Thanks

Thanks everyone for all your kind comments. I'm so glad many of you that have posted. This will be great to look back on. So, make sure when I finally post G's photo that you post then too because it's going in her scrapbook!

Thinking about this process in 2004, Finding a singles spot (8% Quota) on the day of my Birthday, April 2005, starting the paperchase in July 2005, to being DTC in December 2005, to being LID in February 2006 then 32+ months later... we'll... I'm feeling more disbelief, denial and anxious more than anything. It's like I'll believe it when I ACTUALLY GET THE CALL and see her chubby little face. Excited yes, but I do most of that all inside. Waiting so long can play tricks on your mind. I'm sure some of you know how I feel. Did anyone feel this way? It's okay if you didn't, I know I'm wierd and process things a little differently!

Anyway, looks like NEXT WEEK will be the week!! Please come back and see my daughter and leave some comments!!! We LOVE them!!! They are GREATLY APPRECIATED! I might even be revealing G's new blog!

Okay, now I wanted to respond to some of the comments that were left of my "What am I forgetting Post"

Deb, Thanks for reminding me to breathe (lol) and being so excited!!

TimandKim, Thanks for the tips on the cue cards. They are in the works…as long as I don’t get a surprise call today. (doubtful) I’ll also do my nails. LOL.
I’m going to put my cell phone on speaker. I think that will work best! I also planned on scanning her pinyin name for the care package stuff, thanks for the reminder!

AG'smoma, girl, LOL, I’ve got the clothes thing covered but a girl can never have to many. Thanks for the tip and I’ll work on making sure they are all sorted and labeled before I leave for China!!!

Kiy, you are funny. I’m organized in my head and in my computer but girl, I’m the QUEEN OF CLUTTER. One day I’ll remember what color my carpet is!!! As far as “stuff” goes, if it doesn’t have a home it just moves from pile to pile. Oiy.

Ladybugsmom/Emily, I love your idea of videoing what you are feeling or journaling. I know though, that won’t happen for me. I just can’t see myself doing it…the journaling yes but not the video. Now, I will definitely take your advice of photographing everything the day you became a mom. Very cool. I like that. Thanks for that GREAT idea!!!

Shelle/Michelle, I’m glad you used my “call” sheet. You can’t imagine how many “the call” videos I’ve seen with my sheet being used. It’s like I was a little part of each one of their special days. Even my fellow Pandas email me links and let me see my sheet in action!!! It makes me happy that you liked it enough to use it! I’m definitely liking the Britax Marathon. I like the dark grey one. It matches the interior of my car…blends in. I don’t want my car seat to compare with her cuteness or adorable clothes!

Sheri, Thanks for the tip on the Finding Ad. I think I will also contact Brian Stuy for copies. I’ve heard good things. Thanks for this site… http://www.mandarintools.com/

The Hospital is just across the street from BabiesRUs and I just have to make an appointment and they instruct and install for free!! That’s what I plan to do. I have this link somewhere but now I don’t have to look for it. Thanks. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RaisingChinaChildren/links

K, How am I holding up?…I’m hanging in there. Too busy with work and last minute prep to be caught up in the moment. You wait long enough you tend to be in a state of denial. I’ll believe it when it happens, you know!

Kim, that’s cool you got to experience “the call” with your co-workers. I thought that is what I was going to do but have since changed my mind. I really want to video tape it and I won’t do that at work so I’m going with plan B. Oh and don’t worry, I think I’m going to be calling and posting simultaneously!!!!! I would NEVER forget my blogger buddies who have been some of my greatest supporters!!! Love all you girls! Oh, I didn’t know some agencies give you updated photos. Wow, I will look into that! Thanks.

Twice Blessed China Mom, Boy, you don’t need to tell me about LISTS. We're a lot alike in this area. Have you seen the list I have on my blog on the right side…”Things to Do While Waiting” I think I'm up to 130 on that but more on my new one. LOL. What’s even nuttier is that it’s twice as big now (not updated on blog) and divided into categories and subcategories!!! I think I have all the stuff posted, thanks, and I will go see a bunch of movies!!! Great Tip!!!

Kelley, I have a little bit of practice with the carseats but I am REALLY SLOW at it!! Just ask Brooke and Moorea!! LOL

Somewhere In The Sun/Lynn, Thanks for the information on the name translation and the great questions such as…what the meaning is? Is there a reason she was given that particular name? And to make sure I ask this while in CHINA!

