Seven Quick Takes~ May 10

[hosted at Conversion Diary]

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Mother's Day approaches-- which for us, means compiling another installment of photos for our daughters' birthmom.  And this time, as I sift through onscreen folders, I'm ridiculously grateful for this post by author/blogger Kathy Lynn Harris...!

Reading it, I think back-- and wow, yes, when you put it that way, there's no wonder that the "tangle of my mind" has seemed unusually messy!  We've been through a lot. While adoptive parents work to set aside their own feelings in deference to the birth family (whose sacrifice is unspeakably immense),  we, too, have experienced stress... The validation leaves me teary-eyed.

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By the way, this time I'm also constructing a Shutterfly site so as to share photos continuously with birthmother.  She may find it easier to check in on her own schedule, when her own feelings permit; and we'll appreciate the added convenience, too, once we're over the initial hump of uploading photos from years past.  Hopefully a win-win!

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 Catholic blogger Elizabeth Scalia recommends Save Send Delete (by Polish-American author Danusha Goska) to "Catholic readers in search of good Catholic fiction that reflects something of what it means to be passionately Catholic in a post-Christian, secularist and politically correct era."  I'm intrigued-- especially as the Kindle edition currently goes for only $3.49.  Compare that with $16.96 for the paperback...

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Speaking of Polish Americans, singer Ewa Angeli has rendered many traditional Polish Christmas carols in English-- probably the first recording of this kind that I've run across!  Interestingly, too (and I don't quite know what I think of this!), she lends the koledy a pop-music, even somewhat "country" sound that pulls them out of context.  They seem modern, American, flimsy:  you'd never guess the age or origin or traditional weight of these songs...  Sad?  A big part of me says yes.  But then, classics are classic because they can withstand re-interpretation without sacrificing respect and cache.  We're meant to live with them...  So, I'm not sure whether I'll purchase or not.  Do I like the results enough to listen at length?  (For what it's worth, her accent is so winning...!)

Here's a promotional sample from YouTube:




And of course, you can also sample individual tracks here at Amazon.  ...Oh yes, her version of "Lulajze, Jezuniu" ("Lullaby Jesus") could grow on me!  Definitely buying that one... Maybe more.  I'm weakening.

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As you see, in the past few weeks I've finally learned how to embed YouTube videos within my posts! So I'll share this wonderful "cruise of the Danube" (our toddlers love it, too!) in a more direct way...






...and also link back to my previous post, in which I identify some of the landmarks shown in this virtual journey from source to Black Sea.

As I wrote once before, I think that this could make an engaging homeschool lesson in both geography and music.

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Mix purchased frozen hash browns with diced ham and shredded cheese (chopped green peppers would be great, too), and return to freezer.   Cook as much as you'd like, when you'd like it.

Why hadn't I thought of this before?  It's so simple.  Add an egg (hardboiled for added ease), and breakfast is ready.

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Finally...  I hate to admit it, but I will:  My husband and I totally forgot that yesterday was a holy day of obligation!  Catholic fail.

Have a great weekend, everyone-- and Happy Mother's Day!

While perhaps I should have planned for May...

... in the end, I constructed a crude, last-minute crown out of beading wire, three small rosettes, and a heavier bead (in back) for balance.  Not perfect, but it does the job.

(This Marian display-- at Grace in My Heart-- is so simple and lovely! The sight of it smoothes my mood and calls up a smile.)

I'm looking forward to our girls' reaction (excitement? puzzlement?) to our church's May Crowning ceremony this Sunday!

Because I have talented friends!

My moms'-group friend Yvonne Jones has written a children's book!  Look for it this Fall.... In the meantime, though, here's a glimpse:

Can I get my act together for Seven Quick Takes?? April 26

It's touch and go around here (isn't it everywhere?), so completing this post will be a minor miracle...!

