x
Breaking News
More () »

Forever family needed to help Isajah and Alia thrive

Brother and sister Isajah and Alia lived apart for eight months, but now they're in the same foster home.

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Brother and sister Isajah and Alia lived apart for eight months, but now they're in the same foster home.

The one person even more excited than Isajah, 4, is his two-year-old sister Alia.

"They've come a long ways. A long ways," foster mother Vanessa said.

She says these moments are so precious, because just five short months ago Alia lacked almost any expression.

"All she would do is look up in the sky and just move her head and she wouldn't talk. All she would do is cry for the first month," she said.

In addition to their two foster kids, Vanessa and Jose have their own children.

"We have two kids and one that we adopted, a 10-year-old that has cerebral palsy," Vanessa said.

And though they are quite busy, they are passionate about helping children like Isajah and Alia transition into a permanent home.

"My house is crazy but I love it. I love having kids," Vanessa said.

The foster family took in 4-year-old Isajah last November, and then his 2-year-old biological sister joined them in February.

"When she came to me, she started talking a lot because she wouldn't talk. Now she says a couple words. She says Isajah, my daughter's name, the baby's name," Vanessa said.

Both Alia and Isajah have developmental delays, but their foster parents say with guidance and love, these kids are thriving.

"Isajah speaks a lot now. All he would do when he came to me was cry, cry for everything, cry for food, cry for his clothes, for everything," Vanessa said.

Isajah has since learned to express himself with words. During our play date at Boomers San Diego, he demonstrated his good sharing skills with his sister. Isajah then came up to me while I was interviewing his foster dad to offer me a snack.

"He's something else. He's come a long way from when he first came to the house. He was quiet, but now he listens. He's real good, he's come a long ways," Jose said.

Jose and Vanessa have high hopes and expectations for these siblings.

"Yes, they are really smart. They can learn, people don't think they can learn, but they could," Vanessa said.

Their ultimate wish is for Isajah and Alia to find a forever family.

"They need a good loving home," Vanessa said.

If you're interested in adopting, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U.

Before You Leave, Check This Out