Monday, February 29, 2016

Visiting Josie and Micah

When children move to live in foster families we all miss seeing them everyday, but perhaps their nannies miss them the most. 

Rebecca, who was Josie's nanny, decided to go visit one afternoon after work.

I'm pretty sure Josie was surprised to see her, and it took a few moments for her to figure out what was going on.



Micah seemed pretty skeptical of these people in his house.



It didn't take too long to see one of Josie's signature smiles.



Micah favorite place is in his mama's arms



Are you ready to walk Micah?



Josie wants down to try to walk too!



The best reward for walking, a group hug in your mama's arms!



Josie and Micah, we all agree you're in good hands!
Sunday, February 28, 2016

NDNorth: Medical Check-ups

Leon and Samuel headed to Beijing on Friday to get some medical check-ups. Their nannies will miss them a bunch! And we will miss them too, but we are happy that they are able to get these check-ups!


These two bring so much happiness and fun to the room!


Samuel, with his newly learned skill of playing peek-a-boo!



And Leon with his newly learned skill of crawling out of his crib and into Paul's crib!


Leon's best buddy, Paul, is certainly going to miss him!


Take care little ones! We hope the doctors give you a good medical report. We can't wait to have you back again!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Wordless Wednesday: Josiah's Joy


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Transformation Tuesday: Elizabeth

Little Elizabeth (or Nora as she was originally called) arrived almost 2 years ago as a very serious little baby with a heart that needed fixing. 


She was surrounded by the loving care of her nannies and soon her serious face turned into one full of smiles.



After she recovered from her heart surgery she was able to move in with a local foster family. 



She kept growing and growing and before we knew it she became a beautiful little girl full of life.




This past November Elizabeth turned 2 and began to attend preschool.




We loved being able to see even more of her personality and hear her sweet giggles.


It is clear that Elizabeth has blossomed with love, and we are so excited that she now gets the chance to blossom under the very best kind of love possible, the love of her forever family.
Monday, February 22, 2016

300 Adoptions!

Adoption is always something to celebrate. It means a child is no longer an orphan and will forever be a son or a daughter. Some of the most exciting moments at New Day are when we find out a child has been matched with a family and then when they are finally able to join them forever.

When the 300th child is adopted from New Day, well, that's an opportunity we can't help but celebrate! And the very special boy who gets the honor of being number 300, Adam! Adam has waited so long to join his family and we were all so excited it was finally his turn.



Everyone joined together in the preschool room to share stories, see pictures, and celebrate all that adoption means. Adam's nanny, along with many others, shared their thoughts and excitement.





And of course, there was cake, which our little guest of honor, Adam, happily helped cut, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed.



Adam's mom was able to share a few of her thoughts with us
When we learned that Adam's adoption would be the 300th adoption from New Day we were thrilled!  What a testimony to such an amazing organization!  Every child deserves a forever family.  No matter what circumstances occur that result in a child becoming orphaned, they deserve a loving family for life.  New Day works tirelessly to not only make sure that the children in their care are loved and secure, but also supports the wonderful gift of adoption that means a forever family.  For Adam to be the 300th adoption means that 299 amazing children have gone before him. 
On February 22, the governments of China and the US will officially recognize Adam as our son.  He will get his forever family.  In our hearts, he has been part of our family for close to a year, from the first time we saw his file.  Our family is so grateful to the New Day family for loving, nurturing, encouraging, educating, and being Adam's family until the paperwork said we could. 
We are currently in China to bring home our three amazing sons that have waited too long for their forever family.  For every one of the 300 New Day adoptees, there are thousands of other children where they once were - no forever family of their own.  Our family is not special, important, capable or perfect, what we are is blessed.  Blessed by the gift of adoption, the greatest gift!  If adoption is on your heart,  say yes.  There is a child out there waiting for their forever family to love them, and they deserve you today.  While we are extremely grateful that Adam had the opportunity to be a part of the New Day family prior to joining our family, it is our prayer and challenge that one day there won't be a need for organizations like New Day, because families everywhere will be lining up for adoption and there will be no children without families.  Because EVERY child deserves a family forever.

As we wonder who will be next


We celebrate each child


We eagerly anticipate each adoption whether it be number 313, 326, 363 or anything in between




(Today is also Nina from New Day Souths adoption day, so #301 is already taken!)

Sunday, February 21, 2016

NDNorth: Laughter is Contagious

Chad has been back at New Day North for about six weeks now. He has recovered from the initial shock of moving and is full of laughter and smiles for anybody who will play with him. He especially loves being tickled and bouncing on balls, as we discovered the other day!


It's hard not to grin, seeing Chad looking so happy!


Laughter is contagious!


And laughter is the best medicine! Thanks for letting us share in your joy, Chad!


Friday, February 19, 2016

Walking In High Heels


Marilyn Monroe once said "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world".  We're pretty sure that Charlotte could conquer the world in her bare feet, but it's fun to practice walking in high heels anyway.


By the way, notice what happens to her shoe at the very end...someone else wants a turn!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Look What He Can Do Now!

Since his arrival in the Summer of 2013, we've posted a lot of updates on Austyn's progress.  This is a big one though, and Austyn has good reason to smile proudly.



Our Physical Therapist, Zoey, has been working steadily and patiently with him on both walking with support and standing without support...


...and now look at him go!

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Transformation Tuesday: Adam

Adam (or Judah, his first English name) arrived almost two years ago a sad and confused little boy. He was abandoned the day he was born and lived in the same orphanage for the first six years of his life. He was suddenly taken away from everything he was used to, including the local dialect he spoke, so it was understandable that he was afraid.



Soon after arriving he found that he didn't have to be scared, and in fact was surrounded by love, and we were able to see just how important love is.



We quickly fell in love with his smiles, laughter, and silly faces.


Adam had surgery to help correct his orthopedic issues and he began the long road towards recovery. There was always a willing helper to push his wheelchair and some of his friends even helped decorate his casts! 




We were all so excited when he moved to the backyard school and he continued to learn and was known to have a lot of fun while doing so.



Since Adam has been the oldest boy in the foster home he assumes the role of big brother. He is loving and gentle towards his little brothers and sisters and so helpful to his teachers and nannies. 



As you may have guessed, Adam will be making the most beautiful transformation of all, from orphan to beloved son. Though he will be missed we are so excited that he will have a forever family to call his own.