Throwing Starfish

Greetings from Ohio and Charlie, Adoption # 14

2012-01-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Amanda and Nannies!

We are typically overdue in our correspondence but wanted to write and let you know that we are doing fine. Charlie (Gabriel) is growing into a fine young man full of curiosity, energy and boyish mischief. We recall your asking long ago when we would finally travel to China to pick up Charlie because he had figured out how to move the sandal shelf at the old apartment over to the door and unlock the door. Well that was a sign of things to come as he's always exploring new places and looking for new adventures. Note the attached "warrior" picture…fits him to a T.

He's doing well in kindergarten and becoming a great reader. We've moved quickly from The Wiggles and Busytown on to Superman, Star Wars and anything dinosaur related. We just started a small home renovation project and soon he'll have a room of his own…which he's very excited about.

We talk about you, the nannies and the babies quite often and are excitedly following the progress at the new home. Looks like an incredible place and hopefully before too much more time passes we can return for a visit.

All our love,
Steve, Karen, Lucy, Henry, Esme and Charlie

Merry Christmas from GRACE Adoption #47

2011-12-31T14:41:00.000-08:00

Amanda,

We just wanted to wish you and all the nannies and volunteers at Starfish a very Merry Christmas! It has been a busy and wonderful year for us. We have had so much fun with Grace (Clara) this year. We went to Disney World this summer, and Grace loved it. The highlight of the trip for Grace was when we had breakfast in Cinderella's castle with the princesses.

Grace started school this year in a class for 3 and 4 year-old hearing-impaired kids. There are only 4 kids in the class with two full-time speech therapists. Her language is developing so quickly. She is the only girl in the class, so she still plays very roughly. Of course she is also the sweetest girl ever. She always says please and thank you and reminds her brother not to say "gimmee." She gives tons of hugs and kisses and runs around announcing how much she loves "my whole family." She was a flowergirl in a wedding in October, and she stole the show.

We had a wonderful Christmas with lots of baby dolls and accessories, a Barbie scooter, a Leapster Explorer and many other toys. She was so excited about Santa and the reindeer. She talks a lot about "my China," but she is very much at home here. We can't thank you enough for giving her such a great start in life. I know that her wonderful personality has so much to do with the love she received at Starfish. We will always tell her about you and hope to someday return to Starfish to visit. Merry Christmas!

Kyla, Carlos, Grace and Matthew

--
Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 168 children to date, arranged more than 190 surgeries and had 72 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption was Peter (Tristan), who will be living with his family in Colorado Springs, Colorado as the 11th child of his family. Our next adoption is on January 3rd. We currently have 53 babies under the age of 4 at the foster home. We added fourteen babies to our numbers in the last month of 2011.

Starfish Children's Services

US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

Website: www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
Blog: http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
Blog: http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Starfish Alumni Celebrating Christmas All Over the World

2011-12-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

Bai Lang

Jo Jo

Josiah James

Josie

Karine (Antonia)

Lauren Joan

Lia

Liya (Jasmine)

Olivia

Rebecca

Sophia

Tuomas and Niko: A Reunion in Finland

2011-12-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Amanda,

Finally we have met, the first couple of your Starfishies in Finland !

It was first so exciting for both of them to meet and start to play together. As well, a very emotional moment for the parents when reminiscing back this year and how much everyones lives has changed recently. (Niko's family became first time parents) And now here we are all together playing with our children, watching pictures of China and thinking all of you, who played so important part of their life for a while.

We wish you , Amanda and your team in Starfish a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2012 !!

Love,
Tuomas (Matthew) and Niko (Emerson) with their families

News from Mei-Li in the Netherlands

2011-12-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Amanda,

It's almost 2012 and we can look back on a very good year.

Mei-Li is almost 6 years old and more than 3 years with us in the Netherlands.

We enjoy every day with our daughters and we can't imagine a life without them.

We are very lucky to be the parents of these beautiful girls. Thanks to you Mei-Li is a very healthy, happy, social and loving little girl. She's an example for many people and she makes many people smile.

She still has a very good contact with Norah (Rachel from Starfish). They are so connected to each other and very very best friends. They lived together at Starfish for 2 years and they still feel like sisters. So special! We also have a very good contact with Jian and his parents. (Baby # 3 in the Netherlands)

Last summer we went to Portugal. Mei-Li loved the sun, sea, sand and the food.

This year she started swimming lessons. In November she received her swimming diploma A.

At school she is doing great. She learns really fast and she learned herself to read, count, calculate and write. It's really amazing how fast she learns. She is very eager to learn.

In August she went to the hospital to remove her adenoids. She recovered quickly.

This Christmas we will be in Austria again. We go on ski vacation. Mei-Li loves to ski and the faster she goes the bigger the smile on her face! She's absolutely not afraid.

So nothing but good news from the Netherlands.

We love to read about all the Starfish children. You do such a good job! You really make a difference to so many children. Thank you very much for that!

We look forward to see you again in March. Mei-Li is asking a lot about you and really misses you a lot.

From the Netherlands we wish you and everyone at Starfish a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. !!!

With love from

Mei-Li, Yo-Lin, Ronald and Danielle Bemelmans

Starfish Seven

2011-12-06T19:48:00.000-08:00

The orphanage called even before I left for the US to ask if there was any way we could take some babies. I did not want to leave the people here with the added responsibility and so I decided to wait until I got back. Going to choose babies is one of the hardest things I do. I know what the children need and I know what to do but I do not know how to get that to every one. So I make the agonizing decision about who gets to stay and who gets to come home with me. There were four volunteers who were staying until the end of December and so I sat down and made the proposal. Did they want to take on some babies and have to care for them night and day until they left? They were all for it. I tried to tell it as "hard" as I could, but I am not sure they really understood. So off we went to the orphanage for the 1... and the next 1 and another 1 and the last 1. As is common that is not what happened. The nannies at the orphanage asked us to take another 1 and then there was another 1 suggested. We were all ready to go when I saw a baby I knew would not live for very much longer if I did not take him. So there were were with 1....1.....1.....1....1.....1.....1. They have since become known as the Starfish Seven. Mother Theresa often said something to the effect, if you looking at the many you will feel overwhelmed and will not be able to help the one. For me, if I focus on the 1's I am bring home then it seems so much more manageable.

That last boy on the boat got the name Noah. See if you can pick him out?

My most grateful thanks to Angie, Aubrie, Marjolein and Michelle. I have been in awe of your loyalty to the commitment you made. I know I am sending you home as different people. You have graduated from the Starfish University of life.

Most of the babies have not been sponsored and if you want to help with a tax free donation:

USA:    Starfish Children's Services,
C/O Patrick McLaughlin,
6 West 122nd Street,
New York, NY 10027
paddymac0130@gmail.com

Australia: Global Development Group (Please quote this number J701N)
Jessica Tan
(07) 3341 6475
jessica@globaldevelopment.org.au

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 161 children to date, arranged more than 190 surgeries and had 69 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. We did two adoptions on November 6th, Sally (Audrey) and Celine (Zahara), who are both becoming American citizens to two single moms who are both teachers. We currently have 55 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home.  We have just added two girls whom we are getting ready for Spina bifida surgery in Hong Kong. We are taking care of them temporarily. We have added 5 girls and 4 boys recently.

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

Website: www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
Blog: http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
Blog:  http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Alli's Essay on Miss Amanda and Starfish Foster Home

2011-12-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

Miss Amanda and Her Little Chinese Starfish

Written by Alli Heinzman, 5^th Grade

October 2011

I was about 6-years-old when I met Miss Amanda. We had just moved to Shanghai, China. My mom had heard about her through a ministry at our church. One day at the end of school, my mom and driver came to pick us up. But much to my brother Jake’s and my surprise, we didn’t go down the road that led toward our apartment. We were going to go visit and help care for some Chinese special needs babies. Jake and I love kids so we were really excited! When we got to the Chinese children’s hospital, Jake and I kept asking, “Mommy, where are the babies?” “I think we take this elevator up to the third floor,” she replied. On the way up, I realized I felt a little scared. It smelled odd and was not as clean as American hospitals. There were Chinese people everywhere, eating Chinese snacks and milling around.

When we got to the third floor, we walked to the end of a hallway. At the end of the hall was a room with a Caucasian lady, sitting with a little baby in her lap. She was feeding it a bottle of milk. This lady was Miss Amanda. She had brought three of the little babies she had at her foster home in Xian, China. The little girls were nicknamed “The Three Flowers.” The reason was because their names were Lily (the youngest one), Heather, and then Jasmine (the oldest of the three).

The big hospital room was filled with beds, and on each one was a tiny baby, waiting for surgery to change their life. See, in China, babies can’t be adopted until they have surgery to heal any birth defects. Each baby had one or two ayis (nannies’ or maids) to take care of them in the hospital. We started talking to Miss Amanda, and it was pretty obvious she had devoted her life to giving orphan babies a chance for a new life. We liked Miss Amanda as soon as we met her, but we had no idea how well we would get to know and love her and her babies in the coming years!

A week after we met Miss Amanda, we took a family vacation to Xian, China, where her foster home is. We saw lots of cool things, like the Terra Cotta Warriors, the Wall around the city, and the big Drum Tower. On our last day in Xian, we visited Miss Amanda’s foster home, called “Chinese Starfish.” We were guided to her place by 2 of her neighbors. When we got there, all the babies were having playtime! We joined right in and played with walkers, floor toys, and table toys. We even got to feed some of the babies with milk bottles. Then, after a big group picture, we left, inviting Miss Amanda to stay at our apartment in Shanghai, if she ever came for baby surgeries again. Those would promise to be my best memories of Miss Amanda. She stayed with us several times while we lived in Shanghai. There is one time that I remember best of all.

Miss Amanda came to our home with one of the cutest Chinese babies we’d ever seen! Her name was Brianna. She was recovering from heart surgery at the nearby hospital. We met them at a restaurant for dinner. We ate, talked, and doted on that sweet baby girl. Then Miss Amanda and my mom went out to have a girls’ night. So Jake, my Dad, and I took Brianna home with us. We were so excited because they were going to spend the night with us! We fed Brianna, played with her, and fell in love with her. But the best part was, when Miss Amanda and my mom got home, we gave Brianna a laundry basket bath. We dumped all our bath toys in with her, and she laughed and splashed and had so much fun until it was time to get out. After Brianna was all clean and cozy, we put her to bed and she fell into a soft, sweet sleep. That night, I lay awake wondering if there was any way we might be able to adopt her.

The next morning was a school day, so Jake and I said heartfelt goodbyes to our Amanda and baby Brianna. They were going to fly back to Xian before school ended. When my Dad got home that evening, I asked if we could adopt Brianna. He said we’d pray about it, and maybe ask Miss Amanda the next time we saw her.

