NDNorth: An afternoon in the life...

It was near perfect weather. The sun was out. The temperature was warm. And the children of New Day North were excited for an outing.

They are so ready in their bright red strollers. They can hardly wait to get to their work of the day: PLAY!

Chad’s smile is winsome, but there is great joy hidden behind it.

 

Evangeline is quietly enjoying the glider with her nanny close beside her.

Mindy says, “Higher, please!”

Michael looks a bit unsure, but his smile indicates he wants to slide again.

Clara loves the chance to practice her walking skills outside in the fresh air.

Clearly, mastering the slide is no problem for Emerson

Caleb loves the warm, powdery sand.

 

The smooth riding strollers and the adventurous spirits of the children cried out for a race. Ready, set, go! Chad and Evangeline are the winners!

Could Stephanie’s face be any more joyful??? She loved this afternoon outing.

Sadly, the time grew short, and the outing had to end. But the tired smiles of the children and the nannies demonstrate the success of the afternoon activity

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this post was written by our volunteer, Ruth

NDN: Spring Birthdays!

We celebrated four birthdays last week for our March-May birthday kiddos!

Isaiah turned two, Caleb turned three, Michael turned six and Clara is soon to be three! Big parties are the most fun, so we celebrated all together with cake and candles and lots of singing.

  

Presents are pretty fun, too! Caleb got a new shirt and some coloring stuff.

 

Clara and her nanny opened up her birthday presents together. That pink top is going to look so nice on her!

 

 Ok, time for cake! Those sprinkles sure do look tasty, don't they, kids? Three candles for Caleb...

Clara: "You go first, Caleb, I'm not sure how to do this. Are you sure this is safe?"

...and he goes for it! Nice work, Caleb!

Ok, it's Clara's turn now!

Your turn, Isaiah!

Wow - six candles sure is a lot. Michael joined our little family in July of last year, so this is the first birthday that we've been able to celebrate with him. What fun!

Not sure what to do, Michael? It's okay, we'll help you...

Michael got a book for his birthday, and he loves having it read to him. There are few things better than being read to by your nanny.

 

Happy, happy birthday, precious ones! You are so very much loved and celebrated. We love celebrating with you so much, but we all hope that you will get to celebrate your next birthdays with forever families. Until then...  let's eat some cake.

NDNorth: Learning to Play, Playing to Learn

Fun things have been happening here at New Day North! Recently, all of the nannies got together for a big meeting, some announcements, some changes, some news of loved children who have joined their families, and some opportunities to re-live childhood days. It was a packed few hours!

These ladies give so much of themselves every shift...

...and they continue to, even when the children they love dearly make positive-though-heart-rending transitions.

New Day North cares for some pretty special children. Thus, we have some pretty special nannies! It always takes a lot of patience, love, and creativity to continue helping the children along to the next step they need to take. During this training, we wanted to help these special nannies to take hold of the best way to help each child in their care.

"Do you know what we want you to do every single time you come to work?" we asked them.

Can you guess?



"What we want is for you to play! Every time you are on shift, you should be playing as you work. Play is the best way for children to grow and develop. Your job is to play!"

As adults, though, we know that is easier said than done, right?

So we began learning, together, how to play.

There was a lot of laughter as nannies began remembering and enacting the simplicity of playing like a child.

"Don't just play with your children," we kept reminding them, "Now is your time to learn how to play by playing with each other!"

But that is also easier said than done, especially when you have a new doctor outfit and such adorable kiddos to put in it...

"We don't know how to play!" One nanny explained at the end to someone who had not attended the training. "So we are learning how. If we play well, then the children will learn just from watching us. And after they watch us, they will imitate us."

That's just it!

By their heart and hard work, these ladies have already made significant impacts on each child's life. Now, by their creativity in play and eagerness to learn, we are excited to see just how far the children can go!

NDNorth: Getting to Know Mindy

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you.

Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me.

Getting to know you, putting it my way,
But nicely,
You are precisely,
My cup of tea.

Getting to know you,

Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you,
Getting to know what to say

Haven't you noticed
Suddenly I'm bright and breezy
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I'm learning about you
Day by day.

Sharing your spirit,
Sharing your tears and your laughter
Hoping it goes on,
Hoping it lasts endlessly

Getting to know you, putting it my way,
But sweetly,
You are completely,
My friend you see.

Telling you my dreams,
Getting to feel that you're with me
Making our own fun,
Knowing we know how to play

Now that I've met you
Suddenly I'm mostly happy

I've found a new pal, beautiful and true
Yes I'm talking about you
Friends today

"Getting to Know You" (The King and I)
HART, LORENZ / RODGERS, RICHARD
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., IMAGEM U.S. LLC

NDNorth: Lots of Love to Go Around

Ruby has always been a beautiful little girl. But these days, we have really seen her personality shine!

She's got some great nannies who love on her so well!

Looks like she loves them a lot too!

They have so much fun together...

With all this love she's receiving, Ruby has a lot to share...how about a hug, Isaiah?

Sweet Ruby...we hope you continue to grow in knowing how loved you are and sharing that with others!

NDNorth: Isaiah's First Birthday!

This week we celebrated a very special little boy’s first birthday! Isaiah has been feeling a bit under the weather recently, but we still wanted to celebrate the occasion.

He didn’t mind the frosting on his nose too much. It is a rite of passage, you know!

And even though he wasn't feeling the best, he enjoyed the extra hugs and attention from his nanny.

Isaiah is such a special little boy and it is amazing to see his improvement since he came into our program last fall.

Love makes all the difference!

Happy birthday Isaiah! We hope that this year will be a year of continued healing and happiness. May your cheeks grow chubbier and your smile happier! You are loved, little one!