Ivanna

Ivanna - sweet little girl. We are coming for you...

No pictures ... please.

A little tongue thrust.

A little younger. Notice how small and tiny her legs appear.

She is doing something that is common among those with Ds that have not had Physical therapy: tripod sitting.

I can't wait to dress her and let her hair grow. To kiss those cheeks and hold her tightly: never letting go...

Ivanna. Our sweet little girl. I wish that the orphanage did not shave the heads of the children who are more ill, but they do. I am not entirely sure why - maybe it's because they are mostly in their beds, and so perhaps it makes caring for it easier. Anyhow, this is why her hair is so choppy and short even though she is older. They routinely shave the heads of these little ones.

Ivanna needs to come home, badly. As many know, she has ASD (heart condition) requiring care by a cardiologist and most likely; surgery. She is four and a half. Her birthday is in November. She is also blessed to still be at the orphanage. If she is transferred she will not do well. This is due to her health not being great to begin with. Her muscle tone is very low. This paired with her heart condition has no doubt been the reason she is not walking yet. Once transferred she will more than likely be left to a crib to live out her life. My prayer, right now, is that she will NOT be transferred. She NEEDS to be saved, she is worthy of being cared for. I can't wait to hold her and whisper, "It's okay now, Mommy has you..."