What We're Reading: {Links}

April 25, 2012 Stefanie, What We're Reading 10 Comments

From the last few weeks, some good stuff we’ve read that relates to adoption and/or parenting a special needs child.

As always, if you are a traveling family, or have posted something, or read something, that you’d like to share here on No Hands But Ours, please let us know at nohandsbutours@gmail.com.

In the news:

Annie Clark, age 7, was born without hands. Adopted from China, she recently won the national penmanship award. Truly inspiring story and video.

And a sweet story of an older American couple, 66 and 69, living in China and caring for orphans with significant special needs. It began in 1993, when they were asked if they would take a look at a baby girl – with numerous special needs – who had been abandoned on the campus where they taught. They now run a facility that cares for 32 children with autism and cerebral palsy.

In the blog world:

Angie, from a Blog Full of Weldons, transparently shares about her daughter’s recent cleft surgery, and the ensuing post-adoption depression it caused for her. Beautifully written, and straight from the heart… it is a blessing to many when we, as adoptive moms, can share our hearts so honestly.

Karin, from Our Treasures From Afar, shares pictures from her son Jordan’s recent surgery to create a new ear. The final results are amazing.

Hiking Mama, from Hike. Blog. Love., writes about her son’s recent diagnosis of autism and test results. And the fact that no matter what she is told by “specialists”, or what numbers he is assigned on paper, she knows the undefeatable hope she has for her beloved boy.

Our own Nicole, from Living Out His Love, shares some fantastic ideas for sensory play. She has created sensory bins for her daughter – with water beads and coffee beans – and both have been extremely well received by her daughter, Sunshine. Great ideas for any adopted child.

And new adoptive mama Carrie, from To China We Go, shares about her recent realization of being a conspicuous family – and the ensuing comments they have received – now that her daughter Abbie is home from China.

Traveling Families:

And lastly, if you’re like all of us around here, you’ll want to take a few moments (or hours!) and travel vicariously with these families currently in China to bring home their children.

One Less Broken Heart
September Sweeties
Finding Faith
Kaylee’s Journey Home





10 responses to “What We're Reading: {Links}”

  1. Leslie says:

    Thanks Stefanie for linking to “Hike.Blog.Love.” I have spent the better part of an hour over there. Anyone reading should NOT miss this post over there either:

    http://hikebloglove.com/2012/03/13/what-its-like-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-special-needs-mom/

    And Stefanie, if you ever need another poster at NHBO, I nominate Hiking Mama. Wow, she has some WISDOM shared on the blog-o-sphere … and she has two precious boys too!

    • nancy says:

      It has been my privilege to cyber-know Lauren for almost 4 years now. We met when we were both adopting from VietNam and bonded over tears and phone calls when our cases were stalled indefinitely due to political issues. We were the only ones adopting special needs kiddos and I knew instantly that Lauren was the kind of gal that I had wished was my sister, next door neighbor and best friend. Eventually after months of delay, both our boys did come home.
      It has been a privilege to watch her journey aver the last 4 years. She is an amazing mom and woman, and an inspiration on how to do it right.
      nancy

  2. Stefanie says:

    That one was all Nancy… she’s the one who sent me that link 🙂

  3. Hiking Mama says:

    Wow, I am so humbled by the outpouring of blog love today! Thank you so much for sharing my post. I love to write, and it is an added blessing when I get to inspire others and meet others who have travelled similar paths. Thank you! I have never been to this site before and now I can’t wait to dig in 🙂

    -Lauren, the Hiking Mama

    • nancy says:

      Lauren—
      I’ve told you before, more folks should be reading what you have out there. You are an inspiration to me!!!! The wind beneath my wings!
      nancy

      • Hiking Mama says:

        Nancy, you are too, too sweet! I am honored to know you. And girl, you are one of the only reasons I think I survived that awful Vietnam delay. Love you my friend, and thank you for sharing my writings. xo

  4. Hiking Mama says:

    Oh, and I just realized that I met you, Stephanie, at the Created for Care retreat in March….that was you at the Wild Olive Tees, right?!?!? So cool!

    • Stefanie says:

      What? Really? That is SO cool! What a small world. So glad that Nancy shared a link to your blog – you are a gifted writer and your kiddos are simply precious 🙂

  5. Thanks for including me this week Stefanie! We did blue spaghetti today … not so much a hit at first but she caught on eventually 😉

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2024 No Hands But Ours

The content found on the No Hands But Ours website is not approved, endorsed, curated or edited by medical professionals. Consult a doctor with expertise in the special needs of interest to you.