My youngest brother, Kwame' Jordan, is nearly two years old, and he is a little CHARMER. He has chocolate-colored skin, HUGE dark-brown eyes fringed with super-long lashes, a pug nose, a wide, dimpled smile, and a round-cheeked face that brings out the best in people: they are always commenting on how adorable he is.
Kwame' was born in Nairobi, in Kenya, Africa, nearly two years ago. He was born blue, and it was discovered that he had been born with serious heart problems that required immediate surgery or he would, more than likely, die. It was because of this that he was put up for adoption when he was less than 3 months old.
We got Kwame' at the age of 6 months, just after his second heart surgery.
He looks REASONABLY healthy enough on the outside, but if one was to look closely, one could easily see that he IS sickly. His lips are still a little bluish, and if he gets upset or tired he has more trouble with his breathing than usual. He also coughs a lot.
For this reason he is often wearing oxygen by cannula tubes in his nostrils, and this helps his breathing. His little chest also bears scars from two previous heart surgeries, as testament to his rough beginnings. (He still faces at least several more surgeries.)
Kwame' can't run around like most 2-year-olds or he gets severely short of breath (hence, the oxygen). Instead he has to play quietly (or as quietly a 2-year-old can possibly be). He prefers to look at his picture books, and he loves to color with his crayons. He also loves holding his stuffed animals (in particular, a beat-up stuffed cheetah named "Roscoe"). He loves "Barney" on tv and will often join Enriquesa in watching it. Kwame' also loves ice cream and waffles soaked in syrup.
Kwame' has had to be rushed by ambulance to the nearest hospital for his breathing; and it is during these times when we all worry because his breathing turns to gasping; and we aren't sure he isn't going to make it--but, somehow, he always does.(I guess God has plans for him; otherwise, Kwame' wouldn't still be here.)
Kwame' Nathaniel Jordan Sandusky is my little African brother, and he is a miracle. He is truly a survivor in any sense of the word!
This second book in Edie's 'Puddle' series is filled with wonderful catchy rhyming poems that have positive nostalgic messages. Her whimsical illustrations carry the poems along on ripples of warm vibrant colours.
