A Parenthood Coach! YES!

Adoptive parents face an unusual situation. We can go from "no baby" to "baby" with one phone call. Our pregnancies can last 1 week, 9 months, 3 years - the real problem is that we JUST. DON'T. KNOW.

With this problem comes the question of when to purchase baby gear. Do you buy a crib and then face the potential of seeing it empty for two years, reminding your of the seeming interminable wait? Do you not buy anything and then have to rush in making some very important purchases? What if you are called at 3am and told to board a plane the next morning to pick up your baby on the other side of the country (or the world.)

Today I learned about an amazing company that solves this problem for you.

Welcome to Itsabelly Baby Planners!

What is a Baby Planner?

Just as you may be entirely capable of planning your own wedding, doing your taxes, cleaning your house, creating a physical fitness plan or painting your toenails, summoning assistance to prepare for a huge life transition can be tremendously helpful. Or maybe you're on bed rest, expecting multiples, going through an intense adoption process or surrogacy and just want expedient real-time information from someone who knows all the latest safety research about car seats or how to choose baby gear that fits your life style and budget. Itsabelly Baby Planners offers useful services to meet a wide range of needs, from freeing up extra time for enjoying the precious moments of your pregnancy to baby proofing your home to protect your little one from danger.

I talked to Windy Gossett, the It's a Belly baby consultant here in Seattle and asked her "if I got 'the call' tomorrow could you be there to help me prepare my nursery in one day?" She said "yes" and went on to tell me how this adoption friendly company even teaches parenting prep classes along with one of their partners, Open Adoption and and Family Services.

It's a Baby has consultants in Portland, Altlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. They also do phone and email consultations to anywhere in the US and Canada.

Cute Adoption Related Etsy Finds

Hallmark doesn't make adoption announcements. However, sarahandmargaret do! These beautiful announcements are environmentally friendly (they are serious, read all about it on their profile) and they donate 10% of their proceeds to one of their listed charities.

ALSO!!! They offer a 10% discount for adoptive couples (or those ordering for parties on their behalf.)



These beautiful necklace pendants capture many adoption sentiments for both domestic and international adoption. Seller DosBesitos makes these lovely pendants with maps of your child's country, mother-father-aunt-grandmother-grandfather-etc in various languages, and sweet adoption sentiments. The backs of them can be customized with a birth or gotcha date and a child's name.







Most of you know and love Mrs. R. and The R. House. The newest editions to her always amazing shop are these adorable onesies that will look adorable on your newest little family member. (Also be sure to check out her beautiful adoption related jewelry.)



Last, and also my personal favorite, are these Custom UnNaked Family. You send artist nakedpeggies a picture of your family and she creates an UnNaked family to match yours. (I LOVE THIS!)

Raising Adopted Children - E-Booklet

When you subscribe to Adoptive Families Magazine you get a free e-booklet, Raising Adopted Children, with some of the best articles of past issues.

This is the Table of Contents of that booklet. I particularly like the article about remembering Birth Fathers. Those of you who know me know that this is a topic close to my heart.

Adoptive Families also offers a great e-newsletter. Everyone should sign up for that as well. This week they reviewed adoption announcements and showed announcement samples from their staff. They also a collection of ideas from readers on how to plan and throw an adoptive baby shower.