Maya and the Princesses

Merry Christmas!

It has been a busy holiday season at the Dunn house! We've been celebrating since last week. We first celebrated with the Strakas since Jill and Liam had to fly up to Georgia. It was great sharing the holiday with our best friends. This was Liam's first Christmas--so it was extra special. We then celebrated with my Mom and my sister. Nana Birdie flew up to Boston to be with our family and my nephew William--it's his first Christmas too!
On Christmas Eve we took Maya Lily to EPCOT for the day. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Norway Pavilion with the Disney Princesses! She was in her glory.
Finally it was time to head home and start our Christmas Eve holiday tradition. We all wear new Christmas pj's and bake Christmas cookies for Santa Claus--it was so much fun. Maya Lily was covered in frosting.
This morning Maya Lily woke up to find her baby doll from Santa and a surprise Cinderella Castle!
Christmas is so magical through the eyes of a child. I am so amazed at how much Maya has changed from this time last year.
She understands so much more and is truly in the spirit of Christmas.
We are off to church to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas! It is important to reflect on all that we have been given because of God.
May the spirit of Christmas stay with you throughout the year.

Elf on the Shelf

Maya received the Elf on the Shelf from her Granny Linn. It has been so fun watching her look for her Elf every morning.
Tonight is the last night that the Elf is with us. He "goes back to the North Pole" to help Santa Claus get ready for Christmas. He also tells Santa whether you have been naughty or nice! Of course Maya has been great!
So "Buddy" is what Maya named her Elf--from the movie!. "Buddy" has left Maya a present for being a good girl and for taking good care of him. He left her a Cinderella dress and a pair of "glass" slippers!
We will miss "Buddy" and can't wait to see him next Christmas season!

Maya Lily and Santa Claus

Maya has been so excited about Christmas this year. She started talking about Santa Claus about three weeks ago. She told us that she was going to ask him for a baby doll!

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for! Our family and friends both near and far remain in our thoughts and prayers on this holiday.

We thank you all for your continued love and support and for being a part of our lives.

May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

#2 in the potty!!!!

Maya Lily had an accident in her pants yesterday at school. She was so upset--her teachers her happy to see this because they were concerned that if she did not start to make the connection--that she would continue to poop in her pants. So this was a big deal!
Well today--she said she had to go on the potty. We tried several times and nothing came. After the last time I decided to keep her underwear off. A few minutes later--she announced that she had gone poo-poo on the potty. Patrick went to check--and there it was!
She was so proud of herself--she insisted on wiping herself--and then began to dance around the living. She called both of her grandmothers to tell them the good news!
I can't get over how big she has gotten...
I tell her everyday that she is still my baby.

Took Maya Lily to the polls tonight

We took Maya Lily to vote tonight. We stood in line for almost two hours--but it was so worth it. History is being made today and we wanted her to be a part of it.
She was such a trooper and watched as Patrick filled in his choices. She also got a sticker--which made it even better!

The prayer of St.Theresa

'May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.'

Maya Lily dancing to the music from Lianjiang

We bought the Lianjiang DVD a few weeks ago and Maya Lily loves the song that is played. So today she wanted to listen to the song--and started dancing.
It was so sweet watching her dance.

Funny story

This morning Maya and I were hanging out in her room--Patrick was still asleep. She went into her closet and shut the door. All of a sudden she started knocking on the door. I said, "Hello!" She opened the door and said, "Hi, I'm back."
I asked her if she had been on vacation. She said yes. I asked her where she went. She said, "On a boat." Playing along I asked her if it was a big boat or a little boat. She said, "Little boat." I then asked her who was on the boat with her. She said,"Mama." I asked where we were going and she said,"To get Daddy." This went on for about ten minutes. Then she switched the story to her being Mama, her baby Mulan doll was now baby Maya and I was Ms. Mary, her teacher at Kindercare. We pretended to drop off baby Maya and pick her up--just like we do every day!
It was so amazing to see her using her imagination! She is so smart!!!!

