You can keep up with this family settled back in the US with their blog by clicking the link below:
You can read about their Adoption Journey by clicking the link below.
From Mom: "I have truly been blessed with my three little miracles. I took this picture and put in on my coffee mug and my desktop because it captures them so well and just makes me smile."
It makes everyone at LMI smile too! What happy kids! LMI used to get so many requests to know about "the baby in pink on your website." LMI is so happy to say to that "baby in pink" You are really a beautiful young lady!
Claire came to live with her mother in early 2000 after an adventure in Kazakhstan! She was joined by her brother from Romania in the summer of the same year. Now Claire, her brother and mom have a wonderful life and have built an international family together! Precious Claire has grown and flourished and has continued to bring a smile to everyone who meets her!
Nearly 9 months later: “You would not recognize Nezhanna (Nisha) from the first bonding day, she was so shy and quiet and very much afraid of us. Nisha has blossomed and continues to amaze us every day. She is thriving, full of energy, very curious, has an incredible amount of determination, and is pretty much fearless. OK, I admit, this is sometimes a tough combination when also dealing with the terrible 2's and teething, but it really is incredible how well Nisha has adapted to her new life. She is learning more words every day, is right on target for her age in size, development, skills, etc., and it is so good to see her happy and well-adjusted. Almost-6-year-old brother Ethan loves having a little sister and he’s done well adjusting to the big brother role – he really looks after her and sometimes even shares toys!”
Read about her adoption journey by clicking the link below:
You can keep up with this family settled back in the US with their blog by clicking the link below:
Update: December, 2007
Can you believe it's been seven years! Araya and Megan are 10 years old now and doing great. Araya is a kind, funny, beautiful young lady. She enjoys horse-back riding and all sports. We moved to Lancaster Pennsylvania four years ago and the girls are loving country life. We check your site often and are amazed at all of the children you have helped bring home over the years.
Read her blog below:
UPDATE: This family returned to Kazakhstan for a second adoption in early 2008. When they arrived at the baby house, Diana caught mom's and dad's hearts. The fact that she had an older brother in another orphanage was a wonderful surprise as the family was hoping to expand their brood from four children to six. After meeting with David and hearing him tell the story of how he and his sister came to be in separate orphanages, mom and dad explained that they would like for him to come to live with them in the USA. David, a mature and fiercely protective young man, first clarified that he would only go if his sister went as well. Assured that that was the plan, they commenced bonding with Diana during the days and with David after school. After several weeks brother and sister were reunited, the adoption was completed and they joined their expanded family in Alabama. With a houseful of kids the adventure is just beginning!
10/08 Update: David and Diana are doing very well at home. They are adjusting well and having more and more good days. David rides his bike to school, has made friends and his teacher reports that he is very smart and learning rapidly.
UPDATE: Fast forward several years...The Carpenters are now a family of 5! Sophia has grown into a lovely young lady and all three Carpenter girls are so silly!!!
After all was said and done, Hannah arrived in Ohio and has been the talk of the town. She already has a few Kazakhstan comrades. Several families in Ohio have adopted from Kazakhstan with LMI and Hannah has Dalton (adopted from Semey in 2008, here with Hanna's mom Erin) to show her around town!
"We are so happy to have Sophy as part of our family. She was so tough and strong-willed at the orphanage, not seeming to need anyone, I nervously wondered how she would fit into our family. The amazing thing is that she has, without sacrificing any of her natural liveliness and spontaneity. She came out of her tough little shell to reveal a very affectionate, warm, little girl, giving hugs and kisses, and asking for them many times each day. She knows and loves all her extended family, including aunt, uncle, and cousins. She went from someone who could not sit still to have a book read to her, to knowing all her letters, and being able to write her own name in English! Her language skills are amazing, and she is very expressive. All of this happened in nine months. She is someone very special to have made so many adjustments so fast."
Flash forward one year and look how Madeleine has blossomed! According to her parents, "She's adjusted really well - starting to say sentences, gained eight pounds, and has added about three inches in height. Overall, she's a happy child that enjoys going to school, most foods, and doesn't like sleeping."
What a difference a year makes!
The family commented: "Julia is thriving and growing like a weed. Julia is a happy toddler and we are enjoying her so much. Will is happy to be big brother (most of the time) and they are really beginning to play well together. Julia has blossomed over the last year and she and William are our true joys!!!!! They both are little lights and we are so blessed to have had them come into our lives."
As you can see from her updated photo, Fall 2007, Jenna has grown into a beautiful little miss, and from the looks of things, All American Girl!
Anna and Ryan are doing great in Georgia. They were accepted into the gifted program at their school. Anna loves drama and music. (Her favorite artists are Elliot Yamin and Justin Timberlake) She is growing so fast! Ryan loves to take things apart and rebuild them, and loves woodworking. Their older brother Daniel is their hero.
