Sunday Snapshot {Daniel}

Daniel (insert current Chinese name for his middle name) M.  We hope he likes the name as much as we do.  I've been floored by the number of friends who told me when I shared what we thought his name would be that have replied, 'I was going to suggest Daniel.'  From what we read of his personality it sounds like he'll be agreeable.

What?  Personality reports you ask?

I think I've mentioned before that he is currently in an AMAZING facility outside his birth province.  One I've followed for quite some time.  Funny how I never imagined that I'd have a child who lived there.  Anyway, I was so excited the day we received our PA that I did two things.  One, I stayed up half the night perusing the treasure trove that is their scrapbook section.  I found over twenty photos of my son from the time he entered their care back in March of 2009 up until his birthday celebration in August.  What balm to a waiting mommy's heart!  Two, I excitedly emailed the director of the home with our PA to let her know that one of her sweeties had a family waiting in the US.

I had no idea that email would provide me with an even bigger treasure ~ his sponsorship reports.  All of them.  TWELVE pages of information about him.  It's like getting to know my son via paper.  And while I long for the day that I, make that we, know him in person, for now I'll take getting to know him on paper!

One thing that was mentioned several different months was that he loves to eat.  I saw things like, 'healthy appetite,' 'clearly indicates his desire to eat,' and 'eating to fuel his growing body.'  And there are plenty of pictures of him with food in his hands.  He's gonna fit in just fine around here!

It was also mentioned several times how much he enjoys being outdoors.  And if he isn't outside, apparently he is asking to be outside as shown in the picture above.  He loves to run, swing, and go down a slide.  Thank goodness we have a great little park within easy walking distance from our house.  And if we get there on a non-crowded day, there are four swings.  I'll figure out how to push four kids at the same time when we cross that bridge...

Apparently he's also pretty clever.  I love how he appears to be studying something in the picture above.  Several reports talk about him spending time with something until he understands how it works.  And those started at about eight months.  Best part of this personality trait for him?  They say his eyes curve into a smile when he has something figured out!

Following his 'radical heart operation' (words from his file, not mine) he was in physical therapy to regain his strength.  He enjoyed his rehabilitation exercises and likes most any form of physical activity.  Despite his tiny size, from what I read, he seems to think he is rather mighty.  Sounds like another little boy I know around here.

Perhaps my two favorite things I've read about him are that he is a snuggle bug and LOVES hugs and he truly seems to care for other people.  There were many examples of him having a servant's heart.  He is monthly noted for doing things like taking toys to children that were hurt in an effort to soothe them.  And his relationship with his foster sister?  His foster mother wrote that he is always asking her to do things for his  sister before she does things for him.  He also likes to help her rock in a rocking chair and grins when she squeals in delight. 

And most excitingly, while he's celebrated his first and second birthdays without us (though certainly not without love ~ his care has been amazing), he should celebrate his third home with us.

Sweet, precious Daniel, know that we are doing all we can to get to you as quickly as possible.  Your brother and sisters talk about you numerous times each and every day.  We already consider you one of us, but we sure can't wait to make it official!

**Darcy had her first laser treatment today on her birthmark.  Scroll down to read how she's doing.  It was an extra long afternoon nap and since I've been a delinquent on my own blog as of late, I decided to try to get caught up a bit...**

***************************************************************************
It's been a while since I've played along.  But it is always fun to see what other readers write about.  So get on over and check out Ni Hao Y'all!