Shelly & Jessa “Li Li, Thank for the tip on clothes and shoe sizes. I’m not sure I’m even going to take shoes over with me…just buy a bunch of squeaky shoes over there!

Hope I didn't forget anyone!!

Stay tuned....

Stork Sighting - #7

Province?

Stork Sighting - #6

What am I forgetting??

Calling all BTDTers
On Referral Day, what else do I need to do???…

Everyday this week and next…
Have camcorder ready
Have camera ready
My call sheet ready
Print out Asian Growth Charts (thanks Sharon)

Make cue cards (thanks timandkim)
I only have them for the "southern girls" anyone have them for the northern girls?
Pen

Have nails done.(thanks timandkim)
Make sure hair looks good. LOL.

Get the call…
Breathe (thanks Deb)

Call immediate Friends & Family
Email immediate Friends & Family
Call daycare asap with birthdate
Call more Friends
Post to blog
Crack open some Pink Champagne (Panda Punch)
Join orphanage group
Copy Photos (thanks Susan)
Make all kinds of stuff with photo/logo
Post to all groups about orphanage
Have Care package ready to send
Make announcement for referral
Have decided on IA dr and get stuff ready to be emailed and email it.
Call ped for consult
Get name properly translated/meaning
Install carseat..oops don't have one...note to self: buy carseat.
Contact people about Finding Ad! Taking Suggestions.

Scan in character name for labels(thanks timandkim)

make sure you have right size clothes (thanks agmoma)
finish photos for care package album

I know I’m forgetting a bunch!!!

Stork Sighting - #5

Stork Sighting - #4

Introducting Your Pet

1. For introducing baby to dogs: Take photos of dogs with you to China, and talk to the baby about the dogs, using the dogs' names, so she will be somewhat familiar with them when she gets home. This will be particularly important for us, because some of our dogs are large, and just the size of them might scare her at first.

(Just note that they don't have to look like pandas or be dressed in Asian garb for your child to fall in love with them.)

2. For introducing dogs to baby: When baby comes home, before bringing her inside, have one parent take inside a blanket or outfit that has baby's scent on it, and HOLDING THE BLANKET WITH BOTH ARMS (like a baby), present it to dogs. The dogs will likely recognize it has a human scent. Then bring baby in, also held in parents' arms, and let dogs see baby from a distance first, and gradually introduce them.

3. Dogs know who their masters are, usually based on who feeds them. Once your child is about 2 years old, slowly introduce her as the "treat-giver" and then the "dinner-feeder" when she is able to feed the proper amount of food to the dogs. As a junior "treat-giver" baby will hold the treat in her hand, but mom or dad will put their hand over baby's to deliver the treat, because dog knows mom and dad's hands, and to protect baby from the first few interactions with the dogs and food.

4. Do not to ever leave a baby unattended in the same room as a dog, no matter how small the dog.

Stork Sighting - #3

Stork Sighting - #2

Stork Sighting - #1

Okay, let's try this again! In honor of my upcoming REFERRAL, I've created Giorgia's Asian Stork Tracker. There shouldbe no delays in the flight pattern this time and that take off from the mainland of China are begining. Lately we've seen recalled flights from the flight towers of CCAA. The reasons are unclearand and it happened to us last month. Our Stork was sent back to the nest to wait. Almost a month has gone by and it's that time again! Please join my blog everyday to see an update on where my G is!!! (Looking like Temple of Heaven today)

Barack & Palin

The wonders of Photoshop!!!

MATCHING ROOM

This is the infamous "Matching Room" at the CCAA. I wanted to tell you all a little bit about what is happening right now in China with my Dossier. Some of the text that will follow was found on RQ.

MATCHING In this final stage - families who have passed review are sent to the Matching Room. In this room are all the dossiers of children whose information has been sent by their SWIs to find them a forever family. The workers in this room have the very important task of matching the right family to each child. No one knows exactly how families are chosen for each child - but many people think that the CCAA workers are pretty amazing in how good a job they do.

How the Matching Room works...

First, they review the baby dossiers and make sure there are no issues with them. We are told that they then count up all of the baby dossiers that are eligible for matching that month and then look to see how far this stack will go in the parent dossiers without sending out a partial day, and they pull all of those parent files. That is the likely cut-off date. Sometimes something happens and they don't get this far. Sometimes something happens and they get farther.

