He is affectionately known as 'Bobo.' When he was admitted two weeks ago, he was 2 months old and severely malnourished, weighing just over 4 lb.
He has several birth defects: there are depigmented rings around the iris of both of his eyes. The bridge of his nose is flat and he has a tongue tie. His fingers overlap, his feet are clubbed and he had a urological abnormality.
We wonder if Bobo has a chromosomal disorder. We suspect that some of his internal organs might be affected. He has a high pitched cry and he can be very difficult to console, which, may be a sign of neurological problems.
'He is going to be one of your babies,' the nannies and nurses declared.'
'I'll take him.'
The fragile babies are always gifted to me by the staff here. It is difficult for them to bond with children that may not survive.
'We have seen worse,' Nurse Claudia commented, to no-one in particular when she set eyes on Bobo. She is right - we have seen sicker, more malnourished babies than Bobo and we have nursed babies with far more severe deformities.
We had assumed that Bobo's very obvious eye defects would impair his vision, but he is giving eye contact, watching our expressions intently, following our movements, and best of all, he is smiling at us!
We are surprised and delighted and we have decided to be hopeful about this baby.
3 comments:
moved...with every post of yours...I am moved.
Squeeze him for me...will you?
You make my hearts sing, I love your babies from afar and will continue to pray for the little ones like Bobo, that need the gentle touch and love of the nannies and you to shine and show their potential, Let his little light shine and show you what he can do!
How does one apply to adopt one of these babies? My husband and I have a heart for children with chromosomal abnormalities, but we are still at the beginning of the adoption journey. Is there an agency we could contact to begin the process of adopting from Haiti?
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