On Miss Amanda’s next visit, we decided we wanted to take her to see one of our favorite parts of Shanghai. Even though she’d lived in China for several years, Miss Amanda was so busy running her foster home, she didn’t have time to be a tourist. We drove to a beautiful water town named Zhouzhuang. It’s a large, ancient water town with a canal running down its center. It’s between Shanghai and Suzhou, and looks a little like Venice, Italy. There are over 100 courtyard homes and lakes on all four sides of Zhouzhuang. The homes have aged whitewashed walls and Chinese sloped roofs. As we walked into Zhouzhuang, we saw a big pagoda painted with many swirls and lines. Beautiful! Open shops lined the streets, selling things such as trinkets, hats, scarves, bags, and old artifacts. After looking at all the assorted treats available for sale on snack street, Miss Amanda had us sample some. We tasted peanut candies, little cookies, and seaweed crackers. Some snacks that we saw but didn’t try were simmered silk worms, seasoned chicken feet, and dried baby frogs. Then we all had a gondola ride down the canal. Our driver had a pointed bamboo hat and sang to us in Chinese. We saw willow trees casting a canopy of shade over us. Also we saw red lanterns hanging on the edges of all the Chinese sloped roofs.

After our peaceful boat ride, we walked down narrow allies crowded with people. The signs to stores and restaurants were all in Chinese characters, with families running the shops. We saw elderly people playing games, gossiping, and napping.

My favorite part of the day was when we watched a Chinese opera at a local tea house. There was a lot of singing and dancing. The actors and actress’ all had on traditional costumes and makeup. I was so happy Miss Amanda was with us! She helped us understand what they were singing, and why they wore different costumes and make up. We drank hot tea and rested in the stage’s courtyard during the performance. My mom and I had fun walking through the opera museum inside, looking at lots of old opera costumes and antiques.

At the end of our wonderful day, my Dad was excited to find a man renting rides on his speedboat. We thought it would be fun to share a new experience with Miss Amanda and our driver. We all climbed in and cruised around Zhouzhang. Then, we raced back to the parking lot where our van was parked. It was nice to ride in the speedboat back to our van, instead of having to walk so far!

On the way home we were all tired, but happy with our day in the water town. We told Miss Amanda how much we liked Brianna, and that we’d talked about adopting her. We asked if she was still available. Miss Amanda said she had just been adopted by a French family. At first I was sad. Then I realized that if Brianna wasn’t with us, it wasn’t God’s plan for her or us. So I thanked God for Brianna. And then I thanked Him for Miss Amanda, who made Brianna’s life and has made so many other Chinese babies’ lives better!

(Last month was Miss Amanda’s sixth anniversary running Chinese Starfish Foster Home. She has cared for 150 babies, helped them have more than 175 surgeries, and adopted out almost 70 babies--all over the world! If you would like to know more about Miss Amanda and her little starfish please look here: http://www.thestarfishfosterhome.org/index.aspx.)

Canadian Intercountry Adoptions

2011-11-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

Please pass this on to anyone who is Canadian and has done intercountry adoptions. Thanks Amanda.

We are two Canadian retired social workers conducting research for a book on intercountry adoption. We have found very little current information on this topic and would like to hear directly from Canadian adoptive families on their experience with the system. The following questionnaire will take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete. The questionnaire is completely anonymous and we will receive absolutely no identifying information from you (no email addresses or url’s as examples).

We hope that your information will help us to make a valuable contribution to the discussion on intercountry adoption to Canada and will benefit prospective adoptive families through recommendations for improvements to the current system.

We greatly appreciate your time and contributions to this project.

Maureen Cech, MSW and Kenna McCall, MSW, MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist).

http://app.fluidsurveys.com/surveys/researcher-M/intercountry-adoption-to-canada/

(If you have difficulty accessing the link, please try control click or paste the link into your internet browser address line- thank-you).

Tiana (Tina) Adoption 32

2011-11-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Amanda,

I've been very busy preparing to fly east tomorrow for Thanksgiving (an American holiday). It will be great to see my mother and other relatives.

Tiana has become quite an accomplished little hiker (picture attached). She loves to meet and greet all the dogs on the trail and to throw pebbles in the creek.

She is growing up a lot now. She loves to help me bake and loves to stir the ingredients together. Her drawings still look like scribbles, but she has begun to name the things she has drawn. She particularly likes to draw lollipops and guitars.

She made an adorable little flower for Halloween (picture attached).

Love and Hugs,

Lissa

Update on Lia (Sophia) Adoption #38

2011-11-22T22:03:00.000-08:00

I found Lia in the orphanage while we were looking for a heart baby. I did not expect to bring any one else home but I was so moved by her plight. She was jaundiced, really small, premature and weak, and I knew if she stayed where she was she was not going to live. The head nanny at the big O made that very clear with her comments. I just said: Give her to me I want to try. Home she came to Starfish. I took care of her when she came home after a few days in the hospital and soon she started to pick up weight. There was a definite chipmunk cheek stage and she got bigger and stronger. She now lives happily with her family in Washington and I feel that this was one of our triumphs. I guess I feel like this whenever I can get to help babies like this.

Hi Amanda,

It's been awhile since we sent an "official" update on Lia, and 2011 has been a busy year for us!

In May, Lia had her third surgery, this time to repair a couple of holes that popped open in her palate. She flew through the surgery with flying colors and was fully recovered in time for our court hearing to refinalize her adoption on May 20.

In August, we moved to a more rural setting outside the Seattle area. Lia loves our new house as it came complete with a swing in the backyard! She also enjoys seeing the variety of farm animals that live nearby! The best part about our move is that Lia now lives near her grandparents and gets to spend time with them regularly. At the end of summer, we also had the chance to meet up with another Starfish (River) and his family, who were visiting Seattle from Vancouver B.C.

Lia is ALL girl and is very into princesses and ponies right now. Her favorite color is purple. She was Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) for Halloween. On any given day she may be found wearing a tutu, fairy wings, one or two tiaras and her purple rainboots! In the last couple of months, she has learned how to ride a tricycle, and went on her first merry-go-round ride at the state fair.

Just two weeks ago we celebrated Lia's 3rd birthday! Some major milestones have been made in speech therapy over the past six months, so we were very proud to see Lia blow out all three candles on her birthday cake all by herself! She is also practicing redirecting airflow (from her nose to her mouth) by playing the harmonica for family and friends. She continues to love music and dancing. With eartubes now in place, she only has a very minor hearing impairment in her left ear.

Lia is amazingly smart and scores well ahead of most three year olds in many areas - including receptive language. She has learned all of her colors, is now learning to count, and can recognize the letters of her name. However, while Steve and I understand most of what she says, strangers still have a hard time understanding her speech, so now we are concentrating on helping her learn to use the muscles of her mouth, tongue, and lips to produce understandable speech.

Our biggest news is that Lia started preschool last week! It is 3 days/week in the mornings and it is a special preschool that is communications-focused and integrates children with speech and hearing deficits into the same classroom with typically developing three year olds. It is great because they use both American Sign Language and English in the classroom, so Lia will be able to keep up on her signing along with her speech. She also receives speech therapy as part of her days at preschool. So far she is really enjoying school. Her favorite activities right now are painting and playing in the sandbox!

Amanda, you have mentioned to me before that the nannies at the big orphanage believed that our little cleft preemie was "too weak, too dark, and too ugly" and was not worth saving... How I wish they could see our beautiful, kind, whip smart, girl today! Thank YOU Amanda, for believing in our daughter when nobody else would. As our extended family gathers to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we are thankful more than anything for our sweet girl and the love and care she received from you, the nannies, and volunteers at Starfish.

With Love & Gratitude,

Julie, Steve, & Lia

Update on Jasmine (Liya) Adoption

2011-11-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Amanda and Starfish staff,

I have sat down to write to you on many occasions but I never get very far before a certain little girl is tugging on my shirt and saying, "Mommy, read book to Liya". She LOVES books and I LOVE her so everything else can wait.

Just last week Liya celebrated her 3rd birthday. Can you believe it? At this time last year she was recovering from her palate surgery. She has made so much progress over this last year. She is doing excellent in her speech therapy. We are able to understand about 80% of what she says....and she has a lot to say. She still has a long road ahead of her in articulation and speech clarity, but we are confident that she will conquer her speech delays.

In the first e-mail that I ever got from you, you described Jasmine as "quite a character". At the time I didn't know what you meant by that statement. Hmmm, that could mean a lot of things, some good, some not so good. But now I know exactly what you mean. She IS quite a character. She is quirky and incredibly independent. Her personality is full and intense. She is also incredibly loving and fiercly protective of the people she loves. On top of all that, she is wickedly mischevious, but so cute when she is doing it that it's hard to be mad.

When we first came home from China I would have guessed that Liya was going to be a tomboy but she has turned into a real girly-girl. When she gets home from pre-school the first thing she does is take off all her clothes and put on a tutu or fancy princess dress. Most of the time she's also wearing a crown and a feather boa. She is definitely all girl!

Liya is in pre-school three days a week and absolutely loves it. She loves being around the other kids and will often come home and tell me about what she has learned. Just the other day we were painting and she said to me, "Mommy, blue and yellow make green." She is such a curious and very bright little girl.

Liya and her big sister Jada have a very special bond and a very typical sibling relationship. They adore each other MOST of the time. The rest of the time they are aggravating each other. Last week Jada had to write an autobiography at school. She wrote that the best day of her life is the day that she got her little sister, Liya. I am so happy that they have each other. Liya looks up to Jada and tries to imitate everything that she does. Their favorite thing to do is put on a Taylor Swift CD and dance to the music.

Tomorrow we are leaving for a vacation at the beach. This will be Liya's first time to see the ocean, walk on the sand, look for pretty seashells and build sandcastles. I'm excited to share this new experience with her. I think she is going to love it.

I have no doubt that Liya's relatively easy transition into our family was a result of the amazing care and special love she received at Starfish. For that, I am forever grateful to you and the nannies. Everytime I hear about you going to the "Big O" and bringing home more babies, it warms my heart. I know each baby you bring to Starfish is on their way to finding their forever family and being well cared for until that family is found.

I am always being told how lucky Liya is to have been adopted by us. The truth is that we are the lucky ones. This spunky little character has added so much to our family. We feel incredibly lucky that we get to be her parents.

It is almost the end of 2011. It has been a good year for Liya and our family. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes in 2012. I'll keep you posted.

Yangling Babies

2011-11-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I found out about an orphanage in Yangling which is about 2 hours by car away from Xian. A couple I know live there and they came and asked if there was anything I could do to help. After some time and a lot of negotiation, two of their spina bifida babies came to stay with us while we prepare them for surgery at the Matilda Hospital in Hong Kong. When they arrived they looked so sad and needed a few good bottles to get some body weight on them. Yesterday, my assistant told me that they are drinking 35 oz and 30 oz a day! Not surprisingly, in the last few weeks they have each increased their body weight by 50%. They are looking so different from the babies who arrived.

I also got word that we now can apply for the travel pass to Hong and that is going to take about three weeks. I am sure that by that time they will be ready for the surgery.

I hope you will keep Yang Li and Yang Kai in your prayers as they face this medical intervention to heal their bodies. Thank you as always to the Matilda Hospital who so willingly help the orphans of China

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 152 children to date, arranged more than 190 surgeries and had 69 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. We did two adoptions on November 6th, Sally (Audrey) and Celine (Zahara), who are both becoming American citizens to two single moms who are both teachers. We currently have 46 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have just added two girls whom we are getting ready for Spina bifida surgery in Hong Kong.

