What to do while you wait!

* Learn the Chinese language : Have you seen this page?? http://www.indiana.edu/~chasso/auchinese.html [WWW Audio Tutorial of Basic Chinese] (Millers)

* Read, Read, Read!!

* 100 Good Wishes Quilt (Frymark, Schaffart)

* Write your "new addition" announcement. Address & stamp them so they can be mailed as soon as you are home with your child. (Frymark)

* Start a Lifebook, Country book or Scrapbook (Frymark)

* Design a family website to chronical your adoption. This is a great resource to educate family and friend son the process. (Shaffart)

*Prepare your house for a child! It is a great way to feel the reality of a child coming! (Shaffart)

*Join an online DTC group. A word of caution, this can be a reat resource of information AND misinformation. However, it is a place to chat with other parents who are in the exact same phase of the process that you are. (Shaffart)

* Make friends in all stages of the process! (Shaffart)

*Attend FCC events. (Miller)

* Get together with other adoptive parents. (Miller)

- Read books & articles about attachment, bonding, strategies for developmental delays, especially if your child is over 2 years old. Also read some books on parenting in general and on parenting an adopted child. Try RainbowKids.com.

-Keep track of your adoption expenses. There is a substantial tax credit available to many people in the year they adopt

- Buy "thank you" cards for the gifts, meals, and time others may give you.

• Know the process/forms for adding your child to your insurance plans. Some insurance plans may let you add the child to your coverage effective on your court date rather than waiting until you are home.

-Explore your child care options, as well as early intervention options for learning disabilities, sensory integration and attachment etc. Many child care facilities have lengthy waiting lists. If you need to arrange child care, select a caregiver and get on the list as soon as you know you are going to adopt.

1. Get all your immunizations NOW. Don't wait until referral time.

2. Print out questions for your referral call and post them by ALL of your phones—including cell.

3. Enroll in First Aid and CPR classes.

4. Research, buy and fill your diaper bag. (we use a backpack)

5. Put together your travel medical kit.

6. Find a pediatrician!

7. Make plans for a pet sitter or house sitter for travel time.

8. Research and buy any camera/video equipment you will need AND practice with it before travel!!

9. Get your car serviced BEFORE you go.

10. Research and buy your car seat. Learn how to install and remove it from your car.

· Nest - do chores that you have been postponing: shampoo carpets, clean out refrigerator, have the furnace and air condition serviced, have the car tuned, paint walls, organize your photos, etc.

· Write a journal for your child about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during the adoption process.

· Read about medical issues which may affect children adopted from China. Dr Jane Aronson's website has much to read and print out for study.

· Stock up on diapers (size 3 or larger) and wipes so you won't have the expense of purchasing them while you are on Family Leave. Get scent-free, allergy-free wipes.