keep coming back for more.