Chugging Away

So far we're still here at home. The mister and I are getting antsy and just want to head east. Things are still chugging away and moving forward but it looks like we need to learn a little patience. It's safe to say that's neither of our strong suits these days.

The social worker visit was fine. She seems really cool (our last SW left our agency just after completing our home study). Not much has changed for us since the original report so she was only here for about half an hour.

Our consultant totally came through for us. TOTALLY. We're reminding on a daily basis of why we chose her. THIS is where she shines. She talked to one of her bffs who is a local well-respected adoption attorney and who is recommending a slightly different way of doing things. It's a way that protects the birthmom's rights so that the state or agency can't give custody to anyone besides the chosen family. All the Lonestar folks like this approach and are very happy to get less involvement from the state, no power to any agencies and rights protected all around. Yay for our consultant!

If we didn't have our consultant it's very likely this potential adoption would be going sideways.

All that being said, it's still 50/50. We repeat that to ourselves and our friends and families a lot right now. Last minute = 50/50.

We're chomping at the bit to get to the Lonestar State but we don't want to impose or pressure anyone. Honestly we're not getting any work done here and it would be more fun to be not getting any work done there. It's a city we've always wanted to visit and we could just go and explore some. Ms FoodNetwork doesn't want to have us just waiting around waiting there which could be her way of saying she's not ready to have us there and that's totally cool.

But it sure would be nice to be able to do some more relationship building in person. It really could be another week until the baby comes. We're taking it day by day.

I am trying to keep busy but it's sooooo hard. I'm still going to my morning gym class but I have no focus. I also injured my back/ribs/obliques/something a couple of weeks ago rowing and now I'm relegated to biking only. It's much harder for me to concentrate on the bike (I don't get as many lovely numbers that scream YOU AREN'T CONCENTRATING as I do on the erg). Between the lack of sleep and lack of focus it makes for an unsatisfying workout and a somewhat cranky millie. Though I do think the workouts are helping keep me sane through all the craziness of this year (or at least saner than I would be if I weren't working my butt off).

And now for a funny (at least to me) story of how poorly my brain is currently working:

I decided to wash the car seat cover today. Actually the cat helped with that decision (or more precisely the cat drool). The mister and I struggled to get the seat cover off. The manual said it was easy. The internet said it was easy. We could get it almost off, save for one stupid buckle that was sewed completely on both ends.

So today I made the trek to the combination kids gear/squash shop where I bought my lovely lemonade car seat a year ago. It took two bridges and one very crooked street to get there. The kids gear/squash man couldn't get it off either. He tried and determined it was impossible and I should dump the whole thing in a bucket of oxyclean. I was very disappointed that my expensive European car seat was so difficult.

I stopped by another store on my way home (before the 3rd and final bridge of the day) and checked out their model. It was easy peasy to take the cover off on it. I figured mine was just the earliest US incarnation and had the wrong piece in the wrong place. I got home and tried to explain that to the mister and showed him where the other one was different.

Only the other one wasn't different at all. By just squeezing some material I was able to get it off! And in the washing machine, on the handwash cycle with a lovely rice milk scented baby detergent. It's now super clean and super spiffy.

I'll use that as a segue* to my list of things we're planning to take with us. Feel free to chime in and add or subtract things from my list. Or offer up any other travel assvice. Srsly.

• Sparkling clean lemonade-colored infant car seat (that is actually more lime but what do the Dutch know about citrus?)
• Stroller base
• Pram attachment for stroller (can also be used separately as bassinette) for nice, flat place for baby to sleep
• Super lightweight muslin swaddlers + couple of other swaddlers
• Onesies and lap gowns
• Tiny socks and mittens
• Pacifiers
• Burp Cloths
• Bottles (dropins for the train)

I'm thinking we'll just get some diapers, formula, and other stuff there. We had to buy a body-sized duffle bag to fit the pram and we can just pack the baby stuff in smaller packit cubes and fill the pram with that.

So what else do I need for a week or so in Lonestar state and 2-3 days on the train?

*Am I the only one that things "segue" looks totally misspelled thanks to that goofy scooter?

Comments

[Julie]

Sling or baby carrier? Ben spent hours in one during his first few weeks -- felt good for me to keep moving, and it felt good for him, I think, to be in motion and held close.

Okay, if I'm honest, it also felt good for me to have him held close!

[kristylynne]

Little bitty hats to keep his/her head warm. Sling is a good idea too. So excited for you!

[kristylynne]

BTW, Lone Star state is HOT. I live here. It's been over 100 for months. So get ready for that! :-)

[Michell]

No idea what else to take. I hope things continue to move along and that you both will soon be on your way to the lone star state.

[Red Headed Momma]

I second the sling. Some babies don't like the stroller and slings are good for when baby needs motion but you don't want to get the stroller out.

[electriclady]

This is so exciting!!!

For a newborn, consider a few kimono/wrap-style T-shirts instead of onesies. They are easier to get on and off, especially for newbie parents (because you don't have to pull them over that floppy head), and won't rub the cord stump.

