Half a dozen newcomers

Six new little ones have recently arrived at our baby homes. Three little boys (top photos) named Yuan, Kun and Tong and three little girls (bottom photos) named Xiao, Yun and Ning.

Of the six, four are here for post-op care for defects such as gastroschisis, anal atresia, bladder exstrophy and congenital spinal tumor. Yun and Ning have craniofacial deformities that will require surgery at a later date. To make room for these newcomers four of our bigger, stronger babies joined foster families today. We're sad to see them go, but happy to know they'll each thrive in a nurturing family.

New Hospice Arrivals

Well, our last case of chicken pox was over three weeks ago, so we are hopeful that this has run its course and we have seen the last of it. We stopped intakes during this time to prevent new cases from continuing to appear. Now that we are past that, we're ready for new babies!

Our first two new arrivals are Le and Fei. Both baby boys have severe heart defects and are very, very weak. Neither one is a candidate for surgery at this time. Baby Fei is 4 months old and still the size of a premature baby. Le is already 7 months old and has the most beautiful, alert eyes!

A group from Italy...

is volunteering in our Beijing home now. Here are some photos of their visit:

In Loving Memory - Baby Hui

May 7, 2010 - August 9, 2010

Two new arrivals

Two new little fellows joined us last week. Baby Yuan's (bottom photo) diagnosis is uncertain, and Kun (top) was born with bladder exstrophy. Both have already had surgery in the local hospital and were sent by their orphanages because they need special post-op care. Kun's care is extremely complex, as his pelvis must remain completely immobilized while the bones heal.
We look forward to watching them grow stronger over the next few months.

More Adorable...

Just an update to say that twins Ke and Ai are growing bigger and stronger. They still have a long road ahead of them, but Ai (the smaller one) is over 3 lbs already. Both have normal oxygen levels and are feeding well on their own - truly amazing for such tiny babies!

A year ago...

Last summer we received a tiny premature baby girl weighing only 3 1/2 lbs (1400 grams). Baby Yu was small, but very strong and healthy. Aside from one serious respiratory infection during her second month she really thrived, growing and changing at a tremendous rate.

Here she is at two months of age:

And 5 months of age:

And we've just had news that she has an adoptive family waiting to come and get her. Look how grown up she is now!

We hope her family will be here very soon. Aren't they lucky?