Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Stella


The Forever Home: Farewell and Welcome



On Sunday we said farewell to Elly, who left to join her forever family.  We took one last group picture together.  Elly was so excited and did so well. She was well prepared and happy to be joining her forever family!  Though we will miss her dearly, and our home will never be the same without sweet Elly and her precious laughter, we couldn't possibly be happier for her!!




Then, just today, we said welcome to the Forever Home's two newest girls.  Both their English names yet to be chosen.



Monday, October 29, 2012

A Boy and his Dog

It was just a normal, happy fall day for a boy and his dog. Since the first day that Asher was at NDFH, he fell in love with Tom, our dog, and they just get closer and closer!


Yesterday, Asher was proudly wearing his hat around the backyard, when he realized that his good friend Tom didn't have a hat. And so he tried to put his hat on Tom's head, but it kept falling off!


Asher tried very, very hard to put his hat on Tom's head and get it to stay there.


He had no end of troubles getting the hat to stay on. Check out this adorable video we got of Asher trying and trying and trying to get the hat onto Tom's head. It's too funny.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Annabel's Amazing Story

Her story began with life June 2, 2012, the day she was born, but in less than a week it already looked like a tragedy. Left in a bundle at the local hospital, Annabel’s tiny, frail body struggled to survive. A treasure born into a broken world, abandonment and illness were already making their tragic way into Annabel’s story. But Annabel was found, and then admitted immediately into the hospital where she was diagnosed with a very complicated tracheal esophageal fistula – disorder of the digestive system in which the esophagus does not develop properly. Annabel’s condition was so complex that the doctors were unable to place a feeding tube, and so she survived on IV nutrition for nearly two months, until she came into our care.

The weather forecast for July 26, 2012 gave a 90% chance of rain. Flooding was expected and our hearts were in our throats as Annabel was disconnected from the IV nutrition and oxygen that had sustained her life for two months and carried into the car that would drive her the six hours from her orphanage to the hospital in Beijing. We prayed that the car would not get stuck in the floods and that she would survive. Those prayers were answered in marvelous ways. It didn't rain a single drop, and as we stood waiting at the entrance of the hospital, Annabel was carried from the car – alive. She was rushed into an already-reserved bed and immediately put on oxygen.  
 
 As Annabel’s condition was examined, the doctors were very concerned. On the evening of July 29th we were called to the hospital to talk with the doctors about her case. Half of her one lung had collapsed and was bleeding. She was in serious condition. We prayed, and while Annabel didn't improve, she didn’t get worse either. But as the days went by and Annabel didn't gain strength, the chances of her surviving the impending surgery grew slimmer… and then Annabel began to deteriorate. For Annabel to have a chance at survival, her doctors were going to have to leap at the fast-narrowing window of opportunity and operate.

August 13th the doctors scheduled her for surgery – a last-ditch effort to save her life. The 4 hour surgery on our 5lb treasure was successful, but Annabel was not out of the woods yet. Her lung was still collapsed and she was very, very weak. But it was a miracle that Annabel had survived the surgery, that her orphanage had contacted us when they did and that Annabel was able to make it to New Day.
 
Annabel’s miracle continued to develop, and in the following days, Annabel improved. Her lung slowly recovered and she began receiving nutrition through a feeding tube. Within a few weeks, she was drinking formula, for the first time in her life.

 September 28th, 2012, two months after Annabel had arrived at New Day – though she never actually stayed on the grounds, Annabel was released from the hospital. She is still quite weak, but is gaining weight and smiling. When her story began, it looked like a tragedy. But today? Annabel is very much a miracle and her story is full of overwhelming hope. 

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Fall Days {Collecting Leaves}

What's that in your hands, Micah? Where did you get those leaves?


Collecting new, dry, crunchy leaves seems to be the popular activity right now.


Colton keeps track of how many leaves he has collected...

It looks like Lucy may have the largest handful of leaves, what do you think she's going to do with all of them?

Why, she's going to pass them out to all of her friends and teachers, of course! Would you like one?

Cara is also collecting leaves to share, though she'd rather bring all of hers home to her foster family.


