My name is Lila Conticelli. My mom’s name is Inna Goldstein, and she was born in Russia. I am the first generation American in my mom’s family. My mom immigrated here from Russia when she was eight years old. When my mom immigrated to this country she brought one special toy. It was a gift from her grandmother. It was a matryoshka doll! Matryoshka dolls are also known as Russian stacking dolls. It is made from wood. The doll separates to reveal a few more smaller dolls inside it. My mom keeps it in the kitchen because her grandmother was a very good cook. One day my mom will pass it on to me. I will like to one day pass it on to my sister Skylar.   

– Lila Conticelli

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant