• Prepare yourself physically.  Soon you will be off and running with a new child or children.  Try some light strength training to build up those hugging and carrying muscles.
• Prepare yourself emotionally.  The waiting really is the hardest part and it only gets more difficult after you receive the referral and you know about your child or children.  Keep your mind busy with planning and preparing.  Use your adoption support system, other adoptive families can be a valuable resource to help you cope with the wait.
• Prepare friends and family for the wait.  Let family and friends know that it is not a quick or easy process.  You will inevitably be swarmed with lots of well meaning family members asking about the adoption.  Be prepared, as having to say, "Well, we just don't know..." a million times can be tiring and emotionally draining.  This is a perfect time for you and your significant other to do a little dress rehearsal and come up with answers to all of these questions together, make it fun and enjoy laughing.
• Learn about the culture of your child's birth country.
• Use this time wisely!  Catch up on some movies you have wanted to see or books you have wanted to read.  Have plenty of date nights or romantic weekends.  Tackle the home improvements you have been putting off.

We hope you find these useful.  Look for more Hints & Tips to come in following News to Notes.  Do you have recommendations to other families?  Let Siri Scott know and she will include them in a later issue.