| Unless someone has experienced the | | | | about the birth country. |
| entire adoption process firsthand, no | | | | An adoption scrapbook is similar to a |
| one can truly appreciate what is | | | | baby brag book, only it reflects more on |
| involved in this long haul. Some | | | | the journey, not the end result. It is |
| couples know right from the start that | | | | much like a pregnancy scrapbook. You |
| they will adopt. Others however don't | | | | want to include milestones, victories |
| begin the application process until | | | | and disappointments. Any parent of |
| after years of disappointment. Either | | | | adult children knows the timeline from |
| way, the end result - a beautiful child | | | | diapers to graduation goes far too |
| - makes the journey all worthwhile. | | | | quickly. And while you are convinced |
| The gift of a loving family is an | | | | you'll remember every detail about the |
| immeasurable reward to treasure; but can | | | | adoption process, the truth is you |
| you think of a more precious material | | | | simply can't remember it all. |
| gift to give you child than the entire | | | | The homecoming will be the most |
| "birth process" documented in the form | | | | memorable event in the entire adoption |
| of a scrapbook? Once he/she is old | | | | process. The day you've been waiting |
| enough to appreciate it, this scrap book | | | | for - in many cases, waiting for years, |
| will be examined time and time again. | | | | will finally come to fruition. It will |
| Start with a heart-felt letter of how | | | | be a banner celebration - marked by |
| much you deeply desired to grow your | | | | friends and family, balloons and signage |
| family; write about the anticipation and | | | | and most of all - lots of joy. Be sure |
| the prayers as you waited, and waited | | | | to capture this joyous occasion with |
| some more. | | | | countless photos. Not that I needed to |
| Detail accounts of the application | | | | tell any proud parent to remember to |
| process, the background check, and the | | | | take photos! |
| home visit. Mark your shopping trips | | | | The welcome home celebration will be the |
| for bedroom furniture and a new wardrobe | | | | final chapter to your Adoption |
| with photos of the occasions. If it's an | | | | Scrapbook. What may have started out as |
| international adoption, do a section in | | | | anticipation filled frustration will be |
| your scrapbook on the country of origin. | | | | completed with pure bliss. Memorialize |
| You may want to celebrate the heritage | | | | this event! |
| of your child so add thorough detail | | | | |