Starfish Children's Services

Update on Cameron, Adoption #60

2011-11-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Amanda and Starfish Family,

This week Cameron has been home with his forever family for four months so we thought it would be a good time to fill you in on everything that your miracle baby has been up to. Cameron seems to have been destined to become a Murray. From his love of Cheerios and M&Ms to his silly sense of humor, Cameron certainly fits in well.

As you may recall, Cameron was adopted in Xi’an on his daddy’s birthday. Never in a million years did Geoff ever think he would be getting a son as a gift one day! Today was Cameron’s baptism, as well as his mama’s birthday. It seems God is constantly weaving our lives together to create a very special bond!

Cameron had a very busy summer! In between 21 doctor visits, several X-rays, multiple blood tests, an MRI, 5 surgical procedures, and a hospital stay, Cameron managed to have a blast at the beach, master every piece of equipment on every playground in a 50 mile radius of our house, and introduce his sisters to the wonderful world of cars and trains, which we all call “murr murrs” because that is the sound Cameron makes when he plays with his cars.

Cameron has experienced all that a family is and then some in the past 4 months. A few weeks ago, we had a Red Egg and Ginger party in his honor to meet his family- aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. Cameron was also the ring bearer in his grandmother’s wedding. He loved Trick or Treating at the zoo and was Peter Pan at his cousin’s princess party. These events required a 14 hour road trip to Ohio, which he handled surprisingly well. Thank goodness because we travel there a lot!

In many ways, Cameron is the same little guy that you knew and loved so well. He loves celebrating birthdays (especially eating the cake!) and is proud to own his own bike and ride-on construction truck toy. The NASCAR racer who used to circle the courtyards at Starfish is now riding his way through Massachusetts state parks and our driveway. This kid LOVES, and I mean LOVES, new clothes and shoes. I am envisioning a teenager closet filled with sneakers of every shape and color! Cameron’s compassion for others is tangible. He often hugs a sister who is crying or has fallen down and seems to gravitate towards the most needy whenever he is at the hospital or out and about in the community with me. Cameron loves to be a helper and enjoys fixing things and doing projects as a family. Cameron is a blessing to know and love, and we are in awe that God has placed him in our family.

Much love to you!

Christy, Geoff, Gretchen, Madelyn and Cameron Murray

Michael Adoption #6

2011-11-11T18:27:00.000-08:00

This is an update from Michael's mom. After opening with 6 babies in September 2005, I took on another 6 in April 2006. There were three babies whom I called the three Amigos. Michael, Gabriel and Sarah, all three cleft lip and palate babies. Michael and Gabriel had to be dropper fed for two weeks because they refused to drink from a bottle. It would take 45 minutes, with them screaming the whole time. That was before I knew about feeding tubes. Sarah would drink, but could throw up faster than a fountain, then you would have to start again. I do not think there was a volunteer that Sarah did not throw up on, and some of us multiple times and often. She was so extremely premature. I think of those days and I feel that the three of them were the hardest cleft babies I have ever had. I am not sure if it was because I did not have enough experience, or if it was because they were indeed so difficult. All I know that we made it through and all of them live in the US and are doing well. So I am so pleased to hear about Michael and the life that was saved and to know all of that hard work was totally worth it.

Hello Amanda.

I wanted to give you an update on Michael, as it has been awhile! Michael started kindergarten in August and loves school. He is doing so well and is very enthusiastic about learning. He is learning to read and is interested in geography and the solar system. He is meeting new friends and is thriving at school.

Michael and his little brother, Andrew, are the best of friends. They love playing together and are great little guys! They look out for each other and are always saying "best friend" to each other. They love playing with cars and trains. Michael is now able to read some stories to his brother, which is great to see.

Michael is doing so well. He is a happy little guy and loves learning and being in grade school. He told me recently he wants to be an astronaut when he is older. I do believe he is destined for a great future!

I have attached some photos of Michael that were taken over the past 2 months. You can see what an awesome big brother he is!

Hope you are all doing well. We loved seeing the starfish children's halloween photos. So cute!

Debbie

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 152 children to date, arranged more than 190 surgeries and had 69 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. We did two adoptions on November 6th, Sally (Audrey) and Celine (Zahara), who are both becoming American citizens to two single moms who are both teachers. We currently have 46 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have just added two girls whom we are getting ready for Spina bifida surgery in Hong Kong.

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

Website: www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
Blog: http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
Blog: http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Happy Halloween from STARFISH!

2011-10-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Elise

Emma

Ethan

Gary

Geoff

Joy

Justin

Kaitlyn

Kathryn

Leo

Lexie

Louis

Luke

Malin

Megan

Michelle

Grace

Iris

Isaac

Isabel

Jack

Jane

Bella

Celine

Charlotte

Chloe

Chris

Coco

Taylor

Trevor

Tristan

Windee

Xander

Seth

Ryan

Sally

Mila

Morgan

Jonathan

Marianne

Grace and Louis

Jack and Tristan

Joy, Michelle and Isabel

Leo and Louis

Australian Chinese Medical Trip

2011-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

I think one of my favorite surgeries, is the dramatic cleft lip surgeries. I love to see the transformation that happens in their little faces and to know that the reasons they were abandoned are healed and they are closer to being adoptable. I am so grateful to the people who come to help me and for the wonderful hope they bring to the children.

This year was the first year we worked with the Australian medical team. I am so grateful to Dr Siew, who comes to visit us three times a year. This trip was her fourth one. She worked so hard on getting us approved for tax free deduction with the help of Global Development Group and for campaigning to help the cleft lip and palate babies in China. I know she has the best interest of the babies at heart.

We are so grateful for the Australian Chinese Medical Association (Victoria) and their willingness to approve Dr Ian Holten, Dr Terence Beh, OR nurses Helen Chadwick and Sonia Giannetti to come to China and to work with Dr Bai and the medical staff of the Jiao Tong Hospital and to pay for the expenses involved with that. Thank you so much the volunteers that came with to lend a hand. I appreciate each one of you and the services you offered. We hope that this will turn into a yearly trip.

This trip helped 14 babies get surgery. There are stories that really touched me. I was so impressed with the parents who did not abandon their daughter in spite of the fact that she had a cleft lip. They fought against the demand of her mother-in-law to let the little girl go. She was so touched the day she left, because she found out that the surgery to repair her lip was free.

The 7 year old boy from the Roman Catholic orphanage really grabbed my heart too. He had just barely come from the recovery room and the first thing he said: I was so brave, I did not even cry. He had had a rhinoplasty (nose job) because his nose had collapsed on the one side. I noticed that he could not see well and after the surgery he got an eye exam and will be getting glasses next week. I hope that this will help him go to school. He might need some tutoring to do that.

As with all medical trips we always run into some problems. This year we had two babies get Chicken pox spots the afternoon before surgery which brought things to a screeching halt. That was easy to deal with. The much harder situation was having Mia die a day after surgery. It was shocking because in trying to help her, the death was unexpected and sudden. It is always a reminder that surgery is serious stuff.

I am so grateful for the blessing of being the one to see on a daily basis how the babies lives are changed. I am so grateful for medical teams who come to bless these babies and to heal the reason they were abandoned.. Thank you so much for your sacrifices and those of your families and for sharing your skills with us.

Nurse Sonya and Taylor

Ethan

Justin

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 150 children to date, arranged more than 190 surgeries and had 67 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption, Nava, will be living near Washington DC with her family with two older brothers. We currently have 46 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home.

We recently hosted for a medical team from Australia to do a medical trip and do surgery for 13 babies with cleft lip and palate surgeries and one requiring hand surgery..

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

Website: www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
Blog: http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
Blog: http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Tim's Summer

2011-09-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

Bryan was adopted to Sweden and much to my surprise he got his best friend Tim's name. Tim then got the new name Kristian and he went to Denmark. On the map they are close together. Joseph's whose new name is Milo also lives in Sweden. I was just so pleased that they all got together over the summer. All three of my cleft lip and palate boys. Here is the letter of all Tim's adventure over the summer. Thank you so much Karina.

Now Tim has been with us in Sweden for one and a half year and this summer has been very good for us. We have had a 10 weeks long holiday together and we have done a lot of fun. Walking in the mountains (Tim was sometimes carried), bathing in lakes and see, playing at amusement parks and visiting friends and relatives.
We have also been to Denmark to meet Kristian from Starfish and his family. Tim and Kristian recognized each other and had a very happy day together. Some weeks later we had a visit from another friend from Starfish foster home. It was Milo and his parents who came to Mora for some days. Tim and Milo played and had a lot of fun together.
It also has been a good summer because Tim finally has good hearing in both ears. He had a small operation of his ears in the spring. It went good and now he hears well in both ears and this summer he has started to talk a lot.
No it is autumn here in Sweden and for a week ago Tim began to spend some days a week with a child-minder. The woman takes care of five children and Tim likes to be with here and play with the children.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 150 children to date, arranged more than 175 surgeries and had 67 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption, Olivia, will be living in Florida with her family with two older brothers. We currently have 48 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have just added four boys from the Xian orphanage, Malcolm,Trevor, Jonathan and Peter.

We are currently preparing for a medical team from Australia to do a medical trip starting September 26th and help 20 babies with cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

Website: www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
Blog: http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
Blog: http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Update on ANGUS, Our Canadian/Scottish/Chinese Boy

2011-09-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

Angus (Anthony at Starfish) is doing well. He continues to sleep well, eating is sometimes a challenge. He is quite distractable and if he is overtired it is even harder. He is presently waiting for me to get off of the computer and doing his best to find something to get into. Actually he just found some rubber boots to put on. (It is not raining today !!). I think he will toilet train quite quickly as he always likes to come and tell me when his diaper is dirty but then denies that it needs to be changed.

He will start in daycare next week (3 days next week and then 5 days after that). I only work 3 days so the other 2 days he will not be in daycare for very long. I would not put him in at all, except the day care workers want full time and it has been recommended that full time daycare would be better for him so that he knows what he is doing every day.

We have a 1 1/2 year old German Sheppard that Angus tolerates. He is at just the right face level to get a full face washing from our dog. Angus says "Kiara no!!!"

The first picture is Angus having a bath and big brother Aidan (dressed up as a duck) helping out. Angus likes to blow bubbles but does not like having his hair washed.

Picture# 2 Aidan, Ian and Angus in my parents pool. As a note that pool was put in the ground when I was 5 years old. After 40 years and 3 or 4 liners it is still going strong. Angus I guess will be the last grandchild to hon his swimming skills in this pool.

Picture # 3 is Angus with my sunglasses on.

Picture # 4 is Angus playing in his very own 8x8 foot sandbox. This sandbox was made by Ian and Aidan in 2009. Ian still doesn't think that it is big enough. Personally, when the kids are down with the sandbox, I envision a hot tub taking its place.

Picture # 5 Angus with Grandpa having a ride on the riding lawnmower. This is an activity that all of the Grandchildren have enjoyed over the years, the oldest of which is 22.

Hope this is helpful to you, I am not the most savvy computer user in the world. If there is something else I can do to make it easier for you to do what you want to do with the pictures please let me know. As for Angus and daycare, he has had some contact with his daycare provider throughout the summer already because she takes her gang to park in our neighbourhood most every morning if the weather allows. She is not the only daycare provider that goes to this park. Another lady takes her daycare kids also. In fact her daughters have been babysitting our older son for a year now. Angus was babysat once with Aidan by our regular sitter and all went well until bed time. Apparently, Angus cried alot and only went to sleep about 30 minutes or so before we got home.

