I have been approved and linked to a little boy....

[Clarebabes]

....and don't know where to start regarding all the stuff he will need!

I already have a birth DD who is 12, so it was such a long time ago I had a toddler around. Anyone got any tips on a pushchair which will not be too expensive or bulky, plus a good car seat for him please? He will be around 18 months when he comes to us.

I might sound a bit rabbit in headlights, because I am! We were thinking it would take ages after getting approved before we actually have a child placed, but looks like it's going to be sooner rather than later.

Anyway, thanks in advance.
Clare
xx

He's 18 months isn't he, clare? My dd is just a little older, and calls every adult who is looking after her 'mum'. Actually, she even calls her 5 year old sister Mum

You must be absolutely knackered. Go to bed!

Yes Hester, he's 18 1/2 months. He is very cute, blonde curly locks and a cheeky smile. My heart melts when he smiles.... They matched us well I think.

xx

Awwww congratulations! Good luck and hope everything continues well for you all! Sleep well while you can!

It is lovely to read this thread and see that your little boy is with you now. I wish you and your family all the best.
x

so so happy foe all of you!! Do tell us more! DS said very very little at 18 months i dont think he had one clear word tbh. He sounds dreamy!

Hester you sound great I am so happy for you and your dds x

Yes, it's lovely to hear you sounding so thrilled, clare. That exhilaration may wear off a bit (as you would expect) and adoptive parents often say they feel under implicit pressure not to talk about the not-so-great times. Just so you know: you can talk to us about those times! The early months are a real roller-coaster, and we'll be here for you every step of the way

How wonderful Clare :)

Do come and join us in the tearoom when you can, I know how knackering it is at this stage! Like hester says, we're here to talk about everything

Congratulations. DS (5) has taken to sighing at me saying "it's Mum now NOT Mummy. OK?" So have fun with the "Mummys" as soon as you get them!

Congratulations to your family of four (well, five if you count the cat)

Lovely story - enjoy him

Something we did with our adopted dd was to make a short film on the camcorder of the house, started outside and walked through the front door, into the various rooms, up into her bedroom etc and during the handover week the fc played it to her over and over. It was literally about 3-4 minutes long, she was 21 months at the time so attention span pretty short, but she loved watching it (especially seeing our dog) and when she walked into the house for the first time it really did seem like she knew it and where she had to go to find her room etc.

Oh - and you'll need stair gates!!!

Best of luck, what a fantastic adventure you are embarking upon, can heartily recommend it.