[ShellBda]

Hi there,

Well, I am finishing my packing and trying to get ready for my trip tomorrow. I have packed everything I can think of for my son but now I don't know what to pack for myelf!! I arrive in Guatemala at 2:00 pm tomorrow and will be there until Thursday morning. Is it acceptable to wear jeans and sweaters? I have a smart casual outfit for the embassy appointment. I only ever wear jeans and sweaters and alternate between sneakers and boots. My suitcase is already so full with clothing for Hayden, bottles, diapers etc.

One other thing, I was told the foster mother would be bringing enough milk and food for Hayden to cover me for the trip but what if she doesn't bring any food. Is it easy to get what I need while in Guatemala? I have some jars of baby food at home - should I bring some?

I am so afraid I am going to forget something! I will be staying at Hotel San Carlos.

Thanks for the advice,
Shell

[DPline]

I am so excited to hear you are on your way! Yes, jeans and sweaters are acceptable. You might throw in some chinos and a blouse for meeting his foster mother and the attorney. Our foster mothers were always pretty dressed up when they came to the hotel.

I am not familiar with the San Carlos (is it the one kind of next to the Embassy?), but it seems any of the hotels will run out to the store for you if you need formula, diapers, food, etc. If you are tight on space I would skip the food and just get it there. Then you can get whatever he is used to. If it is really tight you might even skip the diapers and just bring a few and buy those there too.

Have a GREAT trip and let us know when you get home!!

[EmmyLee]

Wow, the previous poster said the same thing. Not only will you want to look nice for your FM, those photos are forever, so you want to look nice for your BABY!!!

[ej-momtobe]

I think that sometimes too much fuss is made on the board about what to wear. Wear what you are comfortable, and look nice in. You want a 'clean cut' appearance not a slob appearance or a buinesswoman CEO appearance, which can be done in jeans, skirt, or slacks. Don't stress too much about your clothes.

You should not assume that the FM will bring enough formula and food for the trip. There are grocery stores in guatemala, not sure what is around the San Carlos.

and.... HAVE FUN.

[annaguat]

I think wearing something comfortbale that looks nice would be just fine. Maybe you can just wear the smart casual outfit you plan to wear to the embassy and then take it off and change once the foster mother is gone. I just put stuff on and off depending if we were doing something like receiving the baby and goign to the embassy. I am normally very casual but did wear something nice, had my hair and nails done before leaving US and wore make up when the babies were brought to us. I also made poor DH suffer. I love the pictures though. I went right to the room and changed after we received the babies. What a fun thing to worry about. Have a great trip and pick up. Anna

[riverview]

I personally would not wear any expensive earrings or necklaces while in Guatemala. You will stick out horribly and we are already easy targets. This was emphasized by my FM when I was there. Not too dressy, nice casual wear. Enjoy your trip, congrats