STRESS

I was reading another AP's post about stress and how she dealt with it. That post got me thinking about stress and me - particularly with the additional wait and these last months and the extra uncertainty / further slowdown.

So, how do I cope?

• Shopping - getting info and bits for Whatshername when I really can't resist or need to feel constructive.
• Blog watching - reading about other APs' (adoptive parents) experiences - to get prepared and know that I'm not alone in this dark queue. (It does also help to prepare by knowing the challenges that others have faced).
  
• Indulging - in those things that will be challenging as a Mum, long shopping trips, beauty therapies, spur of the moment stuff, long lie-ins or late nights, meals out, long reading sessions, crafting days. All these things will continue but will be at different times, more limited or need a more strategic approach!!
• Hounds - just 'being' with my dogs - cuddles, games, snoozes and more cuddles.

But what should I be doing?

• Organising - planning colour schemes, carpets etc for the nursery and the spare room (G*d the spare room is hideous, if you're coming to stay - please bring sun glasses!)
  
• Sorting - getting rid of the extra junk that is all through the house.
• Nagging - builders and decorators to get the jobs finished about the house.
• Baby proofing - especially baby gates and putting together the playpens I've got.
• Paperwork - there's always filing to do!