Linus, 8 months old, VA

Linus is a very serious baby until someone makes a funny sound. Then his whole face crumples into a gummy grin, his arms flap like tiny wings, and he lets out a giggle so surprised that it seems to startle even him. Linus entered foster care as a newborn, and he has already experienced more change than any baby should. He is learning that the voices around him will keep coming back, that a bottle will be there when he is hungry, and that a warm shoulder is always nearby. He still watches faces very carefully, studying each expression as if he’s memorizing it, and he settles best with gentle routines and lots of cuddles. Every day, he trusts the world a little more. Linus is on the brink of big milestones, rocking on his hands and knees, babbling long strings of sounds, and reaching for everything within arm’s length. He loves textures, bright pictures, and the music of a familiar voice reading aloud. What Linus needs most is a safe, loving home where he is held often and spoken to warmly, and where every new discovery is celebrated.

Wishes submitted by:

The Friends of Foster Care