Lynn and Robin Arnold didn't know what to expect when they adopted first one, then a second, child from Russia. Their first child, Jacob, came home with them in 2003. The second, Andrea, came home two years later. The Arnolds visited each child twice in their Russian orphanages before bringing them home.

"The Arnolds were told to bring a picture book of themselves and a blanket they've slept with as a way to familiarize the children with their prospective parents. That process worked so well, the Arnolds said, the children were actually excited to go home with them when it came time to depart."

Both Jacob, who's 4, and Andrea, 2, have adjusted well to life in America. Andrea is still learning to communicate, but Jacob speaks English well. The Arnolds call their experience a great one and refer back to their Russian interpreter who didn't call it "adoption" but "rescuing".

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Labels: Russia, communication, preparations