How to get ready while waiting for a match

Start working out!! Seriously....a 22 pound 8 month old is making me very glad I spent about a year exercising and lifting weights prior to her coming home. She is a LOAD!! I would have fun with my hubby and friends. I know that doesn't sound like 'getting ready'...but you may find that it will be years before you get to do a 'girl's trip' or a weekend away with your hubby. Enjoy those things now while you can. Sleep...it's unheard of once the baby comes home:) Best of luck, hope your wait isn't too much longer.

Come join our chat on Sunday night at 7pm eastern time. We'll have some ideas for you as we're all in the waiting boat!

Get yourself as healthy as possible. Work on financial stability (as in, if you plan on becoming one income for awhile when Babe comes, pay down debt or work to start to live on less now so it isn't such a shock). Take a trip together, or at least work to enjoy the time before kids come.

Save money. Honestly we had no idea that it would cost us so much when we brought our babies home (granted, it was two)... I'd take whatever your agency estimated it would cost and add $5-10k to it...I agree about taking a trip also... if you have spare money.Also, I'd do some research now about what baby items you need to get, what is a waste of money, where to buy gear, clothes, diapers (amazon mom!!!!) etc... if you have an emergency placement you don't want to be totally clueless about this stuff.

I agree with Fran completely! Having a money cushion is so nice and once the baby comes there won't be anymore (or very few) vacations where it is just the two of you. I would also suggest going ahead and starting your registry at Target, Babies R Us or wherever. This way, if it is a surprise placement your family and friends will have an idea of what you need and want. If you were pregnant you would be doing it ahead of time so why not do it ahead of time too! It will also help with what Fran was saying when she mentioned having an idea of what you need and what you don't. It is so easy to overbuy in the heat of the moment. Believe me - we did with our first one too. I was so glad I had registered ahead of time. Oh - and you can do most of it online which is awesome!