Extra chromosome, extra cuteness!

Qin and Fang were both born with Down Syndrome and both have some of the medical complications that often accompany that diagnosis. But that doesn't stop them from being super cute! They aren't sisters, but are so similar in size, looks and personality, so we often think of them as "twins".

Isn't it amazing the range of facial expressions they make?
Who knew that a tiny baby could roll her tongue like that!

We think they are pretty special, right down to their little feet!

Mei Mei and Ran Ran

These two girls have been with us long term. Both of them were accepted as small infants for hospice care, with little chance for survival. But they have beat the odds, and both of them are still with us several years later.

Ran Ran is severely brain damaged and requires a very high level of care. Mei Mei is now a very alert and active 4 year old who loves to help the nannies care for the smaller children. She watches them closely and copies their behavior. She does her best to wipe little noses or pat a fussy baby on the back. Although she is non-verbal, she communicates very well.

"Hmmm, wonder if Ran Ran needs a little help. She looks lonely. "

"Hey Ran Ran, you OK?"

"Let me make you a little more comfortable!"

"Oh, maybe the problem is over here."

We have been so blessed to care for these little girls and watch them grow and develop. And it's so rewarding to see Mei Mei picking up the nurturing care she's seen and experienced over the years!

Baby Shuang - Just Like a Doll!

Baby Shuang is modelling one of the new preemie sweaters we received from a generous donor in Australia this week. When we opened the box of donations and took out the sweaters (no bigger than an adult's hand) it seemed impossible they would fit on a real baby. Might fit a little girl's baby doll, perhaps, but a real baby????

When the nannies saw Shuang (now weighing about 3.5 lbs/1.5 kg) wearing the sweater and cap they could hardly believe how cute she looked. "Just like a baby doll- so tiny and perfect!"

Don't you agree?

A prayer fulfilled - strong, healthy and adorable!

Twins Ke and Ai arrived nearly a year ago, so tiny and fragile we feared they might not survive. The first few months were filled with ups and downs, but as they near their first birthday we are so grateful to know that they are indeed growing up strong, healthy, and as their names imply - adorable!

Ke: "Hey sis, you want to play?"
Ai: "Not right now, I just woke up. Gimme a minute."

"OK, now I'm ready!

"Look at this little nose - looks just like mine!"

"Yep, and the same ears, too!"

"Imagine that! We must be twins!"

"Can I share your ball?"

Your prayers and support *do* make a difference, not only for little Ke and Ai, but all the children we care for. Thank you to all who help make this possible.

Hugs & Kisses

Two of our little ones playing with a volunteer from Australia:

Ordinary heroes

Our dedicated staff of nannies, supervisors, and volunteers work tirelessly to meet the needs of the babies. They cuddle, sing and feed bottle after bottle. They laugh, rock, soothe and change diaper after diaper. They give baths and medicines. They do endless laundry. They are there to comfort when a baby is teething and rejoice when first steps are taken. They cry tears of sadness when a little one passes away and tears of joy when a baby leaves with a loving family.

We’d like to share some photos these people - changing lives… one little child at a time.

Li Na

Baby Li Na was referred to us by a local church in another province. She was born with a serious heart defect and her parents wanted help in getting a second opinion; if specialists here confirmed her diagnosis then they asked if we would accept her for hospice care. We arranged an appointment and took them to meet some of the country’s top pediatric cardiology surgeons. After examining Li Na they confirmed that her condition was very severe and while surgery was possible, it was extremely risky and expensive. Even with the odds against them, her parents hoped to raise the money for the surgery that might save her life. However, the baby’s condition worsened rapidly and they were only able to borrow a fraction of the amount needed – it seemed there was no hope for Li Na. They asked us to love and care for her during the short time she had left to live. They returned home, heartbroken at the loss of their precious baby girl.

After Li Na had been with us for a short time, a visitor who saw her was quite moved and made a commitment to seek the funds necessary to give this baby a chance. She was admitted to the hospital in critical condition and received immediate surgery, just 4 days before Christmas. Her recovery has been very slow and her long term prognosis quite uncertain.

Yesterday she finally came out of the PICU and transferred to the regular ward. Her condition is stable and she looks so much better. It is hard to believe this is the same baby!

Her parents are overjoyed that she has been given this second chance. Her mother was involved in an accident in their hometown and is recovering from that, but as soon as she is able she will travel to Beijing to see her baby girl. We are hoping that Li Na will be able to go home with her family very soon.