[fromthe treetop]

Hello All,
I need some help. My sister-in-law/business partner and her husband are receiving 2 foster babies tomorrow. This is an interstate fosterhood. The babies are coming from Texas to Tennessee. The birth parents of the babies have signed over all rights. These babies will be adoped. My question is, can anyone give me any advice on planning a shower for them. I don't want to wait 6 months untiil the actual adoption goes through. They'll be big by then and they need things NOW. I'm looking for ideas as far as invitations. What do I put on an invitation? Are there any cute themes you guys have run across?

Thank You for any help...

[Roon63]

If the kids are older and understand opening presents.
Just do a party!!! Have the kids come!
Have it at McDonalds or Chuckie Cheese!
Whatever they want to do the rooms in...use as a theme.
They need things now, and having other kids thier ages is a welcome break to new parents. They can play, and parents can talk to adults.
If they are babies...then just do what you would do if she birthed them. Go for it!

You are gonna spoil these kidlets! Great!

[Elissa1111]

Hi there! First let me say how blessed these kids and your SIL is to have you. I can only imagine how welcome and loved they will feel. You said 2 BABIES correct? I have always liked the "open house" idea. It can be family and friends just coming over to welcome the new additions to the family very informal BBQ type of event. In the invite make sure to put the ages of the babies so people know what ages to buy for. If you are going for the more traditional baby shower you may want to put in the invite that it is to welcome(babies names) to their new home. You might ask your SIL if she wants to register or she might due that if they have an adoption party. One final thing to think about if they are babies the adjustment will be big but shouldn't take too long, I see no problem with them being around a bunch of people. If they are older the adjustment might be hard at first and you wouldn't want to throw everything at them at once this is fo course if you include the babies in the event. Also ask your SIL what she had in mind, if she has waited a long time to be a mom she may have an ideal way to welcome her new babies. Some foster/adopt parents don't want traditional showers and things until they know for sure that the kids are staying forever.

Hope I've helped
Elissa

[roxanna425]

i'd wait until everyone is used to each other, like a month to have a party. I'd also stay in close touch with her and offer any help with errands or housekeeping. a gift certificate for a housecleaning service and a gift certificate for a night of baby sitting is always appreciated, or one of those gourmet pre-prepared meal services where they deliver is nice too. the family is adjusting and getting to know one another .... maybe a card would be nice and then have a party once they are settled in.

[fromthe treetop]

Yes, I did say 2 babies, they are twins.
I'm with my SIL everyday, so staying close by isn't a problem. She basically helped me raise my little one. We own a business together. So you guys feel that we should have it at HER house right. I was thinking that we could do it at mine so that she wouldn't have to worry about the cleaning and prep work. The open house kind of thing is what we call a "Tea". We invite everyone to come in between certain hours. Usually, they all come at once anyway. I'll have her register for things she needs. I probably should wait until after the holidays. That will give them time to settle in a little. Let me know if you have any suggestions for wording invitations. I'll look online..

Thanks for your help.
Aimee

[ChgoFAMom]

For my foster adoption shower my girlfriend had a sit-down luncheon for me a few months before the adoption was finalized............and I too did a registry! Helped a lot!!!!!!!!

Target
ToysRUs

GREAT!