Sunday, December 27, 2009

Darya (to be called Amy Joy) Update!

On Christmas morning, we received a HUGE surprise. The Beasley Family (www.blessingsfromabroad.blogspot.com) have been in Eastern Europe working on the adoption of their three new additions who happen to share an orphange with Darya. They sent a 16 second video of our new baby girl, and I have spent the last couple of days unsuccessfully trying to figure out how to download the video onto our blog. So sorry.

As you know, our red-headed munchkin' Charlie is the same age as Darya, so our family has an excellent basis of comparison. From the video, it seems the little overcomer is right up to speed with Charlie. The video shows her in a swing (but she could reach the floor with her feet). She was bearing weight on her legs and even pushing herself back and forth. In addition, she was holding her neck and back up very straight, and turning in response to noises. At one point, Darya leaned over from her waist to look to the side and then raised herself up nicely without much effort.

In addition, the Beasley family emailed to say when they left the orphanage, they waved and said "goodbye" to Darya. Can you believe she waved back and actually vocalized "Bye"??? Charlie can't even do that yet. I am amazed.

So, I hope you will rejoice with us on the great news. In speaking with Charlie's therapist a couple of weeks ago, we discussed that Darya would probaby have many hurdles to overcome from having been institutionalized in an orphanage for the last year and a half without much attention. However, it seems God has been acting in the role as her therapist and has been working with her behind the scenes. Love it!!! No wonder she has progressed so well!!!

"But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19



8 comments:

  1. Great news! Darya's picture looks a lot like a baby picture we have of our oldest. And we considered naming her Darya as well! It means 'gift' (but I'm sure you knew that). So happy for you all...prayers.

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  2. Great news. That is so exciting. That was a nice suprise I bet to get a video.

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  3. Melanie!! How exciting to get to SEE her live and move and have her being....... Sarah

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  4. Hello my name is Kristy and I have been lurking here at your blog for about 1 month now. I beleive with all of my heart God sent me to your site. I want to give you a little background on my family.
    My huisband and I started foster care 5 yrs. ago. We have adopted domestically 4 children, are in the adoption process of two more blessings and foster our very special Nicholas who has down syndrome. When we got the call to take Nicholas we of course said yes right away. Then the worker said he has down syndrome. At that point I was scared silly. I Thought should I call back and say no (which we have never done with any foster child). Then the Lord began telling me he would take care of us and Nicholas. I had no idea how to take care of a child with downs. To make a long story shot(er) it has been one of the best decisions that we have ever madew in our life. I have a love for Nicholas that I never new I had (if that makes sense). He is so very precious to us and our family.
    To say all of that I waould like to say that we are very interested in adoipting another child with downs. I am wondering if you can give me any ideas on where to begin. It is such a huge expense I odn"t even know where to begin with that, But I know that God has placed this on our hearts to do this. Any information will truly be a benefit to us and a blessing.
    I love your blog and it gives alot of encouragement especially where Nicholas is concerned.
    Thanks so much,
    Kristy

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  5. That would be a wonderful Christmas present! I am so happy for you:) That is amazing!

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  6. Kristy:
    I hope you read find this comment; I couldn't find an email address for you. First, I am thrilled you are fostering a little fella' with Down Syndrome, and no, I am not surprised your family has fallen madly in love with him. Amazing, isn't it??? Are you going to get to adopt Nicholas? I hope so. Second, yes, international adoption is expensive. However there are grants available. Steven Curtis Chapman has a ministry where grants are given routinely for special needs adoptions. In addition, the tax credit refunds alot of the cost (often 1/2) back to you. What I am trying to say is: Don't give up because of $$$. The funds are out there, available to you, you just have to be willing to spend some time looking for them. PLEASE feel free to email me anytime. I am blessed today because of your comment. Melanie

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  7. Sorry, I mispelled my blog where you can find my e-mail. I also see that I mispelled many words. I was in a hurry to get the comment posted before my little ones got up from nap. Hope this works. I also could not find a way to e-mail you. This blog stuff is very new to me so I apologize for the incorrect information.

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  8. What a blessing! Can't wait to see your girl in your arms.

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