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Two-year-old is entering the "why?" phase, although right now it manifests as a relentless demand for definition.   "What plate mean?"; "What food mean?"; "What eat mean?"; "What tummy mean?"; etc., etc.-- and all with that adorable driving-you-crazy smile!  Someone give this girl a dictionary...

-2-

On to math:  She counts "poops" in her potty.  While she's going...  As in, she'll be sitting there, and you'll suddenly hear "One!"  Huge smile on her face.  (And someday she'll want to kill me for sharing this!)

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Both of my girls are devouring these Zucchini-Oatmeal Muffins with a gusto usually reserved for goldfish crackers!  I'm astonished, because the titular zucchini and oatmeal are actually filled in with healthy ingredients, such as Greek yogurt, natural applesauce, and wheat flour.  (No oil, and white flour and sugar together form only 25% of the picture.)  While the results aren't fluffy and sweet, they aren't bricks either, and I find that they do very well at breakfast-- in that they're actually eaten. (Long may this last!!)  There's a stash in our freezer...

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Likewise, I continue to be amazed at my two-year-old's enthusiasm for matching games (such as Delena has developed; and these also).  Match one thing to the other, nearly identical thing... My adult mind says "boring,"but apparently she finds challenge in it-- because then she wants to do it again, mama!  These simple exercises are a lifesaver.  

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Remember that laundry pile from last week?  Same pile, different clothes!   At this rate I'll never be rid of it.

-6-

Today, in a fit of optimism,  I seeded bare patches in our back yard-- the work of our labrador retriever, who unfortunately likes to dig.  Fingers crossed!

-7-

Husband's home... I'm done!  (Yeah, I know... cop out.  :)  )



Thanks for stopping by (sorry so mundane!  I'll try to do better), and have a great weekend!!

(hosted at Conversion Diary)

Quick Takes~ April 19

(hosted at Camp Patton)

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I really should be folding laundry.

Instead, I'm using naptime to obsess over Boston news-- between email checks and, of course, blogging.

It's good to have priorities.

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You know that your toddler watches "Blue's Clues" too often, when a pawprint motif (on a dog's bandana) sends her craning her neck for Steve.  "Clue, Steve... STEVE! WHERE STEVE?!"

-3-

Exciting-- this week BBC cited the blog of my good friend Shannan (Tween Us)!!   

The quote pertained to Justin Bieber's visit to the Anne Frank House...  Here's Shannan's original post on the subject.  Adolescent response (see her comments section) made me smile and shake my head, recalling how "mature" I thought myself in high school...!

-4-

Speaking of worthwhile blogs, I've added two to my blogroll--  Living with Lady Philosophy (by a Theology M.A. married to a philosophy professor) and The Accidental Philologist (A.B.D., studying medieval Latin).  Since both authors navigate the academic world as Catholics, I'm thrilled to follow them!

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Back to toddler-isms:

Apparently our two-year-old aspires to the big-kid job of cleaning up after household pets.  "Want pick up puppy poops RIGHT NOW!" she demands, pink plastic shovel in hand...  (Oh, how I wish I could put her to work!)

Someday-- when she views this backyard drudgery with the "enthusiasm" of a sane human being-- I'll remind her of today.

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Years ago, when my husband and I were first married, we endured a job loss and year of unemployment that really challenged our optimism!  And back then, my husband used to say that our theme song was "You Can't Always Get What You Want" (Rolling Stones)... Well, on arriving home Tuesday evening (the day that the Catholic college ended his candidacy), what was the first thing he did?  Load that song, and play it... Before hanging up his jacket.  Before taking off his shoes.

If you try sometimes, you just might find 

you get what you need.

It was like fresh air.

-7-

Along the same lines (comfort), my new favorite flavor: Kroger Private Selection, "Chai Tea with Chocolate Ginger Cookies"

Since when last I declared a favorite (Edy's "Tiramisu") it was discontinued immediately, I'm preparing to campaign for this one.  Try it! Become addicted!  


Thanks for visiting-- and have a great weekend, everyone!  

