Letter from Kristina

Dear Family and Friends:

It's been a crazy week ~ so many new things to see, people to meet and places I never knew even existed. It's been a lot to take in but I think I'm handling it pretty well -- at least that is what my Mama and Papa think.

The purpose of this note is to fill you in on a few things that make our situation different than perhaps that of someone who was born into this family from the beginning. You see, I've always been with lots of other kids my age and we always had some ladies taking care of us. The ladies did their best but 12-15 kids at one time can be alot for anyone. They washed, dressed, and fed us but it was their job. A person can only do so much. We didn't get the cuddles, massages, and touch that other children might get from their mamas and papas. And really -- we don't know what it's like to be loved.

Up until this past year, a mama was any lady and a papa was any man. That's probably why we all call out "Mama", "Papa" when we see people walking through the orphanage yard. Up until recently, I've been introduced to my Mama and my Papa and the meaning now changes. Before they picked me up on May 13th, they visited me almost every day for 4 weeks. They were great playmates. Since the 13th, though, things have changed. They now do everything for me that the ladies used to do ~ plus more. They hug me, kiss me, and tell me "Ya tibya loo bloo" (I love you) all the time. This is very foreign to me ~ but I like it.

This is a critical time for us as a family. I have to learn what a true "Mama" and "Papa" means ~ and who they are to me. We need time to attach and bond since we missed out on the first 28 months of my life here on earth. Having said that, we're going to try and follow a few guidelines for kids who find a forever family just like I did.

1) My world is going to be small for a while. On the first night here, I got to meet my grandparents, Uncle, cousin, friends and neighbors but that was a crazy day anyways meeting a ton of people at the airport and on the plane. Normally, friends and family might be pouring in to welcome me but I need this downtime for just a little bit. We'll start venturing out to see people slowly so please be patient with us.

2) I need everyone to know that in order for me to fully understand the roles of my Mama and Papa, all caregiving aspects should only be performed by them. By that I mean -- feeding me, changing me , dressing me, holding me, soothing me if I cry or hurt ~~ any and all of these activities should only be done by my Mama and Papa. That doesn't mean we can't play because we can! But if I'm hungry or start crying, simply take my hand and lead me to my Mama and/or Papa. Others holding and soothing me will only confuse me so please don't take it personal ~ this is just temporary while we still get to know each other as a family. I've never known what it was to have a family so it will take a little while.

3) I'm used to living in a very structured setting back in Russia. Here at home now, Mama and Papa are trying to make each day very structured, too, to help with the transition and all the changes I'm experiencing. We would appreciate it if you called first before coming over just so we can be sure it's a good time.

4) We ask that you keep us in your prayers. Our union as a family is a dream come true for all of us. But we all have so much to learn about life and living together and we definitely believe in the power of prayer!

Thank you for your never-ending support during this journey. Mama says that she has received so many e-mails that she just can't personally respond yet (hmmm, is that why she works so hard at getting me down for naps each day???) but she will. And thank-you to everyone who has posted here on this blog. Mama will have it made into a book someday to give to me as a keepsake. In it will be all your comments which will make it even more special!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask my Mama and she'll do her best to answer them for you.

Paka-Paka and Spasiba!

~Kristina DeAnn