Barb

It has Been SIX Years!

2011-09-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

It is the morning of September 13th and with it comes an important day to be celebrated in my life. Six years ago I got six babies delivered to my apartment and Starfish Foster Home was born. It has been an experience that has defined my life and has brought to me a legacy of life, love and laughter. As life often is, it has also been filled with pain, incredible struggles and frustration. It takes a lot of commitment not to run when the going gets tough. I have had to learn to absorb the pain and not take offense. I have learned that the struggles make me wise and it helps to me learn how to do things better. So far there has only been one day so far that I could not get out of bed. I lay there for about 3 hours, plotting my escape. I had the perfect plan and place and then I thought about the babies and what was going to happen to them. I thought about taking them with me and realized that would not work. Finally, I got up and went back to work. Giving up is not an option.

I stand as a witness of miracles and what can happen when good people get together help these helpless children. I am so often moved by the generosity of those who donate. The teenagers who give part of their pocket money. The businessmen who give sizable donations. There are those who contribute their time and share their talents. The volunteers who love the babies so much and who help them by spending so much time with them. I am so grateful to the nannies who pour so much of themselves into the well being of the babies. I do not want to take credit for what happens here, I too am just a part of the whole process. I love the synergy of all these combined efforts that result in happy babies living all over the world.

Where there is great LOVE

There are great MIRACLES.

-Willa Carter

I love hearing from the adoptive families who send updates of our alumni. So many of them are starting preschool and kindergarten. I have heard of little reunions. Just this morning a I heard about three of the Starfish babies getting together over the summer in Europe. I love hearing how their lives are going and how they are progressing. Some families have adopted again and others want a shot at a second Starfish baby. I love learning stories of how Starfish still features in their daily lives. Cute stories of Starfish clothing, Rebecca going to school with her Starfish shirt and her sister Emma also wanting one. Stories of Lily who in an imaginary play session with her mom, talked about living down the road from us.

As especially wonderful and truly amazing return visit made by Jet and her husband Henk with Norah (Rachel) and her older brother Robin. It was so wonderful for the long time nannies to see this and for Xiao Liu who beamed the whole time (She was Norah's nanny). I was so moved by the whole experience of sacrifices the family made to get back to China. The kids ran into the foster home and they were so comfortable being with us. There were so many poignant moments. For me one of the best was the fact that Norah and Robin had such an instant connection with the babies. Robin who has a missing ear bonded with Leo who had two missing ears. Norah who has an incredible ability to focus (she colored for two hours straight) bonded with Grace. Grace is hard to feed and most adults cannot do it and yet Norah sat with her and fed her 2oz of milk. When the nipple came out and Grace did not want to drink she patiently waited for her, gently encouraging her until she drank again. That took about 45 minutes, just so inspiring for a girl who celebrated her 5th birthday with us. In the picture you can see Grace staring at her. I loved the image of one generation helping another generation of Starfish babies. The other thing too, Norah was such a hard baby to take care of when she was young, just like Grace. It amazed me that Norah knew exactly what to do.

The cycle of babies arriving and get healthy, getting surgery and being adopted continue. I have often joked that I wanted to be one of those heroes who saves a plane full of people in an hour. That is not my lot in life. We are all in a 24/7 grind. It is a day after day effort to save the babies and to keep them safe until their parents come. I feel the pressure to take on more babies as the Big O has ballooned from 450 children in 2005 to about 800 now. I wish I could do more to help but there has not been enough donations to do that. The Xian orphanage has started to pay a 600RMB (=/- US$100) monthly stipend towards the children we take care of and for that I am very grateful.

Looking forward to the next year: In a few days we will have a medical team from Australia, to do surgeries for 20 babies. In April 2012, the Dutch medical team will be back for the third year. My flight to the US was rescheduled and I am now leaving October 15 and will be in Utah and Colorado. We are looking forward to adoption about six children before the end of the year, which will include our world famous Jack. He has been at Starfish for 4 of the last 6 years. We are going to miss him very much but I cannot tell you how ready he is to be with a family of his own. As I type this he is singing Happy Birthday to you on the top of his lungs and it sort of reverberates through the enclosed courtyard, echoing everywhere. He has used this as his own private concert stage and the others have learned from him to sing there too.

I am so grateful for the part you have played in help me with the babies. There is no way that I could have done it on my own. I love the power that I have to do what I think is necessary to save the babies lives. What an honor for me to have.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 150 children to date, arranged more than 175 surgeries and had 66 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption, Nava, will be living in Dallas,Texas with her family and two older brothers. We currently have 49 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have just added four boys from the Xian orphanage, Malcolm,Trevor, Jonathan and Peter.

We are currently preparing for a medical team from Australia to do a medical trip starting September 26th and help 20 babies with cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Starfish Children's Services

Stellae Mae's First Day of Preschool

2011-09-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

StellaMae was adopted in November 2009 and was number 48 for Starfish. She now lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her three siblings.

I knew you'd enjoy seeing these pictures. This is StellaMae before and after her first day of preschool! She loved it! And was soooo excited to go to school like her siblings and...then she was completely pooped afterwards! She's in a class of only 16 kids ages 2-5 with three teachers. Very loving and nurturing environment. They said she did wonderful. And even spoke better english than most of the others her age! Thank you again Amanda for teaching her first what it means to be loved!! P.S. Note the blanket she's holding...it's the one you gave her when we visited your home. She never goes anywhere without it!

Smiles and blessings ALWAYS! Have a great day!

Michelle

Greetings from Finland

2011-09-09T03:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Amanda:

How are you ? Hope all your children and staff are doing good ! We have enjoyed lovely summer here in Finland when it´s mostly sunny and the sun never go down. I´ve called Emerson´s/ Niko´s mom many times. They are doing great now, their son has also adjusted very well and also so fast ! We are planning to have a Great Starfish Meeting with two families soon ! : )

We´re looking forward to meet more little Starfishies here up North. The Finns can now easier adopt SN-children from China. In our area very near us is now three families who had their children this summer. And they are all about Tuomas´s age ! How cute is that : ) It´s so nice to have company !

Wishing you all the best, you are in our thoughts so often. Tuomas loves to see babies in pictures and videos. Unfortunately he can´t recognize places or people but be sure we´ll tell him later !

Love, Tiina

Tuomas´s / Matthew´s mom

Australian J701N Starfish Development Project, China

2011-09-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

We have great news to share with our Australian supporters:

Starfish Foster Home is now an in-country partner with Global Development Group, in the "Starfish Development Project".

This means that the Australian Taxation Office has approved of this project, and that all Australian donations to this project are tax-deductible. I want to express my thanks to Dr Siew Keng Chan who did all the liaising with GDG on behalf of Starfish in Australia. Getting international tax free projects are very difficult to get approved and she did it. We are also grateful to GDG for being willing to work with us here in China.

It is important to quote the project number "J701N" with all donations, so that the donations will go to Starfish. GDG has assured me that all donated funds will go to Starfish.

There are 3 ways to make a donation to GDG:
Ø Direct Deposit:

o Step 1: Direct Bank Deposit (online or in branch) to:

Commonwealth Bank Australia

Global Development Group

BSB 064118

Account No: 10200094

Notes: Ongoing regular deposits need to be arranged with your bank

o Step 2: Email us your donation details to info@globaldevelopment.org.au

a) The details of your deposit

b) Preferred project (in your case, is J701N)

c) The name and address to mail (or email) the receipt to

Ø Credit Card:

o Donations can be made over the phone (07) 3341 6475; or

o Online: www.globaldevelopment.org.au click on “Make Donation” (Don’t forget to put the J number)

Ø Cheque:

o Made out to “Global Development Group” and posted to 56 Goorari Street, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113. Attach a cover letter outlining the amount on cheque, donor details (full name & address) and preferred project and J number (i.e. J701N)

Please be sure to quote Project Number J701N Starfish Development Project. All donation are considered tax deductible so please specify if donation is non-tax deductible. To inform GDG of your donation or to obtain a receipt please emailinfo@globaldevelopment.org.au informing GDG of your deposit details with the project number and donor’s detail. No need to send an email if donation is through website. We can issue a tax deductible receipt for approved aid and development projects both in Australia and U.S.A.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 150 children to date, arranged more than 175 surgeries and had 66 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption, Nava, will be living in Dallas,Texas with her family with two older brothers. We currently have 49 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have just added four boys from the Xian orphanage, Malcolm,Trevor, Jonathan and Peter.

We are currently preparing for a medical team from Australia to do a medical trip starting September 26th and help 20 babies with cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Starfish Children's Services

Rebecca Starting Kindergarten

2011-09-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

Just a little background on Rebecca, who lives with her family in Kentucky. She has an older sister Emma, also adopted from China and brother Ryan. Rebecca was Starfish's 19th adoption in January, 2009.

Hi Amanda -

Your little Starfish Rebecca started Kindergarten this past week. I took her the night before to have her fingernails painted ... not something I typically do but she has asked and I was so excited for her because she was so excited about finally getting to go to school & ride the bus!

I hope you like the 'Starfish' shirt. As I mentioned on Facebook, that was bought specifically in honor of you and felt it was my way of sending a part of you off to school with her. You know how you've mentioned before how sweet it is that our daughter Emma has adopted you as her own too? Well, I had bought her a similar shirt from the same line but with just a regular fish on it. She asked if she could wear her "Starfish Shirt" on the first day of school too. Bless her little heart, I think maybe she wants that same connection to the land of her birth that Rebecca has with you.

Anyway, school is going well - she loves to learn and is very excited about learning to read. The only bad thing is that she is no longer getting a nap in and so by Friday she was so tired she could barely hold her little head up! She took a 4 hour nap on Saturday and then a two hour nap today. I know she'll adjust in time though.

Oh, and "Flat Norah" saw her off on her first day too! Jet had mailed her to us back earlier in the summer and then I broke my wrist so I have not been able to take as many pictures as I had planned. But having her little Starfish friend send her off to school was a blessing!

This should make you smile, she talks about the Starfish Home at lot at daycare & her teacher bought her a starfish necklace. How sweet is that?!

Blessings to you & all your little Starfish.

Carolin Hunter

Life, love and laughter,

Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 150 children to date, arranged more than 175 surgeries and had 66 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption, Nava, will be living in Dallas,Texas with her family with two older brothers. We currently have 49 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have just added four boys from the Xian orphanage, Malcolm,Trevor, Jonathan and Peter.

We are currently preparing for a medical team from Australia to do a medical trip starting September 26th and help 20 babies with cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Starfish Children's Services

Blessings to you & all your little Starfish.
Carolin Hunter

Jacob/Nick: One Year Later

2011-09-02T04:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Amanda,
It is hard to believe but it was one year ago today that Jacob/Nick joined our family. I can still see his frightened little face at the Adoption Center. It gives me shivers to think of what was going thru his mind at that time. Our family was so excited to have a son but yet our little man did not want to leave his wonderful Starfish family. The first couple of months was rough for both Jacob and us. However, one year later his transformation is amazing and he is a happy and well adjusted little boy!

