Mostly the same rumors
A few more agencies are saying the cut off is the 20th. But, all but one of those agencies have LID’s of the 20th. Which may just mean that they know how far things are going for their own families. Or, it may means it’s the cut-off. Going by past experience, it could go either way.
Two agencies are telling their 21st families that they “think” they are in this batch.
As of now I’m at an R4 that matching is completed. But there is no statement of whether they have been signed or mailed.
And, I’m still at an R2 on the cut off date. It seems likely at this point that they have made it at least until the 20th, but I don’t believe we can be sure of the actual cut off just yet.
Update: An R4 that they’ve made it to least the 20th.
——-
Now, for some discussion about next week. Assuming my work week doesn’t go completely crazy, I’ll be around during the day. But, the way our family schedule is working out next week, I doubt I’ll be online from home any at all. Normally I wake up early enough that I can spend 20 to 30 minutes on the computer before I leave for work, but next week I’ve got to be out of the house over an hour earlier than normal, and morning computer time just isn’t going to happen. I probably won’t be getting home until late, and since I’m waking up earlier, I’m guessing I’ll go home and get the girls in bed (also late) and then drop into bed myself.
However, once that calms down and we’ve had the Babies! post and the Projections and a When discussion, I’m thinking we’ll do a series next month on baby gear. A thread each day on a different item, talking about what we look for when choosing one, along with letting people say what they used and what they liked and disliked about it. We can have a thread on high chairs and booster seats, strollers, pack & plays, carseats, baby carriers, and.. what else? If there is anything else you’d like us to discuss, let me know in the comments here and if there is enough interest I can add that in as I plan out those posts.
June 18th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I would love to hear recommendations about Cribs too, if there is room for that. ;o)
June 18th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Feeling a little dizzy here (but a good dizzy).
What great timing for the next discussion. Can we add “toys” to the mix too? My DD#1 is 6 so my head hasn’t been into baby and toddler toys for a few years now and since we’re NEXT – I could use some tips on what’s the latest.
Till then, I’ll just be sitting here……waiting……..for the…….phone to rinnnnnnnnnnnggggg.
:)
June 18th, 2009 at 9:55 am
We can do cribs, but don’t most people choose a crib based on the furniture style they want? I mean, cribs all pretty much have the same features, they don’t “do” anything. The base is adjustable for the depth, and the side goes up and down, but I think the mechanisms are all pretty much the same. The distance of the slats and all of that is mandated, so one crib is pretty much the same as the next, it’s more of a decision about what style of furniture you’re looking for, from what I remember.
———–
Toys – yeah, we can maybe do favorite toys for different age groups? That would be after we do the baby gear though, I think. A different series.
June 18th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I am thrilled you are going to do the discussion on cribs, car seats, etc.! With a LID of 3/24/06 I am overwhelmed with all of the choices out there and not really sure what is the most liked of each. This couldn’t be coming at a more perfect time! Thanks, RQ!
Molly
3/24/06
http://www.allisonpina.com
June 18th, 2009 at 10:11 am
With an LID of 3/21/06 I admit to being a little bummed at the prospect of not getting in this month but if I don’t make it in, I’ll be here every day checking in. I think that the threads you propose would be helpful particularly because bringing home a year old baby poses its own unique challenges in purchasing baby equipment/supplies. Some of the baby equipment out there really doesn’t help 1 year olds or would so short lived as to be an unwise investment. I’d love to see a thread with the “must haves” vs “frivolous” in regards to purchases for our babies.
June 18th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Our LID is late May 2006 – so likely a 2010 referral….and our crib is a 2005 consumer report “best buy”.
So by the time we use it, it will have been sold five years prior! I hope it’s still safe ;-)
June 18th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Great idea and perfect timing. I’m on furlough the week before the 4th of July and since I have no money to spend, I thought I would go ahead and register… it’s like shopping without spending any money!
Particularly interested in car seat, stroller, and toys.
June 18th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Not exactly “baby gear”, but for those of us who are getting very close to their referral (we’re 3/22/06!), could we discuss things we should be packing/bringing along with us to China? What have people experienced? What kinds of formulas (powder? already made?)? Diapers… how many should we bring? What kinds of foods did your babies (those of you who have already adopted) like? How much clothing did you pack for yourselves and for your little ones? Traveller’s tips, so to speak. Or is there a section that covers this on the site that I may have missed?
Thanks!
June 18th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Bouncy seats/swings/play tables — when my son was a baby the only way I could shower was to put him in a bouncy seat, but that was 11 years ago and I’m curious what’s out there now. Also love the frivolous vs. essential idea — I have my own thoughts on that but would especially like to hear what you consider must-take-to-China and what can stay home or be skipped entirely. For example, I was planning just to stick a changing pad into a backpack rather than buy another diaper bag, but read somewhere about filthy changing areas and so now think trash bags to spread out would be better than a nice pad. Yes/no?
