Waiting Children ~ Hopscotch Adoptions
Eastern Europe (no pictures allowed)
“Aidan”: Aidan was born July 14, 2000. He has been diagnosed as having bilateral deafness with 100% loss of hearing and subsequent neuropsychological delay. He is outfitted with digital hearing apparatuses. He currently attends a Kindergarten for children with hearing loss, though there is no interpreter available to him. He attempts to participate in group play and to interact with those around him. It is reported that Aidan displays occasional aggressive behaviors towards the other children and staff, though it is suspected this is related to his frustration over his inability to communicate.
“Allie”: Since her birth on November 21, 2000 brave Allie has undergone multiple surgeries and medical tests. In August 2009 a formal diagnosis was made of Polymalformative Syndrome; Chronic pyelonephritis; Pyelectasis renis bilateralis; weak paraparesis of the inferior limbs. She has undergone post surgical treatment for pes equinovarus paralyticus bilateralis. Allie’s caregivers report that she is a smart and sensitive child whose development is adequate for her age. She is an excellent student and can read, write and calculate.
“Austin”: Austin was born June 10, 2005. He has been diagnosed as having polymalformative syndrome and is otherwise in good physical health. He is described as being relaxed, funny and engaging. He clearly expresses his emotions, making friends among his peers and interacting well with his caregivers. Austin likes to dance, to build with blocks and to play ball. Reports describe his physical actions as characterized by accurateness and agility. He is able to throw and kick a ball; to jump over a step; and to do a forward roll. He is able to feed himself without assistance and often attempts to dress and undress on his own.
“Ben”: Ten days prior to his birth on January 4, 2007, doctors determined Ben had hydrocephaly. Following delivery, he was diagnosed with internal hydrocephaly, spina bifida aperta – large defect in the thoracolumbar region; lower-extremity flaccid paraplegia. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed soon after Ben was born. Recent tests have shown the absence of a left kidney an anomaly of the urinary bladder - diverticles. Ben has shown great progress despite his nueropsychic delays. He can pronounce words purposefully; can answer simple questions; engages with those around him; addresses members of the orphanage staff with affection; and takes a keen interest in his surroundings. He has learned to sit unassisted; to turn from his stomach to his back; and to crawl by using his hands to pull his lower body along
“Ellie:” Sweet Ellie was born February 19, 2003. She has been formally diagnosed as having infantile cerebral paralysis. Following therapies, Ellie is now able to turn from her back to her stomach and vice versa. She is able to reach for an object that interests her. When offered support, she attempts to pull herself into a sitting position and can then sit in a specially designed chair for a significant period of time. She is able to stand while supporting herself on a fixed object and can walk by alternating her legs when held under her arms. Ellie is insightful, asking thoughtful questions and waiting patiently for thorough answers. She is equally adept at answering questions asked of her. She enjoys playing with the children in her group. Ellie’s caregivers describe her as a cheerful, inquisitive and curious child, who seeks approval, attention and love from adults. She reacts appropriately to interaction. She is empathetic to those around her and is attached to her caregivers and her playmates.
“Ethan:” Ethan was born on March 7, 2003 and has been diagnosed as having congenital bone deformations: narrow and asymmetrical pectoral girdle, wide-apart and asymmetrical mammillae; left arm – aplasia of the forearm with 2 rudimentary fingers; right arm – hypoplasy of the wrist with syndactyly; legs – missing anterior halves of the feet. Despite his physical limitations, Ethan is reported to be in good mental and physical health. He wears orthopedic shoes, making his gait relatively steady and allowing him freedom of movement. In country physicians have recommended that Ethan continue to be monitored by pediatricians, orthopedist, rehabilitation specialists and ear, nose and throat specialists. Ethan is described as a social child, able to easily make conversations with children and adults. He appropriately expresses his emotions and conveys his wants and needs clearly. He is on target academically, with a stable attention span and willingness to participate in activities.
“Gracie”: Gracie was born 9/12/2005 and came into care in October 2006. Gracie began walking at the age of 3 and has shown normal physical development. She is fully mobile and has no problem getting where she needs to go! Gracie is reported to be inhibited in her speech and mental development, though she is able to perform most self care tasks. She comprehends the meaning of most of what is said to her, though she struggles to pronounce sounds and words.
“Grant”: Shortly after his birth on July 15, 2004, Grant was diagnosed as having Down Syndrome ˆ free trisomy 21. He is described by his caregivers as energetic and mobile. He can confidently climb up and down stairs while holding onto the railing; run, jump, and throw a ball upwards with two hands. Grant has been attending a weekly kindergarten program for one year and has made great strides. He is able to follow simple instructions and participates in group play. He enjoys musical games, listening to the song lyrics and performing the appropriate actions. When the song ends, he claps his hands!
