[chirokathleen]

Hi all,
We're flying out on Thurs morning and of course I'm beside myself with excitment but I am dangerously EXHAUSTED from the preparations. I'm bummed that I wasn't better prepared and using my time more wisely. I just wanted to post this and encourage anyone who is in PGN to start getting ready now! I wish I had! Here's my advice :
1. Pack your baby's suitcase completely and stash it away.
2. Keep a basket out and throw things into it that you know you want to bring. Keep a to do list near the basket.
3. Start packing your own suitcase now. Put in (2) nice outfits for the Embassy/Visa appts. You can always iron them when you get there.
4. Get a standing file and start gathering your paperwork. (Three years of taxes, start saving your paystubs.) Make sure you have your dossier copied and a copy of your 1171-h.
5. Ask your agency now what paperwork you will need and download your forms from USCIS. If you've already visited, it's drastically reduced and I was told NOTHING needs to be notarized! Ask if your atty/facilitator will help you fill it out in Guatemala. (They should, and it's a bit of a load off if they will.)
6. Buy your gifts for the Foster mom and family, attorney, etc...now and stash them away.
I could go on and on...I wish I had stayed on top of house projects and clutter more, I wish the fridge was cleaned out...stuff like that!
Here's to smooth sailing for everyone in PGN and an easy pre-travel week of all!
Kathleen

[Travelkid]

I hear ya! From someone who just found out that their embassy appt is in 5 days, that is great advice!

[JLlewD]

Thank you soooo much. I have been thinking about doing all of those things and I none of them are done. I am glad you posted this. I will start poking at the items on the list...
Have a wonderful trip!!!

[Ms.Judi]

Thanks for the GREAT advice!!!! I am hoping for pink this week and I have some of a few of those items checked off my list. But, I still have a ways to go. Better get packing!!! Have a wonderful trip!!!!

[Leebert2]

Kathleen,

I hear you! You have given excellent advice! Everyone should take it.

Kathleen -Try as much as you can to get some extra sleep the next two days now that you are ready to go! The pick up trip is emotional and EXHAUSTING. I too waited to do everything when we picked up Isabella and I went into the trip tired and sleep deprived. By the time I returned with her and had a difficult first week of adjustment - I fell into complete exhaustion. It took a long time to recover. I know two days isn't much and you are so excited, but try to sleep. How exciting!! Have a great trip!

[snugs1974]

Great advice! Have a safe trip!

[Mindybeth6]

I think the PGN wait is so hard because half of me wants to do all of this and get ready and the other half of me won't allow myself to make that move. I hope that makes sense. I have been doing some things...that's for sure...but I don't want to have everything ready to go and then have to stare at it for weeks or even months and be sad. I am already sad and truly it feels more like a dream then reality that we will ever get "the call." There are some things though that I know I could be getting done so I should get on top of those projects...but I can't bring myself to pack anything because I just can't do it. This PGN wait has been harder on me then I thought.
Many Hugs

[lifessence]

great advice - now the other side of it.

you really don't need nice clothes for anything at all. take it from someone who likes to look nice and NOT "American" when going places in other countries.

the Embassy is NOT the nicest, cleanest building inside, the waiting room is hot and smelly and you wait more then you speak to anyone. you won't believe how easy and quick this appointment is.

they will ask for NOTHING but your passport - even people who have gone in the last couple weeks with the new rules in place - get asked for nothing. bring it to be safe - but you won't need it.

unless you plan on dressing up for a meal or two you can really leave all dress clothes at home. bring casual dress instead.

babies need the essentials and not everything you have for them at home. you can buy everything in Guatemala for them until you get home. even clothes! pack light save yourself the big stress of what you need.

bring stomach medicines for everyone, baby tylenol, baby nail clippers, enough onesies for four days, and bring the bottles or sippy cup you will be changing to at home.

unless you are doing a lot of sight seeing you don't need that much clothes.

the day before we left i brought the trash can to the refrigerator and dumped all things in that would go bad. anything that could get frozen went into the freezer. quick, easy - done.

one piece of advice no one should go to Guatemala without following is to bring down Lysol or Clorox wipes - to clean everything in your room daily - even after the maids are there. this will help prevent roto virus that is rampant in GC now. wash hands, wash toys, and remember to drink bottled everything - nothing fountain.

hope this helps you all relax a little bit. try to enjoy knowing the road to bring home your baby is here! we can't wait to do it all over again to bring home our DS waiting on PINK and then DD next year.

[chirokathleen]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes, Thanks Lifessece for simplifying it.

I was just going to add some health tips--keep your vitamins out, up your vitamin C, have some zinc lozenges on hand in case of cold symptoms, buy some liquid B vitamins and take them every day. (The B-12 will absorb better through the mucosa of the mouth.) Get to bed at the same time at night, listen to your favorite music, rent some funny movies.

Anything else?
Kathleen

[cbmstephanie]

Thanks Kathleen...I have printed out your list and will definately follow it. I hope I get to frantically use it soon!!

[lyssie]

Good advice!!! I will definately start on your list. I hadn't thought about how frantic things will be when we get the call (it's too far away to imagine for us) Packing the girls suitcase is an excellent idea...and the paperwork. You said you could go on and on -- I wish you would go on and on a wake up and get ready never hurts. But, I guess you have to get ready for your BIG trip! YEAH!!!!

[Hopingsoon]

Great advice from everyone, thank you! I'll be saving this thread for the upcoming weeks.