So, now that we have an LID, we are slowing starting on the nursery. I will do the before and after pictures when its done. I am very excited. A few weeks ago we let our agency know that we are open to a child with minor special needs. We filled out the required forms and contacted our Social Worker. So, what this means is we are in two programs SN and NSN, and when our daughter is found we will be HAPPY!

I also want to take this waiting time and LEARN all I can about parenting an adopted child from China. I am going to use our blog to post some things we all can learn. There are MANY books and websites that deal with bonding with a child who has lived in orphanage. One GREAT website is www.attach-China.org. Our Social Worker gave us this website. These are Activites to Promote Attachment. Not that grandparents can't be involved, but I will be taking on most of the care taking for Taitlyn. Especially the first few months. We have to remember that she will have a life prior to us and we have to respect that. We have to understand what she may be going through.

These are suggestions from therapists and parents of RAD kids
Wear infant in a chest carrier, all day if possible, facing IN.
Mom should initially be the only person who is meeting the baby's needs. Baby needs to build a bond with one person first, then she can branch out to others.
Bathe together, to promote skin to skin contact. Baby & Mom can wear the same lotion so baby associates scent with mom.
If you use cologne (or if you don't, use your shampoo), place a tiny bit on her arm so she has your smell with her at all times.
Laminate loving family pictures of you together and put around her crib and other places.
Outline her body, as well as your own on huge sheets of newsprint. Color them (great activity). Tape the "portraits" to her ceiling.
When feeding her something she particularly likes, tell her you are a good mommy/daddy. Telling her with words that you are a good mommy is important -- otherwise, how would she know?!
Play with dolls to act out how parents always return after child goes to day care, babysitter, bed, etc.
Draw cartoon panels of the day's routine, so that your child can see that Mom and Child always come back to the same home together. Anxiety and stress can interfere with auditory processing, so it is important to use something visual that can be held in the hand.
Give your child a laminated picture of the family to carry with her all the time.
Limit choices. At first parents should make all decisions, including foods, toys and clothes. This helps the child feel safe. Then as the child becomes accustomed to the new family, limited choices can be given, e.g. a choice between 2 foods.
Dress alike. Wear the same colors, type of outfit, accessories, hairstyle, etc. and point out how you look alike.
Claim your child. Tell her she belongs to you. Give her a big hug and say "MINE!" Make up songs about your family, e.g.:I am your MomYou're my sweet girlJust like a pearlso rare and preciousYou are mineand I am yours'Cause together we're a family.
Encourage Eye Contact

In the next few weeks these are the tpe of things I am going to post along with some pictures.