Next they match orphanages up with agencies. This orphanage has six babies, this agency has six families. These two orphanages are in the same province and have a total of 12 babies, this agency has 12 families. When they are through with this is when (I believe) some agencies start to get information about the cut-off date. Or at least it is when they used to start getting information.

And then they start matching individual babies to individual families. At some point during this part of the process most agencies used to hear from their person in the matching room to let them know how many referrals they will be receiving and from what province(s). Some agencies shared this information with their clients. Some chose not to. Recently it is believed that many agencies are still getting this information but they are being given orders by the CCAA to not share this information with the families.

Just as in the review room, each matcher is assigned certain agencies and is responsible for communicating with their agencies. Some matchers tell their agency the cut-off date, some matchers tell their agency “you have X number of referrals arriving”, some matchers give their agency a list of that agency’s families that will be receiving a referral. And some matchers don’t say anything at all to their agencies.

The next question that comes up is generally how the matchers match families and babies. I’ve heard from several people who have had the opportunity to speak with someone who works in the matching room. The various conversations seem to all agree that they first look for something that stands out: a matching birthday, a baby who looks a lot like a parent, or a baby who likes music and a parent who teaches music. Several matching people have stated they match by bone structure of the baby’s face and the parent’s faces (this is why they need our passport photos, so they can compare our mug shot with the baby’s mug shot). Some have stated that they used Chinese astrology, also. Once they’ve matched the obvious matches they then start to look at things like age of child requested. The age requested is not a priority for them, they feel they are matching families and not filling orders.

And there you have it. Giorgia's little mug could be on one of these computers right next to my info waiting to be matched.

Oh, and as pointed out, sometimes there are similarities in the parents passport photo and the "mugshot: of my child.. So, for fun, here is my Passport photo. We'll have to compare on that fateful day!

It's gonna be C.O.L.D.

Coats.

Hats.

Gloves.

Scarves.

Blankets.

Long Undies.

Thermal Socks.

No Worries...

I'll still be there!

Toddler Bedtime Tips

By Stefanie on Toddler Bedtime Tips

Toddlers certainly have their own ideas about what they want or don’t want…especially at bedtime. Getting a cranky toddler to go to bed is no walk in the park.

The best thing you can do is to establish a bedtime routine for your toddler. Toddlers need routine to feel safe and also to learn their boundaries. It will take a little patience and perseverance, but gradually your toddler will start to respond.

A few Ideas:

Soothing Bath Before Bedtime - This could be considered one of the oldest and most successful bedtime routines for kids. A warm bath will soothe and help your toddler calm down before bed. Keep things calm and don’t add too many toys to the bath.

Johnson’s makes some wonderful bedtime bath products for toddlers.

Toddlers Love a Good Story – Your toddler loves listening to the sound of your voice. Engage him or her in a bedtime story to help drift them off to sleep. You can also try making up stories instead of reading. Include your child as one of the characters and talk about things your child will find interesting. Regular bedtime stories and reading to your child will help influence her interests and develop her creativity.

Sing a Lullaby – One of my personal favorites, and usually works like a charm. The long loved lullaby does just that, it helps lull babies and toddlers to sleep. Your voice and lulling rhythm of the song will give your toddler security and provide a sense of calm.

No Surprises – Not when it comes to bedtime. About 15 minutes before you start your bedtime routine let your toddler know. Try not to say it’s time for bed in 15 minutes instead say it’s time for a story or a bath in 15 minutes. Some toddlers will automatically go into overdrive if they hear the word bed.

Don’t Rush Things – Toddlers really don’t like being rushed. As a fully fledged parent of a toddler you already know the patience you need to exhibit doing the simplest things like getting your toddler in and out of the car. Bedtime is no different.

If you’re rushing and putting the emphasis on getting them to sleep then your toddler will pick up on that and lash out. Try to place the emphasis on spending quiet, quality time with your toddler. Allow yourself plenty of time so that you can get through the whole bedtime routine without rushing and be flexible and allow for little glitches in your routine.

Don’t Give In – Speak to your toddler before hand about your new bedtime routine, warn him soon before the time. When it’s time be firm and consistent. Even the most reasonable of toddlers, will push their boundaries when allowed. It’s a normal part of growing up and development. Remember your toddler looks to you to make all the grownup and important decisions for him.

Sleep is important for all of us and more so for young children. Be consistent in your bedtime routine and even if things don’t go well at first keep it up. If you’re consistent your toddler will eventually come around.

Answer for Donna...