[zhl]

No real suggestions just to second that it is HOT, HOT, HOT. And it does not cool down at night. At 8am it's 80 degrees. Most days the high is 104, 105. Hottest part of the day is 5 to 6 pm. We pretty much don't spend much time outside except in the early am. So you may actually have to think about keeping the baby warm in all the AC.

[Angela]

OK, here's my two cents...you may already know this so feel free to ignore...I'm not sure how quickly after birth you will be caring for the baby, but if it's right away, you'll need vaseline for those first black meconium poops, they are so gross and sticky, and a vaselined butt really helps...when the regular poops start you'll need a cream with zinc...I REALLY like the Burts Bees diaper ointment.
I also second (third?) the motion of a baby carrier...although I use it a lot more for my second than for my first...when it's the first there seems to always be someone that wants to hold the baby...
Fingers, toes, and everything else crossed for you. I'm praying so hard that this works out.

[Summer]

I 3rd (or 4th?) a sling or carrier. Otherwise I think you've got it all covered.

It's so great to "hear" your excitement. And hooray for your great consultant!

[louise]

If you want a great carrier, look into the Beco. Super easy to use.

So you are really and truly taking the train? That cracks me up! However you get there is awesome though...It somehow reminds me of that SATC episode where Carrie and Samantha take the "first class train" to LA from NYC.

[Not On Fire]

I suggest that you take a few different types of bottles/nipples some babies are fussy about bottles. You might find out what they use at the hospital and buy the same thing. Diaper cream and an insane number of diapers, at least 12 per day. Again diaper size might be an issue if the baby is small.

I am hoping this works for you!

[wavybrains]

I fifth a baby carrier. For a teeny tiny one, I love the moby (awesome for snuggling) or a ring sling. While you are antsy, you can look here for all sorts of carrier tips: http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php?page=usinglinks

I would also recommend some sort of portable white noise machine for the train/hotel--trust me, you will still be able to hear the baby over it, and it may help you all sleep better or calm a fussy baby.

A book light to check on the baby with--great for late night feedings too.

I would also get some baby stomach drops (you can get them in target, near the antiacids, I forget the name brand, but they are great for colic/gas)--the train is no place to realize that you have a gassy/colicky baby and need them stat!

[luna]

ok so you already know about the sling and the newborn hats. I agree about the kimono style wraps so you don't have to go over baby's head.

also brilliant reminder about the meconium poops -- we used almond oil not vaseline and it really workes get the tar out! also second the burts diaper cream -- it's the best, and has no extra crap in it. also don't forget the wipes.

I don't think you'll need the white noise thing on the train, since you'll have background sounds, but definitely pick up some "gripe water" if you can -- great for gas, upset stomachs, hiccups, etc.

so exciting! really hoping

[Thalia]

I don't know what the equivalent is in the US, but I'd also take some infacol (for helping with gas) and some sudocreme (the best possible nappy cream).

all digits crossed

[jen]

I love all the Burts BABY products.... the baby wash, lotion, the apricot oil.... smells so yummy! The Gripe Water worked wonders for us.... And yep.... it's HOT, and HUMID. You may think you are trying to breath though a WET SPONGE!

I'm so very very excited for you both....

[luna]

ok, I meant to finish my last sentence by saying really hoping for the best possible outcome for everyone.

sitting with calm is it's own practice, but also it's own reward. enjoy these moments of anticipation, if you can.

[Pamplemousse]

Dude, I have no fingernails left as I am so on the edge of my seat for you guys! I wish I could be there cleaning or doing laundry to help out. You know how much I love doing laundry ;)

I have no baby assvice but I know you got a lot of wise ladies helping you out!

[Aimee]

Camera and Camcorder to capture all the PRECIOUS moments.

[Sue]

Sounds like you're well prepared but that won't stop me from sharing. My favorite item for burpy baby is http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-2-Pack-Thermal-Blanket-Sage/dp/B001P307FE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1250207105&sr=1-2 best mutlipurpose blankets ever esp. with hot/cold changes - I recommend a handful. Something to spill-proof your sleeping/lounging surface on the train so you can relax about all the dripping fluids, like a flat waterproof crib or lap pad - they sell things like this in many sizes. I second the small light so you don't have to light up the entire room/space to find something once everyone is settled. Will try to channel your apparent zen and hoping the scales balance firmly in your favor very soon.

[erin]

It is all so wonderful to read the last few entries.

It sounds like you have a good list going. I would also recommend swaddling blankets to wrap the little one like a taco. :)

I second the waterproof pads. It is great to put down while you are changing, so you do not need to get rid of everything.

Some kind of bags to put dirty diapers in.

Safe travels.

[Tonya]

I second the baby butt cream idea. I used Weleda Calendula Baby Cream from Whole Paycheck. Helped make those meconium poops MUCH easier to wipe off with, and the cream actually smells nice.

Wishing you all the best!