A 39-year-old woman named Anastasia adopted two children within three months of each other: an eight-year-old girl and a two-week-old boy. The decision to become an adoptive mother was carefully considered and not spontaneous, stemming from a childhood experience.

Anastasia’s journey to adoption began in her childhood when she befriended a girl from an orphanage during summer camp. The girl’s request to be taken home with Anastasia left a lasting impression, solidifying Anastasia’s desire to adopt a child later in life.

Anastasia and her husband prepared for adoption by attending meetings of the “I am an adoptive parent” project and the “School for Adoptive Parents.” They initially learned about their daughter while gathering documents, and though they hadn’t planned to adopt an older child, they decided to proceed after consulting with each other.

Three months after adopting their daughter, Anastasia received a call about a two-week-old boy who had been found abandoned at a bus stop. Despite initial hesitation and discouragement from others, Anastasia and her husband decided to adopt him.

Initially, Anastasia faced challenges with her adopted daughter, who had experienced trauma and exhibited manipulative behaviors. However, the arrival of her adopted son helped to unite the family, and her daughter began to assist with the baby.

While there are now challenges with the younger son, Anastasia is generally happy with her decision. Despite discouragement from family members, Anastasia and her husband moved forward, even contemplating adopting a third child in the future.