The plane ride actually turns out to be the last peace Mary and Bob will know for a while. They are greeted at the airport in Boston by big sister Abby and also by Hannah's older half-sister and brother, and three cousins from Connecticut. It's a joyous reunion, but soon the happiness turns to despair.

AFTER THE STORM: Hannah's Russian passport bears her new American name - spelled in English letters with Russian pronunciation. (Hannah will become a US citizen in several years.)

Abby is thrilled to have her parents at home again, but much less thrilled to have a new little sister. She knew Hannah was coming, but somehow this complete absorption of her parents' time and attention wasn't exactly what she expected.

NEW SIBLINGS: Abby's world is turned topsy-turvy by the arrival of this toddler who commandeers her parents' attention and plays with her toys. The early days and weeks of their adjustment are rocky and unpleasant for all. Gradually Abby assumes the role of big sister as protector and teacher, happy to have a little sister to play with.

Hannah too is sometimes overwhelmed by strange emotions. Although she's generally cheerful and adapts with surprising speed to her new surroundings, she alarms the family with occasional bursts of temper that sometimes include biting and spitting. She's comfortable only with routine, and any slight change – particularly the arrival of a visitor at the front door – can send her into a frightening tantrum.

AFTER THE STORM: Although Hannah handles the trip like a veteran traveler, the changes she's experiencing affect her behavior later.

These moments pass quickly but they scare her new parents, who are unprepared for the violence, and sometimes feel they simply can't understand this little stranger who has so unsettled their household. [audio]

The two girls fight constantly.

"I just felt overwhelmed," Bob recalls later of the first days at home with Hannah. "I wondered if the rest of our lives were going to be like this."

"There were moments when I questioned my faith," admits Mary.

AFTER THE STORM: Hannah's tears are quickly conquered by a cookie after she throws a tantrum in the Frankfurt airport during a layover. She recovers enough to go around meeting many of the passengers in the waiting lounge.

Actually what the Rockleins experienced is a typical scenario, says Lisa Summers, the Russian specialist the Rockleins worked with at Wide Horizons. "Love takes time," says Ms. Summers. "I tell them to look for small improvements every day."

As for the temper tantrums, Summers says it's important to remember that Hannah is processing enormous change in a short period of time and may also be frustrated by not understanding English. Give her time, she counsels the Rockleins. [audio]

Summers's words prove prophetic. The fourth week home, Mary takes Hannah to the doctor who recommended against her adoption. She examines the child and pronounces her absolutely healthy. Her mental and motor development seem a bit behind but this is typical of children who live in institutions. In Hannah's case, she appears bright, and there is every reason to expect she will quickly catch up.

A SLICE OF LIFE: Mary pushes a stroller with both children inside past their bright yellow house. Hannah is thrilled with everything she sees.

Hannah's eating habits stabilize as well. First out of the orphanage and constantly hungry, she grabbed at everything in sight with two hands. Now, confident that food is available, she eats more normally.

But most important, Hannah and Abby begin to forge a mutual understanding. The fighting subsides and the two girls begin to learn to play together and even seem to enjoy one another.

Abby had seemed particularly possessive of Bob at the start but now, she tells him one night as he kisses her goodnight, "Don't forget to kiss Hannah, too." [audio]

A SLICE OF LIFE: At a Friendly's restaurant, Hannah chows down on French fries like any American kid, while Abby wipes off a drip of ice cream.

Mary – who had been suffering under the strain of the first unhappy weeks – is overcome with relief. And now, she says, if it weren't for the cost (the whole process – including $7,900 to the adoption agency, $9,000 to the Russian government, and travel expenses – cost the Rockleins about $23,000), "I'd love to adopt another one."

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