Coping with a disappointment

He didn't get the job

He didn't get the job.

I just learned this, five minutes ago... My husband called, and I knew from the low, sunken tone in his voice that he was dreadfully unhappy; and when he told me, I realized how much the hope of an offer had buoyed us both for the past six weeks.

Six weeks!  Six weeks since his on-campus interview.  The length of time would have itself crushed our expectations, if there hadn't been significant reasons-- explained to him at the interview, and subsequently-- for extending the search for so long a time. And in that time, we both began to feel invested in that Catholic collegiate community and all of its concerns.  For more than a month we followed the Facebook posts, the Twitter feeds, the student newspaper, envisioning:

A truly Catholic campus, in accordance with Ex Corde Ecclesiae-- Catholic professors and families to be our neighbors, our friends-- their support for homeschooling--  tuition benefits for our daughters, down the road-- the possibility of designing or teaching a course in U.S. Catholic History...  The dream of this is suddenly gone!

Where is my resolution to trust God's Providence?  At the moment, it's overwhelmed by waves of disappointment-- by feelings of rejection, and even (yes) betrayal.  (As if this community owed anything to us....!)

If you can, please say a quick prayer that I'll regain some perspective; and also that I'll be able to emotionally support my husband when he returns home in an hour or so. Right now I am actually crying about this, can you believe it?  I'm crying, and I need to stop and find something else-- some plan for the summer, some organizational scheme or activity for the girls-- to make the future seem more, well, fun.

Seven Quick Takes

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Timman (Saint Louis Catholic) is reading The Power and the Glory; while Delena (It's on My To-Do List) is not reading The Lord of the Rings (which frankly I never finished, either)...

So of course I must be reading-- or not reading-- something as well!  And I manage to cover both in my approach to Les Miserables. Meaning, that I read it off and on, and am currently stuck in Hugo's multi-chapter discussion of the Paris street urchin. Thus far, Hugo really loves the idea of progress; has a problem with cloistered nuns; and evokes Pope Francis in describing the Bishop Myriel, who (for example) converts his episcopal residence into a hospital for the poor.

-2-

At the conference in New Orleans, my husband and I received lots of encouragement regarding our newly-founded historical organization, which we hope will soon launch an e-journal.  I'm a Managing Editor....!  Of something that doesn't yet exist.

(And I'm telling you about it, because telling you will help to motivate me.)

-3-

My manuscript revisions are moving at a snail's pace.  (Again, I'm telling you for the sake of shame-based motivation.)

-4-

I'd given up coffee for Lent-- and oh my, is it good to have that cup of deep-rich-fragrant comfort once again!  Tea smells nice, and I like tea, but... it just isn't as substantial.  Tea is a beverage; coffee is a meal.

-5-

Our two-year-old is having a blast with a few of Delena's printouts!  And while of course she needs help to work them (drawing and tracing are not her strengths right now), I'm amazed at how well she grasps some of the concepts.  

Overall, a worksheet can keep us both pleasantly busy-- and focused-- for longer than I thought possible at this flighty, fidgety age.  Thanks, Delena!

-6-

Oh yes, and may I brag a little (more)?  I mean, I have to make the most of these encouraging moments, right?  Especially since I'd worried that our evening "family prayer" time was an absolute shambles  (you'll see the connection in a sec)...

Our two-year-old has astonished me with plausible renditions of the Our Father and Hail Mary!  True, they consisted only of a few key words and phrases, connected by well-inflected gabble-- but you could recognize the prayer.  Really recognize it!!

And I'd thought she wasn't listening.

-7-

It's (finally) occurred to me that this blog needs more photos.  I'll get on that.... Someday.

Thanks for indulging me-- and have a great weekend!!


PS: "Quick Takes" are hosted at Camp Patton.

Like so many in our area, we're praying for Johnny, a high school senior who was critically injured in an accident last month.  While he emerged from the coma on Easter Sunday, his recovery has only just begun, so.... please keep him (and his family and friends, too) in your thoughts, along with Baby L and others!

