Our Week

We started the week out by having family in town for Maya's Forever Home Anniversary party.  On Monday afternoon, Maya enjoyed a play date with the neighbor kids.  Maya had a blast playing in the kid pool.  On Tuesday Maya woke up with pink eye.  Luckily my mother was still in town so she stayed to watch Maya until lunch.  I was happy to come home despite being behind at work as I had a cold and still do.  The rest of the week was very uneventful as we both were recovering from our sickness.  Maya's pink eye looks good and she is back to her happy self. 

This morning we had Maya's 18 month photos taken once again at Blessing Photography.  Maya did an amazing job.  We are hopeful that we have too many pictures to choose from :)  One of the pictures below is Maya with a stuffed bird.  Maya loves it and had to play with it before we left.  When we got home we decided to snap a few photos in our front yard.  I hope Tera's photos turn out better than ours - Ha!

Tonight we are off to watch the NDSU Bison rule in football.  This is our first game we will have attended this season and are looking forward to it.  We took a photo of Maya in front of our Bison yard sign.  Hail to the Bison!

 
  
 

Hair

So I am still trying to figure out how to style Maya's hair.  I have tried a few different products and a few different styles so far.  Here is my latest.  What do you all think?  Personally, I think they are adorable as long as Maya doesn't pull them out.  I'm debating on whether to style her hair like this for her 18 month photos which are Tuesday.  Anyone have any thoughts or opinions for me?

Party Update

We had a great party for Maya's 1 year Forever Home Anniversary.  Many friends and family were able to make it for the event.  Dave made two Ethiopian dishes and our friend Betty brought one over.  Most people were daring to try them and loved them.  We are lucky to be able to buy fresh injera here in town.  The kids enjoyed playing outside and playing one of the many lawn games.  All around I think it was a huge hit.  Thank you to all of the friends and family that were able to make it.  We really appreciate you being here to help us celebrate.

Here Dave is cooking one of the Ethiopian dishes

Maya with her four cousins from my side

Maya play row, row, row your boat with cousin Megan

Maya got a new doll from Grandma Agnes

 
Family Photo - what a happy bunch!

Maya's cake - Huge hit, not a piece to spare

Random Pictures of Maya - How cute is she?

Maya's Day!

One year ago today we met Maya for the very first time in a care center in Addis Ababa. The past year has been such a blessing for all three of us as a family. Maya is a truly amazing little girl and to help celebrate the occasion we are throwing a party in her honor this week. The weather looks good, we have a food (both American and Ethiopian) and drinks planned, some games – all we need is friends and family to join us in what should be a great time. Be sure to stop by!

PS: It is also Maya's 18th month birthday today!

Funny Maya moment

I just have to share with all of you.  Yesterday while changing Maya's diaper, Maya sneezed two times.  Every time Maya sneezes she has a stunned look on her face.  Her eyes get big and she just looks at you.  Normally when she sneezes, we say "Bless you".  Well yesterday after Maya finished with her stunned look, she looked at me and said "Bless you".  I almost died right there.  She said it as clear as day.  Since then she has said it a few times as both she and I have been sneezing this weekend. 

A Year Ago Today

One year ago, my mother dropped Dave and I off at the airport.  We had 8 full bags of luggage with us and one picture of our precious baby girl.  We left on a Wednesday and flew into Washington DC.  We had decided to spend a day touring around our capital city.  Friday came and we met four other couples at the gate early in the morning.  It was easy to spot them as we were the only non-Ethiopians waiting to board the plane.  I remember relief setting in as I was so nervous and had no idea what to expect.  Dave did a great job following the message board but not me.  I was nervous, anxious, excited, and scared.  I knew that this trip would change my life forever and it did.  We are the luckiest two people I know.  God had a plan for us and our plan was to bring Maya home.  She is the best little girl ever and we are so blessed. 

Below is Maya's referral photo.  This was the only picture we had of Maya before our trip.  The next picture is a more recent one.  She has grown so much in the last year.

We love you Maya!!!