View Single Post
  #14  
Old 07-20-2008, 03:54 PM
Bcelli's Avatar
Bcelli Bcelli is offline
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,289
Total Points: 20,637.63
Donate
OK, I may be in the minority here, but I think you are over-packing. The less you take with you, the less you have to tote all over the planet and with two young kids with whom you cannot communicate and who will be going through some tough transitions just trying to get home, the last thing you need to worry about is the weight and volume of your luggage. I would take one outfit per child/per day they are with you and say 4-5 onesies/bubble suits per child (emergencies and comfort). I would also take only 2-3 pajamas per child. One pair of shoes each and 4 pair of socks each. When we adopted our youngest, we were in country 19 days. He was with us for only 4 of them. Even if your kids are with you the whole time, you can wash and /or buy stuff there, which makes for great souvenirs. We also bought an umbrella stroller there and have since put it away for his child(ren). Take a couple of packs of diapers and buy extras there if you need them. They have everything you need, if not in your region, then in Moscow. I would put more focus on ensuring I had a few things for entertainment and snacks. Cheerios are always a good bet with most kids. Our son was 2.5 years old when we brought him home and ate everything in sight, UNTIL we got on the plane. Then he would eat nothing but butter. For 22 hours. (We didn't think about snacks for the plane.) Also, quiet activities for the plane, a stuffed animal, a picture book, etc. I would also talk to your pediatrician about Benedryl or some other medication you can give the kids if necessary to help them rest or relax. I was anti-meds for anything other than their intended purpose until our last trip home. Teething tablets also - if your kids are at that stage. You'll thank yourself if they need them.

But I do know where you are coming from about buying clothes in anticipation. It can be quite infectious. Mine are now 10 and 6.5 and I'm still thinning the herd as far as closets go.

Oh - and disperse their clothing between different bags with at least one complete outfit per child (footwear included) in your carry-ons. That way, if you get separated from some or all of your checked baggage, at least you have something with you. And the rubber pants are a great idea. Have a great trip.
Reply With Quote