[tem0627]

The expectant mom that chose us is now considered full term and due in three weeks. We are considering bringing her a really nice vase that she can hold onto with some of her favorite flowers in it. Is this appropriate? We will be having a semi-open adoption and we will be there for his birth.

Thanks!

[RavenSong]

Speaking as a birth mother, I think flowers with a special vase is a lovely idea. I would have appreciated receiving such a gift in the hospital.

Have you considered giving her a nice journal for her to write down her thoughts? I always like journals, especially the hardcover bound ones. Another option would be a nice photo album that she could use to put the pictures you'll be sending her through the coming months and years. The ones with archival paper are best -- they don't deteriorate the photographs with time like non-archival ones do.

You must be so excited!! Good luck, and be sure to tell us all about your new baby when he or she comes home to you!

[Janeytwo]

Hey there!

I just wanted to echo all that Raven said.

Flowers are a lovely idea. So is the journey; something personal for her to keep for herself.

[tem0627]

Actually, we are doing all three of your ideas and then another... After I posted that question, I went ahead and bought her a vase (figuring if it was inappropriate, I could take it back), a leather bound journal and we already had a scrapbook that we'd bought for her. We will not be giving her the scrapbook until our "Entrustment Ceremony", so I really wanted to have something at the hospital. I have already started to scrap a few pages so that when he comes I can just add pictures before giving it to her. Either every Christmas or every birthday, I will send her two scrapped pages of the events from the year until he is at least 18. That way, she will have a scrapbook filled with his life events every year from birth to 18.

I also asked her if I could do a first year keepsake for her. It will look similiar to a calendar. For instance, the first month will have a few pictures of him and then the calendar will be a record of all the things he did that month, milestones, funny things that happened, etc. I will probably send this to her just after his one year birthday, so that I could include those pics as well! She said she'd love this!

Yes, we are SO excited! It has been incredible to watch God work out all the details!