Hey Donna, you had posted a comment as to what my Lanyard is going to look like. Well, it's a work in progress. I was at Michael's and saw two BEAUTIFUL strands of beads in my ALL TIME FAVORITE colors. Iridescent Clear Beads and Iridescent Pale Pink Beads. Now I just have to find some Sterling Silver Spacers that I love...maybe the ones with rhinestones or the ones with the tiny silver balls all the way around. I still have to figure out how to string it and hook the badge holder thingy on it too. It really doesn't need a clasp because it's an over the head kind of thing. I'll take any advice on putting this thing together so it's STAYS TOGETHER!!!

Travel Cord Organizer

Oooh and I just ordered my Travel Cord Organizer! Paid a total of $23.99 which included a coupon and free shipping. Yeah! Let's hope I find this useful. I have lots of gadgets and I am always going to the beach with all of them so it will be useful for more than just my China Trip.

When you're on the go, this bag is perfect for your surge protector plus electrical gadgets. No more worrying whether there will be enough outlets at the hotel. Storage bag is made especially for traveling with your surge protector. It holds a standard (8" - 10") power strip in the spine and unzips completely so it can be laid flat. The built-in hanger provides for easy out-of-the-way storing, while the seven pockets can hold cords, cables and devices such as cell phones, iPods™, etc. There's even pocket window labels for easy item identification and small zipped compartments for memory cards, jump drives and smaller items. Measures 19 1/2" L x 11 3/4" W when opened; 8" L x 11 3/4" W when closed. Surge protector and gadgets not included.

Countdown - Day #3

Weekend 10/18/08

Finally finished future Thank You Cards. Yippee! (Well at least the ones that require sparkles)


Picked up some memory for my mini Laptop
SanDisk SDSC 8GB $24.99 - $9 (for used ink cartridge reward) = $15.99

Went to a children's resale and found lots of goodies. See Giorgia's Enchanted Garden for my finds. (coming soon)

Mounted a Baby Gate in the Kitchen/Family Room.


Finally found a Frame for my Half the Sky Print. Love it. It was originally came with a print of a building in NYC. I ripped all the backing off, took out the print and replaced it with mine. Now all I have to do is buy some hardware to hang the the new print horizontally.

Working on redoing my bedroom and picked up my Florian Bench for the foot of my bed. It's so pretty. ...and in the process, completely trashed my house again! Story of my life!!!!!

Inspiration for my Bedroom

This is one of the first photos that I found that says Old Hollywood to me. I love the feeling I get from it. Don't really get the little side tables though...

Stuff you'll find in my new room that is reminiscent of this room above is the mirrored end table and the sheen in the bedspread.

Stuff you'll find in my new room that is reminiscent of this room above is the Bedspread. It looks exactly like mine. I also just got an end of bed bench. I can see GG hangins out on it early in the morning playing and watching cartoon while I'm still trying to sleep!

Stuff you'll find in my new room that is reminiscent of this room above is the mirrored chest of drawers sort of like mine and the sheen of the bedspread.

And yes, I'm over the top...I would love to have this is my room! If I could find the perfect chandelier there will be one in my room. It's got to be the right size, shape, color, sparkle factor and price. It must be PERFECT!!!! Otherwise it's better not to have one! So, for now...I don't have one. :)

Hopefully my room will be done by Christmas and I'll post some photos then. Feel free to post any suggestions. (FYI, I know it's too girlie and I like that)

Sony Camera Case

No, I don't have any Sony cameras or camcorder but I needed a travel bag that could hold all my stuff. I have a bag already by Lowepro that is AMAZING. I could probably throw it out my second story window without any harm to my equipment. It's a big backpack with a lot of padding and I just don't have that kind of space. Anyway, this Sony bag LCS-VA30 ranges from $25 to $50 online but found it in the clearance section for $8. What a BARGAIN! It's the PERFECT SIZE for my trip to China!!!

How Much Pirate?

You Are 60% Pirate

Garrrr, yer a true pirate down to yer bones. Yer an originial sea dog, an' ye certainly have earned yer sea legs. No one be goin' to accuse ye o' bein' a landlubber. Ye got yer eye on the prize, an' yer willin' to go pillagin' fer some booty.

Would You Make a Good Pirate?

Countdown - Day #2

Tuesday 10/14/08

Stopped by Daycare GB & TT (C,GB,TT) to chat, get prices, availability
I changed my mind, I have a different favorite list now.
Figures, the one that I might not get in is my new favorite.
It used to be #2
Daycare C is GREAT but realistically not in my budget and no meals.
Daycare GB & TT are REALLY GOOD with Hot Lunch and two snacks.
Daycare TT is my new favorite and completely ironic...least expensive!!!

