Tessa

Girl, born November 2010
PRC
Down syndrome, Cleft lip and palate

 

Tessa was sent to a foster family for care the same day she was admitted. Due to her severe cleft palate, feeding her was extremely difficult.

A comprehensive physical was done in spring 2012.   The diagnosis was severe cleft lip and palate and down syndrome. At the time, the doctors examined her heart beat and found everything to be normal.

In May, she received cleft palate repair surgery; the surgery was successful and her recovery went well.   Tessa’s outer appearance improved.

Tessa is a timid and shy little girl who recognizes people.  She is closest to and dependant on her nanny.  She sleeps with her nanny every night.  When she sees the nanny carry another child and not her, she will feel slighted and start to cry.  Tessa can understand our words.  She will turn her head to look around.  If you ask her whether she wants milk, she will respond with a smile.  She can say “nana”.  When interacting with strangers, she will look at you quietly and will not respond to questions.  Only after a period of time of interaction will she start to warm up.  She also likes to look pretty and likes to wear pretty clothes.  When you praise her and tell her how pretty she looks, she will immediately smile happily.