[humanpitchpipe]

DH works at a church. We used to work at a different church together. I still am an active member of old church and so are my parents. MIL and FIL are also very active in their church. Everyone at all three churches knows we are adopting and are praying for us. DH will take one month off from his church job when we pick up our son. DH thinks that we should go visit old church and MIL/FIL church with the baby when he takes that time off (two to four weeks after pick up). He told me this last night. I almost had a heart attack. We had an argument. I think that exposing the baby to all those people and germs would be a nightmare. He does not. I think that I am 100% right on this one - am I wrong? This is our first child. When did you all start taking your babies out of the home and to public places?
Any input (for or against my point of view) would be much appreciated!
-Kristy

[posh]

if it is newborn I would agree with you but if the baby is older then I would agree with him. you didnt say how old the baby will be when you bring it home.

[tinaedmond]

Our DS will be 9 months old when he comes home and as long as he seems to be adjusting well I have no qualms about taking him out with us almost immediately. I just won't let people hold him. I think that is the key - don't freak him out and don't overstimulate him. Of course if we go out somewhere and he reacts badly, that will change how we handle taking him out and about.

I think you just have to wait and see what will work for your child. All kids are different.

Tina

[AngelsMama]

We took our son out that first Sunday we were home. We were so proud and wnated to share and thank God in His House. i did put DS in a sling so no one would try to hold him and so he felt safe. I say as long as your not playing pass the baby, it would be just fine. And as for the germ thing, the airport and the plane(s) have just as many germs, so that excuse wouldn't have flown with my DH. We did make everyone come to us for the first four days however. Hope this helps. Sorry I agree with your husband.

[daynesmom]

We took ds out 4 days after he was home. We just played it by ear though. As long as he was adjusting well and was overstimulated, then we went places. If he got upset or reacted badly, we took him home. Our only rule was not to pass him around. Either myself or dh always had him. This is still the case unless he wants to go to somebody.

[neenasee]

I have 3 children and I have learned that it is great for them to be around other people. I am sure this is not a newborn we are talking about so I would have to agree with your husband on this one. As long as your child is not showing discomfort or fear in this type of situation I say go for it.

[Dulcey]

I think Cecilia will probably be out and about with us within acouple of days! I can't wait to show her off. Everyone I work with would be devastated if I didn't come in with her....she'll definately be on the go!

[JustBarbara]

Seriously, a lot depends on the age of your child. My DS came home at 5 1/2 months and for the first few days only my sister, BIL and five-year-old twins were allowed to visit. Five days home and the SW came over for the first home visit. A couple of days after that some friends came over - and some other friends a couple of days after that. Definitely I did not do pass the baby ... in fact I limited visits to no more than an hour and played it by ear - depending on DS's mood.

Depends on how loud and crowded your churches are - how your child reacts. I say if you're comfortable and have the baby in a sling or baby bjorn ie a personal carrier then you should be fine. I wouldn't worry about germs and such - the plane and airport are much more germ-ridden.

I took DS out for neighborhood walks twice a day after the first couple of days home because we needed the fresh air, change of scenery and since I do a lot of walking anyway wanted to introduce him to the outdoors. Good luck - Barbara

[afentress]

Our decision is going to be based on the timing of bring her home. We have several big family events coming up and if she's here we'll take her but only for a limited time. We also will really limit who holds her etc. We're planning on taking 2-3 weeks just for ourselves with the baby. We're not going into hiding but we're going to take the time to really bond with our daughter. After that we'll play it by ear. I think it's fine to take her to church with one of you holding her (I hear a carrier or sling works great at deterring people from holding a baby). I think it's different for every baby and every couple. Why don't you see how she adjusts and go from there.
Angie

[Larue]

OK. I am in no way qualified to advise on this. We were "in the process" for over a year, and brought Sabrina home at 14 months. Far from being an infant who needed to be protected from some germs. Hey - we have the 5 second rule in our house. We are first time parents in our 40s. Total and complete rookies!!!

I fostered Sabrina in Guatemala for several months. She and I were probably exposed to germs, and parasites, that woud have put most people in the U.S. in the hospital. And we are FINE!!!

I know you're trying to protect your baby. But I would have to agree with DH. Unless you have some serious attachment concerns, what is the harm in letting people greet your baby?!

I would plan a "short" visit. Keep the baby in your arms, and let others coo over them. No harm done. Take it from me...DO NOT sweat the small stuff. This process has more then enough things to really sweat over.

Stay strong!!!

[scottskaggs]

Chances are if your child is in foster care they have been to church or other public places many times in Guatemala. I know our son goes to church in Guatemala every Sunday. What's the difference in being out in public in Guatemala Vs. America? I think it would be fine to take your child and share them with all of those who have been praying for his arrival. JMHO
Kadee

[BarbnJeff]

We got home late on a Thursday night and we were out shopping the next day. We hung around the house a lot the first couple weeks just because we were tired, but we didn't hesitate to run and errand or go out to eat. You just need to do what feels comfortable to you.

[cbmstephanie]

I agree with your husband. I don't see anything wrong with taking the baby to church a couple of weeks after being home, as long as everyone is feeling well at that point. I probably wouldn't let anyone hold him or her, but I don't see the harm in going to church.

[humanpitchpipe]

Well I guess that I am going to tell DH that he may be right. I remember reading in a book that you should not take a child out for at least a month because of the different types of germs that are in the new country. Maybe that was for a newborn though, I can't remember it was a while ago. I think that I am going to stop taking everything that I read so seriously and just keep asking this list for advice. You guys are really awesome. I am going to play it by ear. BTW thanks for the sling/carrier idea. I already have a Baby Bjorn and he loved it on our visit trip.
-Kristy

[cbmstephanie]

I don't know if I would go so far as to tell him he's right! If it were me, I would make it seem like my idea to go to church! Let's not get all wild and crazy and start letting our husbands think they know everything!!