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While You Are Waiting
An Excerpt From Adopting a Toddler: What Size Shoes Does She Wear?
By Denise Harris Hoppenhauer
You thought you were through with the paperwork. Now is a good time to gather the documents needed for your child's Social Security card. Find out what is needed to obtain your child's passport, the requirements for re-adoption, state subsidies or grants or tax information. Complete any paperwork that you can in advance, including insurance and medical forms.
Keeping Busy
Nothing makes me feel better than shopping. Shop for your new arrival, and make the purchases necessary to begin life as a family. Complete a gift registry, purchase gifts and donations for your trip or do your Christmas shopping early. The following will also help keep you busy. (You didn't know you had so much work to do, did you?):
- Begin a lifebook.
- Childproof your house.
- Clean the house.
- Complete your nursery.
- Finish a project.
- Get immunizations.
- Have the carpets cleaned.
- Have the house painted.
- Keep a diary.
- Learn about children's toys.
- Learn to change a diaper.
- Make a list of questions to ask your child's caregiver.
- Pick adoption announcements.
- Plan the christening.
- Plant flowers, bulbs or gardens.
- Renovate/redecorate your bathroom.
- Research children's services.
- Select a pediatrician.
- Select godparents.
- Stock your pantry.
- Write your will.