June 18th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Oh, the “what to take to China” thing is a whole different matter. As for changing pads, we used towels in the hotel room with GG, but with TT I knew what I was doing and just changed her on the bed and didn’t bother with the towels unless it was a really messy diaper. For changing diapers when you are out, take maybe a half a dozen to a dozen disposable changing pads with you, that you can throw away after using.
June 18th, 2009 at 11:57 am
How about eating equipment? Sippy cups, what to do in a restaurant (eat off the table? stick on (suction cup) bowl? has anyone ever found a stick on bowl that really sticks???), bibs, snack traps, utensils, booster seats, etc.
June 18th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
With the economic tough times, I am interested in the aquisition and disposal of baby gear. Are there any basic rules?
In addition to the “whats”, I am interested in when/where/how/why to 1) shop new, 2) buy used, 3) receive free, 4) swap, 5) pass on, 6) donate and 7) store (for later use) in order to save money, conserve resources, keep our children safe, and declutter.
June 18th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
AFAIK, the only major “don’t” for used items would be the car seat, because once they are in an accident they have to be replaced. Since you won’t know the history of the car seat, you shouldn’t get a used on. Also, they have a five year life before they have to be replaced (the plastic breaks down and the structural integrity is… yeah). Anyway, that means (in most cases) no saving the car seat for the next baby, and no getting one used, or even a hand-me-down.
For everything else, just look it up online and make sure there are no recalls. A friend offered me a pack-n-play and when I looked it up, it had been recalled and a few babies had actually died because of the design flaw. Needless to say, I declined the offer.
You’ll also want to give anything used a thorough inspection to make sure nothing is damaged, all parts are working as they should, and there are no safety issues. You know, make sure the wheels aren’t wobbly on the stroller, make sure the high chair latches good and there are no sharp points where there shouldn’t be, etc.
We stored the crib, our favorite stroller, our pack-n-play, the portable crib, cloth diapers, and a bunch of clothes. Oh, and a few of the larger and the more expensive toys. As soon as TT has outgrown things though, I’ve gotten rid of them, since we don’t plan to add to our family anymore.
June 18th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Potty training chairs/seats, toddler plastic placemats for restaurants, booster chairs vs. high chairs, tricycles, outdoor play toys like playhouses, sand tables, sand box, big playset, etc. Toddler beds vs twin beds vs trundles. What about bunk beds. Toddler/Child size tables – which are sturdy, which are good at clean up, which don’t show average wear and tear as badly….Playroom/Bedroom organization for toys, clothes, etc. Best places to purchase that or places to get ideas to imitate. ;)
Boucy seats are great, as are baby swings, and such, but it seems that a great majority of us will NOT have a baby young enough to use one. Or IF they are really young (6-7 months at placement) then they won’t use it very long at all. It’s the later stuff, the toddler year stuff that we never hear about from all the planning for baby places. KWIM?
Can we talk about alternatives to things like a baby swing, or a bouncy seat…especially when talking about that as a place to put baby while you grab a quick shower? ;) Ideas for that?
BABY monitors!!!! Baby gates. House safety things – including things like fire detectors, escape ladders for 2nd story, etc. ;)
June 18th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Another vote for “Useless Things I Wish I Hadn’t Purchased So Learn From My Mistake And Save Yourself The Money.”
And along with car seats, the other thing I wouldn’t buy used (or at least not from someone I don’t know) would be a crib mattress. You just never know if it’s sanitary.
June 18th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Noendinsight: You really need to check to make sure your crib is still safe. Our crib was a 2004 CR best buy, and it was recalled last year (or two years ago). It was a Delta Luv Jenny Lind crib. They issued a free kit to make it safe.
June 18th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
thanks klem – i will. unfortuantely i have plenty of time!
June 18th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
In addition to the car seat, the other item that I would not buy used (and would also not re-use) is the crib mattress. There are some concerns that previously used mattresses could have some connection to SIDS.
June 18th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Can we have a thread on effective stress medication I can give to my wife? She keeps on pretend (kinda) choking me. Us husbands are used to being a “necessary annoyance” on a good day, but this adoption process has taken the tension level to an all new high.
But seriously, we’re not pill poppers, but we were thinking about taking something for the plane ride. What do people usually take to be able to sleep on the plane? Besides scotch, of course.
Big D
3/21 (in or not in, that is the question)
June 18th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I wouldn’t use a used mattress, either. Diaper leakages happen, and I’d just as soon start with a clean one, thank-you-very-much.
The car seat isn’t quite so intuitive, though. I mean, most people, if offered a free Britax car seat would probably think it was a cool deal. Wash the fabric parts and wipe down the other parts and they would think it was good. So, I do try to point out that used car seats aren’t recommended, and why.
——–
BigDaddy, when I’m stressed RK gives me a massage, which usually leads to other stress relieving activities. No drugs needed.
They tend to frown on that kind of thing on commercial airplanes, though, so I can’t help you there.
