Down Syndrome, 6-9 Girls

This little girl with Down syndrome is described as brave, loving and interested in activities. She adapts well to a new environment and enjoys coloring, painting, musical activities, singing and playing with toys and dolls. She is developmentally delayed and needs a loving family to help her reach her full potential.  Her facilitator describes her as “high functioning”

Meet Penelope! She’s currently 8 years old (in July 2022)

Good thing is that Penelope is in good health and that she is strong girl. She is sweet kid and charming in her own way!

Down Syndrome: Generally, Penelope’s development is slowed down in all areas. Her cognitive skills are more affected and they could be described as severe mental retardation. This is happening for two reasons, first one is Down syndrome and everything that goes with it, the second reason would be, her transfer to, and her stay in social institution, hadn’t helped her to develop her potentials.

Evangeline is an adorable little girl with Down syndrome, described as cheerful and active. She likes to dance, color, play hide-and-seek, and toss a ball. She easily understands instructions that are given to her. She continues to increase her vocabulary. Evangeline has great skill in performing playful activities. such as obstacle games. She has good fine and gross motor skills. Evangeline is also interested in running, jumping, assembling Legos, coloring, and painting.

A Specific adoption agency has a $3000 grant for Evangeline’s adoption!

Evangeline was originally listed in October 2019.  She was re-listed in January 2022.

Annalise is described as a happy, playful, and quiet girl. She is sociable with peers and adults. She likes to go to the park and play with balls. She also likes to play with the other children and adults. Annalise loves to build towers with blocks, organize hoops, play with bubbles, and dance. We can’t wait to see who Annalise’s family will be!

The adoption agency also has a $1000 grant for Annalise.

Annabelle has brown curly hair and beautiful big brown eyes. She can sit, babble and is described by her care takers as content, smiley and gentle towards peers and caregivers.

The agency has photos to share at the appropriate point in a family’s adoption process.

Luna has two older brothers; a family could pursue the adoption of all 3 children! A separation process will need to be done if a family only wanted to adopt Luna.

Amy is a sweet girl with brown hair and brown eyes. Her nannies say she loves to laugh, is able to stand with support but is not able to speak yet.

The agency has photos to share at the appropriate point in a family’s adoption process.

Christie has brown hair and a slender face. She is described as being happy by nature, loves playing with toys and other children, and is very cooperative with therapy.

The agency has photos to share at the appropriate point in a family’s adoption process.

Sandra is described as loving cuddles, is smiling most of the time and is liked by all the caretakers in her children’s home. The agency has photos to share at the appropriate point in a family’s adoption process.

Tanya is a 3 year old girl with straight black hair and dark brown eyes. She is loving and comfortable with the staff at her orphanage, but shy of strangers. Although she still can’t walk unassisted at age 3, she is starting to communicate with single words.

The agency has photos to share at the appropriate point in a family’s adoption process.

Taylor is a beautiful baby girl with straight black hair with brown eyes. Taylor has a beautiful smile that she extends to everyone she comes into contact with. She pays close attention to what is going on around her by following closely with her eyes. She enjoys holding and playing with a rattle, putting it in her mouth, and moving it from one hand to the other.

The agency has photos to share at the appropriate point in a family’s adoption process.

Updated from 2019: Coco is an adorable and smart little girl, who loves to interact with others! Coco learns so much by observing her nannies. One of her caregivers shared this sweet story in her file: “I asked her “Coco, Where are your ears?” She didn’t seem to know. I touched her ear with my hand and told her “Coco’s ears are here.” Then I pulled my own ears as well and repeated telling her “ear, ear.” Then after about three minutes of playing, I asked her again “where are Coco’s ears?” She thought a while, looked at me, walked to me, and pulled my ears. We all laughed! Then I asked again “Where are Coco’s ears?” She then withdrew her hands and touched her own ears.” Coco goes to preschool in her orphanage. Right now she is learning how to count and recognize Chinese characters. She can say simple words and phrases. She plays well with other children and she can follow her nanny’s instructions.

MANY VIDEOS are available of this darling girl!  The videos below are from a 2021 update!

Families qualify for a $2,500 subsidy with her current adoption agency.

