For a long time I've been concerned about how Pearl and Sapphire will handle the transition into becoming an adoptive family. I checked out an enormous book by a psychologist, called Brothers and Sisters in Adoption. It had some neat suggestions, like explaining things clearly ahead of time and preparing siblings for challenging times and temper tantrums. It also suggested reading this picture book:
Sapphire already calls it "My baby sister book." It is a little out of date, but I skip over the fact the parents pack many rolls of film as they prepare to leave for the big trip. It mostly focuses on what the big sister does at home with Grandma while the parents are away.
We've also joined an adoptive family group out of a local church, and they are about to start a monthly dinner and speaker event (with babysitting!) to counsel and encourage adoptive families. It is neat to hear the other families' stories. Being around families that look like ours will look will help all the girls. Right now, immersed in adoption information and online and local communities, it seems like everyone is adopting, but once we're in the Giant or at the bank all together, I know that it won't feel that way.
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