Have you thought about how you could write down your adoption story?
Delana H. Stewart, author of the adoption book Nine Year Pregnancy, has put together My Paper Pregnancy Journal – which is full of prompts, quotes, inspiration, and plenty of space to write about your adoption journey.
When my wife and I went through our two domestic adoptions, we wrote down lots of milestones and captured our thoughts – but usually in a day planner or on the computer. While we did a good job writing down all of the important things, we could have used My Paper Pregnancy Journal to help us organize our thoughts.
Before I get into my review of My Paper Pregnancy Journal – I want to give you my 5 reasons why should you write down your adoption story.
1. Remember the details (the small stuff)
Writing your story down as you live through it – or even shortly after – will help you remember those little details that may seem insignificant at the time, but are gems that you can fondly look back on. Months after our first adoption story, I was surprised how many little details I forgot until I went back and read them.
2. Relieve stress (also known as: vent!)
The adoption process can be a roller coaster ride – all of the ups and downs can get you stressed out. So it is far better to write it all out than to suffer a headache from banging it into a wall (maybe just a little overdramatic – but not much).
3. Keep track of important dates
When you decided to adopt – when you began your homestudy – the day you were matched…writing down the date and even the time (like when you got “the call”) will help you remember exactly when these important events happened.
4. Recall (and tell) important stories
Stories about how you made it through each step will be very valuable later on – when you can share them with your child. You are bound to have some special stories – some fun ones and maybe some kinda painful ones. These are what your child will want to hear about when you tell their adoption story.
5. Great way to stop, think, and reflect
When my wife and I were writing down our thoughts and experiences during our adoption journeys, it allowed us to talk about the events as they happened. This is particularly important during the days when you first meet the birthparents or the first day you meet your child. My Paper Pregnancy Journal is filled with great questions and thoughts to help you reflect and write about your story.
My Paper Pregnancy Journal uniquely uses the stages of pregnancy to help you go through your adoption journey:
First Trimester:
- Conception (when your adoption journey begins)
- Expecting (when you are researching what kind of adoption you want to pursue)
- Heartbeat (begin to wait)
Second Trimester:
- False contractions (bumps in the road and setbacks – anything that causes you to worry or grieve)
- Bed Rest (if you have a long wait time)
Third Trimester:
- Contractions (you are matched!)
- Labor (final waiting time – for placement)
- Delivery (placement – bring your baby home!)
The journal concludes with a section called Being a Parent that helps you chronicle a lot of your child’s “firsts”. Finally, the appendix has some questions for you to consider before adopting along with challenges you may face after adopting.
I love how Delana puts in some extra things into the journal including: well timed verses and quotes, recommended adoption books, and parts of her own adoption story as she writes in her book Nine Year Pregnancy.
I recommend getting both her of books – My Paper Pregnancy Journal and Nine Year Pregnancy.
As you take the time to detail every part of your adoption story, you will write about the good and the bad days – maybe even have a few tear stained pages.
The journal will ultimately be a treasure for you and your family. It will show your child how very, very much they were wanted.
QUESTION FOR YOU: Have you written your adoption story into a journal? Let us know by clicking here and entering your comments below.
