Labels: traveling to Russia, what to buy for your adopted child

Yesterday I went to the International Travel Clinic to get immunized for Russia. I wasn’t going to do this. I thought I would just take my chances. However, it seemed like there were way too many instances of adoptive parents coming home not feeling well, or not feeling well while in Russia. So, I thought better safe than sorry.

First I sat down with an International Travel specialist. He told me that I needed a Hepatitis A vaccination. I was expecting this. After John’s experience I was saying “bring it on.” Then he said I should get a polio shot and update my tetanus-diptheria booster. I was O.K. with this. However, I totally wimped out on the Hepatitis B shot which required a 7 month commitment of return visits. He also suggested the Typhoid shot, but after he said that the shot hurts REALLY bad and leaves this big scar. I passed. (O.K. I suppose the typhoid "scar" comment is somewhat of an exaggeration. To be more exact he said it causes- redness, swelling and giant bruising and is very painful. Sounded scar-like to me, but in reality it may or may not leave something permanent.)

Then I was off to the Immunization Clinic. The shot guy came and got me from the waiting room. He was nice, but something about him was seriously wrong. From the time we left my chair to when I sat down in the office he said, “How are you?” or “How are you doing?” five times. I am not exaggerating. I counted. We hadn’t even started the shots yet. I started to change my response from a cheerful “good” to a flat “I’m fine” to make him stop. But nothing was going to stop this boy. No, he continued to ask me how I was doing over and over. Was he not hearing me? I guess seven answers were not enough for him. It was not like he was being reassuring- he was not listening to me or himself. I started giving him the evil eye with a “Stop ASKING me” ESP look. It didn’t work. I wasn’t feeling confident in his abilities to give me my shots. Will he keep repeating the shots too? “Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize that I had already poked you in the arm 10 times…”

After escaping from the Immunization Clinic I loaded up with some Immodium, Cipro (antibiotic) and Ambien (sleeping pills for jet lag) at the pharmacy. I was armed and ready.

I actually did learn a lot from my initial visit with the International Travel specialist doc. He told me that when in Russia I should-


1. Not drink tap water- only bottled water (I knew this, but he said people might try to fool us by giving us refilled bottles full of tap water, so we should check if the lid is securely attached)
2. Say “No ice please” and brush our teeth with bottled water
3. Drink bottled/ canned sodas and juice (I figured out that this was a safe bet, but he suggested always drinking these with a straw because the outside could have been kept in ice or recently rinsed with tap water)
4. Avoid ALL salads and raw vegetables and fruit- Unless the fruit is peel-able (i.e. bananas and oranges would be fine)
5. Avoid ALL milk products (Perhaps Brian could have used this info.)
6. Avoid buffets
7. Avoid food prepared by street vendors
8. Wear insect repellant with DEET
9. Eat at crowded, popular restaurants
10. Order well-cooked meat, fish, rice and vegetables (eat hot)
11. Eating bread products is safe too.

Thanks to all you sick guys that inspired me to take this trip to the Travel Clinic. I am sorry that your suffering was required to get my butt in gear, but at least you did not suffer in vain.

Labels: traveling to Russia

If you have traveled to Russia, stop on over to Adrienne Bashista's Russian Adoption blog and help her out. Read her post and email her with any information you have about your Russian experience, such as, "your impressions of the city and or region, the orphanages, and court, what it was like where you stayed, information about places to eat and shop, and what it was like to travel there. Any history or tourist information would also be helpful. Also, pictures of you or your kids in the region." Her email is: adoptrussiablog@adoptionmail.com .


Thanks!

