Dawson

Check out those BLUE eyes!!! He's gonna be one heartbreaker when he gets older!

M Adopts Part 2

"Anonymous said...
just randomed by. You are missing a few crucial facts. The child HAS a family, his father is alive and aware of his whereabouts, his extended family visited the child regularily in the orphanage. Malawi does not allow international adoption - the normal criteria is that people have to have been resident in the country for one year. She has circumnavigated all of the normal procedures, and thats what is annoying everyone. The money she will spend on this one child could be spent better. Perhaps had she adopted a true orphan there would have been less of a hoo hah. I'm not adopting, nor planning to adopt, nor give two figs for Madonna, I just thought I ought to put you more in the picture. (oh and I also don't have a blog sorry. "

Stephe says...

Dear anonymous, first off, why won't you post your name. I hear what you are saying but I have to disagree...

I think you are obviously missing a few crucial facts. You say Malawi does not allow international adoption unless you reside in the country for a year. That's funny...I know of one that just happened!!! "She DIDN'T circumnavigate" the system, Malawi allowed her to adopt. Maybe it's Malawi that you should have a problem with.
Oh, and if there is such an extended family who regularily visits the orphange, couldn't one of them have taken the child.

It's a complicated issue when parents abandon their children or "leave" them and I'm not judging their reasons. But I do know that it's complicated. Doesn't this little boy deserve a family that will never "leave" him, love and take care of him?

Lastly, which I know will tweak people...

Money and Status does come with priveledges. Hell, isn't it the American way! (actually, it seems to be the way of the world) I don't have money nor status but I know a few that do and you know what, they are just like me with a few extra perks.

Listen, all you out their adopting from Wherever, let say you hit the lottery tomorrow, say 214 Million dollars. Your agency then calls you and says that they are now offering to "expedited" your paperwork for $10,000. Would you do it?

I know I would, but some of you would say, "Oh no, my goodness, I would never want to jump a head of all these waiting parents, I'll just let my little girl wait for me in an orphanage until it's my turn. (maybe 10 more months)" Okay...sure! Not me. I'd jump on the first plane out and scoop her up!
Just something to think about!

Madonna Adopts

Geesh,
Why are people so judgmental? Geesh. Why is everyone so up in arms about Madonna Adopting? Give me a break.
Madonna did get her criminal reports done.
She got her immigration done.
Had a homestudy too.
The particular area in Africa has NO waiting list.
Hasn’t she appeared to have raised her Bio children well?
Hasn’t she attempted to keep them out of the spotlight?
Doesn’t this little boy deserve to have a family adopt him?

Oh, I know, it would be better for him to stay in an orphanage for a year or so before he can be adopted…because that would be better?

Oh, I get it, if you are rich that must mean you would be a horrible parent and should never; never create your family through adoption.

Oh, I guess that if you are a celebrity, you couldn’t possibly give love to anyone but yourself so how could adoption be a possibility.

Why are some of you sooo pissed? Seriously. Are you just pissed because she got her baby quicker than you? Go to Malawi and adopt.

There are so many people in this world that make a lot of money/celebrity status but you don’t see lots of them actually trying to make a difference. She donated that money for an orphanage and she has opened up her heart to give a little boy a family. This is ONE LESS ORPHAN in the world. Open up your hearts people and stop being so GOD DAMN judgmental.

Oh, and to anyone getting ready to hit that little comment button and leave me an ignorant or negative email..."BITE ME"

Addicted

I'm Addicted to the Panda Cam!!

Isn't the baby just too cute. Mom is a good mom too. She is always cuddling and nursing her. It's so addictive!!

Trick or Treat

Chinese Fortune Outfit

OOOOh! I so want one of these!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laundry Tip

Removing Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream from Clothing

(ie. Desitin or Zincofax)

If you have a baby prone to diaper rash, you have inevitably gotten zinc oxide cream (aka diaper rash cream) on your clothing or your baby's clothing. Fortunately, many of the zinc oxide creams, such as Desitin and Zincofax can be removed with special washing care.

Fill a sink with hot water and laundry detergent, and soak the garment. Then gently rub the fabric together over the spot to remove the oil in the cream. Next, empty the sink and refill with white vinegar, soaking the garment for 15 minutes to remove the zinc oxide. Then wash as normal. The diaper rash cream will be gone!

Did anyone SEE??

Did anyone SEE?? Not only is Sophie Lu getting a sister, Isabella, but she will also have a little brother, OLIVER!! Congrat's Shana!!!! How amazing!!

