Graduation

When Brooks was first born, he would have "spells" where he would forget to breathe and his heart rate would drop. He was always able to correct it himself by finally breathing (usually in response to the extremely loud alarm that went off in the NICU when his heart rate when down), but not having ever experienced anything like this, it was always very scary for us. The condition is common in preemies - the connection between the brain and the lungs just isn't quite mature. The technical term is called "Apnea of Prematurity," and it goes away as a baby matures and reaches full term.

As the days went by in the NICU, and with the help of a daily dose of caffeine to stimulate him to keep breathing, the number of "spells" he had on a daily basis decreased significantly. Out of an abundance of caution, however, when he was discharged from the hospital, he was sent home on an apnea monitor. He was supposed to be connected to it whenever he was sleeping and any time we weren't watching him closely i.e. when we were in the car, in another room, etc. So pretty much anytime other than when he was being fed or held.

I could not have taken him home without it - I honestly would have NEVER slept because I would have been watching him like a hawk 24/7 to make sure he was breathing. But after about 2 weeks on the monitor and no alarms (even after stopping the caffeine!), it started really becoming a pain, especially in the middle of the night when we'd wake up to feed him and forget to turn the monitor off, resulting in a ear piercing alarm that woke the whole house. And those darn leads (electrodes attached to each side of his chest that had wires coming from them) were in the way every time we changed or bathed him!

I'm happy to say that after the 4-week long Children's Hospital Apnea Program "protocol," Brooks graduated from the apnea monitor today! We could NOT get those leads off fast enough! He's finally just a regular baby. And he is growing like a weed - he weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce earlier this week. Tomorrow is the 40 week mark (my original due date!) and he is right on par with what Milo was when he was born (7 pounds, 4 ounces). Life is good!

Smell ya!

The Un-Birthday

It is crazy to think that had things gone according to plan, Brooks would have made his arrival today. Instead, he turned 5 weeks old yesterday! He is a little peanut, but he is doing very well and continuing to grow. At his last weigh-in earlier this week, he tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 7.5 ounces!

We were certainly thrown a curveball with this one, but we are so in love with this little guy and so happy he decided to join us when he did!

Our little peanut

Rocket Superstar

Brooksie

Milo and his new coon skin hat from Alicia and Bill

Me and 2 of my boys (3 if you count Guinness, who is in his usual

spot on the top of the couch above Milo's left shoulder)

Milo's Field Trip and Brooks' Crazy Hair

On Friday, Milo went on his first ever class field trip. Tod's parents were kind enough to take care of Brooks so I could join the fun - we visited Minnetonka Orchards. It was a beautiful fall day and everyone had a great time!

And here are a couple recent pictures of Brooks. He had just had a bath and had some crazy hair!

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!