Once you have "matched" with a birthmother and have a due date, it is prudent to start preparing for the arrival of your child. EVERYTHING in your life will change when you come home with your child.

Perhaps as adoptive couples consider these suggestions, they will avoid the last minute panic before their "champagne" child is placed into their care.

Things to Pray about:

The health of your child.

The baby's digestive system.

The health of your birthparent(s).

Safe travel for everyone involved in your adoption process.

Your child's adjustment to your home.

Your child's sleeping patterns.

A safe delivery for the baby and the birthmom.

That the baby will have a strong physical constitution.

That the adoption process occurs smoothly.

For the birth grandparents.

Pray for yourselves:

To be consistent parents.

To teach God's Word.

To nurture your child.

For patience.

For physical endurance.

For mental stability.

For humility to learn from others.

For guidance in making wise decisions.

Pray for your child's:

Childhood.

Education.

Leadership role in the body of Christ.

Family relationship.

Other siblings.

Marriage partner.

Pray for your birthparent(s):

Peace of mind.

Physical safety.

Emotional stability.

Post partum recovery.

Other family members.

Because you know your lives are changing dramatically (for the better), it is prudent to look ahead and do what you can now to prepare for these changes. Consider the 5 P's.

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

Time and stress saving preparation will allow you more time with your baby!

Stock up on:

Diapers.

Formula. (Whatever formula does not agree with your child's system, you can use in protein shakes for yourself or in protein shakes for your child as they become older.) [When we brought Danielle home (at 16 months), I put her back on formula and have never stopped giving her formula. She loves her special 'hot cocoa drink' every morning and evening that is made with whole milk, hot water, hot cocoa mix, and a heaping teaspoon of formula. Her brain and bones are still growing and developing. We want to make sure that she is getting enough protein and calcium for their development. Danny is almost 6 and when she is 6, I'll switch to adult protein powders in her 'special drink'.]

Protein powders for you--you may want to start a protein shake program to keep your energy level boosted. Also consider supplementing your diet with Barleygreen.

Pet food & feed supplies.

Canned meats/fruits/vegetables.

Pantry staples.

Prepared meals/frozen meals that you have made in advance.

Toilet paper/Kleenex.

Feminine supplies.

Women may want to:

Get your hair cut.

Get a flu shot.

Visit your OB/GYN for your yearly check-up.

Get a mammogram.

Get your teeth cleaned.

Visit your eye doctor and get that new pair of glasses now.

You may want to:

Have some special surprises (toys, gifts, balloons) specifically for your other children--so that when the new sibling arrives they are reminded how they are still very special to you.

Take care of all your upcoming 'holiday' preparation (birthday cards, gifts, wrapping, and planning).

Once you know your child is coming, you can get busy planning and preparing or live in doubt and fear that it won't happen. Trusting in God's ability to deliver is to walk with believing. Like the father of believing, Abraham, call those things which be not as though they were (Romans 4:17) and prepare for your baby's arrival. By preparing now you will have more quality time with your baby later. Prior preparation reduces stress in your marriage and allows you more peaceful time with your child.

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