Photo Card

Picture Joy Christmas

Create personalized Christmas cards at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Easter

Well, I don't post very often, but I know there are still a few of you looking for updates. Here are a few shots I took of the kids at Easter.

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.