Hearing of these needs so close to home, I realize that-- if our girls were in danger-- I'd give anything to return to a "bad" day of endless tantrums and time-outs, nap strikes, spills, whining, and staggeringly potent diarrhea.

Behold the Lamb (Cake)

I'm only posting this because my good friend Shannan was kind enough to ask for a photo...  Not because I'm proud of it or anything.

(Right.)

Since I'm no artiste with pastry (You should see me try to pipe frosting!  It's hilarious), I'll exploit any opportunity to brag small success.

Happy Easter!

Wesołego Alleluja!  Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday.

Our Easter basket, blessed this afternoon (minus a yellow chick that would sneak into the photo!)

Just in time!

For a stretch in my childhood, our Easter celebrations always included a lamb cake.  Did yours?

Nowadays, I find it surprising that one can't just go to Walmart and pick up one of these molds... I mean, even a purely secular celebration usually involves some sort of baby-animal imagery, right?  Is the American public so allergic to religious allusions that stores can't market even the vaguest "Lamb of God" reference?  While I've seen $100 molds at antique shops, I've yet to find a brand-new version on the shelves of a national retail chain.

(Alternatively, it may be that lamb cakes-- like butter molded in the shape of a lamb-- are specific to Polish or Eastern European traditions, and I never noticed because I grew up in a heavily ethnic suburb?  For example, I once thought that everyone went to church on Holy Saturday for the blessing of Easter baskets, and learned only in adulthood that this is a uniquely Polish-American practice...)

Anyway, I went online.  And yesterday-- just in time-- our lamb mold arrived! 

The brand is Nordic Ware.  We'll be baking soon, so I'll tell you how it goes!

...Oh yes, and at the last moment I'd added this Christmasy bundt mold (also by Nordic Ware) to my order:

It's meant to substitute for a constructed gingerbread house.  Online reviews claim that, despite all of those intricate crevices, the cake just slides right out-- so eventually, we'll see.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor

[Photo: Roman Catholic Saints]

Our visit to the Old Ursuline Convent at New Orleans has interested me in the city's patroness!  NOLA Catholics credit Mary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, with delivering the Ursuline convent from fire in 1812 and saving the city from British capture in 1815.  I hear that she also was invoked in Katrina's aftermath...  If you like, you can read more of her story at the website of her National Shrine, as well as at Roman Catholic Saints (which also posts a litany in her honor).

"Sweetheart"
[Photo: Ursuline Academy]

Museum labels at the convent also tell of a small plaster statue, known as "Sweetheart,"that played an important role in Our Lady's intercession.  For more detail, please see the Ursuline Academy website (scroll down to "Sweetheart Statue").

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Although it's nothing in comparison with citywide disaster, this matter has me praying for some resolution, ASAP!  (Of course, waiting is supposed to help me develop the virtue of patience, etc.-- but we're still on pins and needles here.)

Help me to expand my perspective!  Are there any intentions that you'd like me to include in my prayers for "Prompt Succor"?  Please let me know in the comment box.

In which I weigh in on a crucial matter

Back from New Orleans.  And so...  who offers the better beignet, Cafe du Monde or Cafe Beignet?  (I'm told that this is a French-Quarter controversy-- and there's no need to convince me of its importance!  Why on earth would I trivialize donuts and cafe au lait?)

Despite warm feelings for Cafe du Monde, which (back in 2005) was almost our first stop after a night stranded in the Houston airport, I have to admit that... oh yes, I prefer Cafe Beignet!  The beignets are larger, more pillowy, less chewy.  Also, the atmosphere of the Royal Street location is far more tranquil and "cafe-like" than Du Monde's long lines, crowded tables, and rushed service.

I offer this review with confidence, having sampled both products at different times of day, different days of the week, etc....!  Time to "weigh in," in another sense.

