One Year...a month ago

Dear Asa,

You came into this world not knowing how exceptional your short life would be. You were born in a place where most people wear see-through dish-dashes and gold studded abayas; where camels and flamingos roam the sandy terrain next to 6 figure SUVs. Your eyes opened to your Indian doctor who stood no more than 4.5 feet tall and greeted your Filipino and Lebanese nurses with a scream. Your dimples confused me but you were the only white baby in the hospital so I felt relieved there were no mix ups. And even though every nurse admired your bald head, you were the only baby I gave birth to who had any hair at all.

You came to a home build on the backs of Kerala Indians in a land that they make fake islands and the tallest building in the world. You had two Indonesian nannies that came home very early from their day off just to admire and cuddle you. Your siblings awaited the moment they could squeeze you and mommy tried to keep you safe from being smothered. You were one loved baby!

Your stint in the land of arid heat was short and only two months after your birth we moved on to greener, more mountainous pastures.

Last photo of you in Dubai

Your charm, sweetness, and fussy personality surprised us all. You very quickly showed us that you are a unique child amongst the Bromley clan and yet you fit in perfectly.

In one short year of your life you have spent more time with elephants and monkeys than with dogs and cats; and you seem as comfortable with a chicken as you do with your siblings.

You answer to "ganchu" (handsome in Nepali) quicker than you do your own name, and your first solid food had daal in it.

October Tihar holiday

You've gripped on to kurtas and sarees more than denim jeans and you are often dressed in pink. You've been tikka'ed more times than you've changed diapers, and you never get exhausted with the many people who wish to rub your white skin or squeeze your cheeks. You feel comfortable bouncing from one di or didi throughout the day but you always show mom she is your favourite.

Sareta- Your best buddy

My love for you grows every day. Your sweetness and love gushes whenever you smile. Your strong hugs and open mouthed kisses are to die for; and your strong personality makes everyone notice you.

Who knew that you would have your birthday song sung in Bahasa Indonesian, and your cake would be a Balinese lemon tart?

Who knew that you would take your first steps in Thailand? And taste your first McDonalds in Bangkok?

Feb 28, 2009

You've never stepped foot in your homeland of Canada or America and who knows when that day will ever come. You are a boy from many foreign lands and you have been spoken to in many strange languages. You have more stamps in your passport than most adult Americans and you have many, many years ahead.

You are a light in our home and I cannot see the world without you in it. With all the changes that have happened and will happen in your lifetime, one thing will always remain constant-my love for you.

Happy First Birthday my baby boy!!!!

Love, Mom