How soon did you buy items, decorate nursery?

Bpmg

We were just trying to decide when we should start buying things for baby. We are not yet matched, just starting the process really and expect to be waiting about 10 months. I just hate to be rushed if something were to happen sooner. I spoke with a family the other day that was placed with a week of the match? I want to be prepared for something like that (even though I know it is extremely rare!)

We were thinking of maybe picking everything out ? so that we know exactly what we want, but not buying until we are at least matched.

Curious how everyone else handled this if you are up for sharing!

JodyA118

good question. We are matched yet still nervous about buying stuff....

elissaann26

Our situation was different since we are foster parents who typically get 2 to 3 hours of notice before the children are in your home.  We decorated our nursery/bedroom in gender and age neutral as we were in the process of getting licensed.  We were lucky enough to be thrown 2 showers, so that's where we got the big things.  I had a stash a clothes ready to go (newborn through 5T) and we bought the rest of the little things the night before the boys arrived.

Dr.Loretta

It's very personal, and it's really up to you. This comes up every few weeks, and I remember someone posting when we were doing our profile. Those who had been matched quickly for the most part encouraged getting stuff as soon as possible. Their thinking was that you really don't want to be wandering the aisles of WalMart/Target with a newborn, or having a nb living out of boxes, if you don't need to. And if you're going for a fancy crib, etc. you have to order, it might be worth it to order one now. But there are others who don't want things sitting around the house making them feel sad, anxious, or frustrated, especially if the wait is long. And those who didn't think it was a big deal to go out and get the necessities when they already had a baby with them. In our case, we chose the middle ground. I'm not a big "let's have a fancy nursery" person, so our sitting room didn't get any special treatment. We set up a crib and changing table. We got a carseat and a stroller, and a PnP, and we started stocking up on diapers and clothes. In hindsight I'm glad we did. Our match was with a baby already born, and we had about 36 hours between The Call and when DD came home. DH went out to WalMart the night we came home and bought everything that said newborn on it, as well as a crib mattress. Bottom line, go with your comfort level and take it from there.

Dr.Loretta

Sorry for the lack of paragraphs. TB is being weird to me today

erinmc1

We have been waiting a year now, and we're one of those couples who bought EVERYTHING.  We had a couple potential immediate matches, and I felt more comfortable being prepared than not.  Now, like Dr. Loretta said, it's kind of sad to be reminded how optimistic we were for a quick match.  

That being said, I wouldn't change anything.  Now, all we'll need is some diapers in the right size and we'll be good to go.  It's reassuring knowing that the financial obligation of buying everything is behind us, and also in a strange way, because we know we're ready, we can put it out of our minds and just live until we get the call.  Now, I just buy maybe one little thing every couple months or so to stay positive and enthusiastic about it. 

edaire

My husband and I are waiting on our homestudy to be completed and we decided to take the plunge and buy the basics. We bought a bassinet, crib, changing table, dresser, wipes, pacifiers, bottles, wash cloths, baby lotion/wash etc. We decided to get a head start on it because of the financial obligations of the actual adoption. In other words, we wanted to buy a little at a time so that we are not forking out so much money at one time. We look for good sales and will purchase a gender neutral bedding set. Good luck

Rachel Sonnier

I think everyone has a different take on this, but if you are the kind of person who hates to be rushed and would rather be prepared, go with your instincts. I am the same way. I figured, the earlier I started preparing, the more prepared I would be.

We aren't matched, just waiting, but I have everything ready. I had the nursery set up before our HS was even complete...but I also have another child in the house, and the idea of having a baby room makes me happy, not depressed. I like to sit in there and knit in the rocker sometimes. We already had the crib and bedding from DS. I traded in his old pack n play, infant seat and old stroller for new ones at the Babies R Us great trade in event (the best sale EVER!), and I have been buying clothes, carriers, bottles, paci's and diapers a little at a time.

Truth be told, we have everything we need and I am still baby shopping...and LOVING every minute of it. If we wait 2 years and I shop for cute baby things the whole time, I will have no regrets. I'd rather be over prepared, than under prepared. I think it just really depends on your take on it, and whether you perceive it as a depressing chore, or having the time of your life. This is most probably my last LO so I am going all out and letting myself really enjoy it. I didn't allow myself to have this kind of fun with DS, and I wish I had. 

herray

I'm struggling with this. We are matched, but I'm afraid to buy things in fear of it not going through. My mother feels like I need to have everything set in stone already.

 Slowly but surely I am buying things. Our baby is due 2/1.

GL!

IRR

We've been matched since June.  Started buying  a few baby basics Labor Day since Carter's had a 50% off sale.  We just ordered bedroom furniture last week with the understanding if things fall through we will not need to take delivery.  We painted the room, bought a super cute carpet and that is it so far.  We made a list on Walmart for the things we will pick up near the hospital once all goes through, but if it doesn't, then we won't pick them up.  I love walking by the room every day and seeing the bright lavender color.  We are 2-3 weeks away and I just attended a baby class this evening and now I am concerned that the car seat won't be washed before we use it, but I think I can live with that and we will wash it once we get to the hotel we are staying out once we have the baby with us.

I can see both sides of being prepared and not wanting things around.  I have told friends and family that we don't want anything until after the TPR is signed which is 72 hours after birth.  Since we will be away for two weeks it will give others plenty of time to pick up gifts from a registry that I will make public once we know we will be bringing our LO home.  I did get a bunch of hand me downs from my cousin, but only took the 0-3 month sizes to start, just in case.