Happy 4th Birthday cousin Michael

We are sending happy birthday wishes to cousin Michael in VA!!
Hope you have a great day and hopefully we can get together soon.
Love,
Aleisa, Patrick and Maya Lily

Happy 2nd Anniversary Jim and Jill

Our dear friends Jim and Jill were married on the Disney cruise two years ago today--gosh I wish we were on the cruise right now!
Here's to many more years of love and happiness.
Love,
The Dunns

Three since we were LID!

Hard to believe that three years ago we were officially logged in at CCAA. It took 18 months to receive our referral--which now seems like a walk in the park!
I am so blessed to have Maya Lily--we know the wait seemed to be forever--but it was worth it.

EPCOT with cousin Colin

Maya Lily and her cousin Colin spent the afternoon at EPCOT together. It was Colin's first trip to Disney! They had so much fun making masks together in the China Pavilion. They were dancing to David Sanborn at the America Pavilion. It was great seeing Patrick and Peter together at Disney with their children. The twins grew up going to Disney with their parents--and now they are continuing the tradition with Maya and Colin.

A few of Maya's favorite things

Now that Maya is well into being a two year old--she has become quite opinionated. Here are a few of her favorite things:
1. Lovey Bear--who had to undergo a musicboxectomy because he was washed so many times.
2. Her soft yellow and pink blanket--the same one we brought to China--she has loved it ever since.
3. Her Ariel shoes--a pair of flip flops that one of Patrick's students bought her last year.
4. Vanilla Soy Milk--goes through a gallon a week.
5. A pink Barbie tutu dress--she would wear it to school or church if I let her.
6. Reading--current favs are Cinderella, Good Night and I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
7. Dancing-she loves when the music is on--she dances all around the house
8. Beatrice-our best friend's dog
9. The Disney Princesses--Ariel and Cinderella being her top two favs.
10. Going to school--she loves it!

Now for a few things my little one does not care for:
1. Keeping her shoes on--she is the barefoot contessa--has been ever since we were in China
2. Eating meat--except for my meatballs--she isn't a fan.
3. Going #2 on the potty--she'll do pee-pee in the potty--but won't do #2
4. Having her hair brushed--a daily morning battle
5. Being told no--but I guess that comes with the age!

Spreading the Love Award

My dear friend Tanya Jones named me as one of her "Spreading the Love" award recipients and I was so touched.
So now it is my turn to "Spread the Love" to those who have been a blessing to me.
The first award goes to my husband. Patrick is truly a saint of man. He is patient and kind. He is an amazing father to Maya Lily and a wonderful husband to me.
The second award goes to my best friend Jill. She has just become a mother and I know that she will do a great job with Liam. Jill was there for me throughout our entire adoption process and has been there for me ever since.
The third one goes to my Nana. Even though she has been gone for almost 20 years--I know that she is watching over me and guiding me long life's journey. She taught me so much and I am forever grateful to her.
The fourth one goes to all of the moms and dads who are still waiting for the forever babies. I know you have all endured a tremendous wait time--but the best is yet to come. So I am sending you some love-especially to Lori and Andy--who are hopefully in the next batch.
The last one goes to Maya's birth mother. I send her my love for she has given me the greatest gift of all.

Now it is your turn to "Spread The Love"

We will remain a party of three!

Many of you have asked about our second adoption recently--and I realized that we have told most people--but may missed some of you about our plans.
After careful consideration we decided to not proceed with our second adoption plans. Several factors helped us make this decision.
The first was the current wait time. If things continue to go they way they are--Maya would be six almost seven before we got a referral. That would be such a big age difference between them.
The second was the new regulations--we weren't 100% sure we would qualify--we weren't comfortable with having to go through the whole process all over again.

The bottom line is that we have been truly blessed with Maya Lily. She was so meant to be our daughter and we are forever grateful for this precious gift from God.

So now we will remain the Dunn family of three!

Patrick working at the Magic Kingdom

Patrick has started working weekends at the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrow Land.
This was on his first day at the Buzz Lightyear ride.
Maya and I went to visit him and she yells out, "Dada"
It was so cute.

Welcome to the world Liam James Straka

Liam James Straka was born on Oct. 4, 2008.
Here is Maya kissing him.
Patrick and Jim together with their babies.

