Getting Ready for Change

In a few short days, change will occur for the Dunigan Family. We will be waking the kids up bright and early so I can head off to work after dropping them off at Gail's House. I can't begin to describe how sad this makes me. Don't get me wrong; I love teaching, but I also love cuddling, reading, eating, and playing with my OWN kiddos. Thankfully Griffin is excited to head back to Gail's, but this will be the first time for Grayson. Pray that this transition goes well!

In the meantime, our days our continuing to be busy and full of life. Last week, both boys took part in the Parent/Child dedication with us at Eagle Brook. So many friends and family members came out to support us during this celebratory weekend; it was truly amazing to feel so much love and support directed at our boys. THANKS to all who attended and celebrated God's love and truth with us. A special thank you goes to my brother, Andrew, for preparing all the food. I have received numerous compliments on our taco bar!

Although I have had to make a few trips into school this week, I have tried to cram in playground time, pool time, and last minute shopping. Griffin continues to love the water, and Grayson enjoys naps in the shade:) Griffin has a new fascination with the preview for New Moon. Having read the books, which I love by the way, I know he won't actually see the movies for quite some time. However, I delight in watching him get so excited over a two minute video/interview.

Some big news---Grayson's first tooth officially broke through his gums on Sunday! Griffin didn't get his first tooth until after he was nine months old, so we are in new territory dealing with a teething boy so young. He occasionally suffers from low-grade fevers, is a bit more fussy, and constantly chews on whatever he can get his hands on, but I know that it could be worse.

Well---off to enjoy my boys some more. I hope you enjoyed the pictures:)

Quote of the day...

Me: Griffin, you need to put some pants on.

Griffin: Well, I will tell you when the clock says I can wear pants.

Happy 5-month Birthday, Grayson!

Today, Grayson is officially five months old. I am reminded daily that time goes by way too quickly with my little guys. I try to take it all in, but sometimes I feel caught in a whirlwind of time passing faster than I would like it.

Grayson, as usual, is a very content baby. Currently he is starting to show signs of favoring me over other people, but that is quite normal for his stage of development. Plus, I am home all day, so he sees me the most. Overall though, he will go to most anyone and stay content for quite a long time. The volunteers at church often comment how easy he is to take care of, and they love making him smile and giggle.

The baby of the family is also on the verge of moving about the house. He is able to roll over in both directions, and he can shimmy his way to a nearby toy if necessary. This makes me nervous because we clearly need to re-babyproof the house! He isn't sitting up yet, though, so hopefully it will be a little while before he is truly on the move!

My littlest man is finally putting on some weight, at least I think. At his four month check-up, the doctor was slightly concerned that he hadn't put on much weight between his two and four-month check-up. To put that in perspective, Griffin was more than two pounds heavier at his four-month appointment than Grayson was (Griffin was 15 lbs. 15 oz. and Grayson was 13 lbs. 13 oz.). As a result, I was ordered to try and feed him as much as possible, even in the middle of the night if he woke up. He still goes on what I call "hunger strikes," where he won't eat for over 4-5 hours during the day, but then a couple days later he will be back on track. The one nice thing about his slow weight gain is that he still fits into all of his 3-6 month clothes. It's great to see him wear an outfit more than once or twice:) Because of his slow size development, we were told to hold off on solid foods until his six month check-up. The doctor said I could start periodically introducing rice cereal to get him used to eating, but that I shouldn't do it consistently or make it a regular source of nutrition. Check out the pictures of his first encounter with yummy cereal!

In two short weeks, Grayson will be going off to Gail's house for the day:( I am sad to leave both boys, but I am excited for them to see their friends!

Happy Tuesday! Enjoy the pictures!

Griffin's Well Child Check-Up

Today Griffin had his three year check up, and he "passed" with flying colors. Weighing in at 33 pounds and standing 38 inches tall, he is in the 50th percentile for both.

For the first time, the majority of the questions were asked of Griffin. To test his development, they asked him questions like, "can you name some friends...do you like to read...what do you like to do with your baby brother?" At first he answered, "I just want to be shy today," but we eventually got him talking.

Unfortunately, he also needed to get a shot:( For a while there was a HIB shortage, so kids were only getting three doses. Well, the shortage is over, so bring on the shot. He was so brave, and even watched it go in. Unfortunately, once the liquid was pushed in he started crying, but I was able to calm him down...well, the sticker from the nurse helped too:)

Good job, little man! You truly are growing up, and we are SO proud of you!

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

At yesterday's outdoor baptism, the only restroom was a porta-potty. After taking Griffin in there, it did NOT take me 10 or so minutes to remember to use hand sanitizer. No way...considering he was playing with other kids and adults afterward, I would certainly remember to stop the spread of germs!

So, during garage cleaning, I found a small box of VHS tapes...mostly Disney. I DID NOT get super excited thinking, "more movies for Griffin to watch if he wakes up too early." NOPE, not me!

That's all from me...I woke up too early today:)

Brandon's Baptism

Today was an exciting day for the Dunigan Family. Brandon participated in Eagle Brook Church's outdoor baptism! There were over 200 people who chose to be baptized, and it was just awesome to see so many people proclaiming their faith. It was a neat experience...one I am sure neither one of us will forget. Thank you Angie, Chad, Becca, Nick, Charlie, Holly, Jill, Heath, Missy, Robbie, Isabel, and Kelsey for coming to support Brandon!!!

Announcing his faith in Jesus...pre-dunking...

After the dunking...

Dry before the dunking...

Everyone who came to support us!

Our attempt at a family picture after the big event!

Our Small Group after the big event---Becca was also baptized

The Oberg Family---Charlie was also baptized:)

More Quotes...

"Mom, can you talk to Daddy and tell him I can do ______." (Sorry kid, we are on the same page!)

"I think I smell like a stinky giraffe...Let's take a bath!"

Current Griffin Quotes :)

"Okay Mom, you have two options..."

"That's interesting."

"I'm not a little kid anymore." (on his birthday)

"It's okay honey; I know life is hard." (to his baby brother when crying)

"Mom, that ____________ is SO beautiful!"

"Does that sound like a good plan/deal?"

Gotta love him!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Griffin!

So, we started Griffin's festivities last night by giving Griffin a bath and painting him like Flash, one of his new favorite super heroes. We also gave him a pair of Spiderman Pajamas. Doesn't he look cute? Then as soon as he woke up this morning, we allowed him to open up his present from Auntie Le'Dean, Uncle Jeff, Henry, and Ella. He had been asking for super hero toys for a while, so we let him open those right away! By nine in the morning, we were at the Como Zoo with a few of his friends to celebrate the day. Well, we were at the park first because I was a moron and didn't know that the zoo opened at ten, but whatever. We walked around for a while, hit up Como Town, and then ended the festivities by eating lunch, having a cupcake pull-apart cake, opening presents, and taking a ride on the carousal . It was a full morning, and both boys fell asleep on the car ride home. Thank you Holly, Missy, Melissa, Annie, Kelsey, and the kiddos for making Griffin's day one he will surely remember.

After rest time and dinner, we continued the festivities by allowing Griffin to open his presents from us. Although I thought our horses would take a backseat to the rest of his toys, I am pleased to announce that he said they were his favorite. He even took a bath with them tonight! After presents, we spent sometime outside using his new bubble wand, and then he simmered down by watching a little of Beauty and the Beast. I am pretty sure he went to bed a happy camper...couldn't get him to part with his new toys! All in all, it was a pretty wonderful day, and I am exhausted:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRIFFIN! WE LOVE YOU!!!