Impressions of the kids

Both Vika and Diana have very different personalities. True, not knowing Russian, I am a bit challenged in determining their exact nature, but the trend seems clear.

Diana, at six+ years old, is not only the most curious of the two, but is also what parents nicely call "a bundle of energy" - someone whose "child care kit" may have to contain a leash, horse blinders and perhaps some duct tape. She is always getting into trouble, taunting and occasionally defying us, but is very sweet. She is really into sharing food (learned at the orphanage?), and will take anything she is given and make sure everyone has a share (if they want it or not). She is continually talking to either herself or someone else, and is by far the most outgoing of the two.

Vika, at 10+ years old, is a considerably quieter, more reserved girl. She has had a long, hard life, and it shows. Shy yes, but very warm and kindhearted. She looks out for her younger sister, is rarely defiant (that will come, we're sure!), and is clearly trying to make sense of this whole experience she is having. A rather small kid, she doesn't fit in with the 10 year-olds, yet in a few other ways, is older than her years, having to care for all of her siblings since an early age. Vika is a child we are going to have to love, love lots, teach, and watch her grow into her age. She is an easy child to love, though, and we look forward to it.

There are some interesting surprises we have had as a result of their orphanage training. First, for both kiddos, everything has its place, and there is a strong concept of putting things away after they are done with them. They also automatically make their beds after waking up (how long will THAT last), and recently, after being taught to set the table, Diana just started insisting that the table be set for breakfast the next day before going to bed.

Welcome to our family, Vika and Diana!