Meet Penny! She is a lovable and charming little girl who is 3 years old. Penny came into care when she was about 6 months old. After a few months at the orphanage, she was placed with a foster family, where she has blossomed!

Penny was born with Down syndrome. She has an ASD, which as of her report in 2017, had required no treatment. Penny has the typical delays seen with Down syndrome, but has accomplished a lot since joining her foster family. She is especially close to her older foster brother, and waits impatiently for him to come home from school. Sadly, even an excellent foster family is not a permanent solution for an orphan. Penelope needs a family who will become hers forever. This sweet little one is waiting!

Cecelia is a precious little girl! She has had surgery to correct her heart defect. Cecelia is an active little girl who loves participating in interactive games! At the time her file was prepared, Cecelia liked to crawl around on the ground and explore objects in the room. She could sit up and interact with other children her age. Cecelia’s caretakers were working with her on standing and walking at that time as well. Cecelia makes sounds and laughs a lot. She likes to be outside and observe others. When she sees her main nanny, she will wave her hands and scream excitedly! Cecelia was able to hold some food to feed herself and was working on feeding herself with a spoon at the time. She likes to eat apple puree, bananas, and grape puree. She was reportedly able to swallow, but had trouble with hard foods at the time of her report. Cecelia does not care for bitter foods. She sleeps on her stomach, is good at imitating adult motions, and loves to wave goodbye!

Cecelia has adorable MUST-WATCH videos from 2019 and significant grants to help an adoptive family bring her home! It is our hope that her forever family finally sees her and says YES!

https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-cecelia1
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-cecelia2
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-cecelia3

There is a $2,500 agency grant for Cecelia’s adoption with her current adoption agency.

File update available from early 2020!  She is well-behaved for her foster family, and considered “high-functioning.”   MANY VIDEOS AVAILABLE!

Luna is an absolutely precious girl! Luna went into a foster family in Oct. 2014. She is said to have a good appetite and is close to her foster grandma. Luna is an active little girl who likes crowded places, listening to music, toys that make sound, and outdoor activities. Do not miss her written update and all of her videos! She’s a waiting gem!

 

Tara is a giggly and playful girl! Her report from 2016 states that she reacts to her name being called, look in the direction of the caller, and will make an “ah” sound as a response. Tara can track objects as they move, grasp toys, and she enjoys interacting with her caretakers. One of Tara’s favorite games include playing peek-a-boo and she loves to go out into nature to look and touch flowers.

There’s a $2000 grant available from Tara’s current adoption agency for her adoption.

Meet Lena! She is a huggable and oh-so-sweet little girl who is 2 years old! Lena has no known heart issues. She lives at the orphanage, and has not received as much help with her development as she should. While motor and speech delays are expected with little ones who have Down syndrome, early intervention can really help. Lena is quiet, happy, and a very lovable little one. In fact, her report states she loves hugs! She needs a family soon, and the therapies required to help her with her speech and motor skills. Lena is waiting for you!

Updated February 2019: Sweet Lena has delays, due to her Down syndrome. She is not yet potty-trained, and she is introverted, easy-going, and not fussy. She’s just starting to walk around.

Lena’s current agency has a $5000 grant available for her adoption.

Video 1, Video 2

Xena is known as a girl with a sweet personality, rarely crying. She likes to play in her bed with toys that make noise, listen to music and being near caregivers while holding their hands. Xena can bang two blocks together, understand when others speak to her and will follow simple directions. A report from 3/2018 indicates she can sit without support, stay in a crawl position, creep on her tummy, reach for toys and visually follow her caregivers when they move around the room.

January 2021 Written Update:   Xena is described as introverted. She likes to play on her own and is not very responsive to other kids and adults.  She’s not attached to anyone. She plays alone and has no communication with others. She doesn’t follow instructions, and is not potty trained yet.  Xena can sit up on her own, and can walk a little while while holding on to supports.  She creeps to stuff that she wants — she enjoys colorful balls and toy cars.  She likes bright colors.  She does not currently receive any schooling.

