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:)

More of Our Boys

So far, being a family of four is better than I could have imagined. Grayson is nursing and sleeping like a champ, and Griffin is the best big brother any sibling could ask for. Brandon is still quite busy at work, but his hours are slowly starting to get better. Despite his lack of sleep due to working so much, he still finds the time to help take care of all of us. However, I know all of us are looking forward to April 15th!!!

Grayson Andrew Dunigan

Our precious gift is finally here! Praise God we have a healthy baby boy!

Stats: 7lbs. 15 oz.
20 inches
5:21AM
3/18/2009

We hope you can meet him soon!!!!

Two quotes I like...

As I was blog surfing again, I came across two quotes that I thoroughly love. ENJOY!

A mother is the most important person on earth. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any Cathedral -- a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body. -- Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be. -- C.S. Lewis

Valentine's Day Weekend

Here are a few pictures from our Valentine's Day Weekend. Brandon and I gave Griffin the movie Madagascar for V-Day, and he thoroughly enjoyed it! He also had some fun dressing up in Brandon's work clothes and telling us he was going to "crunch numbers." ENJOY:)