My name is Grayson Andrew Dunigan...

And I am three months old today! Here are a few other things you might like to know about me:

• My middle name is after my amazing Uncle Andrew---my mom's brother.
• My nickname is supposedly "Grady," but nobody seems to call me that.
  
• I am a pretty good eater and am on a good schedule thanks to mommy having to go back to work for a few weeks.
  
• I like to sleep a lot...I even let mommy and daddy sleep at night; well, for the most part.
• I love playing with my Tiny Love Gym.
• Sucking on my hands/fingers is my favorite activity.
  
• I LOVE to smile; I even throw in a few giggles now and then.
• I have a REALLY cool big brother.
• I just rolled over from my stomach to my back TODAY!
• My mommy is home with me for the summer. Griffin and I are having lots of fun playing with her.
• I have pretty chubby legs.

That is about all from me. Until the next time my mom lets me use the computer, enjoy some new pictures:)

One More Week...

And I get to spend the summer with these cute boys!

Lots to report!

My two little men!



SMILE:)

Do you like my hairdo?

OUCH!

I know it's blurry, but isn't he one cool dude?







Grayson had his two month check-up last week. I am pleased to report he is in the 50th percentile weighing in at 11lbs. 10 oz. He is also 23 inches tall. He received a few more vaccinations which is always a little sad for me, but he survived:) More importantly, it has been a week full of smiles! For a few weeks now, Grayson will smile on cue. It is amazing to see him react to us, but it is the most fun seeing him react to Griffin!!!

For a different milestone, I graduated from Hamline this last weekend! I officially have my Masters, and it feels great to be completely done. It was fun having Papa Tom, Papa Bill, Grandma Laurie, and GiGi in town with the four of us to celebrate. I figure in about a year or two I will start on with my Doctorate Degree, but for now, it is nice to be done with classes and writing papers for a bit.

On a sad note, my boys only have one more week with their Grandma Laurie. It will be hard to see her go, but on a positive note, a different countdown has officially begun: only 11 more school days left until I am home full time with my boys for the summer. I can't wait!

Have fun with the pictures:)

Our Busy Life

Cuddling with Jenn

Learning to golf...

Playing dress up...compliments of daddy :)

So strong

Anna and my boys

I apologize for the delay in posting, but going back to work has eaten up just a bit of my time! Although I hate leaving Griffin and Grayson during the day, I am at least blessed with a job that I truly love doing. My students make my day, and I do look forward to teaching them...once I get out of the house at least:)

Since I have been back at work, a few more people have come to visit. Grayson got to meet my friend Anna the day before I returned to the classroom. Anna and I met in college through FCA and diving. We were also blessed to have lunch with Brian and Steph before they made their big move back to D.C. I am so incredibly sad to see them go to D.C/Venezuela, but I know that this is a chance in a lifetime for the two of them. My best friend from high school came to visit also. Jenn leaves in a few short weeks to serve our God in Africa, so she came to spend a few days with us before her departure. Her visit included a short run outside (my knee doesn't quite function well yet), our family's first full trip to Costco, and a private car ride for Jenn and me to catch up just the two of us!

My two boys have also been enjoying some quality time with Grandma LAURIE!!! To help ease my transition into work, my mother came to live with us for a bit. She will be here until school ends so that I don't have to put Grayson into day care until the fall. I adore our day care provider, and I know that she would have done a fabulous job, but it is nice to know that Grayson is at home enjoying his grandma while I am at work. It was also fun spending Mother's Day with my boys and my mother.

With spring here, we have been enjoying the outside. Walks to the park happen daily, and Griffin has begun "golfing." Last night also brought forth my first full night of sleep. Although I am sure it was a fluke, Grayson slept just shy of 8 hours last night! Here's to hoping it happens a little more frequently:)

In the upcoming weeks, a few more milestones will occur, and I promise to post! Grayson has his 2 month check-up on Monday, I participate in my graduation from my Masters program next weekend, and school will be done for the summer in less than four weeks!!! I am psyched to spend my first summer free from work or grad school! Just me and my boys:)

Enjoy the pictures!

Cramming it all in...

Bundled up!



Enjoying coffee like his mom!

Easter outfit










Isn't he handsome? (side note...this outfit was Henry's!)

Unfortunately, I will be returning to work on April 29th. Although I am excited to see my students, I am devastated that I have to leave Grayson at such a young age. Thankfully, Brandon will be staying home with him for two weeks before he heads off to Gail's house. I keep reminding myself it will only be a short while before Summer Break is here, but tears are shed daily when I think of leaving him so soon.

So, before I head back to OVMS, we have been cramming in lots of activities. Due to the incredible weather lately, Grayson has been on many walks, and as soon as big brother gets home, we frequently visit the park. More friends have been over to visit, and this weekend, Brandon's grandfather and his wife, Sharlene, will be visiting!

Grayson is starting to track objects with his eyes, and he still proves to have a VERY strong neck for a baby. His sleeping pattern is still a bit unpredictable, but for the most part, he is starting to go 5-6 hour stretches between feedings at night. I am thankful for this seeing as I don't need to be a zombie at work! Griffin is talking more and more each day, and I am amazed at how fast he is growing up. It is hard to believe he will be three years old in August!!! Brandon is enjoying being able to start teaching him tennis though!

Oh, and Brandon bought a new (to him) car today!!!

Enjoy the pictures!

A long week...but an incredible God.

The last eight days have been a learning experience for the Dunigan Family. I now know more about Cystic Fibrosis than I care to know. Let me explain...

On Tuesday, March 31st, we were informed that Grayson's Newborn Screening (a test most states require of newborns in the hospital) came back positive for Cystic Fibrosis. In order to officially have CF, one must carry two CF genes---one passed down from each parent. All the newborn screening told us was that he had at least one gene. To this day, we do not know which one of us has the mutated gene that was passed down to him; however, based on family history, it is likely that I (Sandra) am the CF carrier.

In order to find out whether or not Grayson had CF, we had to take him to a geneticist at the University of Minnesota-Children's Hospital to receive further testing. Unfortunately, we had to wait an entire week to get him tested due to his age:( Today Grayson had his sweat-chloride testing, and we are thrilled to report that he is only a carrier of one gene; he does NOT have Cystic Fibrosis.

This last week was a whirlwind of emotions as I grappled with the possibility of Grayson having CF. It was tough realizing that God had possibly planned for Grayson's life to be different than what I had planned for him. However, despite the occasional "why me" and "why Grayson" I knew that I could still praise my God through this storm. Although I questioned what was happening, I knew that my God was good no matter the outcome.

As I reflect on the week, it didn't take me long to figure out why God put our family through this. For the first time, I was literally brought to my knees in prayer. I wept in prayer, and I praised in prayer. My trust in God's plan was tested, and I can honestly say that prior to knowing today's test results, I trusted that God would have his hand in this...no matter what. I truly learned that God can heal, God can take away, God can throw curve balls. But, God is still faithful, and His plans are always better than mine, despite initial thoughts. I was also reminded once again that I have amazing people in my life who will also help me through any tough times life throws my way.

A verse from Proverbs was shown to me this week, and my how I clung to it. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9. It is my prayer that you can learn from this as well.

Meeting Family and Friends

My little artist!
Mac, Thorin, and Grayson
Grayson after a bath



My little star!

Clifford at the Children's Museum


All tuckered out!

Over the last few weeks Grayson has met quite a few friends and family. Both boys enjoyed spending time with various people, and Griffin especially loved visiting the Children's Museum with Henry and Ella.

Grayson is growing like a weed...I had to retire four outfits already!

Griffin is still proving to be the best big brother ever!

Enjoy the pictures:)