Here’s the story of a lovely famliy.
Who adopted two very lovely girls.
Their names are Yana and Tavi.
The youngest one in curls.
The Mayden Bunch
by Shea Clark
Yana and Tavi are finally here! Earlier in the month of July, Kelly Mayden who was accompanied by Meadow Piepho, traveled to Bulgaria where they were to pick up the girls to bring home.
ReVo: Could you tell us a little about Yana & Tavi?
7 year old Yana
Kelly: Yana is 7 years old and has Down syndrome. She weighs 25 lbs. She is extremely content and happy most all the time. She LOVES attention and loves to cuddle. She hates baths, but has found swimming is fun! Currently she will go to anyone and be happy, but she does recognize mom! (which makes mom, me, VERY happy!) If any of the kids lay on the floor she crawls over to lay on top of them.
Tavi is 4 years old and blind. She weighs 26 lbs. She continues to surprise us with her courage and independence. She loves people and loves to play games that involve twirling, tossing her in the air, going fast or going upside down. Tavi loves swimming and will even go under water. She gets around very well and her great memory helps her navigate rooms quickly.
ReVo: How are they adapting to the new family?
Kelly: Yana continues to adapt to family life very well. Truthfully I would say after the second day of being freed from the orphanage she NEVER looked back. She has found family life agrees with her! She is doing so many new things! She is crawling and exploring without encouragement from us. She is climbing onto the couch,clapping and finding ways to communicate with us. She is even starting to understand English words like “kiss”, “eat” and “patty cake.”
4 year old Tavi
Tavi has had a harder time adjusting, but continues to improve everyday. The first 2 weeks were rocky, but lately things have been really going well. She is starting to slowly use English words and phrases as well as recognize many words said to her. I have introduced the braille alphabet to her and she loves to sing along as we feel the letters.
ReVo: I know the girls didn’t really have the attention they needed at the orphanage in Bulgaria, are they blossoming since being in their new home?
Kelly: I would say that yes, they are both blossoming and reclaiming their childhood! They amaze me with their bravery and their willingness to love! They compliment each other so well as new sisters in a large family. I can clearly see the handiwork of God in their becoming part of our family.
ReVo 