Potty training

We have officially started Maya Lily with potty training. So far she has done a great job. She is wearing "big girl panties" to school all day. She still won't do a #2 in the potty--but we are getting there.
I am so proud of her--and yet sad at the same time because I still want her to be my little baby!

A year since Jimmy passed away!

It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since Patrick's father Jimmy passed away. We all stood by his bedside and prayed as he drifted off--it was very emotional and peaceful at the same time. It's been sad for us not having him here--and seeing how Maya has grown and changed. We are grateful for the time he had with her. We talk about Papa with her all the time and she points to heaven and says his name.
I believe he is watching over her.
We love you Daddy and hope to be reunited with you again someday.

First week of school was a big success!

Maya made it through her first week of school--we did too! The staff at Kindercare were so wonderful. They were impressed with how well she adjusted--today was the only day that she cried consistently (pretty much all morning)--we think she might not be feeling well--she fell asleep during dinner!
She is in the upper two year old class with Ms. Mary and Ms. Samantha (Robin-I know you asked about that!)
and seems to really enjoy the other kids in class. We got her first piece of artwork today--a construction paper peanut butter and jelly sandwich--it is priceless!

Maya's first day of school

Tears were shed--mostly by me--but I am happy to report that Maya had an excellent first day of school! The teachers reported that she only cried for a few minutes and then began playing.
When we picked her up later in the afternoon--she was so happy and excited to see us. For us it felt like Gotcha Day all over again! We missed her so much and couldn't wait to see her.

She was pretty tired last night and seems excited to go back today.

The countdown to nursery school begins!

One week from tomorrow--Maya Lily will begin nursery school full-time. This is huge! She has spent the last 14 months with both of us--me primarily--and has only been with her Nana or Nonnie. We have never left her with anyone else.
We joined the gym last week and brought Maya to the child care center--she lasted 20 minutes the first day before they had to page me to come and get her--she was sobbing like crazy. We have tried three more times and she cries (screams) her head off and won't allow the teachers to console her.

So I am VERY worried about next week...
I know that many children go to nursery school/daycare and do just fine.

I was fortunate to be able to stay home with Maya this past year--however--if we want to maintain our lifestyle and adopt Ava Rose--then I have to go back to work full-time. I know this is going to be a big adjustment for her and for us (especially me). I pray that she transitions well and knows that we will be there to get her at the end of the day.

Tomorrow she is suppose to go the new dance studio for a three hour camp session. It will be a good test to see how she does. I have introduced her to the dance teacher and her little friend Elizabeth will be there with her--so I hope that helps.

My goal this week is to try to follow her nursery school schedule--breakfast at 8:30--activities till noon--lunch--followed by a nap from 12:30 to 2:30--this should be good--especially since she has not really followed a specific nap schedule since we were in China and maintained her routine from the orphange. Maya tends to fall asleep anytime between 11 and 4--it depends on the day, her mood etc. Some days she refuses to take a nap.

Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well and that I am worrying for no reason (haha).

Home for 14 months today!

This may seem a bit strange--but today Maya Lily has been home with us for 14 months--the same amount of time that she spent in China. We have been so blessed to watch her grow into a such an amazing little girl.
I think about the first half of her life--how completely different it is from the life she has now. I am grateful to her nannies and the orphanage workers for taking great care of her.
In the 14 months since she has been home--Maya continues to amaze us with her personality. She is so loving and funny.
We love her more each day!

A lovely lunch date

We met up with Lori, Kris and Sharon today--all three ladies are patiently waiting for their babies in China. Sharon has received her referral for little Mary Alice--who is so adorable. She will be traveling to China in September. We cannot wait to meet her!
Lori and Kris have endured a very long wait--we hope and pray that they receive their referrals very soon.

Maya was a tangible reminder that the wait is certainly worth it! She gave them all sweet hugs good-bye. Her compassion is amazing for a two-year-old.

Thanks Kris for the lovely outfits and books. We've read the spaghetti book about six times already :)
Lori--Maya loves the stickers and notebook--they are so cute.

Hope you all like the Mulan book!

