Because of less than consistent Internet connections while at New Day, this post covers both Friday and Saturday.
Well, I’m not sure where to start. I guess the primary thing that everyone wants to know is that we meet Brett and were able to spend two days with him before the actual adoption. He is a very happy little boy, who is all boy. Needless to say, we are completely in love.
We meet Brett in his pre-school class and completely disrupted any teaching that was going on. In addition to Cindy and I, there was probably about 10-12 New Day employees and interns that either preceded us or followed us into Brett’s classroom so that they could see him meeting us. We brought about 20 coloring books and 12 horns for Brett to share with his classmates. Brett is an assume sharer. He handed out the coloring books and horns to everyone without much prompting. At first Brett really only sat with Cindy, but after I showed him the screen for the video camera, we became pals. After a little bit of play time, class started back up with music time. Brett and Cindy sat in the back row, both singing right along with the songs. Then the class moved on to snack time. Brett shared his animal crackers with both “Mama” and “Baba” – what a special moment. Next, Brett and I worked the lacing cards. When Brett and I turned lacing into a game to see if I could lace his hand and foot to the card, I really received some big smiles.
And now for the story that says that Brett is a true Bolton! Lunch was a very large pile of sweet and sour chicken that was intended for Cindy and I to split. Brett was allowed to sit with us and eat his lunch. When Brett saw the chicken, he handed Cindy his bowl of rice and said “For Mama” and then ate almost the full plate. Cindy and I only had a couple of bites.
The rest of the afternoon was spent playing in the playroom with all of the children of New Day. At the end of the day, we just wanted to bring all the children home with us. You just cannot imagine the love and dedication that the New Day staff has for the children.
Saturday was a simplified schedule for the children, and mostly consisted of play time, inside and out. We enjoyed watching Brett maneuver around the home, interacting with his friends, and the trust he showed in his nannies. Brett loves to help others. Each time his friend Liam needed a breathing treatment, Brett would hold his mask for him. He was often seen sharing his treats and checking on others. During his nap, we had the pleasure of spending some more time with the Brennenmans. They have led one amazing journey to New Day.
After a while playing with us, Brett would go check on his nanny. We were touched by the love he has been given here. When it was time for us to leave, Brett wanted to leave with us. Although it was hard to leave, we feel he knows who we are and has allowed us in his heart already. We can’t wait to hold him again Monday morning!