Hi Lily

Hi Lily, I just told my little dog that I met a new family on one of my groups and they have a daughter named Lily! Pirate got all excited and wanted to send little puppy schmooch and a ruff! :)

Philadelphia Fun

Wow, what a weekend!!! I created a blog just for the event. Pandas take Philly...go check it out and see all of the photos.

When a few of us East Coast Girls decided to get together, we never thought that so many would join us. (some from pretty far away) It became more than I ever imagined it would be! I knew that I was creating bonds with a bunch of great girls (women, but I like to say girls) that I've been chatting with online. I just didn't realize how truely amazing each and every one was until I spent this weekend with them. We all had a story and a different perspective. Different but the same. Our Children from China will be our bond and I see all of us growing old together. It was a weekend with lots of touring, shopping, eating, and drinking. But in the end, what I'll remember the most was all of the fun, laughter, craziness, sharing, and tears. Thank you to all of you that came from near and far! This was just the BEST WEEKEND! I miss you all!!!!!

Pirate's Philly Fun

This is how Pirate was dressed to greet Donna and Susan at the Airport. He had on his tough skull & crossbone t-shirt and some bling in his hair. (Stolen loot from his pirating days). He was trying to get all the girls attention at the airport! What a cutie!

Shopping in Chinatown was very prosperous for Pirate. I found him his official Mascot Outfit. He's my little Asian Pooch!

Thank You Susan, Donna & Cheryl

Susan, Donna & Cheryl gave me this ADORABLE little outfit for GIORGIA! Could this be any cuter!! Look at the Fur Collar and the animal print. Girls, you totally know what I LOVE!!! It is just so cute and I can't wait for her to be home struttin' her stuff in her new SPECIAL duds!!! They also gave me this georgous Panda Candle!!! It's so beautiful and detailed. I told them that this will be the new candle that I light on a full moon! Thank you girls! You are SO THOUGHTFUL! It was a pleasure for you to stay at my house. Bless you Cheryl for you slept on the couch! I hope that is was comfortable enough!!

It was like CHRISTMAS!!!

Look at all the fun stuff!!!

Above: I made Precious Panda Welcome Gift bags for everyone. They included info on the weekend event and Philly stuff, Water, Snacks, Precious Panda Chocolate bars and a 4 pack of Precious Panda Thank You Cards. Hope, Sheryl and Jenna brought lots and lots of Tiara's for everyone. We had them in Pink, Purple, and Diamond Colors! Gotta love the sparkly stuff!!!

Above: Kim brought me an awesome Hostess gift, a Mulled Apple Candle. It smells wonderful!!!! Kim also brought Chopsticks for everyone. Melissa brought us all Asian inspired Journals. I think that I will definately bring this to China with me for my China Travel Diary! Next is my Sparkly Wand! As Friday night hostess, Sheryl thought I needed a Wand to go with my Tiara! (Totally works for me!!!)

Above: After our day running around Philly when we were having our slumber party, Wanda gave us this book, IMPERIAL CHINA. It's an awesome book and she even personalized it for each of us! Next we have a little taste of Texas!!! Cheryl brought 4 big jars of Texas Salsa, Raspberry, Chipolte, Blackbean and Black Bean and Corn! Yummy Stuff!

Friday night at during our dinner, Lori presented us each with a little Asian Bear and a little Asian Take-out box. Inside the Takeout box was a Fan Magnet and an itty bitty Asian Duckie. Well, could you get anymore perfect!! It fits right in to Giorgia's Duckie Bathroom theme! Now, I just have to find a way to keep it from Pirate. Something about those duckies just drives him wild!! lol. Next is one of the three bottles of wine Cheryl managed to sneak on the plane! Yippee! Kathy wasn't so lucky...they confiscated hers!!!

Above: Whoopie Pies! Yahoo! These are yummmmy!!! It's like a soft chocolate caked cookie with a whipped creamy inside! They are awesome. The infamous "Magic Cone"! Leave it to Sheryl. I know I've always wanted to pee standing up! ha. ha. For fun, I just might have to try it but darn you for defacing our Precious Panda Logo! ha. ha.

Believe it or not...There is even more to come...I just haven't gotten photos yet!!!