As I am sure you remember, while at Starfish Jacob took life on in full force. That has not changed!! We call him the Chinese Tornado! He is like a little line backer. Everyone who meets him comments that we have a future football player on our hands! Jacob loves to be out doors. He could play all day in the yard. We have a swing set and trampoline which he loves to play on with his sister Emily. Jacob enjoys activities like his gymnastic lessons, story time at the library and bookstore, and going to the park. Jacob loves reading books with us. He enjoys playing with his cars, trucks, and trains. He knows his ABC's, he can count to 15 and he can identify many colors and shapes. He also gets a kick out of singing the songs, The Wheels on the Bus, and The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Jacob was Baptized at our church St. Columba a couple of months ago. He attends Mass with us every Sunday and he enjoys giving our priests a 'high five' after Mass! I teach religious education on Wednesday afternoons and Jacob stays with some of our nuns and a babysitter. He enjoys this time because they all love to spoil my little guy!
In January Jacob had tubes placed in his ears to help drain the fluid in his middle ear. He did very well and his hearing now is perfect. Or should I say like all toddlers he has selective hearing! Jacob sees a Speech Therapist, Special Ed Teacher, and Occupational Therapist once a week. It is wonderful to see Jacob's progression. We have seen a Plastic Surgeon at NYU who feels that he will need additional surgery for his primary pallet and his upper gum line in the future. Otherwise, Jacob is in great health. Many of our doctors have commented on how beautifully the Smile Train doctor repaired his cleft lip. Many thanks for arranging this. It is very difficult to tell that he had surgery at all. We are blessed to have such wonderful local professionals to help with Jacob's well being.

Jacob is now 35 pounds and 35 inches tall. Jacob is willing to try all different types of food. He will go into the draw and get his fork, napkin and container for juice or milk. He is very proud of himself and will tell you, 'Jacob helps momma!' His little smile is infectious and my little chatterbox makes friends wherever he goes. He is very inquisitive and eager to learn new things.
This September he will attend a preschool that will focus on his speech therapy. He will attend three days a week. This also will be a great opportunity for Jacob to socialize with kids his own age.

We are so blessed to call Jacob our son. Many thanks to you Amanda and all of the nannies and volunteers who took such wonderful care of Jacob. You truly saved our sons life. Not only are we blessed to have a son but we are also blessed to now be a part of the Starfish family. Thru the Internet I have meet other Starfish parents and volunteers. It is a beautiful community and I am very grateful to you all. One day we hope to return to Starfish and help you with future Starfish babies. Amanda, I can not image what your day is like and where you pull your strength from. When you have a rough day I want you to remember your Starfish alumni and their faces. They all are growing and living happy and healthy lives thanks to you and your team. God bless you all and we send our love and prayers to you in Xi'an.

With love
Betty, Scott, Emily, and Jacob Erb

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 148 children to date, arranged more than 170 surgeries and had 65 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption, Nava, will be living in Texas with her two older brothers. We currently have 47 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have just added two boys from the Xian orphanage hospital, Malcolm and Trevor.

We are currently preparing for a medical team from Australia to do a medical trip starting September 26th and help 20 babies with cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

Website: www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
Blog: http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
Blog: http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Faith: One year Update

2011-08-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

The only way I know how to start this letter is with a Thank You and that seems too simplistic for the appreciation & love that is within our hearts. I do not know how else to express it!

I cannot believe it will soon be a year that we have had our precious starfish baby, Faith. But Aug 29th celebrates our one year 'gottcha date'. As I look back over the last three years I see how God orchestrated something amazing. When we began this journey, it was with prayer. I knew what the importance of a child knowing a human touch and feeling physical love meant to their wellbeing and development. So my prayer was simple. “Lord, please let her be warm, comfortable, have a full tummy and most of all, know love.” My family and I prayed this prayer many times over the course of two years. Little did I know how He was fulfilling our request.

On Sunday mornings on our way to church we often visited as a family about this journey we were on. We had decided not to announce our pending plans because we were not exactly sure where God was leading us. But as time passed God had reaffirmed to us that His plans did indeed include adoption for our family. I remember one specific conversation on a Sunday morning drive when I reminded Gray of a guest speaker that had visited our church. He told the 'Starfish Story' in relation to his sermon. I said to my family, “This is how I feel. I know people are going to think we have lost our minds as we already have 5 children. But I desire to make a difference in an orphans life.” My husband spoke up and said, “Thats funny because I shared our desire to adopt with Jim, a prayer partner, and he asked me if I had ever heard the starfish story." How ironic is that? We now have a starfish baby and are BLESSED! We chose to keep her name Faith. After all of this, how could we change it? We would love to know which one of you named her.

Faith is growing and thriving. She is now 30 pounds and 3 foot tall. She is surrounded by two brothers and three sisters that dote on her every whim. Thankfully, three of them live away at college so the spoiling is reduced down to the two sisters (14 & 12) and her Daddy! She has him wrapped up!! It is the sweetest thing to witness. He walks in a room and the rest of us just vanish in her eyes. She is definately a Daddy’s girl. I tell others that I have two people to discipline, her AND her daddy! He's such a softy. Not to mention she is exceedingly strong willed!

Faith takes her time opening up to strangers. Her circle of accepted people is still small: her grandparents, cousins and trusted friends from church. She likes to call the shots. If people come on too strong, she shuts down. However, if she is in control of the interaction then bonding comes quite easily.

She loves to sing and always want music on when we are driving. Her language is growing so rapidly, including some spanish taught by big brother. (I wish he knew Mandarin instead.) She knows her colors and when getting dressed for the day, her hair-bow must match. So, to quickly sum up one year, Faith loves picking up the eggs from the chicken yard, going to the barn to feed cows, playing in the dirt at the Christmas tree farm, invading Bailey and Laura’s room, sitting with her daddy in the early morning hours, having her toenails painted, taking silly pictures with Marybeth on the computer, riding on Seth’s shoulders, playing with Nathan and his dog, cooking with Momma in the kitchen, and she HATES bubbles in the kitchen sink or in her bath water. Life at the Anderson house is full of joy.

And a quick update on her port wine stain. We are having it treated every two months. She will return for treatment #4 in the middle of August. They say it will take 6 to 8 treatments and her birthmark will be lightened 80% to 90%. Treatment around her eye will be done under sedation to protect her vision and will begin some time in early 2012.

So I close this update with a deep heartfelt, "Thank you!" to Amanda and Xiao Lui. I would also like to say thank you to the numerous volunteers that came though StarFish and loved on our lil Faith. You were all instruments, used to answer those prayers that Faith would know love. Thank you ALL for making a difference! We look forward to the day that we may return to Starfish and give of ourselves to love and nurture someone else's future Starfish.

Blessings,

The Andersons

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 148 children to date, arranged more than 170 surgeries and had 65 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption, Carl, went to a family in the Colorado, US. We currently have 48 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have just added two boys from the orphanage hospital, Malcolm and Trevor.

We are currently preparing for a medical team from Australia to do a medical trip starting September 26th and help 20 babies with cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Starfish Children's Services

Best of Heritage 2011

2011-08-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to tell you about the award that Starfish received recently from Heritage Makers.

I have felt it so important to be the record keeper for the babies that have been with us. We take hundreds if not thousands of pictures of each baby. We write about the milestones and track their development. We weigh them each week and write down their daily feeding schedule. We do all because I believe that someone has to remember and hopefully one day, it is going to help heal their hearts. I want them to know of our love for them and that there were people who wanted them in spite of them being abandoned. I love that Virginia has done such a great job of showcasing this great book on the five year anniversary. Here is an award we received from them a few weeks ago. We are so grateful to everyone who is involved with this project. Thank you so much for you time, effort, talents and the incredible love that is involved with this.

I think the video clips speaks for itself, so please watch this:

Starfish Foster Home (Best of Heritage 2011)

or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3A3ioZc1sw&feature=youtu.be

If you want to learn more about Heritage Makers please go to www.heritagemakers.com.

If you want to learn how to make your own books, you may contact Virginia at Nesle2@aol.com

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

We are currently preparing for a medical team from Australia to do a medical trip starting September 26th and help 20 babies with cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Starfish Children's Services

Amanda: Our First Grader

2011-08-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Baby Amanda was one of the original six babies who came with me on September 13, 2005. She originally lived in Iowa with her sister and brother and her family adopted a disrupted adoption SB girl. Here is a letter from Amy:

Things are going good... Mike and I were able to get transfers with Wells Fargo Bank to Charlotte, North Carolina :O)

Amanda is going to be a Southern Bell, can't wait to hear her pick up the accent!

We have loved Iowa, but it is just so far from everywhere... Grandparents, DisneyWorld, Beach...

Amanda just finished kindergarten and she's about to be the big 1st grader!

I love the fact that the girls plays golf in a tutu. That is some serious fashion sense.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 146 children to date, arranged more than 170 surgeries and had 65 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest adoption, Carl, went to a family in the US. We currently have 47 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have 7 babies who are matched and we are waiting for their families to come and get them, so there will be a mass exodus in the summer.

We had two medical teams successfully completed 35 cleft lip and palate surgeries in April and May. We are so proud of these teams and want to thank them so much for their efforts. Our grateful thanks to the Xian Children's Hospital for being the venue and for working so well with these teams.

Starfish Children's Services

Will (Nathaniel): 5th Birthday

2011-08-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Amanda and everyone at Star Fish ~

It’s hard to believe that Will has just turned five and will be starting Kindergarten this year! He is very excited. I think he’ll do very well. He is always so curious about everything and always asking a million questions.

Will has been busy this summer riding his bike, dirt bike, swimming and having play dates with his friends from school. We took a family trip to Florida, which was a lot of fun. Will got to race go-karts and go deep sea fishing. We all had a great time.

Will has made such great progress in his speech. He will continue to see the Speech Pathologist this year at school. He will see his Cranial Facial team again this October. The next steps will be for the dentist to prepare his mouth for the hard palate surgery and plastic surgery on his nose and lip, but that is still a few year away.

We love hearing about all the great things happening at Star Fish, and hope to some day bring Will back for a visit.

Love,

The McMahans

The Starfish That Came Back

2011-08-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

I can’t explain how much it meant to us to come back to Xi’an, China. Our daughter Norah (Rachel) was (probably) born there, abandoned there, and found a loving home at Starfish. When we came to Xi’an in November 2008 to become a family of four we visited Starfish and were amazed to see how much the children were loved and sometimes even spoiled…. We knew we wanted to visit again someday and have always kept close contact. And when we told our children this spring that we were going to China their reaction was: “I want to go now!!!”

There is always the doubt that if you decide something as a parent, if this is the best thing to do for your children. And of course there were people that asked us why we were taking them to China at such a young age (Norah just turned 5 and Robin will soon be 7). Well, we thought they would be okay. We have always been very open to them about their adoption. They showed no anxiety whatsoever when our travel date got near and we thought this would be a great experience for them that would stay in their hearts forever. We wanted to show them their China is not gone and you can fly there and see the people that took care of you and loved you.

