HAPPY 1^st BIRTHDAY ISABELLA AND MADELINE!

It is amazing to think about your first year of life. You both showed such strength, patience and determination. We have a lot to celebrate today and for the rest of your lives. As we look back over the year it is sometimes hard to remember how truly sick you two were. We are reminded by photographs, news articles and television broadcasts, but the smallest reminder that we see daily is the tiny scar you both have in the middle of your chests. This is our daily reminder of Gods healing hand and the miraculous event of your life. We have shed many tears over the past year. Your daddy and I cried when you were born… we did not know if you would be boys or girls... with the most joyous tears your daddy said… “We have girls!” Only two short months later we shed tears of hurt… to know that you both were so sick and yet there was nothing we could do to relieve your pain and suffering. We prayed around the clock and so did the world. At barely 8 pounds you brought thousands to their knees in hopes that their prayers would help in your healing. Little did we know what lie ahead. Amazing… A true Miracle! We watch you both today do something we could have only dreamt of 10 months ago. You both have started walking. Those first steps have never meant so much. You wait for that day as a new parent and anticipate what it will be like. Nothing prepared us for the overwhelming emotion we felt as we watched you let go and walk. Pure excitement and joy! Tears once again flow in celebration today… remembering that beautiful day.. One year ago… when we heard the words” We have girls!” We now have a second chance and a whole new perspective on life.

Madeline was the first to walk on June 17^th. She never stays in one spot anymore! Isabella took her first steps on June 28^th… and to a very fitting audience. She walked for the first time in front of Dr. Taub and Dr. Xavier! We were in awe… she had never really attempted before and there she was… making her way across the room! Needless to say… we thought our house was chaotic before… oh boy is it ever now! Both girls are doing wonderful these days. They have a ton of hair, 2 teeth each and are babbling away. They are in love with Isaiah ( as I listen to them laughing and giggling behind me) and nothing makes them happier than to see their daddy when he gets home from work. Life is going really well and we again fill with emotion at the year we have had. Thank you to all who have followed our journey and to those who continue. We cherish the phone calls, gifts, blankets, and memories we received from this time in our lives. We are continually humbled by the donations and financial help we were given during their stay in the hospital and for the outpouring of support and prayers. We sometimes cry in the sadness of the months missed when they were infants, longing for just a moment of that stage. We cannot go back and change what has happened so we continue to be thankful for everyday we have been given. Rejoicing in their healing and celebrating their lives.

Isabella and Madeline had a wonderful surprise today… they are on the FRONT page of The Flint Journal! http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/07/born_on_the_fourth_of_july_twi.html

Thank you Tom Nugent for the beautiful article… Quite the 1^st Birthday gift! Thank you to the Flint Journal for telling our story.

Many changes have taken place over this year and we continue to cherish every moment. As we watch the girls grow we often think about what lies ahead. We know that there are amazing things in store for them. They are on the go and there is no stopping them. We will return to children’s on the 21^st of July for an MRI. We will continue to pray for complete healing. No matter how much we try not to worry about the results, knowing that it is not in our control, there is always a little pit in your stomach on that day. If the results are good then the girls will be moved to a 6 month MRI schedule. What a blessing that will be! If we could ask of one thing… please continue to pray for our baby girls. They are the love of our lives and as Isaiah always says” my favorite gooies ever… And I love them sooo much!”

Please enjoy the new pictures we have posted and enjoy this beautiful day. The 4^th of July is a very special day! Have a safe and happy 4^th!

Happy 1^st Birthday Madeline!

Happy 1^st Birthday Isabella!

With all our love,

The Dunn Family

Michael, Alissa, Isaiah, Isabella and Madeline

New photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/leviwings

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