More Philly Posts

Stephe's - Philadelphia Fun
- Pirate's Philly Fun
- Thank You Susan, Donna and Cheryl
- Philly Christmas

Donna's - Back from Philly

Kim's - Words can't Express

Sheryl's - East Coast Pandafest
- Cheryl Explanes
- What happens in Philly, Stays in Philly

Hope's - Precious Panda East Coast Girls

Wanda's - Home from our ECG Weekend
- Goodies from the ECG Trip

Susan's - Journal Entry 10/1/06

SP THANKS!

Thank you Secret Pal!I love ALL of my goodies. I just love getting presents in the mail! Anyway, my secret pal gave me a whole bunch of stuff. The theme was “Something to pack for the trip”. I have started to acquire things from my packing list and I must say that have not gotten any of the items that I received. It was just too exciting. In the box was a Disposable feeding kit that was for on-the-go meals which included placemats, cups & lids,Bids, and silverware. There was also a box of 3 space savers (I SO NEED THOSE!!!), Rubbermaid snack cups, set of Pink Luggage Tags, a Formula Dispenser, and Graduates Cookies for Giorgia! I also got a great big Chinese Takeout Box filled with candy! Candy that I am eating right now asI type this! Yummy! Thank you so much Secret Pal. You’re the BEST!!!

Butterfly Night lite

This is some video of the butterfly Nightlight that I purchased a little while back. It's still prettier in person and I still love it!

Blog Updates

Don't you just hate it when the blogs you check out aren't updated!!!! It's sad, you just want MORE! Anything will do, just post something new! Unfortunately, I've become one of those people. It's getting harder and harder to blog. I've lost momentum. Rumors were getting to me a couple of weeks ago but that has passed. However, it's put me in a different mind set. I've been busting my butt working 2 jobs with all kinds of hours and I'm just TIRED. The longer the wait extends, the more money I have coming into my savings...yippee! This also means, maybe I can give up a night of working...yippee! So, I dropped one shift at my second job. I know that might not be a lot to some but it seems to be making a huge difference to me and it's only the 1st week!

I am also SHOPPED OUT! What? Can you believe it? Nesting must be over since I let the rumors get to me. Baby shopping is no longer exciting to me. Fun - yes (cause a girl always loves to shop) but not exciting like it has been! Plus due to the fact that I have had fantastic luck with yard sales (see Giorgia's Enchanted Garden) and friends giving me items...I don't need much. I have already had one friend tell me to stop buying so that people will be able to get me stuff at my shower! (awe, they want to throw me a shower!)

I'm the girl that's not getting married and isn't pregnant (physically) but LOVES to go to SHOWERS. It seems that I'm in the minority. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. You would think that I was going home with all of the presents! lol. I can be such a dork! I am not a fan of the mingling part because I can be very shy. Ironically, I'm either SUPER SHY or SUPER NOT!! And it's not like I don't secretly like being the center of attention....I just don't want to be there alone! :)

Another thing I could work on is the nursery. Oops...can't, that was done when I submitted my dossier! But that's okay, it doesn't make me sad when I walk by it...just hopeful!!! It's too pretty of a room to ever make me feel sad.

So, I thought for a while that I would have nothing to keep me busy...WRONG. I have been working on creating our January DTC groups website

and our East Coat PandaFest gathering

...and I'm swamped. I LOVE doing this kind of stuff but tend to be too focused on it and let other things go. (Have to work on that). Now I have NO TIME to CLEAN my house before everyone gets here! AAAAAHHHHH! I wish that I could be as organized with my home chores as I am with my computer/work stuff. Life would be grand then. Ok, this is why I've been MIA for a bit. Hopefully October will be a better Blogger Month!!!

9/11

SP THANKS!

I just want to Thank my Secret Pal so much. My "Keep Baby Safe" Gift was just awesome! It all came in the cutest ladybug bag! I got a child-proofing kit big enough to do my WHOLE house, a travel Medical Kit, and a rubber duckie water temperature tester! How cool is all of that! I am in the process of getting all the stuff together for my packing list and I haven't gotten any of the medical kit stuff, so this is perfect.

Here is a close up of the Hula duckie...how cute. Did you know that it matches Giorgia's Bathrooom Decor? Check it out!

Ok, I was bored so I was playing with the duckie in my kitchen!!!

Thanks so much again! This is just soo much fun!

BABY FOOD

Common Foods That Should Wait Until Baby Is A Certain Age

Honey - After 1 year
(not an allergen but may cause botulism in infants under 1yr old)

Peanut Butter - After 1 or 2 years

(Tree) Nuts - After 1 or 2 years
also may pose a choking hazard

Citrus Fruits - After 1 year
(not an allergen but may cause rash & digestive upset due to acidity. Using a dash of lemon juice in a whole fruit puree is NOT the same as giving a baby pureed or sliced oranges, pineapple et al.)

