[adoptguatemalablog]

Free advice is often given a bad rap. Mostly it deserves it. However, there was good advice we were given during our adoption process and some that led to the conclusion of the adoption. So out of curiosity, what has been the best advice you've received regarding your adoption or your planned adoption. Let's tackle worst advice later. Let this thread only talk about the advice we thought "wow that's pretty good"!

For me there are a few things. I think the one that still has an effect was when a friend recommended that we start a journal shortly after we found out we most likely wouldn't have a biological child (my8 month old 25.8lb son says otherwise). That journal has been an amazing tool for sharing our story with others. It has been key to writing the story on the Guatemala Adoption Blog. So among all of the advice we receive, I appreciate the nudge we received to start a journal

[PetDragon]

For me... it's the same argument I used to go from discussion adoption to putting it in motion... Thanks Mom!

If you wait to have a baby until you can afford a baby, you'll never have a baby. Worry more about having the love ready, the rest will come.

[shelbydog]

For those who are new, I would say the best advice I got was to RELAX about the Homestudy visit! Unfortunately I didn't relax until afterwards, but it is great advice. It really wasn't a big deal at all.

[lovetoadopt]

I would have to say the best advice I received was to write down all those 1st's, 1st smile, 1st step, 1st tooth, 1st word, etc. They grow so fast and you think you will remember, but it's so easy to get caught up in life and forget!

Linda

[stephjoel99]

The best advice I received was to never make mental deadlines during the process (I still struggle with that however) - i.e. she'll definitely be home by Christmas, or definitely home by So and So's birthday. You're just setting yourself up b/c you have no control over the timeline.

[MNStarr]

There is never a right time to have or get a baby. Waiting until everything is perfect is unrealistic. Just go for it and everything seems to work out.

Start a journal. Write in it everything.

You can't stress about everything all the time. Don't worry over things you have no control over.

Enjoy it. The process will be over so quick so take a moment and enjoy getting your referral, getting updates, and traveling to Guatemala.

[Clare'sMom]

It was from my Grandmother... My Gram. My Angel. She always said this when I was a little girl and I never knew what it ment. I finally found out,
I think she new all along

Follow your Heart, you will never be disapointed. You may not always make the most popular choice but you will make the best one for you......

[Julaine]

No doubt my best advice



Don't wait ! Thinking about adopting ? Do it now !

[mama8]

Most of the adoption process is out of your control - relax, calm down, other countries don't work on our time schedule, they work on theirs. Don't try to control the process, it will happen when it happens - even if it is not on your timeline. It will happen!

[annaguat]

Check out the attorney before taking the referral. Anna

[kjdnyc]

Best advice I got so far was from another single adoptive mom I met while on a visit trip - she was picking up - she got the advice from another friend and wrote it on a piece of paper and read it like a mantra to herself on the plane on the way to pick up the baby:

However you feel is ok - don't worry that it's the wrong feeling - you may not fall in love with the baby right away, you may resent the baby at night when you're tired, that's all ok - your feelings are your feelings and you don't need to feel guilty if you're not full of love every minute of every day with this child.

[Yelena]

This little tidbit came after our adoption, but since it's good I'll write it down:

In response to my bittersweet reaction to Juliana's growing so fast and reaching so many milestones so soon, my mom said, "It's going to happen anyway -- you might as well enjoy it!"

[neuromri]

When I started the adoption process, I was determined to adopt a little girl. However, the social worker and agency encouraged me to adopt a little boy. After much contemplation, I finally decided to adopt a little boy. It now seems so silly that I gave this so much thought. The little boy I am adopting is absolutely precious. I can't imagine having any other baby.

To reaffirm what someone else said, "DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE HOMESTUDY."

[KellyMigoya]

I actually met my good friend Catherine as she had posted about her visiting her son Nicho even before DNA and what an incredible experience it was to be able to spend time with him as a newborn. I had actually made arrangements to go and visit our daughter when we found out we were already OUT. She was still very young but I will always have a tinge of longing to have been able to hold her while still very tiny!

[jillbee]

Nap when your child naps.

Jill