Showing posts with label Samuel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samuel. Show all posts
Sunday, September 24, 2017

NDNorth: Thanks For Being You

As you walk into Clara's room at New Day North, you will be immediately greeted by an excited three year old and wrapped in a big hug- and probably given a few kisses. 


This little girl takes life whimsically... 


And seriously...


She loves helping, and Samuel seems to love it too. 



 Mindy loves a big sister's company, and Clara loves to supply it.




When there are tiny things to do with one's hands, no one is more intense than Clara...


And no one more enchanted. 




When you need a good friend, Caleb has found that Clara is just the right person to go to... 


And when we need an overdose of heart-tugging and adorableness, we know where to go, too! 


Thank you, Clara, just for being the wonderful you that you are. 

Sunday, January 22, 2017

NDNorth: From the Bottom of our Hearts

Christmas in January... why not? The children and nannies at our In-Orphanage Care Center celebrated a combined Christmas and Chinese New Year party this week. There was anticipation... 


...and snacks for young and old, complete with pumpkin bread and eggnog. 


As everyone gathered round, Christmas songs were sung in cheery Christmas spirit.


The children then helped pass out gifts to their nannies. Merry Christmas, Ida! 



Merry Christmas, Leah!


Rina helped to give Diane her gift.


Why, thank you, Rina!


All of the children received new outfits, and what fun to open them up and try them on! 

Just for you, Ding! 



You're so pretty in yellow and purple, Ruby. 


Rina strikes a pose in her snazzy new jeans


What a little lady, Evangeline! And did you get two dresses?



Chad was adorable with his dinosaur and matching outfit! 


Could Caleb be any more dashing than in a sweater and overalls? We think not. 


All together now! 



All of the children also received a group gift, from generous local sponsors. 






The new toys were so intriguing, even Grace had to try out the tunnel!


But there was more! We not only wanted to wish each other Merry Christmas, but also a Happy New Year. There were reflections from 2016, remembering events that had happened and dynamics that had changed. 2016 saw children adopted, new arrivals, as well as growth and health in the children. 


Traditional Chinese New Year "red envelopes" were given in honor of the upcoming Year of the Rooster!






Belated as it may be, we truly want to wish you and your families all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from the bottom of our hearts! May this year be full of newness, accomplishments, joy, and growth. 新年快乐!
Sunday, November 13, 2016

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!
Sunday, September 11, 2016

NDNorth: Samuel's Talents

Samuel is a boy of many talents. He’s an avid book-lover...



And an aspiring musician.




He’s one of the sweetest, smooshiest cuddle-bugs you’ll find...




But he’s just recently added to his fine list of accomplishments...

SITTING independently

 


And STANDING on his own by the sofa!

 

These photos were taken by his nanny as she was so proud him and excited at these milestones for little Samuel!



We sure are proud of you, Samuel. You’ve already overcome so much in your life, and it’s a joy to see you happy, growing, and exploring!