Strawberries - After 1 year

Corn - After 1 year
(possible allergen and not very nutrient rich)

Egg Whites - After 1 year
(many pediatricians will say it is fine for an older infant to have baked goods that include eggs)

Whole Milk - After 1 year
(lactose and milk proteins may cause allergic reactions and may also cause tummy troubles as they are hard to digest - yogurt and cheese are exceptions - see below. Milk also hinders proper absorption of iron; iron is crucial during the 1st yr.!)

Wheat - After 9-10 months or 1 year
(Many suggest that for the infant who has had no issues with gluten in Oats and/or Barley, and who has no history of wheat allergy or gluten intolerance, that offering wheat products (such as wheat toast) is fine around 8+ months - Read more at our topic The Confusion Over Wheat)

Grapes - After 10 months or 1 year
(not a high allergen but may pose a choking hazard - use extreme caution if offering your older infant or toddler grapes)

Chocolate - After 1 year - if at all

OTHER MISC INFO
Never give a child under the age of 2yrs low fat or skim milk products; whole milk is necessary.

PROTEIN
Always serve cooked with no pink areas – NEVER give a small baby/child raw meat or fish

VEGETABLES
Always serve cooked until after 12 months old or when baby can chew well enough so that no choking hazard is present. I.E. Shredded raw carrots, small cut up pieces of celery, pepper etc..

CONSTIPATION – Common Causes
Introduction of solid food(s) - breastfed babies tend to be more prone to constipation when solid foods are introduced.
Diets low in fiber
Diets of excessive dairy products (yogurt, cheeses, milk)
Foods such as Bananas, Applesauce, Cereals, Breads, Pasta and White Potatoes may contribute or cause constipation

CONSTIPATION – Suggestions

Tummy Massage - Gently massage and rub baby's tummy in a clockwise direction. Place your hands at baby's navel and massage in a circular motion, moving your hand(s) out and away from the center of baby's belly.

Warm Bath - Some medical professionals suggest giving your constipated baby a warm bath. The thought is that this may help relax baby and "get things moving" again. Give a tummy massage as you are drying baby.

Bicycle Legs - Place your baby on her back and lightly hold her legs in a half-bent position. Gently begin to move your baby's legs as if she is riding a bicycle. Alternate "Bicycle Legs" with Tummy Massage. *"Bicycle Legs" also may help to relieve a baby who is gassy.

HIGH FIBER FOODS
apricots
prunes
peaches
plums
pears
peas
spinach

DIARRHEA
Recall the BRAT diet for treatment of diarrhea in infants - Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. An easy and natural way to remember how to alleviate baby's constipation is to cut out the foods that contribute to it - rice cereals, bananas, and applesauce. If you ever forget which foods to cut out, remember BRAT!

Pirate's Travel Bed

Hey, thought I'd share a photo of Pirate's Travel Bed. He just loves it. Wierd. When we are not traveling, I keep it open and under the dining room table. He freaks out if it's shut and he can't get IN!! (isn't it usually the other way around?) He wants to wander in and out at his leasure. Oh well, whatever makes him happy. We've got his Pirate flag attached and I just found that cute luggage tag that I put on it! (See Pirate's butt in photo?)

Oh, and his grandmother just gave him a collar and leash for his birthday yesterday! Can you guess what's on it...yup...more pirate stuff. I will have to take of photo and post too! It's just soo cute!!!!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!

Sophie Lu has a SISTER!!! I'm so excited...you'd have thought I just received "my" referral. Ha. Ha. Yeah!!! Sophie, you're gonna be the best little sister ever!!

Foto Friday

I am joining the ranks of the Friday Foto cause I love looking at everyone's random photos. Here is one of mine! I miss my Miata but it's not exactly baby friendly. Those were the days! She gave me a good 10 years!

SP THANKS!

Okay, so I got my Secret Pal gift yesterday and I just died. It was so cute. I LOVE the Ladybug Tote! I've never seen anything like it! Both the HR director and I were like kids wheeling it around in the office! TOO CUTE! Plus she sent me some things for Giorgia to have fun on the plane with! An attachable JUNGLE PAL Elephant that jiggles and wiggles, a teething ring, and those handy dandy LinkaDoos.

A Big THANKS to my Secret Pal! I love my gifts!!!

