Preparing to Be a Foster Mom

When I saw the positive sign on the pee stick almost two years ago, I went into preparation mode.  

I started planning and preparing.  I picked out a diaper bag, researched car seats and strollers, picked out bedding, read tons of baby and parenting books, and bought a glider and crib and dresser.  And all this before we found out that we were having a boy!

In the remaining months before his grand entrance, we bought J clothes, pajamas, socks, hats, Halloween costumes (yes, multiple), holiday outfits, bottles, diapers, wipes, blankets, burp clothes, etc.  J had no preferences so we got to inflict our tastes on him.  This kid was stocked.  We were prepared for all seasons, all sizes, everything.

We are now preparing our home for a foster child.  

We know we'll be getting a little girl between 0 and 5 years old.  And a brother, if she has one.

Do you know how many unknowns there are in this situation?!

I don't know her age, size, likes and dislikes, anything!

Will she need a crib?  Toddler bed?  Regular bed?

Diapers or undies?

What size clothes?

Will she need a carseat or a booster seat?

Does she like arts and crafts?  Music?  Books?  Disney Princesses?  Hello Kitty?

The control freak in me is going crazy.  Absolutely bonkers.

D and I have decided that when we get a little girl we'll take her shopping and let her pick out clothes, bedding, and a few toys that she likes so that she feels like this is her home.

And, if she has a brother, we'll let him do the same (or, is it just me or do boys care less?).

In the mean time, I'm sitting here twitching.  Wanting to do so much more than I am able too prepare for this little girl.  She already has a home in my heart - I want to get her home in my house ready, too!