“Jake:” 8 yoa Jake was born on 2/1/2003 with Down syndrome. He is a happy young man who loves animals and can talk about them for hours, especially about cats. Jake can understand English and loves music and to sing! Songs that have hand motions are his very favorite. He enjoys puzzles, books and legos!
“Joe:” Joe was born pre-maturely on March 7 2004, weighing 1.48 kg and measuring 38 cm long. He was soon diagnosed with III Degree Prematurity. Joe has endured multiple hospital stays to treat a range of bronchial infections and several bouts of pneumonia. In 2004 an echography test was performed and showed the following results: slightly outlined hyperechogenic zones, paraventricularly; plexuses – intact; cortical structures – without peculiarities. His other major organs showed no deviations or abnormalities. In 2008 Joe was seen by a neurologist who determined he has an expressed locomotor deficit and mental delay. His final diagnosis was that of Infantile Cerebral Paralysis. Joe attends pre-school and is a social child. He participates in the orphanages “Granny and Grandchild Project” and enjoys spending time with his “Granny.”
“Jonathan”: Jonathan was born 10/22/1999. He has been diagnosed with Epilepsy and has been deemed in remission since February 2008. He has also been diagnosed as having delayed neuropsychic development and restrictions in regards to his mental capabilities. Jonathan is able to write certain letter components; he can count up to 15; and seems to show a preference for activities involving music.
“Josh:” Josh was born prematurely, on March 1, 2004 and delivered at 26 weeks gestation. He has been diagnosed as having Retinopathy of the right eye and high-degree myopia of the left eye. He began attending a boarding school that caters to children with vision differences in September 2010. He has done well there and his caregivers are confident that he will continue to progress, especially if given the love and attention of a forever family!
“Josie:” Josie was born 10/05/2007 and has been diagnosed as having spastic paresis of the left leg; secondary lactose deficiency; and protein-calorie malnutrition. Josie is able to walk, stand, and climb stairs on her own though she has a slight limp in her left leg and a valgus-deformed foot. She is well-coordinated in regards to her fine motor skills, though it has been noted that she shows a degree of stiffness when performing certain movements. She plays happily and manipulates different toys in different ways. Josie pronounces sound combinations and imitates words. She is described as a happy child who reacts with joy when seeing a person she finds nice. She is lively and willingly responds to emotional contact. Her caregivers report that Josie is overall a cheerful little girl!
“Luke and Thomas”: Brothers Luke (DOB: August 23, 1996) and Thomas (DOB: May 13, 1998) are described by their caregivers as smart, funny, charming boys who very much wish to be adopted. Having lived in care since birth, the boys have developed self-care skills and both serve as leaders of their peer group. Overall, both boys are healthy, active teenagers, though both suffer from minor vision issues, corrected by glasses.
Luke was a seventh grade student during the 2010-2011 school year. He regularly attends classes and has worked hard to achieve success. He is described as having a “good memory” and “great imagination.” Luke participates in judo and football activities and is a great artist. He especially loves to paint.
Thomas was a fifth grade student during the 2009-2010 school year. He has worked hard to overcome knowledge gaps and does his best to stay on track, described by his teachers as diligent in his work. Thomas is interested in art and computers and participates in team sports such as football and dodge ball.
“Natalie”: Sweet Natalie, born July 12, 2004, has undergone numerous hospitalizations in her young life, primarily related to concerns regarding her heart. In March 2011 she was diagnosed as having “congenital anomalies /heart diseases of the growth/ of the aortic and mitral valves.” Doctors also noted that she shows delays in speech and motor skills most likely related to her having spent her life in an institution. Natalie is described as calm and understanding and accepting of rules. She is able to deviate from her expected schedule with little upset and when unhappy, she is easily comforted and motivated by her caregivers. She is happy to receive praise by the adults in her life and does her best to do what is asked of her.
