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