[mschaefer]

I can't believe how time flies. Here is a picture of the girls just after arriving home last year and then this year as they enjoyed trying on some Easter bonnets

[momraine]

Look how much they have grown! They are precious!

[lastpaige]

Ahh . . . from toddlers to little girls - wonderful!

Aren't twins fun?

[mama08]

Beautiful! They look so happy!
Kelly

[taia]

They look beautiful, Megan!!!

[Jenmullett]

Beautiful and happy!! Congrats on the year. Have a great Easter!

[MamusiaWI]

I read your subject, saying 'home one year' and for a split second I wondered it I posted the thread!

We were home one year Dec 2007 - the time is flying. I sure it is for you, too.

Your girls look like what I'd imagine my 10 yr old daughter to look like when she was little! We met just after her 9th birthday.

They are adorable - congratulations - keep up the good work!

[Kama09]

They are just beautiful.... Such two happy girls .

[MenloAve]

So cute! We are in Poland now adopting a 3.5 year old girl. We have weeks to go until just getting home. Your pictures are great. It would be great to hear a summary of how your year has gone.

Thanks

[mschaefer]

Menlo, where to start ...

Spring 2008 - arrived in US, girls petrified of our dog, overwhelmed by most everything, but fortunately slept well as I think every day exhausted them! Lots of doctors appointments, early intervention testing, hearing/vision tests etc.

Summer 2008 - adjusted well to family life including our transitions back to work; fortunately our 5 y.o. was out of school and with the girls daily with a babysitter at home so the girls did not need to get used to daycare; started home-based early intervention (M: speech, OT, education; E: PT)

Fall 2009 -- enjoyed some extra time with mom, dad or babysitter while brother was at school; loved the holidays including dressing up for trick or treat, Thanksgiving, etc. E talking up a storm in English, very outgoing -- a bit too much for our comfort with the attachment process. M still struggling with language skills, very affectionate, loved to cuddle, more leary of strangers.

Winter 2008/2009: Turned 3 y.o.! Loved Dzien Swietego Mikolaja and Christmas, scared to death of Santa Claus (now scared of fire engines, because they saw Santa on one). In January, started preschool since our state EI program ends at age 3 and the school district only offers center based programming. E loved going. M was leary, but adjusted well over the first 8 weeks. We were actually happy to see M's reaction to "wanting mom" at drop off.

Spring 2009: Both girls fit right in with the family. You would never know E was not a native speaker of English. M's vocabulary has increased greatly although she still lags with both receptive and expressive English (we did note M had a lag in Polish when we met the girls in the orphanage). Both girls seem to have more exaggerated emotional reactions to things than our son, nieces, or other friends children ever had. This reaction seems more commonly reported when I speak to other families who have adopted. We have been using a lot of "time in" behavorial stratedies which take a lot of time and dedication but are making a difference. M has made amazing attachment even asking to "sleep in our room" which was like music to our ears after a year. E continues to bond and has made nice gains in requesting to cuddle with her daddy. She is still our drama queen and chatterbox -- always loud whether happy or sad.

The year was a whirlwind, challenging in many ways, but so worth it. Feel free to ask any specific questions. Best wish on you adoption, can't wait to hear more.