Brothers!

After 11 days in the NICU, Brooks finally came home with us on Monday, September 19. And what a week it has been! Aside from having his nights and days mixed up for the first few days (and a few sleepless nights for mom and dad), he is doing very well. We are all so happy to have him home!

Milo has taken very well to his role as a big brother. Every day when he comes home from school, he washes his hands and then finds Brooks to give him a kiss. He has offered to help feed Brooks a couple times and has requested several times to hold him. He still hesitates to call Brooks by his given name - he prefers "Rocket," which is the name Milo chose for him ("Rocket Superstar" to be exact). Sometimes he will call him "Brooksie," but for the most part it is still Rocket. I think that nickname will be around for a long time to come!

Brooks Cameron Dungan

We are thrilled to announce the early and unexpected arrival of Brooks Cameron Dungan, who was born on Thursday, September 8 at 2:47 pm, weighing 5 pounds, 1 oz and 17.75 inches long.

Arriving at just short of the 34-week mark, Brooks still has some growing to do. He is in the NICU and will likely be there for at least a couple weeks. He is such a trooper and is making great progress every day!

Milo came down with strep the day before Brooks was born, so his time with Brooks has been limited so far. He is still processing the fact that he is a big brother and that Brooks isn't quite ready to play baseball with him, but he seems pretty excited. And just so sweet!

Late August Fun

Some pictures from the last couple weekends...a visit to the Miraus' cabin and our annual trip to the Minnesota State Fair. Fun!

Getting ready to do some fishing on Bay Lake.

Betcha can't catch me!

Happy boy!

Milo and Delaney watching their dads play pool.

Fishing!

Fishing!

Meeting a goat at the Fair.

Braving the obstacle course.

Milo found EVERY ride at the Fair that involved a car.

Another car ride.

Merry-Go-Round!

What a Summer!

Summer at the Dungan household is flying by as usual. I can't believe it is already almost August! We've been busy with swimming lessons for Milo, golf leagues for both Tod and I, getting the house ready for Baby, spending time in Northern Wisconsin with both sets of grandparents, and all sorts of other activities in between.

One activity that Milo has really taken a liking to this summer is fishing. We're fortunate to have found lucky spots right off the docks at both of our parents' places, so catching a lot of fish (albeit small pan fish) has been very exciting for him. Another highlight of Milo's summer so far was seeing the new Cars 2 movie. Twice.

We continue to be excited for the Baby's arrival in mid-October. Less than 3 months to go! We found out we're having another boy, and Milo refers to him as "Rocket Superstar." Milo is extremely excited to be a big brother, and particularly excited that he gets a new room out of the deal! Ever since our trip to Florida in March (and two visits to Sea World), he has been obsessed with sharks, whales and dolphins, so it was no surprise when he requested a shark room. The walls are painted, the furniture purchased, and the carpet is going in next week, so he should be moving into his new digs in the next couple weeks. Very exciting!

Fishing. In his pajamas.

Golfing!

Milo had some great playmates over 4th of July weekend:

my cousin Kate's daughters, Kyra and Ellie. They had a blast!

He still loves Grandma's golf cart!

Having a snack on the boat at Lake Chippewa.

A good-sized Sunfish. Or is that a Bluegill?

So proud of his catch!

Milo's Big Announcement!

That's right - we're expecting again! I am just over 17 weeks, due in mid-October. We're all very excited! Milo can't wait to take the baby to the new Cars 2 movie that is coming out this summer :)

Did you catch his signature on the note in the picture? All by himself! They have really been working on their letters, writing and drawing at preschool lately. He's growing up so fast! And he is going to be a great big brother!

Playing Hooky at Target Field

Milo played hooky today, taking in a Twins game with my dad and sisters. Unfortunately, the Twins lost, but a great time was had by all!

Milo and Papa

Being a turkey with Auntie Meg

Milo and Auntie Ry

Swimming Lessons

This past Thursday was Milo's first swimming class of the spring, and it was a smashing success! A year ago at this time, Milo screamed the entire first class, and that was with Tod in the water with him. Last night, he couldn't get in the pool fast enough, this time without either of his parents. He was literally bouncing up and down and clapping and smiling the entire time. I couldn't tell you how many times the teacher had to tell him to stay on the top step because he kept inching his way down the steps. He had a blast and has already asked several times to go back. What a difference a year (and a week in the pool in Florida) makes!