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Filip has adjusted well. It took him a considerable amount of time to open up to anyone about the events that happened after his parents' deaths, but he eventually did. He spends a lot of time in the living room sitting by a window and reading. He loves to play sports with Morgan and Thomas, and he is always up for a game of hide and seek with Magdalena. Filip looks up to Damien and often goes to him for advice.

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Teresa and Annabel also adjusted well. Teresa was initially more outgoing than the cautious Annabel. She often takes part in soccer games that Filip, Morgan, and Thomas play. She plays dress up and house with Magdalena, and the two often create fingerpaint masterpieces. Annabel prefers to stay near to Teresa. They share a room. After we noticed that the girls often fell asleep in the same bed, we replaced their small twin sized beds with one full sized bed. Annabel can be found sitting in random places sketching the rest of the family. At first they both refused to go anywhere near Damien, and they often stayed in their room. After a few months they began to cautiously trust him. In time they grew to adore their new uncle, and the girls have taken immensely to their cousin Magdalena.

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We thought it best for Filip, Teresa, and Annabel to each separately see a therapist to talk about their traumatic experiences. The sessions seem to have helped all three considerably.

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Berta and Mimi have also been great additions to the family. All the children love having a cat and a dog to love and play with. Mimi sleeps curled up between the twins every night. Berta is very protective of Filip and can always be found near him. Mimi and Berta get along surprisingly well with each other seem to act a lot like close siblings!

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Thank you for completing our family by placing Filip, Teresa, Annabel, Berta, and Mimi with us!
The Marinos-Mereminskis