Can I tell you how great LinkaDoos are. They are the one product no parent should be without. If you are a resourceful kinda person...you'll love them. As a matter of fact, if you have a Useful Linkadoo tip...put it in the comment section.

Tour 1

Hi Everyone. This is the list where I am adding everyone’s name and info for our tour get-together. See our DTC group for specifics. Since this is a private function, I don't want to use my blog to post details, only figure out who will be attending and fun details. Thanks. Hope to see you!!!!!! (It's gonna be awesome!)

Monday Night the Poll on our DTC group will close! Date of Event will then be posted!

Three of us (so far) can help with Airport and/or Lodging
Stephe -DE (Philadelphia) Susan & Cheryl & Donna (if coming)
Sheryl - NJ (Philadelphia)
Kim & Husband- MD (Baltimore ) Can give Airport transportation from Baltimore to Philly

Others Hopefully Attending
Melissa - hopefully depending on date (on vaca)

Susan Rizzo - Florida (if this is official weekend)
Cheryl - Texas (if this is official weekend)
Donna - Arizon (maybe)
Hope - (I think)
email me if I forgot you at our DTC group!

FUN STUFF
Popsicle Photos – Sheryl’s in charge of. Please email photo to Sheryl C. if not able to attend.

YearBook – Anyone interesting in being in our EAST COAST PANDA yearbook, send Stephe and email.

I'm in LOVE!

I just found this butterfly nightlight on the internet and I'M IN LOVE! I ordered it right away. I have been searching and searching for a nightlight for giorgia's room and a new one for my room. One down, one to go. As expected...she'll get the prettiest one!!! I just hope that it is atleast half as beautiful as in the photo!!!

Look what the boys got!!!

New Rule

I can't believe I even have to post this but ...The new rule is if you don't have anything postive to say...say nothing. I know that my mother and father taught me this as a little girl but obviously there are members of the adoption world that never received the same life lessons. My blog is here for me, my family, my friends (cyber and otherwise) and it's meant to be a positive outlet. I don't expect everyone to agree with my life choices but guess what, they are MY life choices. Thank you to all of my POSITIVE fellow adopters, family and friends. Please know that this post is not about you! Everyone else, feel free to delete my blog from your favorites or blogs if you don't view me or my thoughts in a welcoming light. And yes, I am deleting comments that I don't care for. ..feel free to disagree somewhere else, trying to keep my blog postive! Thanks to most of you for your support!

PetSmart Commercial

I absolutely love this commercial! Pirate is the same way with his Cami!

Nursery Slideshow

I know you all have seen my nursery but I saw a few slideshows on blogs today and thought I would try one out! Since all I do is work right now...this was the only thing interesting to make a slideshow of. :)

Giorgia's Headboard

This was the headboard that I just got at a yard sale for $5. It was an ugly color cream with needed repairs. Now it's White and in the room! It's hard to tell that I painted it. I should have done the before and after outside. It was the same color as my shed when it was done but against the blue/white walls it doesn't look so white. Oh well, that's photography for you!!!

And yes, I am aware that I put a "white" down comforter in a childs room. How long I will be able to keep it this way??? Only time will tell. Hey, I'm a risk taker!! Hee. Hee.

Luggage

International Flights vs. In China Flight

Well, at first, my luggage was going to be what the International Airline said was allowable. Then I began to find out through some research that if I have to take an In-China flight, the restrictions were harsher. So, my numbers will be for the In-China flight. Since I am not going COO, I better do some weeding out. Even worse, how do you MAKE your best friend, whose traveling with you, pack light!!!


Luggage in China (Per ticketed customer):

1 checked bag weighing 44 pounds less. (9" x 14" x 22")
1 carry-on bag
1 personal item: purse or briefcase

$130-$200 per bag that is over the limit! Remember, if your child has an airline ticket, they will also get a luggage allowance so that will work out for souvenirs and stuff.

Luggage Tips

1. Don’t put important stuff in your luggage… cash, important documents, medication, jewelry, cameras and breakables should be placed in your carry-on. As well as one change of clothes.

2. Place the appropriate identification tags on all your bags & inside your luggage and a copy of your itinerary. Use your work address and phone.

3. Remove all straps, hooks, and things protruding from the luggage that could get caught in the luggage conveying system at the airport.

4. When making reservations, avoid changing airlines so that luggage is handled by the same airline from start to finish.

5. Arrive Early.

6. Make sure that your airline check-in agent puts the proper destination code on your luggage tags. Be sure it is your final destination in China and not the connecting destination.

