Update

Got an update about Baby Sister. She's gained 2 pounds...her eyes are super bright...and she's super cute!!!
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UPDATE (9/30/08):

Also, I'm proud to announce that I've successfully put 3 carseats in my backseat! 2 Fisherprices and one Peg Perego. The seatbelt extenders allow the kids to buckle themselves...so all is good. I'm thinking of still going for the clek oto's, however, at some point in the future. Like all the boosters...they seem to tilt too much during acute angle turns. I think a latch *plus* a booster would alleviate this issue. But for now, that project is done.

As for the crib? We got one. Ebay for just over $100 including mattress...brand new. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for picking that up for us in your "big truck" and driving it up to us!!

So....we're all set. We have clothing, a carseat, and a crib. These items complete our pre-trip baby gear requirements.

The grass is all lush and green, now that the sprinklers are all fixed. The next door neighbor agreed to care for our doggies for the week we're gone. The backyard fence is secure and our doggies better contained. My work schedule has some time blocked off...hopefully it'll coincide with our *actual* travel!! Many of my colleagues know about our upcoming trip and adoption...and I think they'll feel bad if they make it difficult for me to do this 'project.' So I'm hoping that'll extrapolate into encouragement and support if I have to change the schedule...or alter my requested days off.

I've been "de-babyizing" Ian, such that he's not "a baby" anymore. Potty training, walking more and strolling less. Sleeping in his own bed, and taking off his own clothing. I'm also encouraging Haley to be more independent. She's doing her own bathing in the bath or shower. She's getting dressed, undressed, brushing teeth, cleaning up her areas (bedroom, playroom), making her own breakfast (toast, cereal, fruit). I'm really working with them on their interpersonal relations (such as no fighting, sharing, etc.) I can't imagine having them completely dependent, acting like babies, fighting, *with* a new baby coming!!

Plus, I'm completing some tasks that require some research and time...that, if not done now, will likely not be done for months. Such as dental appointments, finding appropriate extracurricular activities for the kids, signing them up....and getting into the routine. Haley has started playing golf with The First Tee, and she started music lessons. Ian, is still 2. He'll have to wait 6 months since almost every (non-mommy and me-type activity) requires the child to be 3 or 3.5 - such as T-ball or soccer.

Donations: we're still hoping for help collecting donations. Once we pass court Haley's school agreed to do a clothing drive of sorts, so that her classmates can play a part in this experience with her. Additionally we have friends who are helping us organize collections for us to take with us. Grandma is going to see if her company, UPS, will send some of the items to Addis Ababa for free (I can only imagine how difficult it'd be trying to hold on to our own luggage, plus two kids, while trying to transport excessive cargo. And with the airlines doing the nickle and dime thing, it'll probably be very expensive to check the boxes as extra "baggage."). But, I will say, after cleaning our home, doing the craigslist thing, and with the help of friends, we do have a few things that I'd be proud to take with us already. Even if we have no additional support in this area, I'm okay taking what we have...
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What's next? Just passing court. Once that's done, we'll be able to plan some of the details of our trip.

Wha'sup?

I've been spinning 'round and 'round trying to make sure that everything I want to accomplish, is accomplished in preparing for the arrival of our newest family member.

This week's question: How are we gonna get 3 kiddos in carseats into the back seat of our car? 'cause we I refuse to buy a huge car (with these gas prices), and feel strongly that parents shouldn't be forced to. So, I'm trying to find a way to make all three carseats fit (and still allow Haley and Ian to *buckle themselves*). Additionally, I cannot contort my body and perform magic tricks in the middle of a dark parking lot trying to buckle in 3 kids. In California, it's much, much safer for the kids to ride *without* a carseat than it is to spend 5 minutes in a dark parking lot trying to buckle them into one. And I'm all about safety...

Case in point: In August 2007, a 30-year-old woman was carjacked in a mall parking garage while strapping her 2-year-old son into her black SUV. Thereafter, a mother and daughter were killed at the same mall right before Christmas using the same technique.

So, I've narrowed it down to a few different types of carseats. Narrow infant seats seem to be the Babytrend flex-loc and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio. We got the Peg Perego on sale at Babies R Us...regularly $230, for less than $50. Brand new.

The Sunshine Kids Radian has a reputation for being safe, and one of the narrowest convertible seats out there. But, do you see that price tag? And, I'm think I'm going to bypass the convertible seat and Ian can ride in a booster. When Baby Sister outgrows the Perego, then maybe I'll consider the Radian for her.

I ordered a couple of Fisher Price Safe Voyage Booster seats (made by Britax) from Albeebaby for the low price of $29.99 (reg. $80.00) These boosters are the narrowest out there.

I got a couple of seatbelt extenders (for free) from Lexus, to make it easier to reach the buckle (afterall, they're like completely buried under the seat cushions).

And I'm trying to see if I can't get a couple of Magna Clek Otos (not the Olli because the handles make it too wide). They are Canadian, but I'm hoping that I can still try them out. Drawback - kinda expensive for a low-back booster seat. Advantage - latch system, and size.

Finding a way to make the 3 carseat thing work has been my obsession a concern for a few weeks now.

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So far Baby Girl has an adequate wardrobe (especially considering we won't know her clothing size until she arrives). We've created space in the bed room for her crib...AND I have the crib all picked out. There's actually one for sale on ebay...brand new for less than $100. I'm thinking I'll just go ahead and get it because they're normally over $200.

Once I get the bed/crib...a dresser for her stuff (because right now Baby girl's things are tucked away in Hubby's bottom drawers)...and this carseat situation worked out...I'll feel 'ready' for her arrival.

As far as the house: The sprinklers are done. The dogs are all taken care of. The fence is done and the yard secure. We've created more space in our living area by moving things around and replacing some pieces of furniture. We've had our neighbors over for coffee, and we spent hours connecting - which is always important, but even moreso when you're planning to be gone from your house for a couple of weeks. And now, our home will be okay in our absence.

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Travel: I've actually contacted a couple of travel agencies (still deciding on which we'll use...but I think I'm pretty sure). Sister is busily collecting (as am I) medical supplies/medications. I've continued making contacts in Addis Ababa...and will continue to do so.

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Finally, my good girl friend reminded me to begin the process of "baby sister acceptance" for Ian...who is *very* happy being Mommy's little guy!!

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UPDATE: 12/24/08
We're home - just wanted to post the result of all of the above craziness. We did it!! 3 seats across the backseat!! :o)