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We brought Ana home at the age of three. She turned four one month after our arrival home in November. We read everything and were prepared for the worst. The first month was probably the worst and I wouldn't say it was that bad. It was just Ana trying to let us know that she was going to be the boss in this house and us letting Ana know that this was not how it was going to be.
Having an older sister has definitely helped in her transition. She has adjusted very well and everyone laughs saying that she is probably more attached than most children are to their biological parents. I will add to that that she and I have been together 24/7 since her arrival in October and we have only recently been doing some times appart.
She is speaking all English and talks all the time. Ana was much like Andrei in that she left the orphanage understanding what was going on and she never looked back. She tells me all the time how sad she would be if she had to go back and we reassure her that she will never go back.
When we submitted our paperwork we asked for a girl between the ages of 5-7. Our first two referrals were in this age range. Ana was younger and we REALLY hesitated to accept her. We look back now and can't imagine life without Ana. She was the child who was meant to be ours and we can't imagine how life would have been with our first two referrals.
In retrospect we really think that this is the perfect age to adopt. The children are old enough to understand what is going on. They are scared. Ana tells me how scared she was but that she knew it would be good. Everything we have ever told her is the way life has become so she has really learned to trust us. At this age the children are like sponges and can quickly adjust to their new life and culture. It's been a wonderful and amazing journey and just continues to get better every day.
Good luck!
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