Precious Daia is described as a very happy girl who loves playing with her nanny. She also likes to play alone, especially with musical toys, picture books, and a favorite toy truck. She knows when she is called by name and is able to communicate when she needs help. She is said to adapt very well, but is afraid of strangers. Her favorite foods are fruits and her favorite activity is listening to music. At the time Daia’s file was prepared, she was babbling. At that time, she could also sit alone, crawl on her hands and knees, and stand with support. Daia was able to feed herself and throw a ball. At times she was impatient and would cry if caretakers didn’t tend to her, but she was said to be easily comforted.

At the time her file was prepared, Daia had not had heart surgery. As of October of 2016, Daia was attending a preschool class and was said to adore her teacher. She could follow simple instructions and loved dressing up! Caregivers said she was very shy. Sweet Daia needs a family to love her forever and help her get the medical care she needs.

Short update, early 2021:  She can say some simple words like mother, father, brother, teacher. Her cognitive ability is better than her peers with Down Syndrome who live in the same family. She gets along well with the children at home. She enjoys playing with blocks and family games. Her personality is gentle, but she is lively when she plays.

Hazel is an adorable little doll! She has been a part of a foster family and enrolled in a sponsored school called the Grandma program. She is able to go up and down stairs by herself, skip and stand on one foot. She can draw lines, knows big and small, can button and unbutton her clothes, and wash her hands by herself. She is said to be fond of imitating, listening to music and playing with toys. She has a ready smile and gets along well with others. Her favorite activity is watching TV, and her favorite toy is a rag doll. Hazel is ready to be the joy of her new family!

Four and a half year old Kylie is described as outgoing and active. Her 2017 report states that she laughs loudly when happy and she can say a few simple words, such as “mom” and “dad”. Kylie can stand when holding onto a support and she has strong hand strength. Her file states she can follow objects with her eyes and moves around using a baby walker. Kylie enjoys playing with others.

Leigha is a sweet little girl. In July of 2015, when she arrived to her current care center, she could sit alone and was said to be smiley, but also cried a lot. At the time her file was prepared in 2017, she could stand up by holding onto something. Leigha liked to scoot across the floor on her bottom to get a toy she wanted to play with. She likes playing with colorful toys, dolls, and with other children. When she listens to music, she will shake her body to dance. When she was called by her caretaker, she could turn her head to find the sound source. Leigha smiles when people amuse her and she can understand her caretaker. She has a good personality overall, but is sometimes obstinate. Leigha is introverted, shy, and cries easily, but is as cute as can be. She has a good diet and is said to be a steady sleeper. We’re hoping to be able to get an update for Leigha and that she won’t wait much longer!

https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-leiaupdate

https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-leiaupdate2

https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-leiaupdate3

https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-leiaupdate4

https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-leiaupdate5
Leigha has a $2000 grant with her current adoption agency.

Update, Jan 2020: She still cannot stand or walk independently. She needs someone for support. Just an aside — With all the layers and slippers she is wearing, it would be hard to learn to walk. Her area doesn’t have centralized heating and she is in a foster family where they may be doing a lot for her too.

Update Oct 2019: She can now crawl, but she cannot walk. She can stand alone and can squat. I think she would be able to talk, but she is scared. Her health is good. She is a bit chubby, she needs to be fed often. She is very interested in music. When music is playing, she can keep up with the rhythm/tempo and will try to jump to the music, but her feet don’t get off the ground. She can’t speak yet, but can recognize words. She can understand simple commands. She is warm towards people. Her foster parents are elderly. They only sent over one picture. The rest are from a recent home visit. Occasionally, she will say “baba” or “mama” and she says it very clearly. But, she doesn’t make any requests when she calls out. She knows her body parts and her 5 senses. She understands the meaning of “no.” She currently has 16 teeth.

Eliza is a delightful little one; she is such a happy and social little girl. Eliza was born with Down syndrome, and has the typical motor delays. She has had surgery to correct her heart issues; ASD/VSD/PDA, and has recovered well. Eliza lives with a foster family, to whom she is very close. She loves to play, and loves toys that make music. She is spunky, sweet, and waiting for a family of her own!

There are many recent photos and videos in her file! ​

Lark is a precious little girl! Lark is optimistic and she likes to play with tiny balls and toy blocks. She is especially curious about new toys. Her teacher gives her attentive care, often holding her and talking to her. She also takes Lark outside to enjoy the sunshine. As of November of 2017, she could scoot around and walk while holding onto something for support. She was babbling, but not yet saying words. Lark does understand and can follow simple instructions. Her teacher is working hard with her on language, recognizing objects, and physical activities. The agency is hoping for an update soon.

