Christmas Tree

With so many changes this year we were thankful that we still were able to celebrate Christmas with all the kids and staff as a family. It was a busy and happy time for everybody decorating a Christmas tree together.

Freddy was so excited when he heard that there would be a Christmas party. He told his nanny that there will be a beautiful tree in the room and Santa will come to pass the presents to everyone. He does remember that "Santa" showed up every single Christmas. 

Freddy and James were the first two to start decorating the tree (like pros) with the ornaments when they saw the tree set up in the room. The other children saw them decorating the tree and started helping them.

It takes effort for the CP kids to do this, but they couldn't wait to help. Stephanie was sitting on the floor watching what was going on in the room, and she bubbled with joy when she saw something new and interesting.

When it was her turn to decorate, Lydia (project coordinator) was standing behind her ready to help. Lydia thought she needed to help Stephanie with lifting her arm to reach the branch, but instead Stephanie stretched out her arm herself to reach the branch. Lydia was surprised and very proud of her.

Lydia said the reason Stephanie can reach her arm herself was because her nannies work on her stretching daily. It's the benefit from what they do.

Stephanie can also now speak a couple simple words like JieJie (Sister), Mama (Mom), Peng Peng (Austyn's Chinese name), Xi Yang (James' Chinese name), Ming Ming (Freddy's Chinese name), etc. She understands a lot when somebody talks to her.

NDNorth: Stephanie and Several Thousand Words

Just some sweet recent photos of our dear Stephanie... Because. She's wonderful.

NDNorth: Children's Day!

It’s Childrens’ Day in China (June 1st), and the small folk of the local orphanage are in for a treat. They are dressed in their best and are patiently awaiting the show to begin.

The children have front row seats for the performance. They are trying very hard to be patient as they wait for it to begin. The nannies have clothed them in their brightest outfits, and adorned their faces with stickers to add to the celebratory atmosphere.

Michael is so happy to be out with his friends. The smile on his face is pure delight!

Stephanie looks very happy to be one of the children being celebrated on this holiday. But her smile grows even bigger…

…as she is handed a pure, sugary delight.

Rina has her own serving of cotton candy. However, she doesn’t seem too certain about trying out this new treat.

Emerson has NO reservations when it comes to this delicious confection. He grabs the stick and wholeheartedly finishes the sweet concoction.

Caleb is giving enthusiastic applause for the performance. Clearly, he enjoyed it.

Evangeline is grateful that she can sit on her nanny’s lap and snuggle. For her, this is the very best part of Children’s Day.

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this post was written by our volunteer, Ruth

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

NDNorth: Imaginations at Work

What do you have in the box, Stephanie?

All the pretend play toys, huh?  You seem pretty excited about it! 

Be careful as you pick out your fruit. We don't want any of the apples with worms in them!

What are you cooking, Emerson? 

Something yummy, I am sure. How does it taste?

Let's give some to Nanny and see what she thinks.

I think it was a hit, Emerson! 

What do you think, Stephanie? How's your flatbread? 

Great job baking, Stephanie and Emerson! It is always fun and exciting to see you learning and using your imaginations. 

NDNorth: Stephanie's Birthday Cake

Guess who just turned 9? Must be this pretty lady!

Looks like your friends, Emerson and Kristiana, are excited for cake!

But this cake is missing something...

Must be the sprinkles! Which ones do you want Stephanie?

Oooh! Good choice! Can you help me put them on?

The cake looks perfect now! Leon cannot wait to eat a piece!

But first we need to do something very important...Blow out your candles, Stephanie!

Wow...we are so impressed. You blew out your candles by yourself! All that practice blowing on pinwheels and blowing bubbles must have paid off!

You really are growing up, Stephanie. We love you and are so proud of all the progress you have made this year!