Gladney Blog

As a Gladney intern with the Next Steps program I came in wanting to know about all things Gladney as soon as I could learn. There are so many facets to Gladney that I quickly realized this would take time. I started this process by attending whatever trainings I was allowed. This included Domestic Orientation, Pathway’s, New Hire Orientation, and legal training. After attending these trainings I was able to put a lot more of the pieces together of the puzzle that is Gladney. While still many pieces were missing in the “1000” piece puzzle, I was determined to turn over all the pieces and see where they go.  When I created my learning contract at the beginning of the semester I took risks to make myself branch out, because if it is part of the contract, I have to complete it, right? As a high functioning introvert I knew it would take this to make me try new things and meet new people. Since I had to meet certain criteria on my contract, I began networking with people in different departments to shadow them for a time. This was fantastic. While it was a little anxiety producing, it brought out so much information about so many topics that I didn’t even realize. With Gladney being so large you may wonder how I did this.

Topics: Gladney Intern Blog, A Day in the Life of a Gladney Intern

Topics: Superkids, China Adoption

Magnificent Miles as he was once referenced for sure and certain is magnificent! Who knew such a little one could hold so much of this mamas heart? Home just seven weeks this week and officially a Snyder eight weeks... although it feels as he has always been a part of our family. It's impossible to imagine the days before he was home. As our days are now filled with his contagious giggles, the pitter patter of his little feet along the wooden floors, his arms stretched out as he says "up" ... reading book after book "duck & goose" being some of his favorites... he says "loose" ... oh how proud I am of how much he has shown us in just this short time. 

Our little has been blessed to rock his extra chromosome. Down syndrome is part of magnificent Miles but it does not define him. He is our sunshine. He may not be at the same developmental stage as other two year olds but let me tell you he is just like every other toddler... curious and a sponge for learning. He may not look just like everyone else... his little feet have just a little extra space for sporting flip flops, his short little fingers are just the sweetest and his chocolate brown eyes are ever so slightly further apart. All this makes our magnificent Miles who he is. And we couldn't imagine him any other way. 

Today we celebrate as we raise awareness that Down syndrome isn't something to be afraid of. Knowledge is key. No we don't have all the answers nor do we know what tomorrow holds... but what we do know is we are so glad we made the decision to adopt our magnificent Miles. He has forever changed our world. The adventures have only just begun.

Topics: matched, Uncategorized, family story

Topics: Superkids, Taiwan, Uncategorized, Waiting Child, DS Grant

Topics: Superkids, China Adoption

Topics: Superkids, Uncategorized, Waiting Child, China

Topics: Superkids, Uncategorized, Waiting Child, China

Topics: Superkids, China Adoption

Topics: Superkids, Taiwan Adoption

Topics: Superkids, China Adoption