The Adventures of Noa-Grace

08/07/2016

A message from Noa-Grace:
Hi Friends, Did you know that I have my very own team that will walk at the 2016 Nashville Buddy Walk. I am so excited! Last year, my family raised money and walked but I was still in China waiting for them to come get me. But this year I'm home with my forever family and will proudly walk and carry a banner. It's going to be so much fun. Would you help by joining my team - The Adventures of Noa-Grace and making a donation. You can read more about it by clicking the link below. Thank you!!!
http://dsamt.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5441

Team fundraising page for The Adventures of Noa-Grace

08/01/2016

6 MONTHS HOME!!!! Yep, Noa-Grace has been home in the good ole' USA for six months today and what a blessing she is to our family. She has accomplished so much in such a short time and we couldn't be more proud of her. Here's a summary and below are some pictures that really highlight her silly personality!
* She is so very smart. She knows how to count to 30, she knows the alphabet, she understands everything we say even though 6 months ago she did not know one work of English. Her self confidence has grown by leaps and bounds this. We are looking forward to seeing her really take off academically after starting school again (just 7 short days, but who's counting LOL) We know she is going to do great things this year in 5th grade.
* She loves to dance and sing....mostly to anything from Frozen.
* She likes to do little things around the house to help me like...dusting, folding clothes and putting them away. Love her!
* When we first opened our pool in the spring NG didn't even want to sit on the first step in the water. Now, she walks and plays in the shallow end and trusts us to carry her around in the deeper end.
* The karaoke machine was her favorite birthday present.
* We have been visiting different churches trying to find a better fit for our changing family. NG has happily gone into whatever situation has been presented her. She loves people. She loves to sing during praise and worship. Everyone has welcomed her with open arms and included her without the least bit of apprehension. She trusts that we love her and won't leave her somewhere unsafe or without returning for her. Guys, this is HUGE in adoption! YAY!!!
In a nut shell, she is a treasure! We can't imagine our lives without her in it

04/25/2016

Three months ago today, we were flying in to Nashville from China, bringing our sweet girl to her forever home. She has adjusted amazingly well with our clan. She fits in perfectly. Noa-Grace is enjoying attending school and her school seems to enjoy having her with them. It's fun to see the number of people who know her when we go out in public. She has her own little fan club and I appreciate their enthusiasm and willingness to say "Hi" to her even though she acts shy to them. She is learning so much, so quickly. She knows all letters of the alphabet, she recognizes numbers all the way to 30. She knows 10 sight words (Yay!) She is learning to be a part of our big family and give/accept love from each of us. She loves wearing pretty clothes and her mommy loves sewing for her. And, next week she starts taking tennis lessons with others who have Down syndrome. She's a busy girl, for sure, and a treasure and we love her so much. Below is a video of her reading her first sentence using the sight words she already knows. Mommy cried :)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ukxm845ipq98b4/2016-04-22%2012.51.38.mp4?dl=0

Shared with Dropbox

03/25/2016

The cringe of seeing mommy and daddy hold hands while riding in the car.

03/20/2016

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day! It's a day set aside to raise awareness and educate the general public about Down Syndrome. The point is to get people talking about Down Syndrome. So, wear your craziest socks and post a photo here to show your support of Noa-Grace and other individuals who are rocking an extra chromosome. ☺

03/20/2016

Last night Noa-Grace got to go to a bowling party for her neice, Lillie. I don't know why we assumed she had never bowled before LOL She walked in like she owned the place and threw that bowling ball like a rock star.

03/15/2016

Noa-Grace hopes you have a great Tuesday!

03/12/2016

Noa-Grace had fun this morning at Gigi's Playhouse. She participated in singing and dancing and learned 5 new signs. Now she's passed out for our drive home.

03/05/2016

A little B- Ball this morning!

03/02/2016

Do it for Noa-Grace! End the

03/01/2016

Today she is learning the art of washing dishes and I think she's a natural!

02/28/2016

Yesterday, we got to attend a special little Baby Shower given by the Down Syndrome Assc of Mid TN. Even though our new arrival isn't an infant, they included us and we had so much fun. Noa-Grace loved the cake and goodies she received. She also got to see her very special friend, Zach, who was also adopted from China.