Introduction

Let me do a delayed introduction to the little kids I work with at Casa Hogar Del Norte. There is just one woman, Ana Louisa, who is responsible for all 6 little ones from 8-5 every day. She loves those babies a lot, but is so overwhelmed trying to care for 6 orphan babies who have lots of special needs. We're doing our best to stand "back to back" with her and support her, and after several months I'm starting to see the burden lift.

Meet Carlos, who is 16 months old. Carlos is extremely attached to Ana Louisa and the other caregivers, and screams at the top of his lungs when we walk in the room. Carlos is walking, but not talking, and loves to play with balls and puzzles.
This is Alexis, one of my favorite little boys. He's my special friend. He's the most delayed baby, but also the happiest. Alexis is 13 months old, and just recently started crawling and pulling himself up to stand in his crib. Alexis is easy to please and is always smiling.
Edgar is 2 and makes me laugh a lot. He just recently started smiling and giggling and now he can't get enough of it! He only says one word, which is Edgar. Edgar loves puzzles, play-dough, and toy cars.
Ximena is also 2 and has always been the most friendly. Ximena loves to color, read, and do puzzles. She's curious but sweet, and wants you to see each page she colors or each play-dough creation she makes.
Angel, another one of my favorites. Angel is 14 months old, and just took his first steps in the last few weeks! Right now it's just 3 or 4 steps, but soon he'll be off and running with the other kids. He loves to snuggle and has a very ticklish neck.
Gaby has changed so much over the last few months! Gaby is two, and until this last month I'd never seen her smile and she had no interest in playing with us or any of the other kids. Now she's excited to see us and loves to dig around in my special bag for toys and activities.