Birthday Boy

It occurred to me as I was making the train post, that a birthday post was never made. Man has this mom been shirking! Chase celebrated his first birthday on November 15th with a low key party at home with his NC family. There were balloons, music, presents and of course, cake. The most notable event of the evening was the striptease the birthday boy preformed
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The evening started out in an out fit nice enough. Shortly after, it was decided that the shirt had to go. By the time we got to presents there were no pants to be found. Ironically, this box was full of adorable clothes from his grandparents in TN.


Some of the action was caught on film, but the camera (wo)man was too busy laughing to hold the camera proper. More photos can be viewed at our Flickr site.

Trains, Trains, Trains!

On behalf of our children, who are yet unable to type, we would love to thank all who contributed to the train table, or the collective table of happiness, as we call it. There have been several morning cups of coffee enjoyed while still hot, so this is also a gift for parents. The kids pulled their gift cards (many thanks for these, too!) for Wii Sports Resort, and oh my, I'm not sure how long it has been since we have laughed so hard. Catherine is getting really good at some of the games, while Chase dances to the music and affectionately shakes his wiimote at the television. As a matter of fact, he is so attached to the wiimote he insisted on taking it to his crib during nap this afternoon. My mom has been visiting all week, so there should be some awesome, and abundant photos/videos available soon..

Questing

Make believe land is where our home is all day, every day, these days. Today, instead of going to the jungle to fight "the bad guys" , the following quests were given:

Step One: Go into the jungle (our back yard) and recover a lost bucket. Then return to Mommy (in the sunroom) for the reward.

Step Two: Return to the jungle to collect five leaves. Then return to Mommy for the reward.

Step Three: Once more, go into the jungle and collect a fallen tree branch. The return to Mommy for the reward.

Step Four: Go with Mommy to recover construction paper, glue, and crayons. Assemble the tree, and enjoy your art!

What a difference a year makes

One year ago

Today.

We have another walker!

It is official, Chase can walk! Yesterday Catherine, Chase, and Mommy hit the mall to get a pair of Pedipeds to celebrate the occasion. For a few weeks now he has been flirting with the idea of walking, and over the weekend realized that he could indeed just let go to run after his sister. Pictures and videos to come, if one can actually be captured!

Nice Mommy, maybe

After having administered a much needed time out today, I was told, "You're a really nice mommy. But, sometimes you're not."

Guess I must be getting better at my job!

The Origin of Carrots

During dinner this evening, Catherine explained the life cycle of a carrot to us. We were not, however, eating carrots. Her version is as follows:

Dogs live in the ground and you put seeds inside them and they grow into a carrot.

Bill and I have never grown carrots, but we agree that this does not seem to be the accurate life cycle of a carrot.

Alive

Yes we are still alive and doing well. Finding time to blog is difficult these days! There has been some big fun recently, and some big silliness (photo above). Catherine got a new tricycle this week, and we have been bike riding fools. In addition to the bike, Chase is trying his best to crawl. He is so close, and is not at all stationary. Talk about best diet plan ever: two mobile children! Anyway, there are actually new photos posted to the Flickr site of our recent adventures.

Rolling, and eating, and crawling, oh my!

Chase can officially roll both directions, eat baby food (yummo sweet potatoes!), and move forward across the room. Here's to the end of lazy days!

Four Month Check

Chase had his four month check up this morning, and he is weighing in at 15 pounds 9 ounces. Both Catherine and I were amazed when he took the vaccines without any tears! Now, he is taking advantage of the rainy day, and tough day at the doctor excuses to nap with his sister. Ah, silence is a true treasure.

Nothing but love for the parents

On occasion I have been known to get frustrated with my mother when I ask her advice on how she handled certain situations that required discipline. She frequently insists that I never talked back, had tantrums, or did anything other than be a perfect child. Aside from the fact, which I've come to accept, that there is something about being a mother makes you slightly crazy, it seems doubtful my mother is accurate in her recollection of my behavior. Recently we have had some experiences I'd like to share that might explain the reason my mom seems to only remember a perfect child.

Yesterday when Bill was getting ready for work he said to Catherine, "Do you know what tomorrow is?"
"What tomorrow, Daddy?"
"Tomorrow is Saturday. That means Daddy doesn't go to work."
"You no leave us, Daddy?"
"Nope."
"How exciting!" exclaimed Catherine.