Labels: traveling to Russia

We have a general itinerary for our trips to Russia. This is it:

Bryansk Itinerary-

1st trip
Day 1- Arrive in Moscow, go to hotel- rest, take overnight train to Bryansk, rest at hotel
Day 2- Officially receive referral, go to orphanage to meet child, go back to the hotel to rest, take over night train to Moscow and rest at hotel
Day 3- Go to Notary
Day 4- Go home

2nd trip
Day 1- Arrive in Moscow, go to hotel- rest, take overnight train to Bryansk, rest at hotel
Day 2- Court
Day 3-13 Wait 10 days in Moscow
Day 14- Return to Bryansk, take custody, obtain decree, birth certificate, passport for child, take over night train to Moscow
Day 15 – Rest at hotel, medical exam, VISA interview
Day 16- Go home



Do you think this is unusual? Only one day to meet and be with the child before we actually adopt? And we spend the 10 days waiting in Moscow, instead of the region? This could get expensive. There must be a reason this is the itinerary for this region because the sample itineraries for other regions say that the parent stays in the region over the 10 days and visits the child throughout. Hmmmmm. Maybe it is so we don’t eat and drink too much of their Chernobyl affected food. Just a guess?

Labels: traveling to Russia

I got several emails from native Russian speakers and translators informing me that my Russian translations are horrible. I used a translation program and not a person, so this was the reason. They warned me to never trust a translation program. A couple of them graciously helped me redo my children’s home questions.

Please see the completely revised version here.


I will tell you one thing; I am going to do all of my post placement adoptive reports. I am going to do them on time. I am going to do them right and I am going to do all that is required because I know that my actions affect future adoptions. With that knowledge, how can any of us be slackers?

*Note: Post placements are reports that tell the Russian government that their children are being taken care of and are doing well. They usually contain a letter and photos, etc.*

Labels: international adoption: worries, traveling to Russia

With all of this exciting referral and court travel news in the Russian adoption blogger world I thought I would throw up this post:
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I didn’t think you all had enough to do or to purchase for your child SO…

This is a compilation of suggestions I have received in various ways to add to my list of things needed for adoption travel that I posted earlier, titled: EXPENSIVE, so if you copied the earlier list- add these too if you like. Some of these things apply to everyone, some only to those adopting older babies or toddlers: (Please add any further suggestions)

For Russian or other International Adoption Travel:

Caroline suggested:
Magellan Travel Supply Store (You can request a free catalog from this site as well)
Foam neck pillow
Baby wipes, small packet for pockets or hand wash towelette packets or container
Personal lumbar pillow
Foot Exercise Cushion
Travel socks and/ or soft shoes- (maybe extra socks) warm (flights are cold)
Febreeze useful for some hotel rooms, and other places

Lisa recommended:
If you get seasonal hay fever or other allergies: Allergy pills
Saline eye drops (esp. if you wear contacts), and saline nasal spray (airplane air is dry)
Donate fruit and diapers to the orphanage- purchased there
Bring American diapers, plastic pants and wipes for 2nd trip home- they may be sturdier to handle the inevitable diarrhea


Russian Adoption Handbook suggested also:
Map of area- Russia- hotel and sites
Comfortable walking shoes and nice, dressy shoes
Other personal stuff (pajamas, under clothing, shaving gear, soap, deodorant)
Water purification pills (opt.)
Small flashlight/ radio
Blanket for plane

2nd trip:
Wrist harness for older toddler
Stickers for child- put them on your face and they will pull them off
(Spring: heavy jacket, light jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, long underwear, Summer: heavy sweater, light jacket, Winter: long heavy coat, gloves, scarf, long underwear, hat, warm packets, warm boots)
Plug for sink – some lodgings don’t have this (to wash your clothes)
Kit to check child (measure head, etc.)- Notes on what is normal for child this age- height weight head and milestones what the normal delay is
Hand lotion or baby lotion
Baby Food
Bottles with X cut you can serve baby cereal through
Cheerios, gold fish, fruit snacks, crackers, applesauce
Plastic bibs
Just in case bring Zithromax or Bactrim (antibiotic for children)
Portable DVD player with DVDs


Gaye said a stroller that reclines is a must on the second trip (for walking around and airport delays)


