China
Guatemala
Russia
Vietnam
Brazil
IndiaAlexa's story began long before she was born and is a much different story than I expected to be telling about my child. As with most people who want to become parents, I thought I would have biological children. But as time passed and the opportunity never really arose, I began thinking that being a mother just wasn't in my future. For several years, I stored the dream away and thought of it as just that, a wonderful, yet unreachable dream.
Then, about four years ago, I started a new job and met a woman who had three nieces who were all adopted from China. I met the oldest girl who was 5 at the time and she was absolutely charming. Meeting her changed my life. I began asking my friend questions about international adoption and also started researching the subject on my own. I quickly learned that this was something that I not only truly wanted to do, but also COULD do. I checked out many agencies and hundreds of websites specifically about international adoption. Finally, in September 2001, I chose FTIA and sent in my application. I was so excited, yet nervous to actually begin the process of bringing Alexa home. I spent several months preparing the dossier and told a select few people about my intentions to adopt. I had great support from my parents and only sister right from the start. My closest friends were also very positive and supportive. Once the home study was complete, I began telling everyone about the adoption. I was unbelievably surprised at the support I received from friends and co-workers.
My dossier was completed and sent to FTIA on May 1, 2002, and my official wait began. I wanted a healthy infant girl, so I knew my wait time would likely be 6 months. Those months passed very slowly, and in July I received a call from FTIA asking if they could move my dossier to Ekaterinburg to possibly shorten my wait. I was happy to do so, and on October 6, 2003, received "The Call." I was finally going to Ekaterinburg, Russia, to meet my daughter.
I met Alexa on October 17, one day after my birthday. It was the most emotional experience of my life. If not for the journal that I kept, I think that entire week would have been a blur. Sitting in the large open room, waiting for a first meeting with her, I wondered what she would look like, and how healthy would she really be. The caregiver brought her out and handed her to me. She was the most beautiful little thing I had ever seen. Her dark eyes and sprigs of dark hair were peeking out of a hat that was
tied tightly on her head. I truly expected an underweight, small baby with
little expression. To the contrary, while she was small, she had chubby little
legs and belly and had a huge smile on her face. I couldn't believe how
healthy and happy she looked. I knew she was my daughter! I was cautiously
optimistic until I received the medical report from Dr. Gordina, who said she
was low risk and appeared to be very healthy. I sent pictures and e-mails home
to my family and friends. Everyone was ecstatic! Now I had to leave her and go
home to wait for the court date. Due to the Christmas holidays, the time between
trips was 12 long weeks, but I just kept telling myself that Alexa was fine and
that our time together would soon begin.
On January 23, 2003, I officially became Alexa's mom, although in my heart, it happened all those weeks earlier in October. My mother traveled with me to Ekaterinburg to bring Alexa home.
Grandma's first meeting with Alexa was so special and a moment in my life that
I'll never forget. The two and a half weeks that we spent in Russia allowed
time for a bond to forge between Alexa and her Grandma that can never be broken.
Alexa is the fourth grandchild, but first granddaughter in our family. Needless
to say, she is Grandma's girl!
During our time in Ekaterinburg, we were able to visit Alexa twice daily which allowed for some great bonding time. My mother and I also experienced life in Russia, kept journals, bought keepsakes, and took hundreds of pictures to share with Alexa as she grows.
It's hard to believe that we have been home four months. Alexa is thriving in her new home and environment. She is a happy, healthy 16-month old who is full of life and makes each day enjoyable. I can't and don't want to remember what life was like without her. Everyone who knows her says she is the happiest baby they have ever met. I owe our
happiness to FTIA for helping me through the ups and downs of adoption, to
Alexa's caregivers for those crucial first months of life, and to God for
bringing her to me.
Kimberly