PS:  While it isn't part of the beignet scene, I wanted to further comment that, in my opinion, Royal Blend Coffee and Tea doesn't live up to its online hype.  That "elegant" courtyard is ill-kept (cigarette butts, dead leaves, general shabbiness) and, at the time of my visit, crowded.  Inside, it was a standard hole-in-the-wall coffeehouse, with a decent French roast and muffins wrapped in plastic.  No chicory coffee, to my disappointment...  While I'd planned to sit and read for a while, in the end I stayed for only ten minutes.

PPS:  Yes, this is the sort of thing that I think about!  Sigh.

Obama, take note

Currently in New Orleans (for an academic conference), my husband and I toured the old Ursuline convent in the French Quarter, where we saw, framed on the wall, a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Ursuline community.  Dated May 15, 1804, the document sought to reassure the nuns that the Louisiana Purchase would result in neither the disruption of their school nor the confiscation of their residence:


"The principles of the constitution and government of the United States are a sure guarantee to you that it [your convent] will be preserved to you sacred and inviolate, and that your institution will be permitted to govern itself according to its own voluntary rules without undue interference from the civil authority."


How far today's politicians have strayed from such promises...!

All in The Plan

For about a week or so, my husband has been ending our evening prayers with this supplication:  "Lord, whatever happens next with my job, please let it be the right thing for Rae and my girls."  (Isn't he sweet?)

We're in a rough spot.  Sort of.

My husband teaches for the Department of Defense. However, he isn't a tenured GS employee, but a "Title 10"-- a civilian employment category that allows for layoffs as necessary (or convenient).  Due to military contraction and the budget crisis, last year the college laid off two civilian professors from his department; this year already it announced that a number of additional intended layoffs had been blocked at the eleventh hour; and everyone expects the departure of more civilians in 2014, when (as luck would have it) my husband's contract will be up for renewal.

Plus, there's sequestration.  Most likely he'll be furloughed one day a week, beginning in April.  While I'll love to have him home, it will mean 20% less income for our family.

Anticipating this, he applied for another academic job-- and landed an interview!  It took place last week.... The position is at a small, conservative, Catholic liberal arts college.  Teaching there would be a dream-come-true for him, and I love the idea of raising our daughters in such a wholesome environment!

But now, we have to wait.  (Due to many factors, it will be Easter before we hear of the Catholic college's decision.)  Wait, hope, and trust that we'll land where we were meant to be... even if that means just staying where we are.

I can't possibly know God's will for our family; I know what I'd like it to be, but that may not be what I think is best for us, and best for these two colleges.  So far all of the bumps and obstacles in our lives have pushed us toward some greater good, so we'll be trying very hard to trust that, whatever happens... if he doesn't get this possible job, or if he loses his present employment... it's all in The Plan.

A Modest Post

Interesting-- today my blog roll juxtaposes two very different posts addressing the sexualization of the female body.  St. Louis Catholic discusses the meaning of modesty (and the crucial role of prudence therein), with a comments section that continues the skirt v. pants debate; while Tween Us fills me in on the marketing of lingerie-- yes, lingerie!-- to pre-adolescents.  (And, much as my toddler girls exhaust me at times, right now I just want them to stay at ages 1 and 2 forever.)

My first reaction?   That I might be a lot more worried about ladies in slacks if I hadn't just read about eleven-year-olds in padded bras...!

My second reaction?   ...That (trite observation) these are interdependent issues.  We women are all unduly pressured to present ourselves as "sexual," and sadly pre-teen girls are also receiving-- and internalizing-- these messages.   Yay Feminism, huh?  (Actually, the early feminists would be fuming!)

Third (and still more trite)?  The female body is such a lightening rod for debate! Always.

But... interesting discussions, don't you agree?  Especially when read together.



And btw, while I think that skirts are lovely and feminine, I live in jeans.  Mom jeans.

Stay warm and keep shoveling!