And don’t forget:
Itinerary
Hotel information
Flight information/tickets
Passport
Maps/ directions
Emergency contacts
Photo ID
Phone and fax of Secretary of State and State Representative
2nd trip only?- copies of dossier (1-171H, 1-600- BCIS stuff)
Visa
Photo copy of visa
US Department of States Consular Information Sheet
Extra passport photos
Copies of 1st pg. of passport
Phone number and email of IA doctor
Access number to use with prepaid calling card

For child at Home

Diaper Champ by Baby Trend www.babytrend.com or Diaper Genie
Hip Carrier: www.cuddlekarrier.com, www.hiphamock.com
Child bounce seat (Learning Patterns Infant to Toddler)
More Music: Buzz, Buzz
White noise machine
Traveling Potty Seat (Folds Up)
More books: Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale, The Day We Met You, Let’s Talk About It: Adoption, Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies
---------------------------------------------------------------

I feel like I am going to be starting over with my newly adopted daughter, like she is my first child. This is because my youngest will have been a baby 7 1/2 years ago and this is my first girl.

My youngest sister just had a new baby girl. Congratulations! What this means is that I now have two sisters with baby girls and one sister-in-law and they are all waiting for me to get my act together and bring home my baby girl so we can all have a little girl sleep-over tea party. Doesn’t that sound fun? All I can say is that I am working on it!

Labels: traveling to Russia, what to buy for your adopted child

The New York Times article: To Russia with Notions made me think. When I go to Russia, will I feel like a materialistic American snob? I don’t like to think of myself that way, but I wonder how I will handle being there. I have heard that you have to have the mind set that it is like going camping. Am I too used to American conveniences and luxuries? Will I miss modern, perfectly climate-controlled homes and buildings and cars, double pained windows, clear English speakers, spacious single family homes, large grocery and department stores with everything I could possible need in one place, free and well-kept modern bathrooms, safe drivers, English cable TV, luxury airlines and transportation, American food? Maybe I am a snob.

On the other hand, I am sure that I will love to experience a new culture, historical architecture that is beyond beautiful, fabulous museums and galleries, exciting shows (such as the Bolshoi if we are lucky), an amazing metro system, interesting Russian dolls and souvenirs, and most importantly gorgeous little orphan children that long to be played with!

And when I think about it- I like to camp.

Labels: traveling to Russia

I know that the social worker fees, the agency fees, the paperwork fees, the travel and hotel fees are very expensive, but what about all of the miscellaneous items?

If you are a new time mom or mom-to-be of an older baby or toddler I hope these suggestions will be helpful. These are things that most people might need to buy. I know that your agency might have given you packing lists so let me know if you see something that should be added to this list.


For First and/ or Second Trip

Airplane pillow and (opt.) personal lumbar pillow
Autograph book – to leave at orphanage
Baby carrier (opt.)
Baby bag- that does not appear to be a baby bag (long strap bag (hands free) or backpack)with Changing Pad

Baby grooming: Baby bath wipes (soapy), Baby hair brush, Baby nail clippers
Baby toothbrush, Baby toothpaste, Baby shampoo- small

Baby wipes refill pack (soft)- Large- can buy in Russia
Bags-Blue deodorized plastic disposable bags – for diapers
Balloons to blow up- for orphanage
Bath toys: (i.e. small plastic squeeze animals, set of nesting bath cups)
Bath mat- small
Bibs- Disposable
Binder with plastic protector sheets to carry paperwork
Blankets- 2 small
Blow-dryer- compact travel
Books – light, funny
Bottles with tri-cut x for formula and cereal/ capped
Bottles/ Playtex with plastic sheets
Bottle scrub brush
Brush/comb
Bubbles to play with at orphanage
Camera, camera case, battery, battery charger
Chapstick- for carry on
Clothes for adults- comfortable (2-3 outfits each- layers)
Nicer outfit/ dressy shoes ( for visit to Ministry of Education)
Outfits for Court (i.e. suit and tie, dress/ dressy shoes)
Pajamas, Jackets- dark, Sweaters
Socks-plus clean change for carry on
T-shirts (2) - for carry on
Underclothing – for carry on and luggage
Shoes - comfortable black walking shoes, (not sneakers- i.e. Ecco or Lands End black travel shoes)
Warm Hats, Warm Boots, dark, Warm Mittens, Scarf, and Long Underwear(thermal) - if winter
Coats- long dark, warm wool coats – if winter