Lark has a $1,500 agency grant for her adoption with a specific adoption agency. Other grants may be available based on the adoptive family’s circumstances. Agency grants are awarded as agency fee reductions.

Down syndrome, syndactyly of right foot (2 toes fused together); CHD: ventricular septal aneurysm

Lissa is a precious little one still waiting for her family to find her! Adored by her caretakers, she is described as a curious and happy little girl, who loves to eat! When she first arrived at her orphanage, she was small and weak. Intrigued by her surroundings she would observe the nannies and other children playing, smiling when teased or tickled. Over time, she has learned to trust the nannies and has become more and more adventurous, seeking out attention and interaction with her nannies and playing with the other children. She still loves to be tickled, held, and kissed, loves colorful toys that make sounds and likes to listen and dance to music.

Lissa will make eye contact and is said to be very cheerful! She is attentive when learning something new and will actively try to learn new things. Diagnosed with Down Syndrome and nystagmus of both eyes, compared to her peers her growth and development have been delayed; however, with rehabilitation training she is able to crawl, sit independently, grasp objects, and is making good progress as she continues to grow and develop. The origin of Lissa’s name, given to her by her caretakers, means ‘hope she will obtain love and be cherished.’ This little one, so clearly adored, is waiting for a family to find her who will love and cherish her delightful and adventurous little spirit! Her file is extremely detailed with a lot of wonderful developmental information and benchmarks, and we are also able to connect interested families with individuals who have visited her orphanage and were able to meet her during their visit in November 2016!

Faith will turn 4 this month! Her caretakers describe her as a very happy girl. Faith was abandoned at 2 months old and has been raised in an orphanage. She is diagnosed with Down syndrome. She is able to stand and walk on her own and enjoys walking outside. She smiles often, especially at those she recognizes. Faith likes to sit and play with her toys. She particularly likes electronic toys and picture books. She also enjoys music. Faith cannot speak, but she is able to imitate words, understand what “no” means, and respond to others asking for an object she possesses. She likes to be held. Faith gets along well with others and likes to play with the other kids. She can eat without help from an adult.

In order to help Faith find a family, her current agency is waiving their entire agency fee. Faith’s family will be responsible for the costs of their homestudy, post-placement reports, dossier authentication, dossier log-in and translation fees, USCIS fees, orphanage donation and travel expenses. Agency staff will assist Faith’s family with grant applications and fundraising. The federal Adoption Tax Credit may also be beneficial to Faith’s family. Can Faith find a home with your family?

Update available from late 2018: Everleigh is Extroverted and outgoing. She loves to be held. She can walk, run, jump, and walk upstairs and downstairs. Her fine motor skills and basic communication skills are good, too, for a child her age with Down syndrome. She is attached to her caretakers and she plays well with other kids. She knows to care for others and share food with others.

Meet Everleigh! This pretty little one came into care as a baby. Her motor skills and speech are a bit delayed, as expected. Everleigh loves to play with the other kids, and enjoys being outdoors. She is close to her nanny, and is very social. Everleigh’s file is from 2016, but we have request an update. She has been healthy, with the exception of typical childhood colds and viruses. Everleigh needs a family to love her, and provide any therapies she may need as she grows. She has so much potential! Everleigh is waiting for a family!

Esme is described as outgoing, active, and social. Her 2017 report states that she uses sounds and actions to communicate her needs. Esme’s file also states that she can sand while holding a handrail. She enjoys throwing an object on the ground and will giggle happily.

Emery is well adapted to her daily routine in the orphanage. She eats three meals a day but doesn’t have a big appetite and doesn’t care for snacks or desserts. The orphanage staff make efforts to enrich her days to help her development by watching TV, listening to music, playing with toys and taking her out for outdoor activities.

Her motion development is slightly delayed compared to other children but staff feel this is due to her being in orphanage life and not with a family. They say her opportunities are more limited there although she does participate in rehabilitation training in the institute. At the time of her report she was 3.5 years old and could sit independently, hold toys to play and walk holding the wall. She was described as being extroverted, well liked and having a ready smile. Emory could take off her socks and pants and was in good physical condition, but wasn’t yet speaking. Orphanage staff hope she will be adopted by a family who can educate her and help her grow up to be a happy girl.

