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Zarina Alexandria Born 4/7/97, Adopted 4/6/98,
Ekaterinburg
Maksimilian Nicholas
Born 2/3/97, Adopted 4/7/98, Serov |
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| Background: After many years of research, I
set out on my international adoption. I initially hoped to adopt from Poland because
of my heritage. Very few agencies deal with Poland so I set out to adopt
independently (without an agency). I knew all of the steps to take, however, I had
little to no help or connections. I did manage to speak to a few people that adopted
from Poland successfully. Quickly I learned I was getting in over my head and was up
against alot of red tape. It was then that I chose to adopt from Russia (which I had
always kept in my mind to do). I started the process the last week of December,
1998. Three and one-half months later, on April 10, 1998, Maksimilian and Zarina
were home with me. Maksimilian, age 14 mos. was from Serov (near Siberia, in the
Ural Mountains). Zarina, age 12 mos. was from Ekaterinburg, which is a five hour
drive from Serov.
Two at Once! My son and daughter are two months apart (14
mos. and 12 mos. respectively when I adopted them in April 1998.) Both were in different
orphanages. My son was born premature and was 6 months delayed physically. Even though he
was the older one, my son could barely crawl on only his belly and had no muscle tone. My
daughter, the younger, was walking by the end of the first month we were home. I knew that
by having both, that my daughter would challenge my son, and this proved true. He
struggled and struggled to crawl, stand, and finally take his first independent steps in
July 1998.
They are now 23 mos. and 21 mos. and RUN in two different directions. My son is NOW
actually at a 24-36 mos. level physically, ahead of where he should be!!!! In addition, my
"twins" are like two little peas in a pod since day one. They laugh and squeal
together, give each other kisses, feed each other, give the other their sippee cup, and if
one cries, the other will rub the other's back. If one is still napping, and one is up,
he/she will look for the other sleeping baby. They absolutely love to be together.
Two children can be alot of work, but I would not have it any other way. They both are
true blessings and boys and girls are so different from each other.
Our Timeline:
 | I-600A & Fingerprints submitted to INS 12/22/97 |
| Homestudy Visit, 1/7/98, submitted all required documents |
| Homestudy Submitted to INS, 1/23/98 |
| Amended Homestudy to change countries from Poland to Russia, 2/18/98 |
| Sent Application to Victoria Adoption Center, 2/20/98 |
| Re-do a few documents, request out-of-state apostille, 2/25/98 |
| Received I-171H, INS Approval, 2/28/98 |
| Get additional documents notarized, 3/2/98 |
| Sent for in-state apostilles, 3/3/98 |
| Doctor Appointment to complete agency medical form and bloodwork,
3/4/98 |
| Agency received dossier, 3/6/98 |
| Got Hep A, B, shots and Typhoid, 3/16/98 |
| Received Referral Information via phone, 3/18/98 |
| Received Pictures and Videos, made flight reservations
3/20/98 |
| Sent Dr. Jenista copy of video/ pictures, 3/20/98 |
| Spoke with Dr. Jenista re: diagnoses, 3/22/98 |
| Confirmed acceptance of both referrals, 3/24/98 |
| Received Visas, 3/25/98 |
| Obtained additional requested medical information, 3/26/98 |
| Faxed update to Dr. Jenista, spoke with Dr. Jenista, 3/27- 3/28/98 |
| Leave for Russia, 4/3/98 (two weeks from date of referral) |
| Travel via plane from Moscow to Ekaterinburg, 4/5/98 |
| Adopted Zarina, 4/6/98, Ekaterinburg |
| Travel to Serov, Adopt Maksimilian, 4/7/98, Serov; Travel back to
Ekaterinburg via car (5 hour drive, one-way through the Ural Mountains). |
| Pick up Zarina, return to Moscow, 4/8/98 |
| Medical Exams, U.S. Embassy Appointment, 4/9/98 (finished by 1:00
p.m.); changed return flight home |
| Home At Last!, 4/10/98 (Good Friday) |
| Citizenship, 7/2/98 (Mommy's Birthday!!!) |
| Received "Green" Cards, 7/24/98 |
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Updated 10/22/99. Copyright � 1999 All Rights Reserved.
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