Happy Birthday to Me and my brother Jason!

As Maya says so proudly, "App Bur Day!"

I turned 35 today--a little older--a little wiser and certainly a little closer to 40!
My baby brother turned 28 today--he to has grown--especially since he became a Daddy in April.

Happy Birthday to Us!

Happy 4th of July

I love the 4th of July!
Maya is wearing a cute patriotic outfit today--she looks adorable.
She gave her great-grandfather (Pop) an American flag yesterday--he was thrilled.
Today we are going to PA to see Patrick's brother Peter, his wife Cara and their son Colin. It will be nice to see them.

A week in Beantown!

We spent last week in Boston with my family and our friends. It was nice seeing so many people--the weather wasn't great--but the food was.
We went to the North End with my cousins and ate at our favorite restaurant, Al Dente! We bought yummy cookies, lobster tails and half moons at Bova's.
My brothers, Eric and Jason, had us over for a BBQ--which was awesome. We also did some cooking and baking with Katie and Caroline. We made cheesecake, brownies, key lime pie and sushi--all were so good.
We spent a day at the beach in Hull and saw the Flemings.
Maya was lucky to get to spend so much time with her cousins. She had a blast.
As much as we love Boston--we know that we have a wonderful life in Florida and couldn't imagine living anywhere else for now.
Here are some of the pictures from our visit.

Fun and games at the wedding

The wedding included a backyard BBQ--so yummy!
Lots of drinks!!
Games for the kids--a rock climbing wall, checkers and the bubbles.
And Volleyball for the adults--yes--I played!


Here is Otis and Joe B.
Maya and Kendra

More wedding photos

Here are more photos from the wedding.
The first one is Kendra and her mom, Aunt Janet.
The next is bride and groom with their parents.
The next one is the bride and groom with us.
The last one is Maya and I on the swings with the bubbles.

Pictures from Kendra and Duane's Wedding

Here are some photos from our cousin Kendra's wedding in Brewster, NY.
The first photo is Kendra and her brother Joe B.
The next photo is Joe B's son Otis who is 4.
The next two pictures are Kendra and her father, Uncle Joe.

Happy 1st Day of Summer '08!

We made it to NJ yesterday afternoon. Patrick did a great job getting us from Fayetteville, NC in only 7.5 hours.
We stopped in Fredricksburg, VA for lunch and continued on our way.

We had yummy Boston-style pizza last night for dinner--we were too exhausted to go out to Sal and Joe's.

Today we are heading to Brewster, NY for our cousin Kendra's wedding--we are so happy for Kendra and Duane.
We will stay in NY for the night and then tomorrow we are heading to Boston.
We will stop by and see our friend Jae in Hartford for lunch on the way up.

Happy 1st Day of Summer--my favorite season!.

Posting from the road trip

We left our house today at 7:45 a.m. and made the journey north to Fayetteville, NC. It only took 9 hours--not too bad considering we stopped for lunch in Georgia, a potty break at a plantation visitor center in SC and another stop at South of the Border--which is so lame and cheesy.

The lady at the plantation visitor center remember Maya from last summer--it was sweet. Maya of course climbed the stairs again--she thought it was fun.

We are hunkered down for the night--waiting for the Pizza Hut delivery guy to bring us dinner--none of us wanted to get back in the car to go get something to eat.

So we are at the halfway mark to NJ!

Tomorrow we will be "on the road again..."

Happy 30th Birthday Rachel

My dear friend Rachel will be 30 on Friday. We'll be in NJ and won't be able to celebrate with her--but we will once we all return from our family vacations.
I could not have gotten through my first year of motherhood without her. Her daughter Grace is Maya's best friend.
We have had a great time at ballet class, shopping at Target, snacks at Starbucks and of course our trips to Disney.
Thank you Ra-Ra for being a great friend--hoping you have a great 30th birthday!

Butterfly Kisses

Maya giving Patrick a butterfly kiss on Father's Day!

Shishy Fishy

You might not know that I sometimes call Maya "Shish"--it doesn't mean anything--really--but I used to refer to her as my "Shishy Fishy". Well now that she can swim--she is truly a fish!
She loves to dunk under, jump off the side of the pool and swim underwater to me. She has no fear. She is a natural!