Now, what could Asher be planning to do with all of his leaves?



Any guesses?

Who do you Sponsor this Christmas?

Ya'll have had fun picking out children to spnosor this Christmas, haven't you? We have sure had alot of fun, and can't wait to see all of the goodies you pick out for them.

If you have a blog, we have a little "thank you" gift for you! I Sponsor a NDFH Child for Christmas blog buttons!

Check out some of the examples...










So, what do you think? Do you need on for your blog? Do you need a blog for your button? All that you need to do is e-mail Valerie (almquist@fmtcs.com) with "Christmas Button" in the subject line and tell her which child(ren) you are sponsoring. She'll get you set up with the rest!

Alright, then, back to shopping!

P.S. Have a little extra room in your package? Check our our newly updated needs list and squeeze a few of the items inside! (Liquid Claritin, Liquid Zyrtec, Neosporin, Children's Calium Tablets, Infant Tylenol, Fluoride rinse, Benadryl Cream, Poly Vitamin Drops with Iron etc. etc.)
Friday, October 26, 2012

Wherever I Go

We knew that it would be good for Will to have Jeffery as a roommate. It would help him develop "big boy" habits and a tender "big brother" attitude, but we had no idea just what a fabulous big brother Will would turn out to be.

When Jeffery returned from the hospital after his cleft lip surgery, his nanny told Will, "Be careful with his lip! Don't let him mess it up on the floor." Jeffery, being a growing little boy, started trying to roll over... but when Will saw this, he did his best at being a big brother and rolled little Jeffery back over every single time.

Will likes to make sure that Jeffery is content, so you will often find them together, Will gently rocking Jeffery back and forth in his little chair.


One time, just the other day, Will was rocking Jeffery and keeping him happy when his nanny called him for snack time. Adverse to leave his little brother, Will pushed Jeffery right out the door with him and straight down the hall.

And we got it on video...

Favorite Photo Friday: A Boy and his Dog

Saying Hello

Last night, two little boys joined the New Day Foster Home family. These two have already stolen the market on cuteness, I'm afraid. They are adorable.

Meet Hudson.

Meet Seth.


We've learned quickly that Hudson is a happy little guy with a smile that lights up the world.


He's happy and he knows it, apparently. We're sure that he'll keep getting happier as he learns how much he is loved here.


Seth is a more timid little guy. He seems strong and...


... and his little eyes disappear when he smiles.


A big, warm welcome to these sweet guys. We look forward to seeing them grow and shine.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NDSouth: Our Newest Arrivals!

In just over a month we have had three new children join our “family” here at New Day South. That puts our total number of children at 12 which is a full house! With all the excitement, we realized that we have failed to introduce our newest children to you all.

Leila is our newest child to join New Day South, arriving just two weeks ago. When she first arrived, she wasn’t quite so sure what she thought of us, but with love and attention she has warmed up and decided we aren’t that bad. When in the playroom, you will quite often witness her precious smile to brighten your day. We are very excited to be a part of this little girl’s life and to watch her blossom and grow.

Daphne is 12 years old and is temporarily in our care. She has fit right in and is a wonderful “jie jie” or big sister to all of our children. She loves to color, draw, and will often be found with her coloring book and crayons. She is learning the preschool songs quickly and loves all the motions that go along with them.
Matthew is the “baby of the family.” At just one month old, when not sleeping, he is seen eating and being held and adored by the nannies and staff. All the children love him and are always eager to help with their little brother.
Life at New Day South is louder and more chaotic with 12 children, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Each and every child is a blessing and we are glad to be a part of their lives.

And then They Walked

With medical conditions like what Joel and Elly struggle with each day, it would be a miracle if they ever walked. Oh, wait a minute... they are.

Just recently, Joel has been using crutches more often. He's getting stronger and more steady month by month!


Elly's still using her walker, but this girl is fast. She can out-run the best of them.


Elly and Joel, we're so proud of you two and the miracles that you're achieving for yourselves every single day! Keep on walking.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Esther Bunny

Monday, October 22, 2012

All You Wanted To Know {The Twins}

Ava and Nora.


