[Padinbaby#1]

I know that when this all ends and our daughter is home, it will all be worth it. But...it seems like right now we are living paycheck to paycheck and I am really down about it. We have tried two different fundraisers (made about $500), took out two different loans, and now we are wondering how we are going to get a crib for her to sleep in. Have you all been through this? How did you make it through? Looking for some uplifting advice. Thanks.

[Mandy4President]

Yes, recently, and itwas the sickest feeling in the world because we found out that the bank would not approve our loan (even after they said they would) and we had no idea how we would get the money. My husband barely makes over what the adoption costs in a year, and I go to college full time and we have three kids, so the bank wasn't liking our income too much. Anyways, we thought we were going to have to stop the adoption completely, I was very sad. So I'm sorry you're going through this, as if the adoption part isn't stressful enough, lets make it really expensive too!!!

Do you have anyone who is planning on giving you a shower? Do you know anyone who would? I know that sounds terrible, but maybe some people at the shower would pitch in and get you a crib. You know my bio son's first crib was from WalMart and my grandma bought it for us and it was $100. It lasted just fine through three babies, and looked identical to some of the ones in the higher end stores. Just an idea? Or how about a baby second hand shop. There's one around here that carries furniture and have really super nice cribs. Keep your chin up, it'll come through!

[Michelle Smiles]

Stacy - I'm sorry you are struggling with this. It is so hard to afford everything for a baby without the cost of adoption added in. I wouldn't panic until you've had your shower. Make it known that you would appreciate gift cards so that you can purchase things that you really need.

Also, check out Craig's list for your area. I recently found a crib, rocking chair, and dresser for sale for $150 in my area. Second hand shops are good too. Do you have any friends with toddlers who might lend you their crib for a couple months? Are you involved with a church that might do a crib fund raiser for you? If you just can't get a crib right away, you could always co-sleep (maybe get an inexpensive packnplay for naps) and buy the crib after she's been home for a month or so.

[Guatemomtobe]

I know exactly how you feel. I just plunked down the first "big payment" yesterday and the panic started last night. I am feeling better today. I have been very blessed by friends who are giving me tons of stuff. I have a friend who's daughter will be out of her crib by the time my little one comes home. She is giving/loaing me crib, changing table, high chair and tons of like new clothes. Put the word out that you are in need and you will be surprised at the response hopefully. When my friend had her little girl (10 years after her other last son), it was amazing to see the outpooring of donations.

Good luck to you and just have faith that you are doing the right thing and it will all work out in the end.

Susan

[riptune2]

I'm sorry you are having such a tough time of things. When Alistair came home I was totally ready. No one gave me a shower, so I was on my own. I'm a garage sale junkie. EVERYTHING in his room came from the sales!! His furniture, clothing, toys, you name it, I got it there. My only rule was a new mattress and a new car seat. Other than that, I saved a bundle. And, I was able to take my time with it. Went out each weekend with however much money and bought accordingly.


Good luck, something good will happen!!
Shannon

[Little Goddess]

Hi! I'm right there with you and in the exact same boat. We have absolutely no savings left and a relative is going to help us with the cost of the air travel. We started out not even using credit cards, to control our spending, and had to take out cards just for this. You're not the only one out there, believe me.

[wildboyz2]

Hey, The second hand stores are great and have name brand stuff for 1/2 the price. If you look on line you'll find a bunch of these stores. Also have you tried, EBAY? They usually have a lot of baby items for reasonable prices. Also if some one is going to give you a shower you may want to wait and see if you get some big items. For my shower, several family and friends asked me if I wanted/needed small items from indiviuals or big from group. I said "big" and I had several big items that several people went it together.

But keep things in perspective, if she has to sleep in a dresser drawer and you love and take care of her what's it going to matter in the long run?

[jules17]

I hear you - it is so much money. I try to remember the grand scheme of things...

Have you tried Craig's List? You go to www.craigslist.com, then select your city, then Baby + Kids.

So far we have gotten 2 strollers, his entire nursery (bedding, lamps, etc.), TONS of super cute clothes (Ralph Lauren, Gymboree, BabyGap) and I kid you not - we have done it all for around $200.

I shop carefully and bargain with them when I can.

I know that doesn't help with the adoption costs, but you can also apply for grants, etc.

Where there's a will there IS a WAY!

Proud bargain shopper, Julie

[Padinbaby#1]

Thank you all for your kind words. We are going to see what the shower brings us. We also have a few friends that may loan us some stuff. I know it is all worth it...I just can't wait to have her home and know that feeling!

[spidermanteache]

We, too, bought Parker's crib, dressers, changing table, etc. at garage sales. I think I didn't spend more than 50 bucks on a crib, changing table, and 2 dressers! For a stroller you could always just buy an umbrella stroller at Walmart or similar for under $10.00.

I knew that diapers were going to be a huge expense for us so I registered for all kinds of diapers in all kinds of sizes! I was sooo glad that I did!!!

It is so tough getting the money all together. We took out a Home Equity Loan and then eventually refinanced it! That is the only way we could have done that!!

For clothes I always go to consignment shops and garage sales! It is the best way to go. I also shop after season sales for the next year's size!!

Good luck,