It's a Snow Day here in NE Kansas!  The college has closed for the day, so my husband's at home-- which makes the day festive, like a stolen weekend.  We've been shoveling the driveway in shifts; introducing our two-year-old to the construction of snowballs (which she begs to bring indoors with her!); and eating a piping hot lunch that in itself isn't much-- grilled cheese and Campbells soup-- but that really evokes those comforting childhood memories.

Since Glühwein also goes so well with that snowed-in feeling, I'll link to a recipe...  But honestly, I tend to cheat by stirring spoonfuls of orange marmalade and sugar into an individual mug of hot red wine, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon!  It's in my plan for the evening.  That, and lighting our gas-guzzling fireplace, which is a guilty pleasure in itself.

Warm wishes to everyone!  What does your family do on a Snow Day?

A Menu That Worked

Since I'm always interested in easy meal plans with lots of make-ahead components, I thought I'd share the menu from a recent afternoon get-together that I thought worked particularly well.  As you'll see, it's slow-cooker heavy, since-- lazy as I am-- I now own two of these workhorses!

In my small slow cooker:  Spinach and Artichoke Dip (8 oz cream cheese; 2 cups grated mozzarella; 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained of course; and 1 bag frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.  Combine in the slow cooker and heat on "low"-- stirring every now and then--until it's all nicely melted.)  I assembled this about an hour before our guests arrived, and set out crackers, a serving spoon, small plates, etc., so that they could help themselves directly from the slow cooker.

In my large slow cooker: Pot Roast  This was a 6-lb beef chuck roast that I cooked overnight (12 hours) on "low" along with a cup of red wine; a can of beef broth; a package of frozen mixed peppers and onions; and (key) the drippings from at least six strips of bacon, which I also crumbled into the pot.  In the morning I added extra seasonings to taste, including paprika, caraway seed, salt, and a couple tablespoons of sour cream.

In the oven:  Slow-Roasted Tomatoes ...  Wow.  Last month I'd never even heard of this dish, and now I'm convinced that it's the perfect make-ahead side for wintertime!  Following this recipe from the most recent issue of Cooking Light, I baked plum tomato halves overnight in a 200-degree oven.  The next morning, I was able to chill them and later-- just before dinner-- reheat them, adding a sprinkle of mozzarella and fresh basil.  The taste was intensely rich, complimenting the pot roast so well; moreover, the (scant) leftovers reheated nicely on the next day, too, without any apparent change in texture or moisture.  I'm definitely making this again!

On the stovetop:  Mashed Potatoes, which I'd boiled the previous night, ready for day-of mashing with butter and cream ... and Steamed Asparagus, just a quick three minutes in a steamer basket.

Bread and Butter, of course; and then:

Dessert #1:  A guest asked "what to bring?" and I pounced on the offer!  She made a marvellous homemade Apfelkuchen-- and hopefully she'll also post the recipe on her blog, as I thought it absolutely perfect: light and mildly (not cloyingly) sweet.   I just couldn't stop cutting slices for myself!

Dessert #2 (and I might also label this "In the Refrigerator") I'd made a batch of Rote Grütze, a wonderful German berry dessert-- sort of a thick compote served with heavy cream-- which I love, love, love!  A German military wife hooked me on it last year, after which it became one of my go-to recipes.  And it's so simple!  While this version (also easy) calls for fresh fruit and cornstrach, I only stewed a large bag of frozen mixed berries and a small bag of frozen cherries together (with just enough water to cover) in a large pot; slightly thickened the mixture with a package of vanilla cook-and-serve pudding; and then added just a tablespoon of sugar.  I then chilled it overnight, and served it in bowls with a small pitcher of heavy cream... and wished that I didn't have to share!

As you'll note, I could do most of the work on the previous night, after children were in bed.  At that time I set up the pot roast, which began to cook shortly before midnight; prepped the tomatoes and put them in the oven to roast overnight; boiled the potatoes; and made the Rote Grütze.  On the morning of the get-together, all that I really had to do was throw the spinach-artichoke ingredients in a crock pot; season the pot roast; mash the potatoes; slide the tomatoes back into the oven; and steam the asparagus.  ...Yes, plenty of time left to stress over a wrinkled tablecloth and try to match the napkins (a losing battle)! 