Meet Eloise! She smiles easily and likes to be held and bounced to music. She crawls and walks with assistance. She bangs blocks together and can build a small tower.

She feeds herself small finger foods and her favorite food is cake (I’m already imagining a smash cake photo shoot for her third birthday!). This little one likes toys that make sounds and have flashing lights.

Gross motor skills: She can sit on her own. She can crawl with support of her hands and knees. She can stand up when holding on something. She can take steps when you holding her hands or side-walk when holding onto something. Self-care: She can hold her milk bottle with her hands. Fine motor skills: She can pass the item from one hand to the other. She can use her index finger to point to something. Cognition: She can imitate adults’ simple acts, such as clapping hands, giving hugs, etc. She understands something that cannot be seen exists. Social skills and emotion: She can make simple social acts, such as sharing her toys, giving hugs, or giving you a smile. She knows when you call her name. Speech skills: She knows you are talking about her when her name is heard. She will listen to you talking when you hold her. She expresses her needs with cries.

Ellie is a beautiful little girl, described as extroverted, active, and smiley. She is close to her foster grandmother, mother, and father and will get sad when they leave her. Ellie gets very excited and happy watching other children play! At the time her file was prepared, Ellie could make sounds and alert her foster grandmother that she had needed something by crying. She would crawl to touch her friends’ heads to express kindness. Ellie was also said to be a good sleeper and a good eater. She loves eating bananas. We’re hoping to get an update on Ellie and that her forever family sees her soon!

There is a $2,500 agency grant Ellie’s adoption with a specific adoption agency.

Feb 2020 Update: Ellen is a beautiful and energetic little girl with a ready smile. She likes music and playing with toys. In December of 2016, Ellen entered a foster family. Ellen likes hugging and playing interactive games with her foster mother. She is a good eater and is not picky. She also sleeps soundly. Ellen can crawl, turn over, sit, and stand while holding objects. She imitates sounds she hears and will sometimes turn back to see who is calling her name. She can use her hands to hold her milk bottle and to pick-up objects. We sure hope to find her forever family soon!

June 2018 Update: Ellen has a lively character. She likes to watch TV and she likes to clap her hands and dance to music. She knows to how say mama and baba.

There is a $5,000 agency grant for Ellie’s adoption with a specific adoption agency.

Elinor is as cute as a button!! Elinor’s caretakers say she is cheerful, active, curious, friendly, and that she has a warm personality. She is well-liked by all of her caretakers and the other children. Elinor is working hard to learn how to do things on her own, such as taking off her shoes and putting on her own clothes. She will even put her shoes in the shoe cabinet after taking them off. Elinor is so proud of herself when she does something on her own! She loves to be praised and finds the joy in the little things, such as touching the colorful pictures of flowers and small animals that are on the walls. Elinor loves to scribble, stack blocks, and imitate others. She has a strong imitating ability. Elinor can go up and down stairs on her own. She is also quite helpful! She will help her caretakers by folding towels and by taking the babies’ bottles to the sink, one by one. She will also take a tissue and wipe the mouths of the little ones, all on her own initiative. Elinor is a beautiful little girl with a terrific personality! She is getting good care while she waits. We can’t wait to see who her lucky family will be!

There is a $1,500 agency grant for Elinor’s adoption with her current adoption agency.

Eden is an adorable little girl! She was born with down syndrome and congenital heart defects – VSD, double outlet of RV, and pulmonary stenosis. Eden is described by her caretakers as active, sweet, and very pretty. She loves music with a quick rhythm and toys that make sounds. She also enjoys snuggling with her caretakers and often called out mama when she needed something. Her file is outdated, but at the age of two, Eden was walking, needed reminders to go to the bathroom, was holding her own food, and was using single words. She loves to giggle when she is playing and when she is happy. Eden’s agency has received a written update, new pictures, and precious new videos!

Flora has Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, post-op congenital heart disease (VSD, PDA and PFO), and developmental delays. Flora can sit with support and grasp nearby toys. She can hold her head up when she is lying on her stomach. Her favorite toys are blocks.

