[vegcarrol]

Hi all,
I haven't been to the site for some time because of everyday life. But now I would love to hear your ideas. A quick background:

My 19 month old dd is the result of an open adoption. It was stopped at 23 hours because bdad's parents talked him into it. 5 1/2 weeks later, they called and asked us to come get her. They are married with a ds son 13 months older than my dd. We see them several times a year and send pictures at least every other month. We communicate frequently with a bfamily member via email and sometimes by phone. Bgrandparents have traveled to visit us and bparents hope to soon.

Both Christmas' I sent a gift that incorporated her handprints and footprints as well as framed pictures. We gave them very nice placement gifts (jewelry with dates and birthstones). We also give Christmas gifts to her bgrandparents and bbrother. Last Christmas, we took both children for professional pictures together. They are precious!

I am making scrapbooks for Christmas. I am also covering a memory box to give to them together to hold all the little cards, papers and gifts she will be sending to them. I want to give this to them separate from a holiday situation.

Last Mother's and Father's Days, I made cards to send and included homemade bookmarks with dd pictures and an appropriate saying. Each bparent got the same gift but the pictures and quotes were different.

My dilema is what to do this year. I would like to keep the gifts on the same level. They do not need to be identical but I don't want the gift for her bmom to overshadow bdad's. I especially don't want him to think we don't feel he is as important or that we are upset regarding the 5 1/2 weeks (we aren't and we love that we are all one family now). We also NEED to keep the costs of the gifts at a minimum (mere dollars).

Bmom goes to college but they haven't told anyone about dd. I thought about covering a compostiion book with some of dd original artwork. What do I do for bdad? I considered covering a pen cup or mouse pad with her artwork. But, I don't necessarily want him to know every year that his gift will be almost the same as what bmom received on Mother's Day. Also, bgramndmom will be here in a week. I am sure she will want to take some drawings with her. Especially, if dd colors them while she is here. That will take away from the uniqueness of the gift I was intending.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Carrol