When Alexis came home to us, I immediately sent out birth announcements -- the fact that I didn't actually give birth to her didn't matter.   Besides, the announcements were timely -- she was only about 50 hours old when she first entered our home -- so I felt them  completely appropriate.  Those people who called or emailed back, "I didn't know you were pregnant!" would get the full story, but truthfully, most of our friends (and all of our family) knew we were in the process of adopting, so rarely was any explanation necessary.

Of course, not every adoption is characterized by a newborn coming home to an adoptive family -- obviously, there are older children who are placed in homes every day.  And let's face it, announcing the birth of a 10-year-old would be a bit weird, to say the very least.  So, I began to wonder if there was a classy way to announce that someone new is brightening your home.

Turns out there is:  I love these adoption announcements from AdoptShoppe.com.  These bright, bold, yet classic cards include an image of your new little one, announcing both his birth date (so people know how old he is), and his adoption (or "home") date.   Names of parents and siblings are also included, and the company will e-mail you a digital proof, so you can make any changes before it goes to the printer.

As the manufacturer says: "Not everyone wants to announce baby's arrival with the traditional soft pastels and little duckies, bunnies and kitties -- especially when your 'baby' is actually a toddler or an older child. [This is] an absolutely brilliant alternative and one that works for all adoptive families."

I couldn't agree more.  Price varies from US$2.75 to $3.50 per card (depending on quantity ordered), and international shipping is available.