Adoption and Scrapbooking: a Match Made in Heaven

by Lisa Price (Mar 31, 2006)

Adoption and scrapbooking go together like mom and apple pie. Why? Most adoptions begin with a scrapbook page or mini-book that details your life through photographs. That is what the birth mothers will use to discover information about you and to determine whether they might place their baby in your home. All three of my adoptions began with scrapbooking, whether they took place through an agency or privately.

So, it is very important that these pages show your life circumstances, reflect who you are, and portray what you can offer a child.

These initial pages could include:

wedding photos and information
pictures of extended family
hobbies and interests
employment
a current professional photo
candid shots of life in general
pictures of your home

Adoption Homestudy by kenziekylanmom

My Journey to Motherhood by kemula

Adoption Photo Page by laurasv

Once you have been chosen, there are many ways to begin your album. You may want to start with information about the adoption process, photos of the birth parents, ultrasounds, or pictures from the place where the child is born. You could also include a photo of the case worker, lawyer or judge who participated in the process. Birth parents may give you photos from the hospital that you can use. If you receive footprints, clothing or other memorabilia from the birth, find ways to incorporate these in your pages as well. Whatever method you use to begin your album, be sure that it acknowledges and celebrates the joy of adoption.

After your child is finally in your arms, grab your camera and get ready to take photos of the numerous friends and family members who will be thrilled for you and your new addition. Many people have waited and wished for this day for you, and there will be an abundance of activities and excitement.

You can create pages for:

the first moment you meet your child
bringing baby home
initial family interactions
the proud grandparents
extended-family reactions
baby showers
well wishers and visitors
cards and gifts

Meeting Darren by Lindi

Brothers by nliedel

Adoption by DebbieV

Joyfully Adopted by kemula

The day the adoption becomes finalized is a wonderful and important day. Each state has its own waiting period and policies, but all families anxiously await the day when their child is officially their own. Make sure to take pictures at the courthouse and at any family gatherings or activities that celebrate this momentous occasion. Also, an official family photo can commemorate the end of the long and beautiful road that leads to adoption.

Scrapbooking your child's adoption can be a great way to introduce the topic as your child grows, and it can help him or her feel the love and excitement that you and others felt about him or her becoming a member of your family. That way, he or she will see adoption as the positive and wonderful experience that brought you together.