They look pretty alike, don't they?


But despite their similarity in looks, these twins have very different personalities.

Ava is the more rambunctious of the two. She is very loud, and loves to babble nonsense to herself. She is the more ticklish one of the two, and her smile is massive. She isn't afraid of strangers, and she absolutely LOVES to be held.


Nora, on the other hand, has a bit more quiet of a personality. She is a bit shy, and not as vocal as Ava, though she is starting to say basic words. Nora doesn't mind playing by herself, but when someone she knows well is in the room, she will demand their attention. Extremely affectionate, Nora loves to snuggle. Often times, she will crawl up into my lap, lean back, and simply play with my hands and touch my face. She stands like a pro, and I recently saw her take a couple steps by herself.


These twins are so special and so unique. They will be such a blessing to their foster mama, and eventually, their forever mama!

---
This post was written by our wonderful volunteer and expert twin wrangler, Page

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Sponsor a Staff for Christmas!

Our nannies, teachers and foster parents work hard, day in and day out. They are full-time lovers and nurturers and encourages. We thought that it would be nice - as a special 'thank you' to them, to show them just how much their work is appreciated. So, we're going to open up our Christmas Sponsorship program to the nannies, teachers and foster parents!


What to send? Oh, you should be able to come up with some lovely, creative items. Our nannies are always excited about gifts from America- they love the quality and the uniquness! Scarves, gloves, de-caffinated tea, candles, lotien... the options are nearly overwhelming. Our nannies and staf are simple people with big hearts. We can't wait to see what you come up with!



Here's how:

  • All packages must be sent through USPS
  • All packages must be mailed before Thanksgiving (November 22).
  • Make sure that the staff's name is marked clearly on the package
  • The package must be either Medium Flat Rate or Shoe Box sized
  • Packages for New Day Foster Home (Beijing) should be shipped to:
c/o Hannah / Staff's Name
New Day Foster Home
Qingyundian Township
Daxing District
Beijing PRC 102605
  • Packages for New Day South (Zhongshan) Should be mailed to:
Doug Bush
La Cite Greenville, A12 District, Bldg A6-602
Torch Hi Tech Industrial Development Zone,
Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, China 528437


BEIJING STAFF -- e-mail hannah@newdaycreations.com with whom you would like to sponsor!

Management Staff


Grace

Amy
Sponsored!

Sarah

Grace

Wang Shu

Jane

Kevin

John

Wayne

Ruth

Ganlu


Education Department


Sarah

Gloria
Sponsored!

Alina

Holly
Sponsored!

Helen

Medical Staff


Nancy

Zoey

Lillian

Hanna

Sandie
Doctor
Sponsored!
Sponsored!

Nannies


Naomi

Sally
Sponsored!

Sharon

Fay
Sponsored!

Eve

Myra

Shirley
Sponsored!

Judy
Sponsored!

Cora

Diana
Sponsored!

Annie

Alice
Sponsored!

Rachel
Sponsored!

Yvonne

Julia
Sponsored!

Sophie
Sponsored!

Mary
Sponsored!

Lucy
Sponsored!

Peggy

Rose

Brenda

Andrea

Leanna

Penny

Rita

Elizabeth

Shena

Susan

Leah

Wendy
Sponsored!

Joy

Esther

Meg

Cindy
Sponsored!

Jenny
Sponsored!

Angela
Sponsored!


Facility/Drivers


James

Adam

Mark

Jerry

Beijing Foster Families

Will and Jessica
Sponsored!

Ethan and Julia

Bill and Joanna
Sponsored!

Tom and Suzy

Luke and Christine
Sponsored!

Steve and Emily
Sponsored!

Coreen and Don

Daniel and Virginia
Sponsored!

Bryan and Melaline

Anna and Joseph
Sponsored!

Jim and Vicki

Lydia and Pete
Sponsored!

Lindsey and Samuel

New Day South Staff - e-mail Anneli@newdaycreations.com with whom you would like to sponsor!


Katrina

Susan
Linda

Leanne

Elaine

Anna
Sponsored!
ND South Manager


Happy Shopping!