Amelia and Bobby Robinson

These are our friends Jody and Ronnie's two children. We had such a great visit with them.
Ragazzi!

Maya and Elizabeth

Elizabeth is our next door neighbor. She and Maya met last fall at Kindermusik and they took ballet together.
For the past two weeks I have been watching Elizabeth while her mom, Cathy, is training to become a teacher.
The girls have had a lot of fun playing together. Today was the last day that she came over. The girls had a pizza party and dressed up. It was so cute.

Before and After--the first official haircut!

Maya finally had her first official haircut--not just a trim of the bangs. She screamed and cried--but it was worth it.
She looks so adorable!

Happy Father's Day Patrick!

You are the most wonderful father in the whole wide world! You have been such a great role model for Maya. She loves you so much.
I love you more than you'll ever know. I am honored to be your wife and to have you as our daughter's father.
Ava Rose will be just as lucky!

We have a new social worker!

We were at a pool party for the Families with Children from China-Central Florida group today and by chance we met a lovely woman named Debra--who happens to do adoption homestudies!!

She agreed to work with us on our journey to Ava Rose.

Since we met today--this counts as one of the required visitations for pre-placement--how exciting!
She is already going to starting working on our child-abuse clearance status--part of the homestudy requirements.

So we are officially on the journey to Ava Rose--hooray!

The Robinsons are here!

It has been almost three since we last saw our dear friends Ronnie and Jody Robinson. They moved back to Indiana shortly after the birth of their daughter Ameila. Their family has grown to include a beautiful baby boy named Bobby! The Robinsons are here on vacation with Jody's parents (Papaw Tom and Nana Lana) and her sister Jenny and her husband Kevin and their three girls, Elizabeth, Emily and Eva.
Eva and Maya Lily are only 18 days apart--I remember when Jenny was pregnant with her!

It has been great spending time with them at Disney. We hope to visit them in Indiana once they move into their new house.

School is out for summer!

Thursday was my last night teaching at ALCO. It was sad to say good-bye to my ESOL students. They were a wonderful group of adults and I was inspired by them each week. I will miss them--especially my 86-year-old student Juana--she was amazing.
Sadly, due to budget cuts, the program will not be offered next semester.

Patrick's last day with his current first-grade class was Friday--again it was bitter sweet for him. It was not an easy year for him--especially since his father died on the third day of school--it just made for a difficult start to school year--however his students all showed significant growth both academically and socially. We attended a birthday party for one of his students--and the parents could not thank Patrick enough for all that he did to help their son this year--it was very touching and made me so proud. Patrick will be teaching first-grade again in August.

I will be returning to the classroom in August. I will be teaching learning strategies to high school special education students. I am anxious and excited at the same time.

Maya will be attending KinderCare Academy for nursery school. She will be in the 2.5 year old class for the half-day program. My mom will then pick her up and bring her home until I get home from work. Should be an interesting transition for both of us!

Our summer plans include a road trip to the Northeast. We have our cousin Kendra's wedding in NY on the 21st and our friend Ally's babyshower in Maine on the 29th. In between the two events we will be heading to Boston to spend time with my family and friends.
On the way back from Maine we will be spending time in New Jersey with Patrick's family.

Once we are back from our trip we hope to spend some time at the beach and at Disney.

It will be back-to-school time before we know it!
Hope you all have a wonderful summer!
The Dunns

Videos from Orlando Metro Gymnastics

Maya and Grace dance together one last time!

Maya Lily and Grace decided to dance with each other instead of with Rachel and I--they were too cute!

Last Mommy and Me ballet class today

Today was our last Mommy and Me ballet class! Maya has certainly come along way since she started in November. She will move up to the Creative Movement class in August--all by herself.

Home for one year today!

Hard to believe we have been home with Maya for a whole year! 365 days!!! WOW!
She has changed so much from that first night here--when she cried from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and we thought, "Oh, my God--what have we done!"
This week she has started saying more phrases--like, "Open, please" and "Help, please" it is too cute. We love watching her grow and develop into an amazing little girl--however she will always be our baby!

