Wow... it's been an entire week since my last post. I'm so sorry - I really have meant to write more, but I honestly do not know where all the time goes during the day. Seven pounds of squishy-adorable can really suck the time away!
So... I am going to review a book that I really liked. My guess is that people either love it or hate it. The book is "Adopt.ion is a Fam.ily Affair" by Patricia Ir.win John.ston. I had read on a blog somewhere that the adoptive family bought this book for every member in their extended family. I was curious, so I ordered off of Ama.zon (because Barnes and Noble severely lacks adoption books in my town).
The book is very thin and a quick read. The book spends a lot of time discussing fears that family members may have when an adoption occurs, such as: race, disability, open adoption, cost, wait, and many other topics. It more importantly discusses thing that should NOT be said to the parents.* Some chapters you'll be able to skim right over because they will not apply to your particular situation, while other chapters you'll want to photocopy and mail out to everyone you know.
Overall, I thought this book was very good for my family inparticular because we have not dealt with an adoptive situation on my side. GatorMan's family has - but they still got a copy! Along with this book we sent a "Family Letter" indicating how we got to this point (our families were not told about our fertility issues for a long time) and how we intend to raise and educate Ukulele in relation to her adoption. It was important for us to indicate to our families that WE will decide what she knows and when, and that we wholly expect them to abide by our wishes (although I do not think it will be a problem... just an "in case" clause of sorts). I find that anything that educates my family and friends about adoption is a plus, and I'll gladly get the information to them.
This book is also good for those thinking about adoption. It raises questions that your family members may have about the situation that you might not have considered. Adoption is a big change for everyone involved, and this book attempts to serve as a guide through some of the potential problem areas.
* I'll write a post later this week on the topic of what has already been said to us as adoptive parents to Ukulele.....
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I think it's great that you sent the book to your families with the letter. It's always good to educate people around you (even though you might not always feel like it). Enjoy your seven pounds of squishy-adorable!
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