Almost Finished Thank You Cards. Yippee!

Picked up my NEW DRESSER that I have been wanting FOREVER
Hurt my back getting in from the car.
So now it sits, next to my downstairs TV, until I can find some friends to help me get it upstairs!
I LOVE IT, it's BEAUTIFUL.
I'm redoing my room, it's sad when your child's is prettier than yours.
I'm going for something different...Old Hollywood.
I will post some inspiration pictures soon!

Swung by ToysRUs and picked up TWO little Christmas Presents

New Airline Fee, this is next!!

Countdown - Day #1

I've got LOTS & LOTS of stuff to do before my daughter comes home. I'm sure you all know what I mean. In an effort to be somewhat productive I think I'm going to post here what I've done the previous night, after work, to help me get prepared for the big day! (sorry to bore you all)

Moday 10/13/08

To Michaels to get paper & envelopes for handmade Thank You Cards

Got Glitter & Glue because what's a Thank You without Bling! LOL

Sparkly Crystal Beads to make a custom Lanyard for travel.

Stopped by Daycare C (C,GB,TT) to chat, get prices, availability

Boy, prices sure did go up from when I first started this process!!

Worked on Thank You Cards. Almost Done. Yippee!

Worked on a project for a friend.

MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

Just found this on one of my newsletter!! Doesn't it sounds EASY, QUICK and YUMMY!!!

RECIPE: MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE (from Cori F.)
1 Coffee Mug
4 tablespoons flour(that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
Small splash of vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to share!) And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night! POST IT...in your recipe box, and shopping list.

A Different Perspective

Immense Loss; Walk a Mile in Baby’s Booties
--Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Miller

Imagine for a moment…

You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.

The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world…the person who will be with you for the rest of your life.

The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face.

But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved?

You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay.

But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?

Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.

You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.

Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it.

More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?

You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried.

The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you.

You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy.

The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.

Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair.

Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.

He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black.

You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep.

People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness.

Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.

Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.

Must Save $ for

Reminder to Self...

These are the things that add up that I keep forgetting I need to save for:

Medical Insurance Deductable for child $1,000

3 post placement visits @ $1,050 ($350 each)

International Dr for Review of Referral $400-$500 Philadelphia Childrens Hospital

or International Dr in Delaware $350

or International Dr in Chicago $175

Daycare Deposit $900

CarSeat that I need upon our arrival $275

Baby Monitor I want $200

Care Package & Additional Photos $100

Translated Care Pachage Letter $25

Shipping of Homemade Care Package @ $30-$35

Photo Session @ BabiesRUs or anywhere $???

50 Thank You Cards @ $60 (yeah, I have to personally design)

50 Announcements @ $60 (yeah, I have to personally design these to)

Stamps @ $42

Prescription Meds for me and G for travel $100 (recommended)

Stock Pantry $150

Birthday Party if close $???

Christening $???

Diaper, Wipes, Baby Food & Formula $1,000,000

Printing of Photos & Enlargements $500

Printing of Digital Lifebook approx. 64 pages $255

Suggestions on a part time job I can do at home on weeknights or weekends!! LOL

Please feel free to add to my list!!! Stephe

Do's and Don'ts for Grown-Ups

I found this article online and I thought I would share it with all of you.

CrossCultural Adoption The Do's and Don'ts for Grown-Ups
By Amy Coughlin and Caryn Abramowitz

International adoption by families in the United States has increased tremendously in the last decade, adding to America's reputation as a melting pot on an even more familial level. Parents and children of these families are sure to encounter numerous questions which must be answered carefully to avoid devastating a child's sense of self and instead foster love, acceptance, and belonging.
So just what are the best ways for parents to answer questions about a child's adoption? (And what questions should the rest of us avoid asking?) Read on for a list of the "do's and don'ts."

What You Should Do

Do treat her like any other kid.

It may be difficult and take a while for adopted children to feel like they belong within their extended families. Treating these children like they're "nothing special" can go a long way toward making them feel at home and comfortable within the group.
Avoid the temptation to spoil her because she didn't have everything that the other kids had in the first few months or years of her life. The most valuable gifts you can offer these children are patience, routine, and consistency -- and most of all, unexaggerated expressions of love and devotion.

