Moving Along . . .

Fall is finally here in Florida, and we look forward to celebrating all the upcoming holidays as a family of five. Check out Brett's progress with his prosthesis since September!

All I Want for Christmas . . .

As many of you know, the adults in our family don't buy each other Christmas presents. Instead, we put our resources together to travel to be with each other. This year, I'm asking for a gift from anyone able to help. Please consider providing the healthy start so many orphans need. New Day provides opportunities, surgeries, therapy, the chance of a forever family, and the love these children need. Unfortunately, the needs of the children brought to New Day weren't always met in their home orphanages. New Day is trying to help other orphanages who might otherwise use watered-down milk, sugar water, or cheaper formula from unreliable companies. I'd be honored for friends and family to make a donation to New Day's Milk fund on behalf of Brett's family.




Blessings,
Cindy

The other side of the world

Brett brought home his leg yesterday. We look forward to practicing as much as possible this weekend before returning for more therapy/training next week. Knowing Brett's strong will, he will master this. We were told it could take 6 months to a year to master the walking. If so, no problem; he has waited three years for this. Right now, he is just excited to show off his new addition!

I've been up a couple of hours reflecting how God has led us to this point. The email with Brett's picture that started the journey all the way to this day. I also know how different Brett's life would be in China. Why the deep thoughts at 3am? Take a look at New Day's latest arrival.



What a cutie! Please lift up Samuel in your prayers that he will be given an opportunity to experience the same blessings that have been provided for Brett.

New Day Web Site

Ten toes . . .

Not many adoptive parents of toddlers have the joy of witnessing first steps. On Wednesday, my eyes filled with tears as I watched Brett stand on two legs for the first time. On Thursday he managed a step or two by swinging his hips. As most of you know, Brett has no femur so his fittings thus far have included many adjustments. Brett’s prosthesis is not the simplest so we feel very blessed to be working with one of the best teams in the world. We can’t say enough about Stan Patterson and his team. They are still working on some changes to Brett’s leg. He tends to slip out of his liner at the top since he has no real “stump” so to speak. We are traveling daily right now for PT in the leg. I’m not sure at what point he will become proficient enough to bring it home. Needless to say, we are all excited!
Otherwise, Brett is adjusting well. He goes to preschool a couple mornings a week at our church. It didn’t take long for his teachers to realize he is a real charmer. Even Chloe has come around with her “approval” of Brett (most of the time). We want to thank everyone for their support and prayers. We apologize for the lack of updating lately.

We are a family of five! Brett has been home for two weeks today and is adjusting well. We apologize for not posting earlier, but the adjustment to the time zone along with Vacation Bible School, visitors, etc. have kept us busy. I’ll also let you know that I’m not much of a blogger at home, but I’ll try to send out an email updating everyone once in awhile. If you’re interested in receiving email updates, please just leave a comment or email me.



Brett continues to be a happy, healthy little boy. Actually, he is a good size three year old by American standards. The doctors have all been impressed with his health and strength (Thank you New Day!). Brett will be casted one week from Monday to begin the process of building his prosthetic leg. His is a complicated case as he has no bone/stump, so it will likely take some adjustments over some time. We are excited to get him upright, but in the meantime, he has no problems keeping up with his sisters. Abigail loves caring for Brett and playing the role of the Big Sister. Chloe is taking on the traditional Little Sister role and aggravating him to death. Brett is a wonderful brother, tackling the girls, smothering them with kisses, and playing jokes on them. All in all, everything is as it should be.



Brett has become good buddies with our God Son, Addison, and a couple of kids at church. Funny story: Within minutes of meeting Addison at the airport, Brett continuously pointed out that Addison only has one eye. Never occurred to Brett that he looks a little different also. I just love the perspective of a child! We've also enrolled Brett in preschool three mornings a week for the fall, and he is currently enjoying going to church and VBS. He loves anything with wheels and even uses a dump truck given to him by his Papa as a scooter. His smile can brighten anyone's day and his sweet heart melts for any baby or child in distress. He continues to be a Mama's boy, to the extend that Russ can get into trouble if he holds my hand or kisses me. We're working on this, but I have to admit, it's a little cute!



Above all, we are thankful God has blessed us with the perfect child again. Our family, friends, and church have all surrounded us to welcome Brett into our lives and make him feel at home. I wish everyone could have seen Brett on stage at our church this week singing with all his friends from Vacation Bible School. He loved the music and crafts all week.

Leaving China

We spent our last day in China exploring the "real" China off the island. We strolled through a pet and medicinal market filled with unknown and exotic scents, sounds, and sights. You could purchase any animal known to man, living or deceased. We then took our oath at the Consulate and picked up Brett's visa. We are now packed and ready to head home.

To be completely honest, we can't wait to land in Orlando, hug our girls, and introduce our new son to our family and friends. We miss ice in our glasses, soft beds, and the ability to eat raw vegetables. We leave early tomorrow morning to begin the long plan ride home.

We must also admit that there is a sadness each time we leave China. We not only leave the land but also leave our children's beginnings. We can't help but wonder what their lives would have been like here. We hope to build beautiful memories of their homeland and the people who cared for them. Tomorrow morning our hearts will be filled with mixed emotions as we close one chapter to begin a new one, but China will be forever in our hearts until we return. One cannot visit China or more specifically an orphanage in China without being forever changed.

July 7th and 8th

These photos and video really do show Brett's true personality. We can't get over his sweet nature and energized spirit. He is all boy, and we're loving every minute.

Yesterday we spent the day swimming and shopping. By the afternoon, Brett was tired and wired. Hoping that the "tired" side would win, we spent over an hour trying to fall asleep at nap time. With no luck, we then prepared for the famous red couch photos. Picture a tired three year old with no nap. Now, button up that cute, slim shirt around his well fed neck. Needless to say, Brett wasn't as excited as we were for the Red Couch photos. We ended the evening in our comfy pajamas, eating in our room, watching Curious George, and playing with Brett's new airplane. He was then all smiles until he passed out.

Today our guide delivered our paperwork to the consulate. Tomorrow we will go to the US consulate to take the oath and pick up Brett's visa. We enjoyed our last free day in Guangzhou playing in the play room, swimming, and exploring the island. Russ had a massage in the hotel to relieve his stiff neck. He came back with sore shoulders, commenting that the masseuse's elbows dug several inches into his back. I then ventured out to the Chinese Clinic to get a foot massage. 90 minutes for $10, this was the best bargain in China.

Well, we will try to post one more time before we leave. We are extremely anxious to get home and see our girls. We have been Skyping with them daily. Although I have to fight the tears each day, it has helped to see them healthy and happy with the grandparents and Aunt Jen. We miss them so, along with our friends and family. We thank God for all of them. Without them, this journey would have been impossible.