Monday, August 31, 2015

Hudson and Enya

“There’s no other love like the love for a brother. There’s no other love like the love from a brother.” Terri Guillemets


Though Enya and Hudson are foster siblings, they really are siblings in every sense of the word. They support, encourage, and love each other, and although we don’t see it often, we imagine they have their share of disagreements. Their relationship is so sweet to watch.
Enya is always willing to give her brother a ride or push his scooter as fast as it will go.


Hudson is quick to praise Enya with a big smile and hug. He loves being the driver when they are in the car.


Enya will happily share with Hudson, and he doesn’t hesitate to do the same.



They laugh together, play together, and learn together. Who else but a sibling could you make faces this silly with?



And, at the end of the day, they are both so excited to go home with their foster mom!


We long for the day they are both matched with their forever families but are so grateful that they have the chance to learn what it means to be a sibling now.

--
This post was written by our volunteer preschool teacher, Abby.
Sunday, August 30, 2015

NDNorth: We could use some help...

Sometimes our kids are just so incredibly cute that we have no idea how to respond. All ability to communicate leaves us and we're left with our jaw dropped open, giggles welling up inside of us.

For example, these pictures of Timothy. Actually, it's not the pictures that are so insanely adorable, it's the little kid in the pictures, and what he's doing. Has learning how to crawl/scooting across the floor ever looked so precious and hilarious?

I'm at a loss for words. How to caption these photos? Will you help? Pick a photo, or the whole series, and comment with your caption. Be creative!

And now, the pictures...












Friday, August 28, 2015

Baby Room Photoshoot: Cuteness and Craziness

You can probably imagine the challenge of trying to take a group picture in the baby room.


One child needs propping up, one starts to cry, while another looks totally confused by the whole thing. One child strikes an adorable pose, but forgets to look at the camera.


We all need somebody to lean on, but sometimes all the leaning gets a bit too much!


One little guy manages a picture-perfect smile, but unfortunately everyone else is looking worried / falling over / closing their eyes.  Never mind, good effort, Ronan!


Maybe it would be easier to get a good picture of just two babies, how about Janessa and Eli, as they're the 'big ones'?


These two are such little characters, the pictures cry out for some silly captions...

"So, Janessa, I think they should move that picture over a little to the left. What do you think?"


A photo-shoot is tiring work, and after a while Eli decides he needs to rest his head for a moment.


Looks like Janessa's shoulder makes a comfortable pillow...


Or maybe he's just getting fed-up of sharing the limelight.  A solo spot, that's better.  High five!

Thursday, August 27, 2015

NDSouth: A Typical Thursday at New Day South

A Typical Thursday might begin a little like this...

 Zeke enjoying looking at pictures of his new Momma & Baba...
   
Abigail practicing her smiles, way to go Abigail!


 Jade and Ruth making beautiful music together in our playroom...


Sadie relaxing during her massage therapy time...


...and who's toes are those?


Why it's Hayden working hard!  Way to go Hayden.


Thad and Nina love having fun with their Ayi...

...while Evelyn's favorite thing to do on a Thursday is cuddle with her Ayi.

Sophia, you're right, Thursdays at New Day South ARE fun!


Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Friends


Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Josiah (and Michael's) Big News

Josiah and Michael (previously known as Gideon) arrived at New Day at the same time, and both wear BAHA hearing aids.  They get along really well in preschool, and it's great for them to be able to work on their sign language together.



Michael went to live with a foster family back in March, and we had been waiting for a spot to open up for Josiah so that he could go too.



How excited does Josiah look about being Michael's foster-brother?!



When Levi left to join his forever family, his amazing foster family had space to take in a new child. They've already been trained in caring for a child with hearing impairment, so it was the perfect family for Josiah to go to.



The moment of handover from Wang Shu, our Foster Family Manager, to Josiah's new foster mama, Anna.  As you can see, Josiah is a little heavy for her to comfortably hold this pose for too long!


With the official photos taken, Josiah was excited to get to his new home.


Doesn't he look pleased?


It's okay, Josiah - mama will pedal, you get to ride in the back with Michael!


Michael is already matched with a forever family, and we hope that Josiah will be matched soon too, but for now they can both get on with learning what it means to be part of a loving family.



Monday, August 24, 2015

Nora's Visit

Nora comes by for regular visits with her foster mama.  She's always beautifully dressed and full of adorable enthusiasm!



On this particular day, our photographer managed to capture most of Nora's visit in pictures, so we thought you might like a little glimpse...


First, a walk through backyard, to visit our Foster Family Manager's office.  Then back towards the foster home, where it looks like Nora has a small concern about something...


"Do I need to get a shot?".  Going into the foster home itself means going upstairs to the medical office, which can sometimes mean vaccinations.


Don't worry, Nora.  No shots today, just your regular monthly check-up.  Phew!


Nora gets weighed and measured, and we take a look at her teeth, just to check everything is okay. Good job, Nora.


The best thing about the medical office (besides the awesome medical care!), is that it is right next to the therapy room.  There's always something fun going on in there.


Like Olivia's Occupational Therapy activity!  Nora was excited to come over and take a look.


Olivia looks kind-of in awe of Nora, doesn't she?


Nora was very sweet and gentle with Olivia.  She was pretty surprised to learn that Olivia is actually a couple of months older than her!


It's true, Olivia will have her second birthday next month, while Nora isn't two until November.


As you can see, Nora is very busy and has plenty to say for herself.  It's such a treat to hang out with her for a little while.

(In case you are wondering, the lump on her arm is a mosquito bite.  Being right next to a river, there are way too many of them and they think our kids are delicious, despite fervent efforts with bug-spray. Nora got some itch-relieving gel for this nasty bite).


All too soon though, it's time to head home.  Goodbye, Nora - see you next time!