Paper Pregnancy? What does that mean? Traditionally, this adoptive term is used to describe the wait time that the adoptive families experience, which usually begins when the family received their application approval. For us, we felt that our paper pregnancy started when we submitted our dossier to Ethiopia. That is when everything became real for us, our focus is not about the paperwork anymore instead it is about the wait to see our daughter. Therefore, according to OUR time line we are just over two months "paper pregnant" with the hope that we will be kissing her beautiful face for the first time in about seven months. Just like a biological pregnancy this wait time is about preparation...preparing her room, preparing ourselves with as much "parenting" and "adoption" knowledge as possible, etc.
Although we understand that these two paths to motherhood are different, the amount of love that we feel for this child is the same. Both journeys....focus on the importance of education, force parents to deal with patience, and bring joy and anticipation to the family. We found a great blog entry about how to take care of yourself during your paper pregnancy and would encourage all adoptive families to take a look.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.” ~ Maya Angelo
That is a great descriptor! You have all the emotions and sense of preparation during pregnancy but no morning sickness! Such a deal! You two can take care of each other during this time as well as prepare for Baby 'D' and her homecoming.
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