June 18th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Hi all
I am normally a lurker but wanted to share a great tool. There are 2 books called Baby Bargains and Toddler Bargains it’s kind of a consumer reports with the reviews written by parents. It’s also multiple items so if you see a crib you like you can look it up in the book and it tells you pros and cons.
I LOVED it for my first child. Good luck….
June 18th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
RQ too funny and since I am most likely on the plane with Big Daddy and his wife they will need to find another stress relieving alternative!
ROFL!!!!
pw
LID
03/21/06
June 18th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
A massage. RK is a great husband.
Car seats are supposed to be replaced every 6 years. That’s according to the sign on the wall at the police department.
Kristine
June 18th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
In response to Big Daddy, ginger tea is quite helpful or other herb teas that work on stress. They are also quite tasty and no side effects. Besides, you can take it and not worry if you are in a public place or not. LID 03/21/06 & counting here we come!!!!
June 18th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Another vote for Baby Bargains and Toddler Bargains. We actually only had Baby Bargains and not the toddler book, but I wish we’d had both. The baby book was very helpful although it’s really targeted, understandably, toward parents of newborns; much of it was not relevant for us, even though our daughter was only 10 months at homecoming. I agree with jmsmommy98 that there really needs to be a source of advice and information for those of us whose “new baby,” I guess for the majority of China adoptive parents, is about a year old give or take a few months.
I honestly feel that there is so much to say about baby/toddler gear that we could do a separate thread for each major category — strollers, high chairs/booster seats, nursery furniture, diapers, car seats, etc. Especially strollers. I’m fixated on strollers like some people are fixated on cars.
BigDaddy, I got a prescription for Ambien for the plane ride. Then I chickened out and took only 1/2 a pill, which didn’t do much to help me sleep. I didn’t touch the stuff again until long, long after we were back home… my suggestion for an airplane sleep aid? Don’t sleep much the last day or two at home before you leave for China. You’ll have plenty to do to fill the time anyway…
June 18th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
LOL! I guess the “mile high” club is out of the question on the flight to Beijing. It will be more like the “mile high change the poop diaper during turbulence” club.
Big D
PS Not a big fan of the diaper changing but I’ve been told in no uncertain terms to “suck it up”. I saw my nephew getting a diaper change the other day and it was a bloodbath. I still wake up in a cold sweat. I don’t know what they’re feeding that kid.
June 18th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Big Daddy–I’ve taken a Benadryl on the plane before. It knocks me out and I’m too sleepy to be nervous ;). And it’s over the counter. And if you happen to have a round of enthusiastic sneezing due to hay fever, it helps with that too :). I’d give it a try before the trip, however, because it affects people differently.
June 18th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Yippeee!!!!! Bring on those babies!!!!!!
SOOOO looking forward to the baby gear topics next month! Wonderful idea!!!!
Hoping the 21st will be in there as well!
Hugs,
(Forever) Dreaming……..
http://www.faithhopeandlove-fhl.blogspot.com
June 19th, 2009 at 1:06 am
1. another big big big vote for benadryl as the ideal stress medication/sleep inducer/nose clearer. i was turned on to this by a nurse when i had to do some work in africa and just couldn’t get the sleep thing to happen when it was supposed to. take two on the plane on the way over and sleeeeeeeeep…. then stay up when you get to your destination until it’s a decent night time hour (8 or so) and then take two more. viola – you’re pretty much on the new schedule.
2. on where to put baby while you shower: try to shower while baby is napping. if that’s not working, put baby in a playpen/pack n play within sight of the shower. as soon as our daughter was old enough to stand for a decent period of time and start exploring, i took her in the shower with me. she’ll be 5 soon and shower time is still together time…..
June 19th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Hey
I’ve got the phonecall this morning with our referal!!!!! Out LID is 15/03/06
thought you’d like to know :-)
June 19th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Monique37,
My HEART just stopped! Are you in Europe or America?
Ahhh….it’s happening……….
03/15/06
http://www.atlastmilanascominhome.blogspot.com
June 19th, 2009 at 9:24 am
A lot of people do choose their cribs based on looks, but if you are concerned with safety, the book “Baby Bargains” is great for comparing different brands of all types of baby gear, including safety information…which ones are more sturdy, etc. I give this book to all of my friends who are becoming parents for the first time, and it is usually well-appreciated. I chose my crib (Pali brand) based on looks and then found a brand that Baby Bargains said was one of the safer ones, but less expensive than the $800.00 version that I originally fell in love with (fewer recalls, I think, was the safety criteria) and would hold up well, and found a similar style in one of the safer brands.
June 19th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
jmsmommy98, this is the table and chairs that we have: http://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-Avalon-Table-Chair-Set/dp/B0001XAHHM . We’ve been using it for 6 or 7 years…DD is 8 now, and it’s still a comfortable size for her. I think we’ll get several more years’ of use out of it. It’s very nice…it’s furniture, not a toy. Ours still looks like new.