Polina's 7th birthday was celebrated in September and Evan just turned 4 yesterday- I am in complete denial about both!! My babies are growing up entirely too quickly. Must. Stop. And. Breathe.
Today Kaylin came home with a writing assignment she completed at school. She was instructed to write a "memoir" which could be on any life experience. She chose to write about our adoption. Love this girl. (Note: there are a couple little inaccuracies but I'm sharing Kaylin's work as she wrote it.)
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October 17, 2013
Our Mission
"Are you her mommy?" was posted on my mom's Facebook page by one of her friends. My mom asked my dad if we could get her, and he said, "We can try."
One day in 2011, when I was 8, my mom found Reece's Rainbow. It's an online organization that helps different kids get adopted from all around the world. So, my mom found a little girl with dark brown eyes, a gentle, caring smile, and a bright future.
From the moment my mom saw her, she knew it was fate. Her name was Polina O. She was 5 years old and had been in a mental institution for a year. In the first 4 years of her life, she was in a baby house. A baby house is a place where kids ages 2-4 stay until they have to go to a mental institution. Polina's parents didn't give her up just because she has Down syndrome. It was hard for them. They were very poor, so they probably couldn't afford her. Even today her birth mom is longing to see her baby again.
My parents had to go on a 12 hour plane ride, and a 10 hour train ride to get to Moscow. Then, the next day, they had to go on a 2 hour car ride to get to Pskov, Russia. They had to go through that process 3 times, and stayed there 1 week at a time. Their first trip was in early November.
So while they were there, I had to stay at my house with my grandparents. "I was bummed I didn't get to go to Russia," my little brother Justin said.
My family and I missed my mom and dad so much. Even though my parents were on a different continent, in Russia, I still got to Skype her with my brothers and grandparents. The last time my parents went on their trip to Russia, I got to meet my sister. She was as small as a toddler.
When my grandma woke me up at 6:30 am, and told me I have a sister, my happiness level went from 56 to infinity times infinity. Even though I missed my parents, I had an energetic, happy, tingly feeling in my heart, which stretched out to my entire body. It was the most wonderful moment of my entire life, and has changed me in a very special way, so special, that I don't know where to begin.
When my parents came home with Polina, 2-3 days later, I noticed she was very clingy to my mom. I missed her too, so my whole family had a group hug.
From the time my parents went to Russia and met Polina, she was an independent little girl who was alone, to now, and right now she is trying her best to be the beautiful, blossoming flower she was meant to be. She has adjusted really well too. Her English is getting better and she likes to "read" to her stuffed animals. I like to read to her too.
I've always wanted to have a sister, and now, my wish finally arrived.
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