“Anna”: Sweet Anna has been diagnosed with Spina Bifida Aperta Lumbosacralis. Lower spastic paraparesis. VP anastomosis; with delayed neuropsychic development. She is largely immobile, though she is able to communicate her emotions, wants and needs. She attempts to repeat words and gestures that she has seen. She reaches for and grasps objects when they are presented to her. She is aware of her surroundings and recognizes and reacts to her caregivers and friends. Anna participates in the orphanages “Granny’s Grandchild” program and shows a clear attachment to ‘her’ granny. DOB: 8/31/2008
‘Annalise’: This energy filled and vibrant 8 year old little girl was born with Down syndrome and is ready for an active family with lots of structure. She can understand and speak two languages, including English. She had surgery to repair a heart defect in 2003, but has required no additional treatment. Annalise is beaming with sunshine and loves cell phones and cameras, like all curious little girls! She loves to be the center of attention and is very smart! DOB: 8/16/2003
‘Ava’: Ava, approximately 3.5 years old, was born in Eastern Europe with a vision impairment where she is, reportedly, only able to see shadows. While visiting Ava, we enjoyed hearing her sing songs in such a beautiful voice and recite poetry. Ava played with other children ever so gently and was never aggressive in her manner. Ava is always patient and kind. The extent of her impairment is unknown and a prospective family must be prepared for permanent vision limitations. Ava is just waiting for the right family that can help her discover a new world. DOB: 8/4/2007
‘Callie’: Blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin beauty! Callie is the funniest kid that loves to sing camp songs, make bread, attend camp and ride ponies. She is approximately 8 years old and has Down syndrome. Her strabismus is soon to be surgically corrected. Callie is such a smart little girl who also loves her dolls and cell phones. Callie can speak and understand two languages, including English! If you like to have fun, make puzzles, build legos and read books, this is your little girl. DOB: 9/6/2003
‘Christian’: Sweet Christian was born with Down syndrome and a heart condition. He is a happy and fun little guy. Christian is active, attentive, gives lots of smiles and loved very much by his caergivers. Photos and Video available. DOB: 4/2/2009
‘Faith’: Brown hair and eyes, sweet Faith was born with Down syndrome. Faith was examined by a cardiologist and her examination states she has no cardiac concerns or problems. Faith has slow growth, was sent to the hospital for examination, but nothing was revealed. Faith experienced early anemia for which she received medication; she no longer has anemia. The orphanage doctor reports that she focuses easily and is interested in the person talking to her, she reacts to sounds and follows objects with her eyes and head. Photos, video and additional medical is available. DOB: 8/17/2010
‘Gavin’: Gavin was born with a genetic condition called Ichthyosis vulgaris, a skin disorder which is also often commonly called 'fish scale disease'. This skin disorder causes dry, scaly skin which can be treated but not cured. The disease has a substantial incidence, affecting one person out of every two hundred and fifty people. Gavin is appropriately cautious of strangers, interacts easily with other children and caregivers. Gavin enjoys running about and expresses curiosity in others and toys. Additional medical, photos and video are available. DOB: 2/16/2009
‘Karson’: The little guy has brown haired and big brown eyes! He has a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Karson is very active, makes eye contact, grasps toys and is interested in his surroundings. DOB: 11/30/2008
‘Laura’: Laura was born on November 2, 2009. She has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome and was seen by a cardiologist in December 2009. She was found to have an open oval window of diameter without hemodynamic disorders. There has been no further need for cardiologic control. From May 2010 to July 2010, Laura wore an orthesis for her head, due to right sided plagiocephaly. Following this treatment, doctors determined that her head configuration is satisfactory and no further treatment was needed. Laura receives physiotherapy and speech therapy services and has made great progress in a relatively short time! Her caregivers report that she is a sweet girl who likes playing with toys and spending time with other children.
‘Logan’: Baby Logan is the favorite of the care givers and his smile lights up the room! He is loved very much. Logan was born with Down syndome, but no noted heart conditions. He is very active and makes great eye contact. Photos, video and medical available. DOB: 12/10/2008
‘Mariah’: Sweet Mariah was born on October 9, 2004 and is clearly a favorite of the orphanage staff, described by all who know her as a kind, charming, and inquisitive little girl. She enjoys school and eagerly completes her homework each day. She has been diagnosed with Spina Bifida (lumbar region) and was placed with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in 2005. She is under the care of a nephrologist due to diagnoses of neurogenic bladder, chronic pyelonephritis, vesiculoureteral Reflex IV degree.
‘Mason’: Mason has light brown hair and was born with autism and vision impairment, as stated by his caregivers. Reportedly, Mason can only see shadows. Mason enjoys playing with large legos, building blocks and anything that requires manual manipulation. Mason is kind to other children and could benefit from a family ready to help him overcome his unqiue challenges. Such a sweet boy!! DOB: 2/16/2007
‘Noah’: Baby Noah was born 6/22/10 with Down syndrome. He was examined by a cardiologist and was found to have no concerns at this time. Noah''s growth has been slow but the caregivers are treating him with special formula and bottles. He has good head control, smiles, reaches for toys and makes appropriate sounds Noah also loves to be around people, has a great appetite and enjoys music. He is beginning to pull himself up too! Staff favorite for sure! Video, photos and medical available.
Please contact Heather Taylor, Family Coordinator
Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc
Armenia,Bulgaria,Georgia,Ghana, Morocco
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