Baby Prep

We met with "A" (our expectant mother) in Seattle recently, she is awesome!  She has a personality similar to a good friend of ours, a tell-it-like-it-is attitude and a great sense of humor.  We have been in contact via e-mail and getting to know each other a little better.  She has been so kind and open, making this process so much easier.  One of the things she put in her birth plan, something that I had not dared to hope for, was that she wants me in the delivery room if we get to the hospital in time.  Such a blessing and honor to have this woman whom we just met, decide that she wants me to be a part of the birth her baby.  (yes, it is still her baby until she makes her final decision and she could decide to keep him or her)

With the due date being almost upon us, November 1st is almost here, we have been in furious baby prep mode.  Purchasing needed items, like a boppy, diapers, wipes, onsies (neutral ones of course), bottles, a supplemental nursing system, diaper bags, wash clothes, towels, etc.  I have washed more laundry the past few days, to stay on top of it so we are ready when the call comes, than I have done in the past month.  We installed a car-seat base in both vehicles, prepared 5 days worth of dog food for our wonderful neighbor who will be watching the dogs when we go, and have been buying pre-packaged/frozen foods so we do not have left overs in the fridge.  Making sure our work places and insurance companies know that we may be adopting soon, getting an adoption attorney lined up and picking a pediatrician.

I think, for the most part, that we have the majority of important the things all set and ready to go.  Although, I am sure once that call comes, I will think of a few more things that I should have gotten done or purchases I should have made.  I do not think anyone can ever be truly prepared, no matter how hard we try, for when that moment arrives.  I am also trying to prepare myself for the possibility that A will decide to parent her kiddo herself.  I do not feel that she will change her mind, but one can never know for certain until that moment comes.

For now, I am feeling blessed and overwhelmed with hope and joy.  (And, of course, feeling anxious as we wait for the phone to ring letting us know that A is in labor and we need to head to Washington! )