[IowaGirl515]

Hi all! Well it OFFICIAL! We ARE Starting MAPP classes on February 9, sooner if any classes open up. Our checks came back clean (which I knew they would but I'm a worry wort anyways!) She actually said she was surprised how fast they came back because of the holidays!!

I talked over some of my concerns with my DHS contact person and she put me at ease. :-) I told her I was really concerned about being self employed and having our incomes verified since we've only been doing what we're doing for about six months. However, both of the parties we contract work for are willing to write letters about our income and job security. She was really impressed that I've already put so much thought into the overall process. I told her I'm so ready to be a mom and didn't want anything to slow things down!

Reminding myself to breathe... LOL

NOW the most important question.. because we want to take infants and toddlers, should we start to pick stuff up? We don't really have anything baby wise since we're childless, but I didin't know if it would be jumping the gun if I started watching ads for cribs and the like. Any opinioins??!??

[chrisandlainey]

congrats iowa girl,
i can tell you are very excited
i was in the same situation as you are... my husband and i dont have any children, so we needed to start getting "baby things". luckily we have a lot of friends and family who gave us alot. my advice to you is to start now. then it wont be so overwhelming when you get the call. we have our first placement now, an 18 month old boy.
we got a crib and bedding from my sister in law, lots of baby clothes from friends, toys, you might want to get some sippy cups or bottles, bibs, some first aide things (baby tylenol, baby orajel, thermometer, tearless shampoo teethers, pacifier, baby toothpaste and finger brush), diapers, wipes, highchair or booster seat, car seat, playpens are great, too.
i was racking my brain to think of all the things we would need. its hard to start this, when you dont have children already! ask your friends, family, neighbors.. you would be shocked at how much everyone wants to help out! my husband and i are so touched by everyones generosity. i know our caseworker wanted (and was happy) to see that we had these things. we also had the baby's room all ready to go. so when they called us, we were ready to say yes.
if you have any other questions.. just let me know. i would be happy to help you if i can.
lainey

[bjhv]

Hello iowagirl!,
We start our MAPP classes saturday! I know your excitement.We did not have to have the background check doen first but I wish it was over with.I too am a worry wort! .
We have started getting things together.We had some things already ( we have children from previous marriage and have ttc for 6 years with know luck)some are things we we picked up when we started ttcing.
It is so exciting to buy all these things knowing that there will be a baby in the long run.
I wish you the best of luck. How long are your MAPP classes? Ours are 3 sats. in a row 8 hour classes.
I cant wait until you get your first placement.
I agree that you should get everything you can now and in pleny of different sizes.Check out yard sales for things like play yards,toys,even clothes.You can find great deals and things look new.

Good Luck Deb

[lilyiniowa]

I agree to pick things up here and there. I did and I will admit that I have lots of stuff that I haven't used/don't need with my current placement BUT I also know that I spent lots less having the excess than to have to buy in a hurry. Congrats and Good luck.

[DiamondzR]

Hey hun My husband and I are just finishing our Iowa PSMAPP class. We have one more to go. This has been a long process for us and then last night we were completely stunned at the behavior of the moderator for the class. Our classes are 10 weeks long 3 hours a night. Tomorrow I am calling my local DHS office and asking for a new home study person. Last night the lady who does our home study and also the moderator in the classroom asked both my children some financial questions. Now correct me if I am wrong but is our financial business anything we should be discussing with our children? We have 5 teenagers with 2 still left in the home and we are not ready for empty nest. My children do not know what our financial situation is and in my humble opinion do not need to know. Then the bombshell hit: She began to tell my 17 year old that she has probably done alot of things that were inappropriate based on the way she was dressed. OMG I am sorry but my daughter was wearing a black tshirt with some jeans and was wearing makeup. She was not gothic style and her clothes are in good shape. Based on what she wore.... sheesh.
We have lost quite a few from our PS MAPP class which really surprised me. We had a very educated group of people with a wide variety of backgrounds and current occupations from teachers to UPS driver to even a Child Protective Services Worker. Something is wrong with this class. I have so much more to say Hopefully you dont live in western Iowa and dont have to live our nighmarish experience with PS MAPP training.

[IowaGirl515]

Originally Posted by DiamondzR

Hey hun My husband and I are just finishing our Iowa PSMAPP class. We have one more to go. This has been a long process for us and then last night we were completely stunned at the behavior of the moderator for the class. Our classes are 10 weeks long 3 hours a night. Tomorrow I am calling my local DHS office and asking for a new home study person. Last night the lady who does our home study and also the moderator in the classroom asked both my children some financial questions. Now correct me if I am wrong but is our financial business anything we should be discussing with our children? We have 5 teenagers with 2 still left in the home and we are not ready for empty nest. My children do not know what our financial situation is and in my humble opinion do not need to know. Then the bombshell hit: She began to tell my 17 year old that she has probably done alot of things that were inappropriate based on the way she was dressed. OMG I am sorry but my daughter was wearing a black tshirt with some jeans and was wearing makeup. She was not gothic style and her clothes are in good shape. Based on what she wore.... sheesh.
We have lost quite a few from our PS MAPP class which really surprised me. We had a very educated group of people with a wide variety of backgrounds and current occupations from teachers to UPS driver to even a Child Protective Services Worker. Something is wrong with this class. I have so much more to say Hopefully you dont live in western Iowa and dont have to live our nighmarish experience with PS MAPP training.

That's absolutely NUTS!! I would definitely be speaking to her supervisor... that's WAY WAY WAY out of line!

[Kay-Ray1]

I agree it's never to eary to start! We have two kids close to the age we will be fostering so we have tons or toys. While in PATH class with got a bed and dresser (don't forget a matress cover for accidents). I think we have it all. By the way you will need smoke alarms, fire estinguisters (sp?), a locked medicine cabinet and your house will need to be baby-proofed for your homestudy.

[IowaGirl515]

Originally Posted by Kay-Ray1

I agree it's never to eary to start! We have two kids close to the age we will be fostering so we have tons or toys. While in PATH class with got a bed and dresser (don't forget a matress cover for accidents). I think we have it all. By the way you will need smoke alarms, fire estinguisters (sp?), a locked medicine cabinet and your house will need to be baby-proofed for your homestudy.

We are already starting on that. Our knives were in a lower drawer and have been moved out of reach... our chemicals were below the sink and we're moving them to a high shelf in the closet that will have a high latch on it, etc. I'm so excited I am using the time to prepare! LOL