The Hegemom

Okay, remember that friend of mine who had no TA each of the couple of times her agency assured her she would? Then TA and no embassy appointment? (See posts below.) Well, she's leaving for Mainland China on Wednesday!

I went by her house this morning to help with the packing.

I looked over her packing list and clothes for herself and family and, gawd help me, suggested some changes. There are certain duties incumbent on a BTDT adoptive parent.

For example-- no suppositories. If the girl (toddler age) is constipated, give her some roughage and possibly some safe fruits. DON'T alienate an already scared and suspicious child by...um...well, YOU know. Same with ear wax-reducing tools and drops. Let the pediatrician take the heat for that when you get home! Or, if either condition gets serious in China, let a doctor take care of it. Bonding is already tough enough on a kiddo without that sort of thing! You should be the one doing the comforting, not the one making her uncomfortable!

Also, bring clothes for the child (and yourself, actually) that all go together. That way, when the kiddo flings and/or spits something disgusting on one shirt, you can send hubbie (apologies for rampant sexism here) up to the room for another shirt and it will be sure not to clash with what she or you is/are wearing. NOT a guaranteed occurrence if the clothes aren't, essentially, coordinated.

Now, I hasten to add that we had NO LUGGAGE for the duration of our Chinese adoption trip. (Check the archives of this blog for a full accounting.) So, from my point of view, you can get by with nothing in China. But, having said that, I certainly am happy to venture my opinion as to what is useful and what isn't! And to suggest that what isn't with you is almost certainly available at the province's local WalMart or Carrefours...