I'd love to see examples of your successful menus!  If you have a post or an idea to share, please leave me a note in the comment box... And as always, thank you!  Although married for over eleven years, I still feel like a novice when it comes to entertaining.

How to prepare for a baby without "preparing for a baby"

This post is for those moms-to-be who are waiting to adopt a newborn baby as their first child.

...And for readers unfamiliar with the (domestic infant) adoption procress, I'll explain:  These adoptive moms (dads, too!) have relinquished control.  Initially, they wait for a phone call-- and it could come at any time-- that will connect them with a birthmom-to-be and her baby, due six months from now; seven days from now; or perhaps already born.  Who can predict?  This birthmother will either choose them, or choose someone else, to parent her child.  Who (besides the birthmom, of course) can explain her reasons?  ...Afterward, the adoptive parents wait to hear that the birthmother has checked into the hospital.  Perhaps she'll invite them to be present at her baby's birth; and perhaps not.  Perhaps she'll want to spend some time in the hospital with her new baby.  Perhaps she'll let the adoptive parents visit. 

They wait, conscious that until the last moment-- and the "last moment" varies from state to state-- the birthmom can always change her mind and decide to parent, as is her right.  This happens.

It's risky, emotionally risky, to prepare when the outcome is so uncertain.  I've heard of adoptive moms-to-be having baby showers, decorating nurseries, buying strollers and clothing; but I myself was not one of these moms.  The thought of returning home, childless, to the sight of an empty crib was gut-wrenching. 

That said, it's tough to sit still amid so much anxiety, too, so-- for adoptive moms-to-be who would like to do something, anything, to get ready (anything that doesn't scream "baby"), here is a list of what I wish I'd done beforehand:

Ways to Prepare for a Baby without "Preparing for a Baby"

Declutter and organize-- big time.  If, like me, you don't have a handle on your own belongings, how can you possibly absorb the vast amounts of baby-related stuff that you'll accumulate after your child comes home?  I wish I'd mercilessly sorted through my closet, our basement, our kitchen cabinets, etc., so that at least these areas would be under control and ready to admit new items.  As it is, I'm constantly fighting overflow...  Don't be like me.

Prepare freezer meals. Many moms of my acquaintance stock their freezers during the last months of pregnancy, and the idea also makes sense when you're hoping to adopt.  After all, you never know when you'll need to coast in the kitchen for a couple of weeks!  ...And while you're at it, buy a slow cooker.  Pre-parenthood, I never thought of using one (why bother, when a Dutch oven performs so much better?), but nowadays I'm slow-cooker dependent.

Arrange small comforts for yourself, such as warm pajamas (essential when baby wakes in the depth of a winter's night), fleecy clothes for stay-at-home days, your favorite tea, a scented candle.  Download audiobooks and music; corral your favorite books in an accessible place (so as not to waste those precious naptime minutes).  Whatever happens next, you'll need-- and deserve-- some effortless pampering.

Collect laundry baskets.  This sounds (and is) so trivial, but-- honestly, where's an empty one when I need it?  Babies add laundry and subtract from the time available to fold and put it away, so that my original set of two laundry baskets quickly expanded to four and five.  And I wish I had more.  Why?  They're so useful for transporting items up and down stairs; organizing toys; and I don't know what else.
 

Can you think of other ways to "prepare without preparing"?  If so, please add them to the comment box!


Adoptive moms-to-be, I hope that this post finds you hopeful and smiling!  The wait can be difficult; and of course, because you want very much to be selfless, your mind will rush to qualify and deny the difficulty, but-- yes, this has been (as they say) a rollercoaster, hasn't it?  I wish you luck; I wish you peace; and I wish that I could give you a big hug, too.  Hang in there!