Can you please share a little about yourself and the other members that make up your family, including the kid’s ages and hobbies?
Jennifer: I was born and raised in Montgomery and came to Auburn for school, where I met my husband, Reese. After graduating, we loved Auburn so much that we decided to make it our home. We have been married for 11 years now and have two daughters. Adaline is eight and just started second grade. She loves to dance and put on a show. She loved her hip-hop class last year and will be doing it again this year. Isabel is five and just started kindergarten. She is so excited to be at school with her big sister. She also loves dance and is taking ballet and tap.
What is Adaline’s diagnosis, and what was your initial reaction to hearing it?
Jennifer: We were told shortly after Adaline was born that they thought she had Down syndrome. The news took us by surprise, to say the least. We were terrified. There were so many questions about what her life would look like, but most worrisome were the possible health concerns associated with having Down syndrome. I remember lying in the hospital bed with so much fear and anxiety, and although it was one of the scariest moments of my life, it was also one of the times I felt the closest to the Lord. He was there with us and told me that my baby was going to be okay. Once we got home and some of that fear subsided, it became obvious what a blessing we had just been given. Adaline is our precious little angel sent straight from Heaven. She brings so much joy to everyone she meets and has a special talent for putting a smile on people’s faces.
What type of therapies have you had to do to help her thrive?
Jennifer: When she was just a couple of months old, we started physical and occupational therapy and eventually added speech therapy. These were very helpful and key to helping her progress quicker with all of her skills/milestones. She still receives all of these therapies but is able to do them at school now.
What is the most fulfilling part of raising a child with special needs?
Jennifer: Adaline finds the good in everyone she meets, and it brings us so much joy to experience how she can meet a total stranger and, within seconds, bring them out of their shell and a smile to their face. It is amazing to see how she loves people so well. Adaline and all of our friends with Down syndrome are the way I believe the Lord intended people to be. She doesn’t see bad in people, she only sees good. She doesn’t see differences in people, she only sees love.
What do you wish others understood more about her diagnosis?
Jennifer: Sometimes people think being different is scary, but being different is what makes you special. I would love for everyone to embrace that sentiment and love the differences instead of fearing them.
When Adaline looks in the mirror, she doesn’t see Down syndrome; she sees a girl who can do anything she puts her mind to. It may be in her own way and at her own pace but don’t try to stop her. She is one of the most persistent, strong-willed people I know. I pray that others see that as well.
What is one piece of advice you’d offer to other special needs parents?
Jennifer: Remember to slow down and enjoy each moment. Try not to get overwhelmed with meeting all the milestones and academic goals. Trust in His plan for our children and for ourselves, and know that we don’t have to have all the answers right now. Everything will happen in His time.
I remember someone telling me that God only chooses special people to be the parents of these special blessings. It isn’t always easy, and things may take longer and be harder to accomplish, but there is so much joy and excitement in all the little things.
How do you take time to fill your cup as a mom and a wife?
Jennifer: I have learned that it is so important to take time for yourself so that you can come back and be the best version of yourself with your family. For me, that looks like talking with friends who lift me up, spending time with the Lord in prayer each day, carving out one-on-one time with my husband, and having quality time with my mom, who is my best friend and the person I look up to most.
Rapid Fire Questions
Inside or Outside? Inside
Sweet or Salty? Sweet
Favorite Place? Beach
Favorite Song? Better Together by Jack Johnson
One word to describe yourself: Determined
Jenifer Dunn and her husband, Reese, have been married for 11 years. She is a stay-at-home mom to two little girls. When she isn’t carpooling the girls to their extracurricular activities, the family loves to spend time with family and friends. urpose and make it through this world. We got this, Mamas!
Author: Staff
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