At the airport our kids were thrilled to see Amanda again, and the minute we walked in to Starfish foster home I knew we made the right decision to come. The children ran inside and started playing with the toys in the courtyard as if they were coming home! The next day they met the babies in the baby room and both had favorites within a few minutes. Leo with his “little ears” was very interesting to Robin because he has microtia too and Norah was loving on little Grace. The pictures that I took of Norah feeding Grace a bottle are so very precious to me and will be to her in the future I think.

And then there were the nannies and some Chinese volunteers that remembered Norah. They were so happy to see her again! Xiao Liu (Norah’s nanny) was overjoyed and so proud her little Starfish had come back to visit. She gave Norah a beautiful dress and Robin got clothes from her too. We were even invited to her home in the Chinese countryside and had a great adventure getting there and driving back. It’s a long story, but we had so much fun in the car!

One of the highlights for sure was celebrating Norah’s 5^th birthday in China. The first two she celebrated at Starfish and the second two at home with us; and now she could celebrate another birthday at Starfish! How special is that!!! All of the children were sitting in the courtyard and singing Happy birthday in Chinese and English for her and then we ate the gorgeous cake with pink roses (that had miraculously survived the way home in the car).

All in all we had an amazing experience and we are so thrilled we did this. I can’t tell you everything we did because the story would get much too long. But I can tell you we LOVED it, the kids LOVED it, everybody at Starfish LOVED it….. The only thing I regret is that we can’t visit more often….

So, THANK YOU Amanda, THANK YOU everyone that was there to make us feel so very welcome!!! We hope to visit again someday!!

Henk, Jet, Robin & Norah

Summer Slide Show

2011-08-02T06:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuPcLaNRAPE

This is a link to Moriah's project while she was here at Starfish. There are so many cute pictures of our Starfish babies, that it will put a smile on your face. Grateful thanks to Moriah for all her hard work and effort, you did a great job.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

Megan (Jasmine's) Vacation

2011-07-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Amanda,

I hope all is well with you and Starfish. We are all doing great. The end of June we spent a week in Orlando, FL with our friends the Pellmanns. We went to Disney for a couple of days and had lunch with the Princesses. The Princess lunch and seeing the beach/ocean for the first time were both the favorite part of our vacation according to Megan and Carly. We were walking along the beach and found a Starfish. I told Ken to pick it so we could keep it for Megan but when he did, it moved. That was so amazing - - we walked it back to the ocean and set it free. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

It’s been really hot here around 100 for a week so we enjoy swimming in our pool. Both of the girls took swimming lessons for almost a year and are doing well. They love going down the slide and landing in the water. We went to a carnival over the weekend and won a goldfish so now they each have an aquarium in their room. Our total pets now are 2 dogs and 3 fish.

About a month ago the Xian reunion/Pink Castle was held in St Louis. I know when I mentioned it to you that you weren’t going to be in the US. We went one night with the group to a Chinese Restaurant and back to a hotel. ‘Aunt Sandy’ from the Pink Castle had a slide show of various kids from the Pink Castle. There were 50 people in attendance all with kids from Xian. The girls had a blast. Hopefully next time you’re in the country, we’ll be able to catch up with you for a real Megan reunion.

Take care, Ken, Leslie, Carly & Megan

July 2011 Update

2011-07-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I would write and tell you what is happening at Starfish right now. We have had six adoptions in the last few weeks.

1) Caroline became Skylyn and is now with her family in Utah.

2) River is now a Canadian and living in Vancouver with his family.

3) Cameron is still in China and will be in Canada at the end of the week

4) Anthony's new name is Angus and he is also Canadian, a Scottish Canadian judging by the name.

5) Emerson became the first child of a Finnish family who has been waiting for him for 6 years.

6) Matilda is still in China with her family but will be home in Alabama soon.

True to the purpose of Starfish we went soon after the adtoptions to replace the babies that had left, and came home with three boys and three girls. Three cleft lip and palate babies, two heart babies and then a baby without formed ears (Microtecia). They were all very weak and sick and in the first week we already lost one of the boys, Jules. I put the rest back into the hospital again and I will hope to get them healthy and strong soon.

We have lot of babies in the hospital. Joseph is getting heart surgery in Hangzhou soon and we hope that they can also help Luke who has some lung problems. Chris had emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction, so things are hopping in that department.

In this past week two babies walked for the first time. Morgan gave her firsts steps and so did Ryan. Morgan is so proud of herself and Ryan has such concentration when he walks. It is so cute to see.

We are in the throws of organizing another medical mission. We will be doing 20 babies cleft lip and palates and this time the medical team will be an Australian team. I am so grateful for anyone's willingness to come to Xian and do surgeries and to make such a huge difference in the lives of these children.

Another piece of news: I will be in Utah for two weeks at the beginning of August. I will be visiting Caroline's family and will have the honor of being at the final religious adoption ceremony for the family.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 144 children to date, arranged more than 165 surgeries and had 63 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and in China. Our latest six adoptions, added two more babies to Canada, one more to Finland and three to the US. We currently have 48 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have 8 babies who are matched and we are waiting for their families to come and get them, so there will be a mass exodus in the summer. Our next adoption will be to the US on July 17th.

Starfish Children's Services

Stella Mae 6 Months HOME

2011-06-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Amanda and Starfish family!

It's hard to believe we have been home with your little Stella (StellaMae to us) for six months now! Wow! She is simply one amazing little girl! And we will forever be grateful for all you did to show her love, compassion and kindness....all of these she exhibits so honestly...all of which she learned from each of you!

Where do we even begin! Well, our journey home felt undoubtedly like the longest flight in history! But all and all we made it and she survived better than the rest of us. The minute she walked into her new home, she was very quiet and spent her time roaming each and every room. We sat back in wonderment of what she might be thinking.

The first few nights were a little difficult as she would wake up crying and we would quickly love on her until she stopped. We knew she must be thinking of her family back at Starfish and confused as to what was going on with her new life.

Those few nights quickly turned into growth day by day into our family. It feels like she has been with us forever! We honestly attribute all her growth and success since we've been home to her loving siblings. Who by the way worship the ground she walks on. She is so loved by everyone and her smile is simply contagious. God's work is beyond belief. He has blessed us more than we could have every imagined with every little moment we have with her.

She spent the first few months speaking in complete Chinese which of course we had no clue what she was saying. Then, it quickly came into being English and every day she learns a new word. She is often found saying "Bye Ya'll" (must be the Texans in us) Thank you "Bless you" and still the infamous "uh oh" which by the way was the only English word she spoke when she was placed in our hands. Sadly in some stretch, she has almost completely turned off Chinese and is fully engaged into English. She sings songs with her siblings, dances like you wouldn't believe and has a special hand shake that she shares with each of them, each one different and priceless. No matter what though we work hard to keep her Chinese culture alive. That is so important to us for her to remember and cherish her roots.

She is the joy of our universe! She's smart, she's funny, she's so loving and so obedient. She loves to play soccer with her sister and brothers and tells me everyday that she is going to play golf when she is 9 (because she sees her 9year old sister playing golf). She helps around the house every day, loves to help me with the laundry and lights up when her dad comes home and runs into his arms. These first few months over here have been priceless. How can we ever thank you enough!

Attached are some photos of her over the past few months. Most of them are her playing around the house but there is one from her baptism and also from her first visit to the cleft doctor. Which by the way she received an wonderful report. The doctor said her lip looked "amazing." and was one of the best ones he has ever seen from China...he humbly said it reminded him of his work. He happens to be one of the best in the West coast so we felt his words spoke volumes for the efforts Operation Smile and Starfish made for our little girl!

Amanda, she's everything we ever prayed for! And we will never for one second forget all you did for her and will be forever grateful to you and your entire Starfish family.

Until next time. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe. Thank you for wrapping our little girl with so much love.

May your day be filled with many, many blessings,
Michelle

"Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply, Speak Kindly....and Leave the rest to GOD"

Amanda's Chinese New Year Interview

2011-06-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dye0_dQf2Dg

My very first Chinese interview was done for this program called Hello Ni Hao in early 2006. Five years went by and they asked me to do another interview which lasted two hours. From that, they came up with this 15 minutes. I was amused that they focused so much on my sleeping habits. It is really weird to see yourself taking about something which is so precious to you.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 138 children to date, arranged more than 165 surgeries and had 58 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada and in China. Our latest adoption was to Utah, USA and it was completed on June 7, 2011, We currently have 48 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have 13 babies who are matched and we are waiting for their families to come and get them, so there will be a mass exodus in the summer.

Starfish Children's Services

Care4Tina Second Annual Medical Trip

2011-06-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, I got a wonderful newsletter from the Dutch Foundation, Care 4Tina, about their very successful trip to China with their medical team. The success in my book is counted by the amount of surgeries they did, which landed up being 25 surgeries on 24 children. Joy ended up having a palate surgery as well as hand surgery. This was their second annual trip to Xian Children's Medical Center, and we are so grateful to everyone for all the hard work. It takes an enormous amount of effort to arrange everything and Care4Tina's Elise and Tineke did an amazing job. It is also challenging once you get to China and there are so many details to take care of.

Care4Tina did a before and after picture album which I cannot top and I would like to share that with you. I am so amazed at the transformation that is possible. At Starfish, we express our thanks to Dr Johan Vehof and Dr Kho with all the medical staff and volunteers. I hope that this trip will help you to feel that you have a made a huge difference in the lives of the children you help and this life long gift. You do such an excellent job and I am so proud to be associated with you and to have your great works be in my house everyday as we prepare the babies for their families. I hope there will be a couple of Dutch adoptions amongst these babies. So many compliment you on the superior skills you share so willingly with the children.

Until next year in China and March in Holland. Yes people, I have been invited to be in the country of my forefathers again. Looking forward to it.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 138 children to date, arranged more than 165 surgeries and had 57 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada and in China. Our latest adoption was to Australia We currently have 50 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have 14 babies who are matched and we are waiting for their families to come and get them, so there will be a mass exodus in the summer.

Starfish Children's Services

One Year Update with Karine (Antonia), Adoption 30 to Canada

2011-05-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Amanda,

It is so hard to believe that one year has already gone by with Karine(Antonia)! What an amazing year it has been!

Since our last update, Karine continues to amaze us. The girl loves to talk! There is not a dull moment in this house with her. :-) She's now speaking in 3-5 words sentences. She's having some difficulty with articulation but the speech pathologist is encouraged with the progress she's been making. So are we! She has grown 10 cm (4in) this past year and her hair has grown out enough that we can tie it back. She knows all the letters of the alphabet and recognizes quite a few numbers. She's now recognizing her colours. Her favourite colour is red. I think it might have something to do with Elmo. ;-) She continues to enjoy going to a play group once a week and gymnastics too.

We had a wonderful Christmas. Karine enjoyed the Christmas decorations and of course opening presents on Christmas morning. I know you don't get much snow in Xi'an but she looked like a pro this winter shovelling the snow with her little shovel and making snow forts with her brothers. Karine was really looking forward to the Easter Bunny. As you know, she has quite the sweet tooth! ;-) She kept reminding us that the Easter Bunny would be bringing her chocolate. She had a lot of fun with the Easter Egg Hunt. This spring, we went to the sugar bush which was a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed tasting the maple taffy on snow.

