Growing up way too fast :(

In just a few short days, my little man is going to be three years old. I remember, like it was yesterday, the day he was born. I remember being scared, excited, tired, thrilled, and every other emotion possible. As I waited out my labor, I just wanted to MEET my little miracle man. I remember originally thinking that I wanted the doctors and nurses to "clean" my child before giving him to me. I remember feeling like a moron for having that thought once he was born. I remember thinking, during labor, that I never wanted to have another child again. And then the instant he was placed on my belly (all wet, sticky, and slimy), I remember thinking that I could definitely do this again. I remember feeling so overwhelmed with love that I could hardly speak. The love you have for your child is so amazing that I can't even begin to explain it. It isn't the amount of love you feel, it is the type. At that moment, my heart was changed forever.

And now...almost three years has passed. I have been able to cuddle, kiss, dry tears, wash dirt away, laugh, and so much more, with my precious Griffin Thomas Dunigan for about three years. Three years people. I can hardly believe it. Our child, the one I helped create, is going to be THREE! He speaks full sentences, prays to God, repeats bible verses, kicks soccer balls, colors and cuts construction paper, ask questions (lots of questions), visits the dentist and chiropractor, soothes his baby brother, and SO much more. My little man is growing up way too fast!

Recently, I have been telling Griffin, in a sad voice, "I wish you could stay my little man forever." His response is often something like this, "I know it makes you sad, but I have to grow big like Daddy." I know honey. Even though it makes me so proud to watch you grown and learn, it also makes me so very sad.

Two posts in one day...

Wordless Post---well mostly:)

Baptism/Dedication...What's the difference?

After announcing that both boys would be dedicated at Eagle Brook next month, a few people have asked what a dedication is and why my children aren't being baptized. So, to the best of my ability, I am going to try and set the record straight. Please note, these are my interpretations:)

Eagle Brook does not do infant baptisms. In fact, our church back home does not do infant baptisms either. Instead, we have dedications. On August 22nd, both our boys will take part in this celebration. Basically, as parents, Brandon and I will stand in front of our family and friends at Eagle Brook and pledge to raise our kids based on biblical truth. We will make a public commitment to teach our boys about what it means to be followers of Christ and live a "Christ-Centered" life. There is no water, no dunking, etc. Instead, just a verbal announcement. As young children, Griffin and Grayson can't quite understand what it means to be a Christian. So, as parents, we are making a statement that essentially says we are taking on the responsibility of raising our children in a home where Christ is present, and we promise to point our kids towards a relationship with God.

Baptisms still occur at our church, but they are not performed on small children. Instead, older children on up can CHOOSE to be baptized. See, we hold the belief that being baptized should be a choice---a decision a Christ follower chooses to make. Baptisms are held for people to make a public declaration of their OWN faith. Because the stories in the bible are of adults being baptized by being dunked, that is the practice we follow. Unlike some denominations, we do not believe that baptism is what "saves" a person. Instead, baptism is a public display of a change that has taken place in our heart after accepting Christ. Our church once put it like this: "baptism is to salvation as a wedding ceremony is to a marriage. It’s an external declaration of an internal event." Some choose to be baptized shortly after deciding to follow Jesus, others wait. I was baptized as a senior in high school, whereas Brandon has decided to be baptized this August.

Please note that this is just a small portion of our faith journey, and we in no way shape or form want our beliefs on baptism to separate ourselves from other people who share our faith in Christ.

So, there you have it. I hope I explained things correctly:)

That's Fantastic!

Apparently Griffin just needs verbal praise to learn his numbers...

This is what a fun day at the park does to an almost three-year-old!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Loving the bumbo seat

Mr. Shy Smiles

Griffin's current obsession--HORSES!

Fun on the lake

Don't think he has a valid license...

Grayson wasn't too sure of the whole life jacket thing!

SOCCER!

Uncle Christopher

Papa Bill

Once again...ALL SMILES!

OOOOOHHHH....AAAHHHHH Fireworks!

Play Date with Isabel

Life has been busy for the Dunigan Family! In the last few weeks, we celebrated the 4th of July, potty trained Griffin, traveled to Wisconsin, celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary, and so much more!

We saw fireworks right by our house on the 4th, and Grayson was mesmerized. Griffin, unfortunately, was much more entertained by the glow stick Brandon purchased for him. Nonetheless, we had a fun night with Becca and Nick.

The big news...no more diapers for Griffin! (well at least during the day.) Following the advice of a fellow blogger friend, I let Griffin run around half naked for a couple days. After having a few accidents without a diaper on, he realized that the toilet was his friend. And, just like that, no more diapers! I wish I could take all the credit for it, but I know he witnessed his friends at day care being trained throughout the school year, so that helped speed things along too. Next on the list: working on better aim!

We also took another trip to the Children's museum two weeks ago. With two other families, we spent the morning with Clifford, snakes, and more. I think fun was had by all.

Most recently, the four of us traveled to WI for almost a week. It was great to see both sides of our family. My favorite memories are of Griffin playing soccer with Samuel and both my boys going for a boat ride. I also thoroughly enjoyed a night free from the boys so Brandon and I could celebrate our anniversary at The Melting Pot:)

Ahhhh....Gotta love summer!