Housekeeping Tips

Some of you have asked for information about our adoption agency and the whole process. I know that we've talked in person, but I thought that this might be a good forum too. AGENCY: First of all, we had a VERY postive experience. This is largely due to our agency, Adoption Choices of Colorado. They are an adoption agency that specializes in placing infants. They have an adoption attorney affiliated with the agency and their location outside of Denver means that the paperwork is filed much more quickly. Their Web site is http://www.adoptionchoices.org/ TIMEFRAME: The whole process took about twelve months. We met with the adoption agency in August of 2005, completed our paperwork in November, were matched with a birth mom in May, and Ethan was born in July of 2006. BIRTHMOTHER: His birthmother is NOT a drugged out high school dropout teenager. She is a hardworking fun loving professional who got into a situation. We tell Ethan all of the time that she loved him and wanted to make sure that he had the best life possible. BONDING: Well, our previous posts probably cover that one--even nauseatingly so. We love, love, love, love, love him. ___________________________ Some of you are also expecting!!! I have some unsolicited information. Recommended reading: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child is a book that worked miracles for us. Ethan now sleeps from 7:30 - 6:30 with only one feeding throughout the night. He is also a very good napper thanks to this book. Big thanks to Catherine (super mom of twins) for recommending it. Recommended clothing: Long sleeve side snap tee shirts that have pockets that fold over the hands. Ethan was born with very long finger nails and kept scratching his face. Mittens didn't work because they kept falling off. Also the side snap tees worked well with his healing belly button. Misc. items: Pre-mixed formula and disposable nipples are great to have when on the go. Bundle Me brand cold weather gear (kudos to Amy/Marlou for this one). Swaddle Me brand fleece swaddling blankets. Play mat, bouncy seat, and a swing that adjusts two ways. Mirror for the car - helpful to see the baby in his rear facing car seat. I recommend the one that has lights, music, and a remote control. (Compliments of Marlou) Screen to block the sunshine for the rear windshield. (Got this great product from Lisa) Aveeno Baby Sunscreen, which is recommended by our pediatrician. High chair that straps onto a regular dining room chair and that adjusts from infant to toddler. (Thanks to Sherry for the idea!) Musical mobile for the crib. Ethan LOVES his mobile. Baby washclothes (placing a warm damp cloth on the baby's chest while bathing, which prevents him from getting cold.) You can get a lot of these items at garage sales and at secondhand kids stores. Also, the baby departments at Burlington Coat Factory and Ross are pretty good. Hope this info. helps. I remember how overwhelming it was. gotto go...it's bath time.