Now that the beautiful weather is here, Karine has been enjoying being more outdoors. Especially jumping on her trampoline and riding her bicycle. She is still in love with Elmo and has a special seat behind her bicycle for him. We always have to make sure that Elmo is strapped in his little seat. It's so cute to see her looking back to make sure he's still sitting behind her. We've enrolled her in swimming lessons and so far she loves it! I'm not surprised as the first time she went in the pool she was like a little fish.

I hope everything is well with you and everyone at Starfish. I know that you have been very busy with the recent baby surgeries. They are very lucky to have you, Amanda, as we know what your love and care can bring to a child. Karine would not have been so well adjusted and happy if she had not been with you. We will be forever grateful!

God Bless,

Nicole

Visitors from Sweden: Joseph (Milo) at Kristian's House in Denmark

2011-05-21T04:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Amanda.

Just want to tell you that we had a wonderful evening with the “Starfish family” from Sweden.

Joseph (now Milo) and I, looked at each other for about 10 min, and then we played, romp about and laughed for about 4 hours. We had so much fun and our parents have promised us, that we absolutely should see each other again some time!!!!! J♥♥♥

Today it is exactly one year since I came to Denmark, and tonight we (my mum, dad and me) will celebrate with homemade dumplings and fried noodles, yummy yummy!!

Have a nice weekend in Xian!

Love from Tim (Kristian)

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 136 children to date, arranged more than 165 surgeries and had 57 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada and in China. Our latest adoption was to Australia We currently have 46 babies under the age of 3 and a half at the foster home. We have 14 babies who are matched and we are waiting for their families to come and get them, so there will be a mass exodus in the summer.

Starfish Children's Services

Tim's First Winter in Sweden

2011-05-16T03:52:00.001-07:00

This is a short video of Tim (Called Bryan at Starfish) and his first winter in Sweden. Thanks to his parents for sharing this with us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhyYbHrlloM&feature=player_detailpage

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

An Update on Norah, Adoption 16 The Netherlands

2011-05-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Amanda,

Here's some new photos. Can you believe it's been more then 2 and a half years since we got Norah (called Rachel at Starfish) ? Time sure flies!!!

She's an amazing girl, we are so privileged to be her parents!!!!

Norah enjoys school. She's still good at jigsaw puzzles and loves doing those. She knows all the letters of the alphabet and can count to hundred.

I've included some of her artwork; thought you might enjoy that. This year she learned to ride a bike without side wheels and she is just now learning to roller skate.

She loves her big brother, but they fight a lot too. This girl knows what she wants and she will not let him be bossy!!! LOL

I included some photos from our visit to the circus too. She loved it and even got to sit on a horse and ride two rounds. She was so proud of herself!

We can't wait to see you and everybody at Starfish this summer, especially Xiao Liu. (her nanny while she was at Starfish)

See you soon!

Love,

Jet

Dutch Cleft Medical Team

2011-04-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

There is nothing I love quite as much as watch a cleft lip surgery. It is almost like a miracle that happens in front of you eyes. You watch how in the hands of trained professional a child's face gets transformed for life. We are in day 3 of hopefully helping 30 kids get their lips and palates repaired. I am proud to be associated with this team from the Netherlands who came last year and whose goal it is to help the children of China this year again. I am also very proud of the work that Care 4Tina has done to arrange all of this, and for the passion they have to be of service. It has been amazing to see this foundation from the start to see see how they have grown and how much they have been able to accomplish.

On the first day Michelle and Lexie had their lips repaired. Ryan, Elise, Windee and Isaac had surgery on day two. Scheduled on day 3 is Angela's palate and Ethan's lip

My most favorite story of the day: After Lexie came home, Mila came to get me and she rook my hand and walked to where Lexie was telling me all the time that Meimei had a bobo pointing to her lip. I am so moved by her compassion for her little sister. She shares a nanny with Lexie.

I am including some of of my favorite photos!

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 132 children to date, arranged more than 130 surgeries and had 57 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada and in China. Our latest adoption, our first baby to Australia on April 11th, 2011. We currently have 46 babies under the age of 3.

We have a Dutch medical team in Xian and are all working at getting 30 cleft lip and palate surgeries done by April 30th, 2011.

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Will (Nathaniel): Adoption 13

2011-04-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Amanda and Everyone at Starfish~

I can’t believe Will has been home for almost three years! If he gets his way, we’ll be back soon to adopt again. He is constantly asking if “he” can adopt a baby. Will has caught up and surpassed everything that is expected of a child his age. His speech therapy is going great! He’s playing on a soccer team and riding his bike without training wheels. He’s also riding a dirt bike, which scares me to death, but Will just loves it! He went from being scared of his own shadow to being this fearless leader…it’s just amazing! We had planned to send him to a third year of preschool this fall, but have enrolled him in kindergarten instead. Although he won’t be five until August, his teachers strongly recommend that he move on to kindergarten. As Will gets older, he is understanding more and more of his adoption story and his time at Starfish. He asks many questions and we answer then with all the stories and pictures you have given us. I’m realizing just how very important having all those photos and stories of his time at Starfish really are! I can’t imagine not being able to share his story about his life those first two years. Thank you again for giving Will such a wonderful start. He really is an amazing child with a huge heart!

The new house looks great! I shared the story with Will about the newest baby being left at the house. Of course he responded with, “Can we go get him? That’s the one I want to adopt.”

Love,

Kyle, Mary Carol, Karli, Griffin and Will

An Abandoned Baby at Starfish Gate

2011-04-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night while having dinner (a very rare Mexican one at that) my head nanny came running in to tell me that there was a baby at the front gate. I immediately went out there to find a baby who would later become know as Joseph. I had always wondered when it would happen. I knew that it would be much more difficult in the apartments because you could not just leave a child and run. The fact that we are so much more remote meant that it would be easier to do.

The mom apparently came in a taxi and then dropped the baby and ran back to the taxi and drove off.

It was incredible to open him up. I felt so privileged knowing that his mom had prepared him so well. She has sent a hot water bottle two use blankets, his milk bottle and some milk powder and diapers. There was no note. I slowly opened him up. I could see immediately that he had been in the hospital an that he was jaundiced. I was not sure if that was just temporary or if he had a liver problem. His belly button was already healed and so it suggested that he was 3 or 4 weeks old.

We called the police and gave Joseph a bottle and a bath. I managed to save all his clothes which I will give to his adoptive family as a memento. He was taken to the orphanage and then to the hospital. According to the doctors he has a slight heart problem but nothing serious, I hope he will heal that. The jaundice is already much better after the medication and putting him in the sun a little each day.

On Tuesday afternoon we got word that Joseph had been released from the hospital and that he would be returned to us. I had only called everyday to find out. I was so happy that I would get to help him here at Starfish, just like his mother intended. I am surprised that in a city of 8 million people this mother knew where to to get help. I am sure she made the best decision she possibly could to get the best help she could. I am honored that she made the effort to find me.

This was a surprisingly emotional experience for me. I used to dream about this happening but the reality of it is so much better than I thought. I feel so protective and tender over Joseph and so does the 18 people who were here to see it. One of the children was an abandoned foundling herself and was later adopted and I thought to myself how incredible the experience was as she watched with big eyes at what was happening.

There is never a dull moment here.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 132 children to date, arranged more than 130 surgeries and had 57 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada and in China. Our latest adoption, our first baby to Australia on April 11th, 2011. We currently have 46 babies under the age of 3.

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Josiah (James) Adoption 54 to Tennessee

2011-04-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Amanda,

I wanted to take a moment and update on how Josiah (James) is doing since arriving home. It is amazing how time flies, this week we will celebrate having him as a part of our family for two months. We continue to be amazed at how blessed we are to have such a special child come into our lives. He is a bright light and brings us great joy!

He is doing very well acclimating to life in America and life in our family. He is the center of attention around here and that is where he loves to be :) He began attending preschool two days a week recently at the school where I teach. He has stolen the hearts of his teachers and loves playing with the other children in his class. His favorite thing about school is his monkey lunchbox. He wears it into the school across his shoulder proudly. He is infatuated with all monkey things...the lunchbox, Curious George (books and TV), books, blankets, etc.

He keeps us laughing with his musical performances - complete with microphone and his silly faces! A doctor recently commented on his intimidating stare...we thought to ourselves "he does come from a land of warriors!" It was his Terracotta Warrior stare! He has discovered his reflection in the facet while in the bath tub and has long, expressive conversations with himself each night. These conversations pick back up night after night! I would so love to know what he is saying, because whatever it is, he is feeling it from head to toe :)

We are expecting a visit from family over the Easter weekend. Two cousins, two Aunts and a Grandmother who live in Louisiana will be coming to visit and meet our little man. I'm sure he will be good and spoiled at the conclusion of that visit.

We are still working to obtain a treatment plan for him with regard to his cleft lip and palate. Our first visit with the cl/cp team revealed a hole that has opened up in his palate, as you suspected. This will require another surgery to close. We meet with the surgeon again in early June to determine a timeline. There are some dental issues that we are trying to work through. His front teeth have shifted forward due to the narrow upper jaw and so his palate will need to be expanded. They are trying to decide how and when that should be done, he may be a bit young for that. We have another appointment next week with a Pediatric Dental Specialist for another opinion.

Josiah (James) will begin Early Intervention therapy in the next few weeks to help him with his communication and language skills. I'm eager to begin this therapy to help him communicate his wants and needs. We are hoping to add speech therapy early this summer.

He has attached to us so very well and I know it is because of all the love and attention you and the nannies showered on him. What a great start you gave him. Whenever he seems sad, I pull out the many pictures from Starfish and we talk about all the people in China who love him. This seems to bring him great comfort.

We are so thankful that God chose us to be the parents of this incredible child. It is not anything we planned or expected, it was a very clear call from Him. I've said before, what we had before Josiah came into our lives was very, very good. What we have now is BETTER!

We hope you are all doing well. We are keeping up with you and all the new babies. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you make a difference in lives of these precious children.

Harold, Donna, Luke, Hannah and Josiah James

Sadie (Carla Mei) to Spain, Adoption 46

2011-04-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have to apologize, I am so behind with the adoption stories. I have been incredibly busy at the new house and somethings have not gotten done. We are already at adoption 55 and there are two more in a week, so I am really behind.

Sadie came to us on April 1st, 2009 in a group of 8. She was the next to last of the group to get adopted. The one thing I remember about her right from the beginning is that she had such a sad face. All the early pictures of her showed such sad eyes but that went away as she got older. The other thing I remember about Sadie is that her hair grew is such a strange way. She had a reverse mohawk. Instead if it being long it was very long and then she had hair long enough to make pony tails almost like horns.

She grew from just a little thing (2.70kg/6 pounds) to 10.5 kg/23 pounds in no time, because she slept and ate all of the time in the beginning. She got one of the orthodontic molds but became an expert at spitting it out. In November 2009, we travel en masse to Beijing to have Dr Lisa Buckmiller do the surgery. I tell you I will walk the earth with my babies to get to Dr Lisa. We took 10 babies and 10 caretakers and you cannot imagine the logistics of all of that. You might remember the trip that was even worse than that is the time we got stuck on a train for 55 hours, a trip that should have taken 20 hours. We were also on our way to find Dr Lisa. The amazing thing, which we found out later, after her lip surgery Sadie's palate healed itself. This was the news that came after the adoption medical, I had never heard of this before. It was discovered later that there was still a small hole and she did have surgery after her adoption.

