The Stuff You REALLY Need immediately for a domestic infant adoption

I was just reading a blog post on what you need for an emergency adoption placement of a newborn and I was rather astonished that we had managed to survive without a great deal of those 'vital' supplies.  We had no organic baby shampoo or hypoallergenic laundry soap, let alone a bottle sterilization system.  While all that stuff is trendy and nice if you can afford it, the truth is, adoption is expensive and unless you are very well off, most of it isn't really worth it: your child will grow up just fine on store brand formula.  So what does the cash-strapped hopeful adoptive family really need?

Every child and every adoption is unique.  Some people are matched the day their homestudy is approved while others wait years.  Some find out they will be parents the day the child is born while others have six months to prepare.  Some folks start decorating the nursery and stashing onesies the minute they start filling out paperwork while others don't have the heart to invest in (or look at) that unused baby gear for what might be years (or never).  There is no right or perfect way to go about, but there are some basics that every newborn needs.  And even if you can't stand to look at all that cutesie gear and empty nursery, it wouldn't be a bad idea to stash a prepared diaper bag and some basic equipment in the back of a closet, just in case you get 'the call' and need to go, now!  Another consideration is where are you adopting from?  Will you be flying or driving?  If you are flying, it may be more convenient to buy much of the bigger/awkward stuff when you get there, but also consider that you may not feel much like shopping during or after the whole ordeal as you'll be exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally (trust me, you will!).  This list also assumes a healthy child without major complications or issues.  If your baby is born prematurely, hooked on drugs, or with a major health concern, obviously your needs will be far different!

Sleeping: while newborns sleep a lot, it is never when, where, or how you plan it.  Neither of ours slept in the crib until 3-4 months of age, preferring a bassinet or even the car seat (you do what you must to survive!).  If you'll be traveling or stuck in a hotel room for any amount of time, consider something portable.  Most newborns seem to prefer something snug and some prefer a slight angle (rather than laying flat).  There are all sorts of ingenious options out there nowadays so take a look even if you don't want to invest in a crib just yet.

Feeding: buy a can of formula (or stock up on freebie sample cans) and get a set of bottles, also get a basic bottle brush and a drying rack.  While you may be one of those super-parents planning to induce lactation, you never know what is going to happen or when.  All formula must be FDA approved so it really doesn't matter which brand you get and most kids do fine on the regular stuff, reserve the more expensive 'gentle' stuff for those with an actual sensitivity issue.  You don't need to sterilize the bottles or boil the water or even warm the bottle.  Room temperature tap water is just fine for a healthy, full term baby and a thorough wash and rinse with plain old dish soap and water will clean your bottles just fine.

Diapers: buy the biggest box of size 1 disposable diapers you can find from the brand of your choice, though I'd start with a national brand and experiment with generics once all the adoption/new parent excitement has worn off.  Skip the Newborn and Preemie size (unless you have a preemie or 4 pound twins) otherwise you may never use them or they'll outgrow them in a week.  Skip the diaper pail for now and buy a roll of doggie poop bags at the dollar store for messy diapers and just toss the wet ones in the regular trash.  Also get a multipack of disposable wipes with the plastic, reclosable lids.  Don't worry about the cloth diapers right now, again, something to try when life gets dull.  Also get a tube of diaper ointment of your choice, just in case.  A blanket or towel works great as a changing pad too!

Clothes and Accessories: footie pajamas.  That's all you'll need for the first three months, really!  Skip the newborn size and get 0-3 month or even 3-6 months in a gender neutral color.  Okay, get a few cute things for pictures and that sort of thing, but for convenience, hygiene, and warmth, you can't beat footie pajamas.  A diaper bag that both parents feel comfortable with is a necessity, but think outside the box: messenger bag, backpack, etc.  A few soft, absorbent bibs just in case you get a 'spitter' are a good idea to have on hand along with a few blankets and burp clothes (cloth diapers, receiving blankets, even hand or dish towels work) are also a must.  A car seat cover or some heavier blankets are necessary if you will be taking your baby out in the winter (forget the bunting or snow suit at this point).

Carseat and stroller: you can't leave the hospital without a car seat and if you plan on lugging junior around for any length of time, get a stroller to go with it.  If you will be flying or stuck in a distant state for any length of time waiting for paperwork to clear, you'll want a stroller (unless you want to spend 10 days in your hotel room).  You don't need the $750 travel system, the basic sets from your local big box store work just as well.  Don't even worry about an extra 'base' at this point, as most can be easily strapped in with a regular seat belt.  Just make sure you buy one new and watch the expiration date.

Other handy items for baby: a pacifier, an infant carrier (the kind where you can 'wear' your baby), baby soap and lotion (get the travel size initially), nasal saline drops and a bulb syringe for a stuffy nose.

Handy items/tips for the adoption experience: get a real camera and learn how to use it while you wait for 'the call,' find a thoughtful gift for the birth parents (we gave them a nice frame with a picture of them and the baby), book a nice hotel room with a kitchenette or find something homey on sites like Airbnb if you will be staying somewhere for any length of time, arrange with friends/family ahead of time to have someone to watch the kids/pets/house on a moment's notice because you just never know!

The List:

-portable, snug sleeping contraption
-formula
-4-6 bottles, brush, and rack
-size 1 diapers (name brand)
-wipes
-doggie poop bags
-diaper ointment of choice
-8-10 footie pajamas size 0-3 and 3-6 month
-bibs (3), blankets (3-5), burp clothes (5-10)
-carseat and stroller ('a travel system')
-pacifier
-wearable infant carrier
-baby soap/lotion in travel size
-nasal saline drops/bulb syringe
-camera, data cards, batteries
-gift for birth parents

Happy Fall!

My mother used to make 'donut muffins' when I was a kid, they were good but I've only made them once since they are messy, sticky, and may not be worth the effort.  But what happens when you combine 'donut muffins' with apple cider?  These might have been the best thing I've ever made!  Yes, they are a little messy but they are totally worth it.  What a perfect fall treat!

And as an added bonus, if you read the comments section beneath the recipe, there's an amusing anecdote from an individual who can't understand why the recipe failed and was completely inedible, hint: this recipe calls for apple cider, not apple cider vinegar!  Ugh!

Sugar Cake (in the cast iron skillet)

I've never heard of Sugar Cake before, nor thought much of baking in cast iron, but both are a good idea.  It's easy, it's moist, it's wonderful, and it's cast iron, enough said.  Try it!

The daring (ham) adventure (sorry, not cast iron but still delicious!)

What would you say if I told you to boil your 10# ham in vinegar for 3 hours?  That's about what I thought when I saw this recipe, but it won't ruin your ham, honest!  And it is as good as the authoress claims.  I dare you!

Chicken Parmesan (for the cast iron skillet and no breading!)

I love breaded, fried chicken, but this recipe omits both messy necessities and shows it can still be wonderful!  Enjoy!