Yum! Ok, soup peeps, one more substitute question? Curry paste? I have yet to find one I'm sure is safe for DS (peanut, tree nut, sesame, lentil allergic). I have found a curry powder, though. Can I use that somehow?

I don't think the history of cancer would be a big deal. I would, personally, get to know a birthmom and then tell her as things unfold in your getting to know each other process. Whatever you decide, re: degree of openness, just be honest about it, and be prepared to honor your commitments and promises. One of our kids' birthmoms is like family, and we see her often. The other - we are lucky to see once a year at kiddo's birthday. Fortunately, birthfather there is more involved, at the moment. These things will wax and wane a bit - and will change year to year. I have many more thoughts, but don't want to dominate your thread. Feel free to ask anything.

Your history of cancer just registered with me. You will still have a home study with domestic adoption. Beyond that, and much more importantly, you owe the potential birthparents honesty and forthrightness about your health history, too. I know "owe" is a strong word, but if you want an open adoption, it has to start with full openness on your part. There is no way around this, if you truly want an on-going open adoption. I can tell you without a doubt that it would not have impacted one of our adoptions, if DH or I had had a history like that. I don't know for sure about the other. I do, however, know that holding back that info while either set of birthparents was making their decision to go with us ... It would not have been the right thing to do.

Drooling.

He can have other legumes, thank goodness. I'm going o try the hamburger soup, too, that looks like something DS will love. :)

Thinking of you...

I'm so sorry to hear this, but happy that they are all ok. Do you have a link to a go fund me page? Or can we coordinate sending some things via pm? What ages are the kids and/or what level are they homeschooling/materials were they using? What sizes do they wear?

We have domestically adopted two infants. Both open adoptions. Invited into the delivery room by both birthmothers, so I do mean infant. Our adoptions are very open, so we have essentially added two more paternal and maternal families to our own. Holidays are a whirl of coordinating visits. We love it. We love all of them. That is not to say it's been easy. We've had to work extremely hard to keep things open. Since you want an open adoption - read about it. Read everything. Read positive and negative stories. You will learn a lot about love. And it won't be a walk in the park all the time. But it will be worth it. You are welcome to pm me. :) Knowing your state laws re: adoption is important. If you choose an agency outside of your state: they won't know as well. Your attorney will, though. I'd recommend that you connect with an attorney before making contact with a birthmother. BTDT experience here. ETA our 2nd adoption went through foster care, but is basically a domestic infant adoption. That is extremely unusual in our area though.

Thanks! I needed those extra tips. I would have under seasoned for sure... That may be why I haven't mastered soup, actually. :)

idnib, we posted at the same time... That looks delicious, too! Adding leeks to the shopping list.

Mmmmm, those both look yummy. If I needed to sub something for the lentils, what would you suggest? I didn't think to mention it in the OP, but DS is anaphylactic to them. I cooked lentil soup without knowing a few years ago, and the cooking smell put him into anaphylaxis. Aaaack! There must be a good substitute though!

We are a house full of sick people. We need soup. :) Care to share some good, gluten and dairy free recipes?

The other option would be those strips that prevent the window being opened more than 3 inches or so.

We had Guardian Angel window guards. I don't think my industrious 5 yr old could have opened them. In any case, the stickers with instructions fell off. His room was 3rd floor, so even in the event of fire, he'd have needed help getting out - via emergency ladder. If they are easily opened by littles, that defeats their purpose. You need to get up before them, or have a reliable monitor. Don't leave it in their room all the time. Set it up when they go to sleep, and collect it for safe keeping when you get up in the am.

Yes, ask for the dress code. My sister's side of the family is orthodox, so I tend to follow her guidelines re: dress out of respect, for anything on her side. Essentially that means elbows, knees, collarbones covered.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I hope he visits you in your dreams often. ((Hugs))

I'd toss. Food poisoning isn't fun.

We did a lot of "tivities" at 3. Lots of interactive play. It sounds like he might enjoy a sandbox or a sand table on the deck where you can see him? Or a sensory bin with rice and little cups.

Nurtured Heart has been amazing here, too.

Another ER vote. I'm so sorry. The risk of rabies is too high.

No advice, I don't have an aspie and only know what I've heard from friends. But - how old was he when diagnosed? I have a now adult NT son who deals with some serious issues, and once he hit 18, it was very hard to get him the therapy he needed. It's so hard to help them when they're older, and when they're 18, whew, your options shrink further. Good luck!

Another option: we travel with a handpresso. It's not bad. FWIW, I like the Cuisinart Grind n Brew for coffee. I think that's the name? It's in the $150 range, I think? Makes a good pot of coffee. We keep one as our back up in the tragic event that the espresso machine needs repair. :)

Sick kid here. He's been sick for two weeks. Everyone else is out at a baseball game. We need a movie. :) For once, he doesn't have a little sister watching, too. Any suggestions? He's loved Percy Jackson, the first 4 Harry Potters, and he like science fiction. But anything new would be good! We have Netflix, Amazon Prime, and I can rent from iTunes.

Yes, thanks to the PP who posted the review. Very helpful!

Liking all of Dawn's thoughts. Ditto to them all. We had a refurbished Jura super automatic that lasted 8 years. Not a budget machine, even refurbished, but well worth it if you love amazing espresso. We've recently switched to a Gaggia machine, based on endless reviews and YouTube videos. We've only had it a week, but it's pretty fantastic. It is a super automatic as well, because I want ease, but it's also very easy to fiddle with drinks, and customize. I can't help with budget options, but definitely check out refurbed machines. They can be very good!