After being at Starfish for 17 months were were told that she was being adopted. We had heard no news at all so I assumed that she was going to Europe and I was right. Her family came from Spain and named her Carla Mei. The news that we have gotten about her is that she is doing really well and her family even sent a picture of her in front of their Christmas tree.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 128 children to date, arranged more than 130 surgeries and had 55 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada and in China. Our latest adoption, our third baby to Sweden was the first of March. We currently have 43 babies under the age of 3. We MOVED on January 14, 2011 and now live in our "castle".

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Ellie (Heather): Adoption 26: USA

2011-04-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Amanda,

It is hard to believe Ellie has now been a part of our family for over a year! The time has flown by and she is doing really, really well. Her adjustment to her new life and family has been amazing. She did so with one giant leap. The love she received at Starfish enabled her to adjust amazingly. The love of you, the nannies, staff, and volunteers will always be a part of her and has been the bridge which allow her to move on to new things without missing a step.
Physically she is doing really well and has had a very long haul. She has had two surgeries, will have two more this year, and has had more medical and therapy appointments than I can recount. She has been a trooper and is doing very well! Her MRI revealed that she had myelocystocele, a form of spina bifida from which a cyst developed on the lining of her spinal cord. The exceptional surgery she received through Starfish has truly been a saving grace in her life. The results of hydrocephalus will likely be one of the main conditions she will work through in the future. The extent of her condition may not be known for some time and we are still in the phase of discovering her potential. She has been a trooper and continues to work hard to improve and grow in her abilities. The spina bifida for which we researched and prepared for has not been the extent to which we anticipated. The unknowns of other issues have been more than we could have predicted. Her story is a picture that adoption is most always a chance of unknowns; and always, I believe, worthy of the extent it may require. To be a part of changing a life, not only the child adopted, is an amazing process. Not an event, but an experience. One in which only the future will reveal to end of the story.
Her story is one that, while we are happy to be able to bring her home, saddens me. Like so many waiting children with multiple or severe special needs, she was available for adoption a long, long time before we were able to be her family. I hope that her story will be an encouragement to other families to take a chance and open their hearts to a child they may not have initially considered. Research, research, research (and prepare for the “worst”); but be aware that all the research in the end may not prepare you for the child you bring home. I believe, in the end, it can be for “the best.” The process has not been easy by any means. And we have a long road ahead with Ellie. But, I do believe the future will reveal that the end of the story was worth the effort. Secondly, I hope Ellie’s example will encourage your followers to generously support organizations like Starfish who loving care for and provide exceptional surgeries for those who wait and organizations which provide therapy and rehabilitation for those waiting or left behind. It is amazing what love and care gives a child! Thank you for loving Ellie until we could. It made the difference in her life.
While we offered to continue identifying Ellie as “Heather” (her Starfish name), she would have no part of it. She whole heartedly jumped into her new life as Ellie. Or, as she prefers, her full name of Eliana Gabrielle Qing. “Qing Qing I am,” she has recently been declaring. “I was a baby in China,” she recounts, “Lui Ma take care of my ouchy back, Ying Ying take care of me, and Ye Ye play ball with me. Amanda is nice.” Her memories of Starfish are precious. We are so grateful they will always be a part of her. After her most recent surgery, the nurse was coaxing her alertness following anesthesia, “Is pink your favorite color?” she asked. “No,” Ellie quickly replied, “Purple!” Yes, she has independently claimed purple as her favorite. Even if not by name, “heather” will always be a part of who she is. The nurse offered her a drink, a cracker? “No,” Ellie more insistently demanded, “Go home!” The nurse asked who was at home. “Everybody,” she replied. We are grateful that Ellie now belongs to her forever family. It may take a while to get where she is headed, and the road may be rough, but we are thankful she is home.
To Starfish and all its supporters, we sincerely thank you for caring for Ellie!
Lynda, Ellie’s mom

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 131 children to date, arranged more than 130 surgeries and had 55 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada and in China. Our latest adoption, our third baby to Sweden was the first of March. We currently have 46 babies under the age of 3.

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

Bai Lang (Lucas): The Netherlands, Adoption 37

2011-03-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Amanda,

Our son Bai Lang is doing very well. Since January this year, two times a week he goes to the kindergarten (half day). This is great fun and every time he looks forward to playing with other children and to see Miss Trees and Miss Carien. Also he goes twice a week to his grandparents when we both are working. Bai Lang is very fond of his grandparents (his cousin Senna is also there on that days). It goes very well with the Dutch language and he likes to sing songs, make music and dance. The food is fine and he loves to eat chocolate.

Bai Lang is China, after more than half year he stays in the Netherlands, not forgotten. If he sees a plane, he tells the plane is going to China to the pandabears. Last week he told me very seriously, "grandmother Mien has to go to Amanda in China" and "Mommy and Bai Lang go on visit to Amanda." He is also not forgotten his friends Callum and Hosea. If he manages to water droplets on the mirror to splash, he calls “Hosea, Hosea look”. Hopefully these friends will contact each other in the future.
The two DVD’s of The Wiggles that Bai Lang inherited from Starfish, he would see often.

On March 15th was the big day and Bai Lang celebrated his third birthday with the family. He looked forward to celebrate his birthday. He really enjoyed his birthday and the streamers and balloons in our house. He has received many cards, many emails and many gifts. Even in kindergarten he celebrated his birthday. On the day he became three years old, in the evening Bai Lang's baptized by Father van Dijk in the chapel of our home. This was a very nice event for Bai Lang. First stabbing a candle in the chapel and then baptized. During the Mass, Father van Dijk has also special prayers for the country China and the children of China.

Bai Lang would like to enjoy life and wants to see everyone happy. He is very inquisitive, smart, social, likes to share with others and will comfort children when they cry. Bai Lang likes fun around him, likes to play outside and is making contact with everyone who comes close.

When the three of us together, he says quite often "Papa-Mama-Bai Lang together" and then he wants to hug. He would also like to sing and dance together. He knows no end and he is always trying to invent another excuse to keep on going. He is already very attached to our dogs Bo and Sitha and our horses Carita and Chanel. Every morning he says "good morning" to the animals.

On Saturday March 26 we had visit of Roshney and Steven (Dutch volunteers in August 2010 we met in Starfish). This was a very enjoyable afternoon. Also we have nice contact by email with volunteer Rachel Smith, who we also met in August 2010 at Starfish.

Lots of greetings from
Bai Lang, Marc, and Addie

Ps Many greetings to Hong Li (Bai Lang's nanny)

Happy Birthday Karine, Our Canadian Chick

2011-03-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent pictures of Karine (Antonia) on her third birthday. Her mom says she was extremely proud of herself for blowing out the candle. She is also a huge Sesame Street fan and follows Elmo's as if he is a rock star, hence the cake.

Life, love and laughter,
Amanda

At Starfish, we have taken care of 128 children to date, arranged more than 130 surgeries and had 55 international adoptions, so our little starfishes live all over the globe: the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada and in China. Our latest adoption, our third baby to Sweden was the first of March. We currently have 43 babies under the age of 3. We MOVED on January 14, 2011 and now live in our "castle".

Starfish Children's Services
US Tax Number: 20-4682916
Xian China

www.thestarfishfosterhome.org
http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com
http://chinesestarfishcleft.blogspot.com
Email: throwingstarfish0913@gmail.com
Cell: 86.1348.812.4847

Update on Aiden (Hosea) in Tennessee, Adoption 45

2011-02-26T17:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Amanda!

When I saw your update about Aiden's adoption, I realized I needed to send you an update myself. The time has passed so quickly, and it just amazes me that we have been home now for 5 months. But yet it feels like Aiden has always been a part of our family. His adjustment has been so easy and natural. I truly believe God knew he was to be our son. He is understanding most of what we say to him, and is trying to repeat everything we say. His speech is still hard to understand, but we catch a lot of things because we hear them all the time. After he has his dental surgery, we will get him in to see a speech therapist, and hopefully that will give him the tools he needs for better communication. He is just a joy to be around. He is happy most of the time, and just seems to embrace life no matter what he is doing. He still loves his brother and sister, and would prefer to be with them all the time. He gets so excited when we pick them up from school in the afternoon. He is definately a momma's boy though, and I think daddy is a little jealous of that. He is still waking up at the crack of dawn to eat and play, so that's been a big adjustment for us. He still loves to be outside, and I'm looking forward to spring so he can enjoy that more. We've had lots of snow this winter, and he's had the flu and several ear infections, so he's been cooped up a lot. Eddie's (his dad) family is planning a trip to the beach this summer, so I know he will love that. We can't wait to introduce him to sand and the ocean. We were excited to hear about your new home. I hope we can visit someday when Aiden is older. I want him to see what a wonderful life he had in China before we came to bring him home. Thank you for giving him the chance to have a family, and us the opportunity to be his parents. We are so blessed! I'm attaching some pictures we had made last week. As you can see, he is thriving. Hope you are doing well.

Kelly

Throwing Starfish

Greetings from Ohio and Charlie, Adoption # 14

Merry Christmas from GRACE Adoption #47

Starfish Alumni Celebrating Christmas All Over the World

Tuomas and Niko: A Reunion in Finland

News from Mei-Li in the Netherlands

Starfish Seven

Alli's Essay on Miss Amanda and Starfish Foster Home

Canadian Intercountry Adoptions

Tiana (Tina) Adoption 32

Update on Lia (Sophia) Adoption #38

Update on Jasmine (Liya) Adoption

Yangling Babies

Update on Cameron, Adoption #60

Michael Adoption #6

Happy Halloween from STARFISH!

Australian Chinese Medical Trip

Tim's Summer

Update on ANGUS, Our Canadian/Scottish/Chinese Boy

It has Been SIX Years!

Stellae Mae's First Day of Preschool

Greetings from Finland

Australian J701N Starfish Development Project, China

Rebecca Starting Kindergarten

Jacob/Nick: One Year Later

Faith: One year Update

Best of Heritage 2011

Amanda: Our First Grader

Will (Nathaniel): 5th Birthday

The Starfish That Came Back

Summer Slide Show

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v​=PuPcLaNRAPE

Megan (Jasmine's) Vacation

July 2011 Update

Stella Mae 6 Months HOME

Amanda's Chinese New Year Interview

Care4Tina Second Annual Medical Trip

One Year Update with Karine (Antonia), Adoption 30 to Canada

Visitors from Sweden: Joseph (Milo) at Kristian's House in Denmark

Tim's First Winter in Sweden

An Update on Norah, Adoption 16 The Netherlands

Dutch Cleft Medical Team

Will (Nathaniel): Adoption 13

An Abandoned Baby at Starfish Gate

Josiah (James) Adoption 54 to Tennessee

Sadie (Carla Mei) to Spain, Adoption 46

Ellie (Heather): Adoption 26: USA

Bai Lang (Lucas): The Netherlands, Adoption 37

Happy Birthday Karine, Our Canadian Chick

Update on Aiden (Hosea) in Tennessee, Adoption 45

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuPcLaNRAPE