Pete and Allison
In our minds, it’s as though we’ve always been together. As is often the case with traditional child birth, the “labor pains” of adoption fade from your memory rather quickly. Unless we actually stop and think about our adoptive process and the special time we shared with the children in Russia, it remains a distant yet cherished memory. We’re convinced we were always meant to be together. Our family was born in our hearts.
Our only regret…the length of time it took to realize our form of labor was to be the process of adoption. When asked why it took so long to realize, we say we had to wait for our children to be born.
At the start of our adoption we were sure of three things. We wanted to be parents, we wanted to have more than one child, and we were scared. The Adoption Associates staff were the guides we needed for our journey through the adoption process. After considering every option and still undecided, our case workers (yes, we had two!) encouraged us to consider international adoption. A meeting was arranged with Alla. She answered all our questions, warmed our hearts, and we knew we found our way.
In Russia, the staff was every bit as exceptional. When we met with officials to discuss our referral, before meeting the children, we knew it was right. This feeling magnified when we met the children. Love at first sight!
September 24, 2005 we celebrated our 3rd Adoption Day! We remind our children daily of three things. We love them, they’re OUR son and daughter, and we like what they do—most of the time.