Happy Memorial Day!

The Dunns

Gotcha Day Anniversary Photos

Here are the photos from our one year Gotcha Day anniversary!
It was so great seeing the girls together.
They had so much fun playing together.
We are already starting to plan next year's get together!!

Precious moments from Gotcha Day last year!

Tomorrow is our one year Gotcha Day anniversary! I am so excited and emotional--couldn't sleep last night because I was recalling every detail of that day.
We have been blessed beyond our dreams.
I will never forget the moment Maya Lily was placed in my arms for the very first time--it was as though she had always been there. It is hard to believe that a year has gone by. So many things have happened--Maya has grown into such a loving, beautiful, smart little girl.

We will be celebrating tomorrow with the Bullocks, the Ginns and McNeissers. I cannot wait to see the girls and see how much they have grown.

I will post pictures from the reunion this weekend.
In the meantime, enjoy these two pictures that are from Gotcha Day last year!

The best Mother's Day Ever!!

Maya Lily and I at the Polynesian Hotel at Disney!
This was the best Mother's Day ever!!

Happy Mother's Day

Last year I was on the Great Wall of China--crying because I did not have my precious Maya in my arms. I will never forget the moment she was placed in my arms--it was truly a powerful moment. I became a mother and she became my daughter.

So here is something for all mother's-including Maya's birth mother to whom I will be eternally grateful.
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up puke laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here".


Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted. This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk s tains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.


For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.


This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.


This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are h anging on their refrigerator doors.


And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football , hockey or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.


This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how chil d abuse happens.


This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.


This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.


For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.


This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.


This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.


This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.


This is for m others whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.


For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye the ir hair green.


For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.


For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.


This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.


What makes a good Mother anyway?


Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?


Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?


The jolt that t takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?


The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?


Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?


The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our t houghts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...


And mature mothers learning to let go.


For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.


Single mothers and married mothers.


M others with money, mothers without.


This is for you all. For all of us.


Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray.

The journey to Ava Rose has begun!

It is with joy and excitment that we share with you are our journey to Ava Rose!
We have officially decided to adopt another baby girl from China and will be filing our application next week.
We have chosen China Adopts With Love--a China only agency in Boston to facilitate this process.
I spoke with Meg, the social worker at CAWLI, this morning and we are very excited to begin the paperwork process of this very long journey.
Once we have a log-in-date at the CCAA in China--the wait time for a referral is currently at 28 months. We will update you all as dates can change. We are ok with the wait time--it gives us lots of time to plan, save and enjoy this time with Maya Lily.
Thanks for your continued love and support!
The Dunns

Could the Dunn party of three have room for one more?

We have been discussing the possibility of adding one more member to the Dunn family!!!
Stay tuned! Details will be posted soon.

Home 11 months today

Maya has been home now for 11 months-time really has gone by fast. We cannot get over how well adjusted she is to our family and friends.
She is such a joy and a blessing!

My nephew-William Tilton Iles-Benoit

William was named after my grandfather--such an honor. He looks like Eric and Jason when they were babies.
I cannot wait to meet him in person this summer.

My nephew was born on Patriot's Day!

Hello all--
My nephew--William Tilton Benoit--was born on April 21 at 2:56 p.m.
He was four weeks early--but is doing great.
He weighs 5 lbs. 9 oz and is 18 inches long.

I will post pictures as soon as I get them!!

11 months since Gotcha Day!

Patrick and I were remembering our first night as parents--it was the most incredible feeling. To see Maya today--almost a year later--is amazing.
Looking forward to our one year anniversary and seeing some of the families who travelled with us.

The Silvestros meet Maya Lily

The Silvestros came down to Disney for a little vacation and we were able to meet up with them for dinner. It was the first time they got to meet Maya!
Chris and I have been friends for over 20 years--he was my prom date in high school!
His mom Pam and my mother had not seen each other for 12 years! It was great seeing them!
Nick became Maya's new best friend at dinner--it was so cute watching her hold his hand walking through downtown Disney.