Clothes for child- different sizes (2-4 PJs, 10 pair Socks, Shoes, 2 outfits per day you will have custody of child: - Size: 16 mo. old = clothes for a 16 lb. child, 24 mo. old = 24 lb child) adjustable (i.e. dresses, tights, overalls) weather appropriate:Jacket, Sweater , Coat, Hat, Gloves, Scarf, two-piece Snow Outfit, long underwear, If warm- for child: sun hat, light jacket and sweater
Extra clothes for the baby/child on the plane trip home – carry on

Contacts or eyeglass needs (opt.)
Converter (220 for hair dryer, lower wattage for electronics- Recoton ADF50s)
Curling iron (opt.)
Deodorant- carry on
Dish soap - small
Dishes: Sippy cups with lid (no spill), plastic bowls w/ tight fitting lid, plastic spoons, fork

DVD player- portable or lap top for plus extra batteries, adapter, extension cord and all plugs, several DVDs (comedy & Baby Einstein)

Diapers 10 (ask size- too big is better) and plastic pants- American diapers stronger for plane trip home to contain diarrhea- for in-country buy diapers there

Disposable camera to leave at orphanage (labeled)
Extra collapsible suitcase just for souvenirs
Eye Drops (Saline)
Face wash, Toner and Face Lotion
Fan/ medium electric plug in- if summer
Fan/ small personal battery op- if summer
First aid kit- mini inc. Bandaids, Safety Pins
Febreeze spray/ small
Flashlight/ radio- small
Formula- Soy and/or buy there
Garbage bags for dirty clothes

Gifts for orphanage directors, caregivers- (i.e.- pen/pencil sets, wallets, towels, scarf,pins, lotions, candy, makeup, soaps; For representatives and translators (on the final trip)- money in a card, baseball caps, make-up, perfume, English DVDs or CDs, towels, pen/ pencil sets, English books, American magazines; money in a card to driver on all trips)

Gift bags and tissue
Hand sanitizer (Anti-bacterial getl)
International travel point cards(you point to the picture of what you are looking for- i.e. the bathroom)
Insect repellent- if summer
Kleenex/ small packets- to use as toilet paper/ for pockets
Light- personal clip on reading light
Lollipops (20)- to share at orphanage
Lotion/ very rich sensitive skin- for self and child
Magazines and or Newspaper – get at airport and leave behind (opt.)
Make-up
Map of regions visiting in Russia
Maple syrups/ small (i.e. er barrel small maple syrups (no syrup there)

Medicine: Airborne cold remedy, Melatonin (for jet lag to take before sleep) No jet lag pills, Sudafed /adult and child, Motrin/adult pills and baby liquid, Tylenol/adult pills and baby liquid, Benadryl clear, Aspirin, Neosporin, Dramamine- no drowsy, Creams: Mix Hydrocortisone cream, Lotrimin cream and cover with Destin for severe diaper rash, Cough drops, Tums, Pepto bismol, Allergy pills (if needed for seasonal hay fever)

Money belts
Nasal Spray (for dry airplane air)
Notebook- for journaling and taking notes
Orphanage Donations: (i.e. baby lotion, diaper rash ointment, developmental toys, toothbrushes, towels, bibs, blankets, new clothing, shoes)
Pacifiers and Pacifier Clip
Pedialyte Packets
Pens
Photo album- small- to leave at the orphanage
Pillow- small regular/ for hotel room and/or train
Plastic grocery bags- a few (for trash, shopping, dirty clothes, etc.)
Portable Alarm
Prepaid calling card/access #