Fleur’s file states that her eyes trace people and objects. Fleur’s motion and coordination is a bit clumsy according to her file. Fleur enjoys playing with toys of various colors and textures and likes to be close to others. Her file indicates she can grasp objects, sit, roll over, and she is learning how to make consonant sounds.

Fleur has a $2,000 agency fee reduction for her adoption with their current adoption agency!

Meet Lucie! This adorable (and very huggable) little one just turned 2 years old! She came into care as an infant, and was found to have Down syndrome, as well as some heart issues (Tetralogy of Fallot, ASD, PDA). As of last year, she had not received surgery. We are waiting for updates. Delays are always expected with little ones who have Down syndrome, however, her gross motor skills were not far off the norm. At almost 10 months of age, Lucie was sitting up very well, and crawling! Lucie is very sweet, social, and loves her nanny. She has been well fed by the looks of those cheeks, and is ready to be the center of attention in her very own family. Lucie is waiting for you!

Dori is described as extroverted, affectionate, cheerful, lively, and smiley. Her file states that she loves to talk, but her speech isn’t clear, she can say simple words like mama, thank you, and she can make sounds. Dori’s file states that she can walk and is good at imitating. Her file says she likes watching tv, listening to music, and dancing. We have been told that Dori is attentive and will clean another child’s face is their nose is running and help with chores. Her file indicates that she blows kisses and says goodbye to her caretakers.

Mady is a beautiful little girl. She has been living in an orphanage in a room with 5-10 other children her age. By two years of age, Mady could sit and walk in a walker. She loves sunshine and being outdoors. She loves to look at her hands, touch her feet, and smile. Every indicator was normal at her March 2019 physical exam. She was wearing diapers at that time and had not been vaccinated, due to her medical needs. Additional photos available!

There is a $1,000 agency fee reduction for Mady’s adoption with her current adoption agency.

Feb 2020 Update: Maya is a beyond precious girl, born in February of 2014, who is waiting for her forever family to fall in love with her sweet face! Maya likes to go on the rocking horse and play catch with her friends. When she sees herself in a mirror, she gets excited. Maya knows her name and turns with a smile when she is called. Maya is described as energetic and smiley. She likes playing with toys (especially musical ones), playing games with adults and with other children in the activity room, and playing outside. Maya also likes to listen to music and watch cartoons. She likes to clap her hands, wave goodbye, and blow kisses.

Maya can understand directions from an adult, such as, “Come drink, please.” She will put down her toy and come over. She can also respond to others asking for her objects. Maya entered a foster family in September of 2014. She spends 5.5 hours a day in the grandmother’s class at the orphanage, where she receives physical therapy and developmental training. The rest of the time she is with her foster family and she is very close to her foster mother. Maya was born with Down syndrome and anal atresia (stoma fistula on the abdomen). She also has alpha thalassemia (just a carrier). On September 13th, 2015 she received reconstructive surgery in Beijing. In March of 2016, she returned back to her home orphanage. She recovered well after the surgery. The doctors at the orphanage help her to do dilatation each day. Now she can use the potty for defecation and urination. Maya’s orphanage, a former MAA orphanage, reports that she is high functioning. She can follow directions well and can now dance to a whole song without any help from the teacher- a few songs actually! Does your family have room in your home and hearts for this treasure?

There’s a $5000 grant available for Maya’s adoption with her current agency.

Meadow is a beautiful girl who was found as a newborn and was moved into a foster family in May of 2016. She adapted to her foster family quickly and has a good routine schedule, including a daily nap. Meadow has a good appetite and is not a picky eater. She loves the snacks her foster mother gives her between meals. Meadow takes a bath twice a day in the summer and once in the winter, generally before going to bed. She is currently in diapers. Meadow was born with down syndrome and heart defects (ASD, VSD, and PDA). In November of 2015, she underwent surgery to repair her VSD and ASD and had a PDA ligation with tricuspid valvuloplasty. Her file mentioned her receiving a temporary pacemaker. In September of 2016, she had a brain MRI- there were no abnormal findings, but they did note that she had bilateral mastoiditis. Also at that time, she had genetic testing done and it was found that Meadow had alpha thalassemia (meaning she is just a carrier). A couple days later she had a mass on her neck looked at and nothing abnormal was found.

