Let Them Be Little

Our children have gone through so much in their short lives, way more than any child should have to go through. They know the feeling of abandonment and have spent too many nights in hospitals. 

Because of their past is it even more important to let them be little. To give them normal childhood experiences that are full of joy and exploration. 

It is even more important to show them how loved they are and to teach them how to love.

Our kids have missed out on so much. So many first have come way too late and so many simple joys have been missed.

So, we take every opportunity to let them be kids. To let them experience the joys of childhood and to create memories that will bring smiles in the years to come. 

Playing in the rain is one of the little things we like to do to let our kids be little!

Music Time!

Every Thursday a music teacher visits our preschool class! We all love her and the kids have so much fun. We thought you might like a little peek into our music class.

Austyn is ready

James, does that tickle?

Freddy, is that funny?

Yay!

Maggie claps her hands

Sophie touches her shoulders

Let's dance!

Josie and Maggie are having so much fun

All that music made everyone pretty tired!

Gingerbread Houses

"Wait wait wait you can't eat that yet!" was the anthem of our gingerbread house making. Our kids created wonderful sticky houses together using all the icing that didn't make it to their mouths. We loved getting to share this Christmas tradition with the children and from the pictures, we think they enjoyed it as well. The houses did turn out quite nice and very delicious.

So Many Leaves!

To kids fall leaves mean one thing, something to play with! Everyday they would watch the leaves falling from the trees until finally the pile was big enough to go outside and play in!

Some of the kids liked to sit in the pile while others preferred throwing the leaves in the air.

Everyone giggled as the leaves fell everywhere!

I think we can all agree, playing in the leaves is the best part of fall!

Celebrating Austyn

We take celebrating birthdays very seriously here at New Day. Once a month the children are gathered and the birthday boys and girls get to enjoy their very own birthday party. We sing and clap, light candles and eat the cake. Presents are often handed out and everyone is (usually!) happy.

This week we celebrated one of our very special boys, Austyn!

Since Austyn arrived at New Day 4 years ago we have had the honor of celebrating so many milestones with him.

When he arrived Austyn was 6 years old and not able to sit up. We have seen him learn to move, crawl, and finally walk on his own!

We have watched as he has learned to drink and eat solid foods.

We have seen him learn to trust people and interact with those around him.

We love hearing his loud laughter and his shrieks of enjoyment fill the room.

Austyn has celebrated countless holidays and with us and we love celebrating with him.

We are so proud of him and all of the progress that he has made.

Now, Austyn is 10, which means he has had 4 New Day birthday parties. Our sweet boy has reached double digits and continues to amaze us as he grows.

We have one wish for Austyn as he blows his candles out, that this is the last birthday he celebrates without his forever family. 

Playing in the Rain

Childhood should be fun. Childhood should be messy. Childhood should be full of adventures. So today we chose to have rainy day adventure. We splashed, jumped, and got wet. Giggles spread throughout the backyard and smiles filled faces. Childhood memories were made!

Summer in the Backyard

With summer weather arriving, the nannies and children of NDFH Beijing are soaking up the warmth on their skin and the gentle breeze that blows through the backyard.

Austyn loves the swing and is always so excited when someone wants to give him a little extra push.

Another fan of swinging, Nathan looks forward to the extra time outside.

"Beijing Snow" (cotton from the cottonwood trees) covered the trampoline in early June. The kids were so excited to see it cleaned off and ready to welcome them for playtime.

Rabbits are a new addition to the backyard. The rolling cages allow the rabbits more room to roam the yard, much to Owen's delight.

Water and sand are a perfect combination for James to be creative...and a bit messy!

In the cold weather months, lingering the backyard doesn't take place. As the temperature rise, nannies are lingering under the cool of the shade while the kids are soaking up the extra time outside. Scooter, tricycles, and the trampoline are back in action and an sweet peace settles over the yard each day.