Forever in our ARMS on March 31, 2008

Forever in our ARMS on March 31, 2008
Life is really going to be interesting now.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Our To Do List Before our Baby Girl is Home!!!!!!!!!!!

(Those in Blue Are Done)
I'm sure this list will continue to grow.


  1. Finish the Paperchase YEAH!!!!!!
  2. Print out and put at every phone "The Referral Call" questionnaire
  3. Child Proof our House
  4. Continue to shop for "Princess Gracie" This is an ongoing thing, It wont ever end.
  5. Continue to gather fabric for her "100 Good Wishes Quilt" Have Quilt put together
  6. Buy things for the orphanage (my mom just bought 5 very cute outfits for this)
  7. Decide on theme for her room
  8. Paint, Decorate, and Supply her room
  9. Learn Chinese
  10. Learn the lullaby "Mama Hao" ("Mama is the Best" in all the world)
  11. Prepare a Care Package to send to Gracie (if possible) after referral, make sure to include Family Album and Disposable Camera
  12. Order Adoption Magazine
  13. Design/Find/Order Adoption Announcements
  14. Decide on a Pediatrician, Dr. Bruce Etheridge, he is so sweet, in case you're looking for one
  15. Find a babysitter/caregiver and a backup when I'm at work (3 days a week)
  16. Continue to read about International Adoption
  17. Once we get a referral, track down and buy copies of local/international newspaper
  18. Prepare a list of questions for caregiver or foster mom
  19. Join and get involved with local FCC
  20. Stock up on diapers and wipes - Wont Be Needing These
  21. Get in shape. Loose 20 lbs. Start carrying 15 (BETTER MAKE THAT 20 NOW) lbs weights
  22. Start a Journal
  23. Build a website for everyone to follow
  24. Start a lifebook for Gracie
  25. Learn how to use camera and video camera BEFORE leaving, Mama got us a new one for Christmas
  26. Research, choose, and buy a car seat, learn how to use it
  27. Research, chose, and buy a stroller, LEARN how to use it (the first time I took little man to the mall, I seriously could not close the thing. Good thing I was in the Explorer or his mommy would have had to come resue us!!!! They have changed since mine were little.
  28. Buy an EXTRA special outfit for her to wear home
  29. After Referral, Research Graices province
  30. Research post-adoption tasks (birth certificate, re-adoption, SS card, child's new passport
  31. Join adoption networks (I am on 13 Yahoo Groups-lost count now )
  32. Address baby announcements before leaving
  33. Make a list of everything we need for Gracie!.
  34. Register at Babies R Us, Target and Amazon for her books
  35. Get a Rocking chair (leather recliner) for front room and a Glider Rocker for her room
  36. Take a Vacation with DH before Gracie comes home.
  37. Practice reposnses to Dumb Questions "Is she your Real daugher?" I hope I never have to deal with this.
  38. Choose Godparents/Guardians
  39. Start a list of what gifts to take to China (officials, caregivers, etc)
  40. Put a stop on mail and newspaper
  41. Make sure we have lots of crisp bills (This is Aunt Erins:) Job)
  42. Take a seminar in Adoptive Parenting
  43. Set up appointment with Dr. Etheridge/Dr Boatwright for a few days after return
  44. Send out Thank You's
  45. Make a list of what gifts to bring back (Tea Set for Gracie)
  46. Start a packing list (make sure have enough of meds)
  47. Start / Finish packing for us and Gracie
  48. Make arrangements for bills to be paid (online)
  49. Make sure house is spotless before leaving.
  50. Service Car before leaving
  51. Make arrangements for food to be in house upon returning

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9 mths 3 wks 3 days from LID to Referral

4 mths 2 wks 2 days from MCC to Referral

Timeline from signing the application to Gotcha Day!!!!