[sunshine2003]

We are looking to adopt a two year old and have received what we think are current measurements. On the American charts, they come out to be the size of a one year old. I know many institionalized children are very small, and you have to consider ethnicity, but does anyone have measurements for me to compare to from Kaz?

Even the photo we have, he looks about a year old. We assumed the photo was old. Am asking the agency about this one.

[PattyR]

I don't know if there are charts to compare, but from what I've seen and heard what you are saying would be within the norm for children living in an orphanage. Of course, it's probably always a good idea to have this information reviewed by an international adoption doctor.

I would also double check with the agency. It's possible that they may not know the exact age of this child. Sometimes the children are abandoned and no one knows exactly how old they are.

Patty

[Olga's Mom]

Our daughter was 2 1/2 when we got her and she weighed 22 lbs. She was in 18 month clothes. We've had her for 2 years, and she's more than doubled her size.

But, she was very small when we got her. She was healthy except she had Giardia. A parasite that lives in the intestine that absorbs nutrients. It usually comes from the water supply. Our doctor tells us that probably why she was so small.

DON'T DRINK THE WATER!!!!! We were fine in the capital cities, but in the region we were very careful with the water.

Good Luck.

Kristi

[1moremakes4]

How difficult is it to get rid of the giardia once you get your child home? We are adopting a small boy and are wondering in case he has it.

[Olga's Mom]

We gave Olga one round of antibiotics and it was gone. The worst part of the process is the stool samples!!

It really wasn't hard at all to get rid of it at all. Olga showed no signs of the parasite, except for her size, of course. We were very fortunate to have a proactive doctor. She started testing Olga as soon as we got home. We didn't find anything other than the Giardia, but better safe than sorry!

Good Luck
Kristi

[ninamo1]

For those of you whom only took a weeks worth of med's. Giardia is not the only thing in the water. Ameoba's are devilish creatures too. I was on medicine for nealy two months to get rid of the bastards and all of the med's are hepatotoxic. So you beware and realize that your future child will go through a bought of rather nasty medicine as well. Also the med's for giardia make you light sensitive. Don't let the young ones get burned from the combination and what not..

nina

[mlb]

Sunshine 2003

My son was only 17 lbs at age 14 months when we adopted him. He was only on the charts for his head size. After 3 1/2 years he is still small for his age but is on the charts. My son's doctor specializes in children adopted internationally and she tells me his is fine, and not to worry. He did grow 14 inches form 1 to 2 so nutrition does make a lagre difference. Go with your gut and check with a doctor that knows these kids.