Meadow is not speaking yet, but she can turn her head when her name is called. She likes playing with adults and will often babble happily when playing alone. Meadow can sit and turn over on her own. She uses gestures to communicate- such as purposely putting her foot on her foster mother while lying on the bed or tugging at her clothes or wrist when she sees people eating. Meadow enjoys playing with dolls and giggling. A family will be blessed to have this little angel as a part of their family!

Melody is a little peanut who couldn’t be cuter! Melody knows the nanny who takes care of her and is very close to her. She is described as smiley, shy, and energetic. She recognizes the other children in her room and enjoys playing with them. Melody feeds herself with a bottle and likes to eat crackers too. She is afraid of strangers, but will actively ask for hugs from the nanny who cares for her. Being held is one of her very favorite things! Melody will let her nanny know she is not happy if the nanny holds another child first or is too busy to hold her. Melody reacts when called and can understand simple instructions. She is now saying some single words and will say a sentence every once in a while, but it is hard to understand. She is finally walking and appears very small for her age.

Agency staff have met her multiple times and note that she is sweet, has a precious laugh, doesn’t cry much, is often happy, and is a good sleeper. One of our traveling families even had the blessing of meeting her last year. Melody will surely bring so much joy to her forever family!

Melody’s current adoption agency has a $5000 grant for her adoption!

Nadia is a darling, happy little girl who shows her recognition for people by laughing and waving her hands. She is very happy when her caregiver arrives in the morning. She is 2 years old and has Down syndrome. She was independently and communicates through simple words and gestures. She enjoys playing with blocks, putting them in a bucket then dumping them out. She also loves playing with balloons and splashing in water.

Nadia is described as a quiet child, and I love this picture of her looking at books! Doesn’t she just look too sweet? This little sweetie needs a family! Could she be your daughter?

Nancy loves to give hugs! All you have to do is open your arms out and this sweetie jumps right into them and snuggles in for a long hug.

She gives thumbs ups, is speaking a few simple words, and blows kisses. She needs help getting dressed, but puts on her own shoes. She has started potty training. She is good at imitating and her caregivers describe her as sweet and engaging.

Nancy needs a family of her own. Anyone’s life would be brighter with Nancy’s hugs in it! Additional information and photos can be found in this blog post.

Natalie’s health is good. She is active, restless and outgoing. Natalie can walk and likes to play outdoors.

Natalya is a gentle baby who rarely cries. Active and curious, she is interested in colorful toys that make noise, and she often reaches her hands out to touch the cartoon characters painted on the wall. She loves being cuddled by her caregivers. Natalya is diagnosed with Down syndrome, and she has no other known health conditions. When she was one year and two months old, she could prop her body up on her forearms, and she was able to roll over. She could grab toys with both hands and hold her bottle to drink. If her caregiver called her name, she would turn, and respond by making noise. She loves listening to music and being outdoors! Natalya needs a family give her lots of attention and care.

The agency who currently holds Natalya’s file is offering a $4000 grant.

Meet Daisey! This little one is 2 years old, and has been in foster care for the past year. Daisey is a sweet baby girl, who has Down syndrome, and a small deformity of her left thumb. (Polydactyly is a congenital anomaly with a wide range of manifestations that occurs in many forms, ranging from varying degrees of mere splitting to completely duplicated thumb.) Daisey has the typical developmental delays seen in a child with Down syndrome, and she has been in therapy since she was a baby. She is progressing well! Daisey enjoys musical toys, playing with her foster mom, and riding in her stroller. She is social, loving, and ready to join your family!

Gwen is described as optimistic, outgoing, and smiley. Her file states that she can stand and walk with support. According to her file, Gwen likes playing with her shoes, making excited ah-ah sounds, and listening to music, where she wiggles to the songs.

Videos available!

Cynthia is described as active, with a ready smile. According to her report in 2016, she can walk stably, crawl, play on big toys outside, and throw a ball with purpose. Her file says her speech is delayed, but can make simple noises to express her emotions. Her file states that she enjoys sunshine, loves playing outside, running, jumping, and laughing. Cynthia’s file says she likes holding her caretakers’ hand and dancing.