[JeannineW]

I'm so excited and nervous. We are rapidly getting ready to go get our daughter. We have her bed ready and I sorted out dd's old clothes and found those that should be the right size. That is until I can get out shopping for new ones! I've even filled out an application for preschool for Fall and made her first pediatrician's appointment.

We got a new video of her on Saturday. I'm hopeful that she's being well prepared. In the video, she is looking at the photo album we sent and pointing to pictures and naming us. It was so wonderful to see her point to my picture and call me mama. I hope the transition isn't too traumatic for her (or us.)

I'm hoping that her foster mom will give us lots of information on her. I want to know what she likes besides chicken! What is her routine for bedtime? Does she have allergies? Is she potty trained? And every other important and unimportant thing the foster mom can tell me. Have most people gotten significant information on their child or do they just hand you your child and leave?

[csw]

Jeannine,
Our foster mom speaks no English and is on the shy side. Via an interpreter..I had to ask her,,she did not volunteer any info..that is how I found out she was taken off formula and was only getting applesauce and powdered milk. She told me what time of day she gets the applesauce..thats about it! I guess each foster mom is different..I would write down all your questions and I am sure they will get answered.
The photo album is a good idea, we also left one there when I saw Ana at 8 weeks old..hopefully someone is showing it to her.
I was hoping we would be out of PGN like you,,,but I know you are using a great agency! Have a great trip, don't worry, it will be fine..Cathy

[arbee]

Our little guy was about the same age as your daughter when we made the trip. We knew the time with the Foster Mom would be emotional, so we made a list of questions ahead of time. We also used a dictaphone that recored everything, because we just knew that we would forget half the things that were said. The foster mom spoke no English, but the agency rep was our interpreter. After she answered all our questions, it was suggested that she go up to the room with us, so our son could get used to the room. We gave her some gifts and had toys for our son. She spent almost an hour in our room and then slipped out when he had to use the bathroom. He did cry for about an hour and fell asleep while being rocked. When he woke up after a short nap he cried again and then room service arrived with our meal. He was hungry, stopped crying and that was the last time he cried. He has been smiling ever since. We also send down a photo album and he called us momma and dada right from the start. He has been home for 3 months and has had no adjustment problems. We can take him any place and he is a great little guy. Have a wonderful trip, get as much information as possible and enjoy every minute.