I would have to say that most, if not all, of the best parenting advice I have ever gotten has come from other parents. Oddly enough…not so much from “well meaning strangers at the grocery store.” :)

Sure, I have learned a lot from books and magazines and those sorts of things, but the REALLY good stuff…the totally practical, AHA-why-didn’t-I-think-of-that sort of stuff, has come from other moms (and dads).

So, after blathering on for three posts yesterday about our “babymoon” and what my plans are for when Belane comes home and how I think I will handle things and what I expect things to be like, now I look to you for some help. Tell me what I’ve missed! Tell me what you think I should do and what I should be prepared for. Offer me you best parenting advice.

What advice would you give me?

What’s your best toddler parenting tip?

Or what’s your best “just home with a new child” tip?

Do you have any advice on getting over the jet lag fast?

Is there anything you could not live without on your adoption trip?

Is there anything you wish you had brought on your adoption trip?

Is there anything you would have done differently or wish you were prepared for?

Have you survived the trip from Ethiopia with a toddler? (Ben was such an angel I almost don’t count it as traveling with a child!!!)

Easy recipes to feed a small army? I’ll gladly take them!

Cleaning tips? Yes please.

Any other sort of sanity saver for the trip or our early days home…bring it on.

I know quite a few of my readers on a personal basis…I know lots of you have big families...I know lots of you are experienced adoptive parents…I know lots of you are awesome parents…I know a lot of you probably no more than you let on. :)

So share your wisdom, advice and experiences with me.

Let me have it! Please. :)