[LindaBel]

Good luck on your trip. And dont forget to bring something to keep a journal. We wrote so much down during those long flights.

Our son was about the same age when he came home, and they were still giving him formula at the orphanage. Our facilitator got the details from their staff and took me the store so we could get the same stuff they were givng him - we figured that with all the changes going on for him if we could keep even little things like formula the same why not? He was on a soy formula as his history said he had a milk allergy. As soon our pediatrician saw him here he had us take him off formula and on to more "regular" food. Turns out he has no milk allergy.

We were there in the summer so we didnt have to pack any real heavy clothes. For court I just took black slacks and a dark blouse - in a fabric that travels well - no room for an iron. All our hotels had them (and hairdryers too).

We brought along a couple of bottles and a couple of sippy cups and ended up using mostly cups. The shoes we brough didnt fit so the orphanage let him wear his old ones and we left the new ones there. We went through 1 or 2 outfits a day (depending on how lively mealtimes were). I packed way too many diapers but was totally paranoid about running out and being unable to find more. Don't forget ziploc bags too. An inexpensive umbrella stroller is great when navigating airport terminals.

For the trip home, I strongly recommend paying for a seat for your child, even if she's young enough (under 2 years I think is the limit) not to have to have her own. You can never count on empty seats on international flights and even if you end up holding her or walking around the plane a lot you'll appreciate the extra room.

Even though you're going crazy now make sure you savor every minute of that trip - it's over before you know it. But I still remember it like it was yesterday.