We waited two years, two months, one week, and four days before we met the baby girl who would become our daughter. Friends laughed when they’d heard that I had kept track of the time, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a number of waiting parents reading this could also tell me how long their wait has been thus far. And while there are things you can do to get the word out that you’re hoping to adopt, at the end of the day the wait is going to be as long as it’s going to be. So, what’s a waiting person or couple to do to pass the time? Here are some ideas!
8 Things To Do While You Wait For An Adoption
So, what’s a waiting person or couple to do to pass the time?
Maya Brown-Zimmerman
January 15, 2017
1. Travel
Maybe you save up for a big trip, or maybe you do a weekend getaway nearby. Either way, planning an escape can take your mind off the wait. It can be tempting to hold off on trips because you don’t know when you’ll get “The Call,” but don’t let life come to a halt during this time. Buy some travel insurance, flexible tickets, etc. and go forward with planning!
Photo Credit | fdecomite
2. Exploring
Make a bucket list of places to check out in or near your city. Admittedly, the ones that first come to my mind are all around food: how many ethnic cuisines can you try out? Who has the best donuts? What about the wildest hot dog toppings? But what about checking out a local museum you’ve not been to, or a new concert venue?
Photo Credit | Erik Drost
3. Pick up an old hobby
Do you have a favorite pastime that you’re neglecting? What about some crafts you started but never finished? How many of us have a spot like this, full of projects begging to be completed? Now is the perfect time to get back to them!
Photo Credit | Amber McKinney
4. Pick up something you’ve been wanting to start
One woman I spoke with signed up to join a triathlon team. I’ve decided that it’s time I learn Portuguese, my mom’s native tongue, so my sons and I are going to start working on that together. Wondering where to go to learn something new? Check out your library! Ours offers language classes, computer classes, and even Zumba. Also, look for adult education courses through your local rec. center.
Photo Credit | Demion
5. Exercising
Working out releases endorphins, which is a natural stress and pain reliever. Who doesn’t need a stress reliever?! Bonus points for trying out a new form of exercise.
Photo Credit | Peter Mooney
6. Socializing
Plan some fun outings with your friends. It could be a monthly standing dinner and drinks date with the ladies, or a couples’ bowling competition. What about a book club? Or combining multiple ideas and setting up an exercise group?
Photo Credit | meenakshi madhavan
7. Blog it out
Writing is therapeutic for some people. Occasionally blogging during the wait was difficult for me, but other times I was very grateful for the outlet.
Photo Credit | Adikos
9. Prepare for your future child
When all else failed, I would pester my husband about narrowing down our list of baby names, or browse nursery designs. Pinterest can be a bittersweet distraction when it comes to making plans for parenting someday.
Photo Credit | Meagan
Maya Brown-Zimmerman
Maya Brown-Zimmerman is a mother of three, both biologically and through adoption. She has been blogging since before it was cool, and is passionate about everything from open and ethical adoption to special needs advocacy and patient-physician communication. In her spare time (ha!) she's on the board of directors for a medical nonprofit and enjoys medical and crime dramas. You can read more from her on her blog, Musings of a Marfan Mom.
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