Prescription Medicine: Antibiotics (CIPRO) just in case- treatment for TD
Antibiotics for child (Zithromax or Bactrim - 10mg a day for infections),
Eliminate or Acticin(permethrin) cream for Scabies, Nix shampoo (lice), Nystatin (Fungal infections), Emetrol (for nausea), Eye gel for conjunctivitis, Imodium (Loperamide HCI)

Snacks (i.e. power bars, breakfast bars, granola bars) for pockets
Socks- extra warm for plane
Rings/ colorful plastic- that allow you to hook a few toys on the stroller
Russian electric translator to practice with (opt.)
Russian/ English phrase book or paper
Shampoo/conditioner- travel size
Shaving gear
Sheet- to go over hotel and or train bed/pillow and as airplane blanket
Sink stopper/ flat- to stop sink to wash clothes in
Soap
Stroller (lays down and is light, folds up well)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen child formula and - if summer
Tape measure- cloth for child at orphanage
Tape recorder/small voice- for recording notes about child
Thermometer

Toddler Food: Cheerios in ziplocks, goldfish, crackers,
fruit snacks, applesause- more for 2nd trip : Half a box of cheerios, Gerber Biter Biscuits and or veggie crackers-2 boxes, Teddy Grahms, Baby food jars, Oatmeal- instant packs)

Token gifts from your state (i.e. candy, postcards)
Toothbrush – for carry on
Toothpaste- for carry on
Towelettes

Toy to leave with child in orphanage (i.e. Sassy toys stacking cups)
Toys to entertain child (i.e. Keys, Stickers, Picture books, pretend cell phone, buttons/play music toys, touch and feel books, magna-doodle, Video Now w/ movies for child plus head sets, No- spill bubble blowing, CD player with soothing Russian music, ABC Animal Train, My First Purse for girls, Baby games book w/ rhymes, finger plays)

Traveling Potty Seat (Folds Up) –opt.
Umbrella - compact
Video camera, plug recharger, battery, case
Vitamins
Washcloths
Warming packets- feet and hands- if winter
Woolite and clothes line kit (can get at R.E.I.)
Wrist harness if child is walking
Water bottles (2 –refill)
Ziplocs- gallon and quart




For Child at Home

Baby clear detergent (For that great baby smell and no allergens)
Baby or toddler games that teach numbers and letters (i.e. Fishing for Numbers)
Baby or toddler books with rhymes, finger plays and games
Baby or toddler food – some of what was fed in the orphanage and some new foods
Baby wipes
Bassinet or floor Crib for parents bedroom
Bathroom step-up stool
Bed or crib for child’s room
Bed rail
Bike attachment or back carrier for those who are adventurous
Booster seat for kitchen table (1st years strap on with tray or Babysmart Cooshie)
Car Seat (i.e. Britax Star Riser Comfy Booster or Jupiter Komfort Cruiser if over 30lbs, Britax Marathon or Graco Grow With Me if under 30 lbs.)
Bath toys (Besides floaty and squirty toys, I recommend Sesame Street Finger Paint Bubble Bath or Pauline Paint in The Tub Kit and/ or just plain bubble bath)
Car seat under-mat
Changing table (or pad on the floor)
Child bounce seat (Learning Patterns Infant to Toddler)
Chest of drawers (bureau)
Computer software for toddlers (i.e. Reader Rabbit Toddlers, Fisher-Price Ready for School Toddler Edition, JumpStart Baby, Sesame Street Toddler's Deluxe, JumpStart Toddler Deluxe, JumpStart Advanced Toddler, Baby Wow!)
Day planner to plan daily schedule with child and daily meal plan
Diapers (I love Luvs the best)
Diaper Champ by Baby Trend www.babytrend.com or Diaper Genie
Decorative bedding, curtains/window treatments, other bedroom decor
Developmental milestone book (i.e. What to Expect the First Year, Toddler)
Growth chart for wall
Hangers and/or Containers to organize clothes
Hip Carrier: www.cuddlekarrier.com, www.hiphamock.com
Life Book and pages- start book
Mommy and Me Exercise Videos (There is also Daddy and Me)

