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