Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Plee to All Guatamoms!

Help.
What do we pack? What questions do we ask Foster Mom? What info. can you share for travel, accommodations, hotel experiences? What did you wish you had/knew? What could you have lived without? Any weird food things? Do we need shots? We'd love to hear anything you feel would make our visit the best it can be.
Much, much love.
We are in this together.

6 comments:

Bobbi said...

Love the new countdown!!!

No need to answer your questions here---we'll talk!! But, NO you don't need shots---PHEW!

Betsy said...

Go to my site and read the post on "Foster Mother Questions" and Birth Certificate & Travel". I think you will get many of your questions answered. The fostermom questions were for the p/u trip but they will apply to your visit trip too. Shoot me an email if you have any more questions... :)
When you leaving?

Steph said...

I am soooo excited for your family!! I will e-mail some of the answers to your questions. Our agency recommended Hep A&B series and make sure you have an updated Tetanus. But, it's up to you.

Andrea said...

So exciting! We didn't have shots, although it's not a bad idea for the Hep series at some point. They take awhile, but I think they are worth it.

You can also go on adoption.com and search the Guatemala forum for "what to pack" and "questions to ask". I printed them both out and brought the questions with me when we went on pick up. Mostly about routines, what she eats, what time she goes to sleep, any favorites (foods, lovey) and dislikes. It's a lot to take in, but I am glad we got to ask a lot of questions.

As for accommodations, I'd highly recommend the Marriott. The breakfast buffet and the "Guatemala" buffet are SO good. The staff is all so nice, and will really take good care of you. I've also heard good things about the Westin, although it is pricey. Enjoy!!!

Julie P said...

I too used the packing list from the Guatemala forum at adoption.com - Packmom is the woman who put it together and its great. There is another blogger Tera and she has a great list too - lots of advice on how to actually pack your suitcases - what in each bag that I found really helpful.
I highly recommend a bouncer seat - it packs flat and it was really nice to have something for her to sit in by herself.
I stayed at the Westin - and loved it. Be sure to bring a light jacket and sweater for you and the baby - it was cooler than I tought it would be.
I got the Hep series of shots - my Dr thought it was a good idea for any mom to have them.
I also found it useful to bring clothes in a variety of sizes. And one of my favorite things was to bring a washable ink stamp pad and nice paper to get her foot and hand prints. We have them up in her room. Feel free to email me if you want more advice - or maybe this is enough.
Have fun, enjoy it.

Ginger--Maya's mommy said...

So glad that you will be there soon.

Hotels: I have stayed in several hotels in GC over the past 2 years. My favorite would have to be the Marriott. The is also very nice but much more expensive.

Shots: I visited 8 times before my daughter came home. I never took any shots. I did get sick 3 of those times. I think it was from the salad and way too much fruit.

Questions: If you will e-mail me at gindeborah@yahoo.com I have a list of FM questions that I used at each visit.

What to take: I would take plenty of oneies, diapers, and bottles. I always left something for Maya that would remind her of me. The first time I saw her I took a blanket that I had slept with for a week. It had my smell on it and I instucted the FM not to wash it. She is really attached to that now.