Today I started Alexa's Lifebook...FINALLY! I must admit that this has been something I have wanted to accomplish for a long time but it just overwhelmed me. I wanted to make sure it was done right, I was afraid it would make me sad and Alexa sad, I wasn't sure where to start, etc... I told myself all these things which blocked me from actually starting. So I decided to do two versions and take some pressure off myself. I am currently doing a version for Alexa that will be age appropriate and kid friendly. After this one is finished I will do the "nice" one in a 12x12 scrapbook album. So far I have two pages done and I must say that once I got started it is now much easier and I am enjoying the process. I am using a template which our social worker/adoption expert actually wrote and that has helped me a whole bunch. Again, making it simple for Alexa and really just sticking to the basics is much easier than starting with the big fancy version I has thought I would initially do.
This photo is from this morning when I got everything out on the dining room table and had not yet started. I would love to hear from anyone who has completed theirs and has any tips. I can't wait to have it done and share it with Alexa. I think I am going to involve her in the process too and have her draw some pictures for the book as well. I will let you know how it is coming along as the book unfolds! : )
5 comments:
I love this! Again, you are inspiring me. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
What a great plan to have Alexa work on it with you. Like you, I hesitated to do one, but finally made one up on Shutterfly. I need to do another version as once I got the actual book, I felt like some pages should have been moved around a bit. Maddy enjoyed reading and looking at it, but hasn't looked at it in a while. Probably need to get it out again and maybe have her help me do a new version! Good luck!
Janet
I didn't really stick with a traditional lifebook. I really wanted it to be a book that Ava and I share often and enjoy looking at together. I included every photo, every piece of info from her referral packet, a page on her orphanage, another page about the city she was born, a letter I wrote to her on family day and ended it one year later with a letter on the first anniversary of family day. But, I also included pages on her nursery, baby shower, family tree (more traditional baby book items).There is no right or wrong way to do this so put in whatever you're comfortable with. I love the idea of including some drawings from Alexa. Good luck, it's a big project but fun!
Looks like you are off to a wonderful start!!
Although I can't offer you any advice, because I haven't BTDT yet, I have seen some amazing lifebooks in our little blogger community and love the idea of the two books.
I can't wait to see the finished product and will probably come to you for ideas and suggestions when we FINALLY get our referral.....can you tell my patience is starting to wear thin after 3 years of waiting?
Have a great weekend!
Lisa
Good for you for starting!! This is something I have to do too. I did do a "How we became a Family" book for Katie on shutterfly. But I want to do a really nice book for when she is older. I can't wait to see how yours turns out!
Jen
Post a Comment