I'm a Stroller Stalker

While we're waiting for our referral, I've been busily researching baby gear, since it's some of the only stuff I can purchase until I know our son's age/size. I bought car seats when they went on annual clearance, so my new obsession is strollers.

Other than the safety issues, I'm also considering: Full-size? Lightweight-plus? Cup holder? Snack tray? Weight? Ease of folding? Lime green or burnt orange? I've begun staring unabashedly at other moms' strollers. I've even been known to circle back to check a stroller out from different angles. My internal monologue about their choices usually goes something like this: "Ooh, Peg Perego! Fancy!" or "Oh my word, Bugaboo! I'd have to take out a loan for that one." I've also considered giving these moms 21 questions. "How are those wheels holding up?" and "Can that thing really fold up using only one hand?"

So, if you see me staring in your direction, no worries: I'm only checking out your stroller. I have my eye on a lightweight-plus stroller that's on clearance right now, but I'm not sure I'm ready to commit.

Next up ... the diaper bag!

What Do You Do With Your Wait?

Well, folks, we've been on the waiting list for seven weeks so far, and it really has flown by! To be honest, I sometimes forget how long we've been on the waiting list. This current easygoing attitude is really not in my nature, so I can only assume that lots of people are praying for me! I really haven't worried about anything so far—I've seen enough to know that one should have no expectations when it comes to international adoption. Check back with me on November 20th, however, when we enter the 3 to 6 month "window," which is the average waiting time to be referred a child.

In the meantime, my biggest concern has become, "What on earth are we going to name our son?" I'm tired of calling our son, "our son," "our kid," "our baby," etc. Chris and I have been talking about it this week, and I think we have a few contenders. We currently have about five or so in the running, and when we can narrow it down a little more, I'll post them.

I'm also trying to come up with a list of fun things to do while we wait to become parents. Some things we are/I am going to do are:
1. Have a last "family" portrait taken with our dog, Topher.
2. Shop for baby furniture.
3. (Dawn) Take up some kind of craft. (I am in love with paper of any kind, so I'd like to make notecards and stationery.)
4. Lift some weights. (Have you carried a 20-something-pound child for an extended period of time recently? YIKES!)
5. Sleep in/take naps. (I'm guessing this will soon become a thing of the past.)
6. Eat complete meals while they are still warm. (See note on number 5.)

Any other ideas for new/adoptive parents?

Final Garage Sale!

Saturday, October 4th
7 a.m. to noon
Adelaide Park subdivision
321 Stewart Springs Dr.

We have tons of furniture, home decor, and baby and kids items. Please spread the word!

Jump In, Jump Out, Introduce Yourself

It appears that we have quite a few lurkers out there! I'd love to know who you all are, if you have a blog, if you're an adoptive family, if you live in Tennessee, or if you're a dear friend or family member who just never comments (you know who you are!). :)

For those I haven't met, I'll go first. My husband, Chris, and I have been married for three and a half years. We met and married in Knoxville, Tenn., and now live outside of Nashville. Chris is a student minister, and I work for a magazine. We have a Lhasa apso named Topher. When we began thinking about starting a family, God led us to adopt before having biological children. We are now on the waiting list to adopt a 0-12 month old boy from Ethiopia.

Your turn! Don't let me down!

What We've Been Doing With Our Wait - Week One

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Car Wash Tomorrow!

Saturday, September 6th
8 a.m. to noon
Prudential Real Estate building on Sam Ridley Parkway

We hope to see you there!

Guess Our "Due" Date

Seeing how it is Labor Day and all, let's have a little fun!

I've heard that the paperwork process is like the first trimester, the wait period is like the second trimester, the referral and the court process is like the third trimester, the court date is like going into labor, and the travel is like giving birth.

We've just begun the wait period, which our agency tells us averages 3-5 months. So, give us your best guess for our "due" date (our referral day) as a comment. Who knows, there may be a prize! :)