Do support her when curious strangers ask questions.
When curious (and sometimes thoughtless) strangers ask questions or feel the need to comment on the circumstances of the adoption, do not let them lead you into uncomfortable territory. Instead, gently steer them back to more suitable small talk or respond in such a way that shifts the conversation to positive adoption language that in turn lets the child know that you are on her side.

Do respect her privacy.
Adopted children have the same need for and the right to privacy as you do. They do not want their entire life story being told to strangers. If she hears you discussing the intimate details of her origins, she will likely feel embarrassed. Until the child is old enough to decide for herself how much information she would like to share regarding her background, please respect her privacy.

Do treat prospective adoptive parents the same as expectant parents.
Adopting a child is just as exciting for soon-to-be parents as being pregnant. They feel the same way all expectant parents do -- overjoyed, overwhelmed, nervous, impatient, and most of all, excited. Don't be afraid to ask adopting parents about these feelings. After all, adoption is neither a secret nor a source of embarrassment or shame.

Do acknowledge and celebrate the differences.
One of the best things you can do to show your support as well as your love for the adopted child in your life is to learn a bit about the culture and history of her birth country. Read a couple of books, especially travel books. Even if you have no plans to travel there, there is no better way to get the feeling of another country.

What You Should Not Do

Don't introduce her as adopted.

The pain this inflicts on the child is obvious. The child is made to feel inferior, like she will never be considered a real part of the family. The rule is simple: Don't ever, ever do this. (Adoption is a process that brings families together not a label of who the child is.~Stephe)

Don't say how "lucky" she is.
After hearing this enough times, the child can be made to feel like a lifelong charity case, rather than the cherished child she is. Yes, she is lucky, but so is any child who has a supportive, loving family. And we parents are lucky, too, to have been able to create this loving, supportive family.

Don't assume adoption is a second choice.
The reasons people choose to adopt are as varied and unique as the people themselves. While it is true that many choose adoption because of infertility, it is also true that many choose adoption for a myriad of other reasons as well. Many people choose to adopt not because they are out of other options, but rather because they believe that adoption is the best choice for them.

Don't jump to conclusions about the birth mother.
Often thought of as weak, irresponsible, cheap, and worthless, birth mothers often suffer a lifetime of pain far greater than that of childbirth. Please don't jump to the wrong conclusion that these women are any different than you and me or that they love their children any less.

Most cross-cultural adoptive families know little or nothing about the circumstances that led their child's birth mother to relinquish her child. What they do know is that they love their children's birth mothers because they are a part of their children and it is because of them that their beloved children are who they are.

Don't tell us we're sure to have "our own" now.
She is our own. Those parents who choose adoption because of infertility do not secretly harbor lifelong yearnings for a biological child. Having "our own" is now irrelevant; the child we have is the one we want and it is inconceivable that we could love or want any child more. Like all parents, we have the best.

So Much to Do!!!

Let's see, I was surfing blogs and stumbled onto my friend Karen's blog this morning. She posted a list of all the things that she needs to get done this month! GREAT LIST! Karen, I'm copying your idea and creating a list of my own!

1. Get Child Abuse Clearance in and Mail out Homestudy for 797-C RENEWAL!!!!!

2. CLEAN the house!

3. Donate as much stuff as I can to just get rid of it...even the stuff in the shed.

4. Do Logos for Pandas and open shops.

5. Purchase car seat ,baby monitor and a bunch of other things I will still need for G's arrival.

6. Christmas - not doing Christmas Decorations this year but I will complete G's ECG & Friends Tree and I will have her tree up in her room.

7. Design referral announcements

8. Get carpet steam cleaned

9. Pack and Repack

10. Get a list ready for xmas gifts. I might be buying them in China!!!

11. Baby-proof a few parts of the house. Mount the top-of-stairs gate.

12. Order Thank You Cards from Kinko's

13. Finalize G's Care Package and Get all the photos that I need for them with labels! Plus figure out what I am going to do for a letter! Suggestions for the letter Welcome!!! Everything else is done so I'm not changing. LOL.

14. Pray my bedroom dresser arrives and is swapped out with old one.

15. Get my "Travel Packet" Completed. (my personal guide)

16. Purchase my Travel Cord Organizer from Bed, Bath and Beyond

17. Finalize Daycare

18. Finalize Pediatrician.

19. Order NEW MONEY. (Done)

20. Paint my foyer, stairway and 2nd floor hallway.

...and the list just goes on...