Hiawatha Family Finalizes Adoptions of Three Ukrainian Kids

It's a heart-warming story ahead of a holiday season for families to gather in thanks, as a nearly three-year journey has come to its conclusion for a Hiawatha family. The Breckenridge family has just completed the adoption of three Ukrainian children.

We've told you the multiple stories of struggle they've been through in getting these children stateside. As Russia began to invade the boys' home country, the family lost contact with Artem, another previous adoptee. 16-year-old Artem was in an orphanage in Berdyansk when the conflict broke out. Jenna got word from the adoption agency that Artem was in a bomb shelter in the city. The worried mother lost contact with him the very next day.

It was later discovered that Artem was safe. He was evacuated to Italy back in March, and the family visited him numerous times while volunteering for his orphanage. There is also Hardin, who the family had previously adopted, and is said to be adapting well to his life with his new American family.

In addition to new last names, the Cedar Rapids Gazette says the birth certificates of the three newest Breckenridge additions will be branded with new middle names as well.

Bogdan Tripp is named after the social worker who did the family’s home studies, touching their lives. Ilya Becker Mills’ middle name honors two family friends who have supported the family through thick and thin in the adoption world, one of whom advocated for Mkolya. Mkolya Ranson is named after another close family friend in the adoption world who hosted a Ukrainian boy from the twins’ orphanage during the same timeline.

Judge Nicholas Scott told the three:

I know you’re going to have great lives here and do great things

Scott and Jenna Breckenridge were called exemplary parents by the judge finalizing the adoptions. From all we know about them and their story, we certainly agree.