[smash_effect]

The birth mom just let me know that she chose me and my husband!! We had met her twice and it's been awhile since we heard from her but we had met her when she was pretty early on.

She's due Sept 10th with a BOY. Oh my goodness! I'm still shaking even though we heard hours ago!!

I'm so excited and scared and nervous and overwhelmed. Is that normal?? Question...did you adoptive moms out there go buy anything for the baby or did you wait in case she changed her mind??

Thanks!

[HappyHopefulMommy]

Ashley - Congratulations!! Yes it is normal to be scared, nervous and overwhelmed. I think buying stuff and preparing for baby is totally a personal thing and what you are comfortable with. We had a failed match over a year ago. We were selected by emom when she was 16 weeks. We emailed and talked the whole pregnancy until 37 weeks when she all of a sudden stopped returnig calls and emails. So we were suspecting something was up. In the end she chose to parent after giving birth. But I had a nursery 100% ready and had had a baby shower. I am just a very prepared person and felt like so much of adoption is out of my control. So I felt like that was one thing I could do and could control. I am not sorry I was ready, it is just me, but is was hard to have this nursery all set up - it took about 2 months before I could take it down. But I am glad I took the crib down and packed everything away because we still haven't been placed. Good luck and just do what you are confortable with.

[babycav]

First of all congratulations! 2nd-- looked at your blog and it reminds me of me and my hubby and our Great Dane kids--- They were and will always be our babies! Your dogs are gorgeous-- what fun your little boy will have with "his doggies"--

I actually had about the same time from match to due date--I spent a lot of time on the phone w/ C's birthmom and she and I grew pretty close- almost like a sisterly type bond--As far as buying stuff--I had stuff stashed away forever.... 4 iuis/4 ivfs later-- you know the nightmare-- anyway I bought a few things, being pretty cautious, my husband gave me some cute Ralph Lauren layette newborn items for Christmas which I thought was sweet--Then all of the sudden Coleston was born and I had NOTHING!! My bf who is also Coleston's Godmother made a mad dash to babies r us for a bunch of stuff-- To be honest, you don't really need that much in the beginning-- and the hospital will give you a ton of formula, wipes, diapers etc--- They knew we were from out of town and were staying in a hotel for about a week w/ a newborn so I think they were extra gracious-- Sorry I'm just rambling....just so excited for you! One of my good friends was just matched as well and went to FL this weekend to meet the family--Please pm me if you have any questions, concerns or just need a shoulder--- Again Congrats!! Little boys are tooooooo sweet and LOVE their Mommas

All of my friends had a shower for us after we got home w/ Coleston-- It was great b/c they were able to meet him and ooh and ahh over him too!!

[tanmansmom]

We learned of TJ in May and he was due Sept. 6 (he came on 8/29). We totally prepared for his arrival. Ours was private, so if she decided to parent, we hadn't signed with an agency, so we probably wouldn't have ever gotten another chance for an infant. But, we took our chances. Adoption is all about faith. I say go for it and enjoy the time. Just tuck it in the back of your brain that this one may not work out. But, if you are with an agency, it will happen with the right baby. I COMPLETELY LOVED shopping for this unborn baby. I didn't let the "what if's" take that away from me. Trust me, there will be plenty of stressers so enjoy what you can.

[Fran27]

Congrats!

I shopped as soon as our homestudy was approved. I totally underestimated how many clothes we would need but otherwise I was fully ready when we got the call (although for us it was two so we had to buy more). I bought unisex clothing so it would work for either gender.

It is easier to shop when you know you're shopping for 'a' baby though. I know when I started shopping for my twins (they were already born but it still took 3 weeks for the TPR to be signed) I was careful to keep the receipts and only washed what I needed at the last minute... just in case. But it was gender-specific stuff so it's usually more tricky.

I would say though... go ahead if you want to. It's a great time. If you're really worried, you can just buy the main stuff in neutral colors (bedding, car seat etc), and there's lots of cute unisex clothing available for newborns too. I'll tell you, my two looked really cute in yellow and I used all that unisex clothing I bought beforehand on either at some point.

Keep us posted!

[kelceesmom]

Congratulations! What an exciting time. We were already prepared for a girl as we had a failed placement several months before. We were kind of hoping for a girl since we had all the clothes for one but really didn't care. As it turned out we matched again and knew we were having a girl. We still went out and bought more girly stuff tho. I just couldn't help myself.

[devildogwife]

Congrats, little boys are wonderful!

[Adopted-B-4]

Congratulations!!! Perfectly normal to be excited and nervous. Buying things for the new arrival is up to you. I personally went a little nuttier buying things for my twins than I should have and then they got tons of things at showers, so half never got worn! Also, now with our daughter, sort of the same thing but we have a failed placement of a little girl in August before our daughter was born in December, so that is part of the reason. Also, she was preemie (like our twins) and we had to run out and buy some preemie clothes to fit her and they were still quite big on her! I think buying a few things helps to get you ready and excited and nesting, so go for it. I would keep all receipts though, just in case you get lots of other things from friends and family or in case, her winds up being bigger or smaller than you think. Good luck and I am so excited for you!!

[smash_effect]

Thanks everyone! The shock has worn off a tiny bit. We're soooo excited and feel extremely blessed. This is a crazy journey!

[SupaModel]

Congrats!!!! So excited for you. I know the feelings you are having. I bought unisex stuff just in case and i really didnt go overboard. Just a few boy things because secretly i was wishing for a boy.

God gave me everything I ever wanted!!

[aallen25]

Congratulations to you and your husband!! How exciting!!

When we found out Shiloh's birthmother was having a girl I tried not to buy anything but all I ever wanted was a daughter so I couldn't help myself!

[Gwen72]

Congratulations Ashley! I'm very happy for you and your DH. Good Luck while you wait!