I am going to once again highly recommend using shutterfly.com if you want to create a book for your child. HERE is the link to the actual service they provide.  We were able to create a fabulous book, and keep it saved on shutterfly’s site in case we wanted to order another one later on.  

We chose to do a hardcover photobook for Z.’s lifebook - which came out beautifully.  They have a wide range of layouts you can choose for each page, and you are able to choose to do text only pages as well.

We have also created the soft cover photobooks - and sent those back to Z.’s SWI.  Those too came out very nice, though a bit flimsier than I expected.  I am glad I chose that for the SWI - but not for Z.’s lifebook. 

We also have done the snapbooks.  Those are truly great as picture books for the younger toddler, and what we sue to create mini-lifebooks for the girls. 

In addition - I have had a few questions about where to find good pictures of China, life in China and conceptual photos.

I ordered a very wonderful Photo CD from an adoptive mom that contained a lot of pictures that can be used to create either a scrapbook type lifebook or a lifebook the way we did.  The CD is very reasonably priced ($20) for over 100 images.  A lot of the images are old postcards that she hand tinted.  very cool.  She also has included some possible page layouts if you are stumped.  We didn’t take advantage of those, but I thought they were well conceived.  You can contact her via email, and I got my CD within 3 days of ordering it.  check it out.

I would also recommend going to an Asian bookstore (if there is one in your area).  You cna get a ton of images from magazines and books.  If you are in the Chicago area -you can go HERE.  Great food in the foodcourt too. Oh, the book prices in the store are in Japanese yen.  Just so you know.

OK, I hope this helps - really, if you have any other questions regarding how to put the book together - let me (and the rest of the readers) know.  I am sure plenty of other people have great ideas that worked for them.

I am off for the weekend - it is C.’s 5th birthday.  Pictures and update to come early next week.  I have a ton of stuff to get ready: balloons to pick up, cake to rescue, Wiggles concert to attend (oy!), and a BBQ to be set up, with all foodstuffs yet to be purchased.  Wish us luck!