Highlights

Some highlights of the last week...

• Maya missed two days of daycare last week due to being sick.  She is doing much better.

• Maya started at a new daycare this past Monday.  She had a breakdown on the first day when the triplets arrived but other than that she is doing well.  She is in the pre-toddler class (1-2 year olds).  Maya has to be a big girl now.  She is expected to eat table food and take one nap on a cot.  Luckily one of Maya's friends is there too and is able to visit her.

• This past weekend we traveled to Minneapolis for an Ethiopian event.  On Saturday we drove down and shopped most of the day.  On Sunday we got to meet up with a couple that traveled with us to Ethiopia.  We had brunch and attended the event together.  Maya had so much fun seeing her friend Addie and we had fun visiting with other parents.  At the event we saw some traditional Ethiopian dancing and singing as well as visited various booths.  Although Dave missed watching the Superbowl, we are very glad we made it to the event. 

• We also had our second and last meeting with our social worker.  We have our 6 month post-placement report due. 

Below are some photos of the event

House Photos

Here are some house photos that we had promised.  We absolutely love our new house.  Although we have more to do, we are happy with how it is turning out.  Dave is currently working on the family room which is currently stuck in the 70's. 

Maya's room - Before photo with previous owners

Maya's room being painted

 
Maya's room

 
Maya's room - another angle

Kitchen prior to being painted

In progress...

 
Finished

Living room - Before photo with previous owners

Finished...Toby just had to be in the photo

Sick Again

Poor Maya.  Daycare called early afternoon on Thursday to inform me that she has been having diarrhea every 20-30 minutes.  I took her to the walk-in to find that there is nothing that can be done except wait it out and put her on a bland diet.  Okay, I can handle this with Dave being out of town for work.  Well...after her nap I fed her roughly 4 oz of formula.  Apparently her tummy didn't care for it and Maya proceeded to throw up and boy did she throw up.  I have never seen anything like it in my whole life.  Maya managed to cover herself, the couch, the blanket, and me.  Thankfully my friend Andrea who lives down the street was able to come over so I could clean up.  Thank you Andrea!  Maya hasn't thrown up anymore but continues to have episodes of diarrhea.  Dave did fly home late Thursday and was able to stay home with Maya on Friday.  Despite not feeling the greatest, she still has her charming personality.  Maya still wants to be active and play with her toys.  Hopefully she'll feel better soon.

On a different note...Maya did not win the photo contest :( She was 10 votes behind and received 3rd place.  Thank you to all of you that voted!

Photo Contest

Maya is up to win image of the year (2007) from our photographer.  Please help us win by going to the link below, scroll down until you see the section that reads "2007 Image of the Year", click on the email address is the second paragraph, and send an email with Maya's name in the subject or body of the email.  If Maya wins, we will receive a 16x20 canvas photo of our choice.

 

http://www.areavoices.com/blessings/

 

Thanks everyone for your vote!

Too Small

This is what happens when moms forgets to bring extra clothes to daycare...

 

 

All about Maya

Maya snuggles with daddy
 
Look at that smile!

Maya wants in the action along with the dogs

Maya can now hold her sippy cup!

Life can be hard...

Maya loves to eat out - here at Green Mill

How big is Maya?  SO BIG!

Christmas, New Year's, and Maya's Baptism

Happy New Year!  Sorry for the delay in posting a new message.  Here is a recap of the last couple of weeks.

We had a wonderful Christmas.  Maya got to spend her 1st Christmas in Bismarck with some of Dave's family.  Thank you Kerry and Melvin for hosting!  Maya did really well dealing with all the excitement and sleeping in a new environment.  She also got to try all sorts of new food like mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and a candy cane.

Maya had a ball opening her gifts!

Maya especially liked the toy inside
 
Maya is a little diva in this coat from Aunt Judy and Uncle Isaac

Maya's 1st candy cane
 

The holiday weren't busy enough so we threw in a baptism too!  Maya got baptized on Dec. 30th.  Some family were able to make it which meant so much to us.  Maya looked absolutely beautiful in her gown.  Thank you Cherrie for letting Maya wear Megan's dress. 

 

New Year's came and gone but boy did we have fun.  We had some friends over for a pizza party.  The kids had a ball playing with one another, Maya's toys, and our Roomba.  Who knew my Christmas gift from Maya (really Dave) could entertain 2-years olds for so long.  Maya pooped out around 8pm but the party kept going.

Maya and her friend Brody
 
The kids stop for a second for a picture
 
The "Roomba"

Well that about covers it.  Stay tuned for some pictures of our new house.  We are getting closer to being settled!