7. Don’t over pack! Plan to bring no more than 4 days worth of clothing, budget to use the hotel laundry services.

AND NO PIRATE...YOU CANNOT COME!!! (Sorry Baby)

Prissy Poofs

You just have to LOVE this site!!!

Squat Potty

Okay, I am back to my "information" type posts again. Real life is boring and nothing to post. So, I am trying to organize all of my info and trying to post. (This is my incentive to get-it-together). Anyway, I thought I would post on the Squat Potty. I am sure, by now, all of you know what one is. Below is part of a post from someone on one of my yahoo groups and I thought it was just the funniest thing ever!...

"Squat toilets really aren't that bad ... the worst ones would be at really touristy places (like the Great Wall) ... that said, I'd go "squatty" over a western toilet any day ... some of the western ones I saw in China were WAY grosser than a squatty ... most families I know who have been to China, agree.

Practice doing the "squatty" in the shower ... pull your panties down past your knees, then using your hands pull the entire fabric area forward, then squat down and let loose ... keep your feet placed a good shoulder width apart and balance with elbows/forearms on your thighs ... really, it's not that hard.

If it's a bit stinky, breathe thru your mouth."

Yeah, I'm gonna run right home and practice!! Right! But there is a small part of me that says maybe I should practice. LOL.

Bottles in China

What to take:

Playtex bottles are easy & disposables convenient.

Take extra nipples, though, since you'll probably have to cut them (your baby will likely be used to having a bigger hole) and you may mess up on some.

Some bring rubbermaid type shoe box to use as a washbin, rubber gloves because the water that you use to wash bottles with is boiling hot, a bottle brush and a nipple brush. This really made washing bottles very easy. When they were packing the rubbermaid box, they stuffed it with snacks, this way the snacks wouldn’t get crushed and all the way home you can put some fragile souvenirs in it so they don’t get crunched. Obviously not necessary but can come in handy.

Formula:

Consider buying the Chinese brand formula once you are over there. It has been said that if you switch right away, they may get constipated from the new formula.

Some Most people buy enough formula in China to last through their stay there and for at least two weeks after return home. That way, you can gradually mix in the new formula brand (whether soy or not) little by little so it isn't such a drastic change for a little one who is already experiencing so many events in his or her young life.

Formula is milk-based in China.

Many pediatricians recommend taking a milk based formula, such as Similac with Iron or Enfamil with Iron. Others recommend Lactofree (a milk with no lactose sugar, but also no soy protein), as many people of Asian descent have a lactose intolerance.

Lactofree seemed to be the closest in taste to the Chinese formulas used in most orphanages, but the milk based formulas were tolerated just as well.

The soy formula can sometimes constipate the children, and many have already been on a milk based formula.

To ease the transition to US baby formulas, some people mix the formula in a lesser strength for a few days. This avoids some problems with constipation and stomach aches.

On the go:

Prefill the liners with formula and band. Buy some of the child-sized rubberbands that they sell for ponytails. That is a really easy way to rubber band the liner.

Fill a thermos with boiling water and bring along bottled water.

I hear that you have to put a little bit of cold bottled water in the liner first, then add the boiling water, so that the liners don't melt.

Not taking the bottle:

Just because your daughter doesn't take a bottle for the first several days, don't assume she won't!

Flow: Maybe the flow is too slow, so enlarge the nipple holes. You can use chopsticks or a nail clipper.

Temperature: Some babies need “to have her formula HOT - not tepid, not warm, but HOT - burn your tongue HOT, too HOT for my hands HOT ... HOT HOT HOT .... and even after we came home, I had to have the director of our daycare make her bottles special, using the hot water out of the bubble (you know the side you use to make tea) because she would NOT drink formula unless it was HOT.”

Consistency: A lot of babies are fed formula mixed with rice cereal so the contents is very thick.

Amounts: One mom said her daughter was 9 months at adoption a she was getting 4 bottles a day. 32-48 ounces of formula a day in China

Some say that the bottle feeding has been indispensable for the attachment process.

Other Foods: Some useful foods for children more than six months old include Cheerios, Kix, goldfish crackers, graham crackers, fruit bars, and other finger foods. Jar foods should probably not be taken abroad due to the increased risk of breakage in your suitcase. Most children will be able to eat limited food from the table if cut up into very tiny pieces, so as to avoid the risk of choking.

This is just some info I found useful, maybe you will too.

Yippee!!