Music: (i.e. Wee Sing Audio, Songs for I Love You Rituals by Mark Harman, Classic Disney; Yummy, Yummy; Joe Scruggs; Inside-Out Sleep Game, ABC Theater, Buzz, Buzz, Russian music- Soothing and/or playful)

Night light
Outfits for child- 12 casual, 4 fancy, several pajamas (no zippers, or buttons- easy on and off for you and child, i.e. no overalls) socks, shoes, Jackets that zip up- not pullover

Potty seat insert/ soft (Cushie Tushie)

Russian and/or Adoption Books: ( i.e. Borya and the Burps, When I Met You: A Story of Russian Adoption, Nikolai the only Bear, Russia ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Russia, Look What Came from Russia, I Love You Like Crazy Cakes, Silly Horse and A Little Story about a Big Turnip, The Family Book by Todd Parr, The Littlest Matryoshka, Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, The Day We Met You, Amy Angel Goes Home, Twice Upon a Time, One Wonderful you, How I was Adopted, Did My First Mother Love Me, Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale, The Day We Met You, Let’s Talk About It: Adoption, Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies)

Russian cartoons and/or child videos with English and Russian, English cartoons
Russian toys
Stroller (i.e.Combi Savvy DX or Graco Kite rider)
Shades for car windows
Shampoo-free visor hat (so water doesn’t get in their eyes) in bath
Sling or wrap (www.mayawrap.com)
Swim diapers
Swimsuit with float device
Swing and/or jumping swing for toddlers
Toddler Bunting (Lite Bundle Me)

Toddler books (must haves): (i.e. Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see?, Where the Wild Things are, Harold and the Purple crayon, Chicka Chicka ABC, Hush, Little Baby, The Rainbow Fish, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, Pat the Bunny, Beginners Bible for Toddlers and toddler books that teach and show emotions)
Toilet training books: (i.e.Once Upon a Potty- gender specific, Everyone Poops and the Videos- It’s Potty Time and Potty Time with Bear)

Toys (i.e. Play doctor kit , Push walker or other push toys)
for indoor and outdoor (Review toys at http://www.alextoys.com/aboutalex/alexawards.htm, www.toyportfolio.com , www.drtoy.com, www.parents-choice.org, www.tnpc.com)

Sling (Etc. sling can be used for toddlers- Check out Trina’s review)
White noise machine


Child-Proofing

Bath mat/ Long no-skid
Bath Pal thermometer (This is a bath float toy that changes color if bath is too hot)
Bathroom spout cover (i.e.Sof’ Spout by Safety 1st)
Bed guard rail
Carbon monoxide detector
Cabinet locks (although it is good to have a couple of cabinets that are O.K. to open)
Cord shorteners for blinds (although you can just use twist ties)
Corner guards for tables (Edge protectors)
Door knob protectors (squeeze ones)
Fireplace guard or pad
Fridge lock
Gates for the top and bottom of stairs (I prefer the pressure kind)
Medicine cabinet locks
No-tip furniture brackets
Oven door lock
Plug covers/protectors
Safety Books (i.e. No Dragons For Tea, Dinofours It’s Fire Drill Days, etc.)
Toilet locks
Trash-can locks
VCR and TV guards/ plastic


For Mom: Calgon Bubble Bath, Aromatherapy Candles, and a Cloth Bath Pillow

Best places to shop for bargains: (search for coupons when shopping on line) ebay.com, overstock.com, landsend.com (overstock section), church sales, garage sales and consignment stores in the richest part of town, Outlets, Old Navy, H&M, Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, B. J.s, Ross, TJ Max and Marshalls

Labels: traveling to Russia, what to buy for your adopted child