Tonight while snuggling on the couch and playing a game of "eat-the-toddler" Catherine asked me to not eat her because she was not "nutritious food". We giggled, then she said, "Don't eat Daddy or Grandma either." I asked her why not and she said, "Because they are special." I said, "They are?" She so sweetly replied, "Yes, they are special. I love them. Don't eat them, Mommy." Who can argue with that logic? Needless to say, Daddy and Grandma remain uneaten.

So, you ask me, has Catherine had any tantrums yet this weekend, and how did we discipline her? I cannot remember.

Burping Brother

Catherine was extremely enthusiastic about burping her brother this afternoon, and he was extremely enthusiastic to be burped by her. I took this picture to capture the moment, and thought it was too cute not to share.

Insight into Catherine

This past week both of my children were very well behaved during my illness. As a sign of appreciation, I took them to a place called Planet Child. It is an indoor play area that has a variety of themed play areas. For example, there is a grocery store section, a pirate ship, a train area, and a theater. In the theater section, there is a back stage that hosts many chests filled with dress up attire. While chatting with some of my mom friends, I saw Catherine run back stage. The floor was littered with princess costumes, and dresses to the point it was almost impossible to walk. She walked out, with something in her hand, and says to me, "Mommy, this looks like Darth Vader." Indeed, in her hand was a Darth Vader mask.

Pictures and Videos, Oh my!

So, some grandmother, whom I shall not name, has been politely, but incessantly requesting photos that contain both children. Since she only ever had one child, I'm not quite sure she appreciates the difficulty of her request. But, since she is so special, and I love her SO much, I have finally fulfilled her request. Many new photos and videos can be viewed on our Flickr site. And by the way, you know which grandmother you are!!

Family Love

Yesterday on the way home from dance class Catherine said to me, "I'm so sad." When I asked why, she said, "I miss Daddy." Too heartwarming.

Then later that evening after her bath, she and I were lying in my bed. I said to her, "I love you, Catherine." To which she replied, "I love you, too. You're my best friend, Mommy."

These are the points of the day I need to focus on, and not the tantrums!

Feeling Appreciated

Today when we got home from our outing Catherine walked into Chase's room, looked down on the floor where a big glob of cat puke had been sitting, looked up at me then said, "Thanks for cleaning that up, Mommy." I wanted to cry, but for fear of scaring her for life, I decided on a big hug instead.

Star Wars

Catherine watched the end of Star Wars this afternoon. She then turned to Elizabeth and said, "Mom, that is a great movie."

Two Month Check

So we took our boy for his two month check and he is big! 13 pounds 3 ounces (90th percentile) and 22.5 inches long (only 50th percentile). No wonder he's been busting out of his onsies and his diapers are a struggle to close. Task for tomorrow: upgrade clothing in Chase's closet to 3-6 month things.

Snow Days

We do not get much snow where we live, in fact, most years it does not snow at all. This week we got about 5 inches at our house, and had a blast! Snowball fights were fought, snowmen were made and destroyed, snow angles were taught, and baby Chase marveled at the wonders of snow. I've posted more pics, and quite a few videos to our Flickr page if you'd like to check it out farther.

Rolling Over

To much of my surprise, Chase can roll himself over!! To be honest, I'm not sure which day counts as official...

He rolled himself over for the first time 2 weeks after birth. Our pediatrician had warned me to not leave even a newborn unattended on an elevated surface, as he had seen them roll over. I thought this to be ridiculous, then, I came home and witnessed Chase do it a few hours later. He continued to get from tummy to back several times since then, but it was erroneous, and I thought, an accident rather than a deliberate act of will.

Yesterday, however, he accomplished the task four times in a row, and had a look of determination on his small face. Yes, I believe yesterday was the "first" for rolling on purpose. Of course, as soon as I grabbed camera, he had tummy time dissolve into a thumb-sucking session, and the moment was over.

This morning, he started up again. Four consecutive rolls, each with the camera present, however taking more than 30 seconds to accomplish the task. Finally, as I was about to give up, Catherine informed me that Chase would like "one more video" so we tried, and within 10 seconds captured the entire event! So, with out farther adieu...

But why?

It has begun...

Why you put on your jacket, Daddy?
I'm cold.
Why you cold?
It's chilly in here.
Why it chilly, Daddy?
It's cold outside.
You freezing, Daddy?
No, just a bit chilly.
Why?

Latest favorite conversation

Tonight while putting Catherine to bed she said, "Mommy, we forgot the potty!" We had indeed forgotten to use the potty, so I said, "C'mon, lets go!" She responded, "Hurry, Mommy. We have to hit the road!"

Merry Christmas

All of us
Originally uploaded by laraim23

Oh, this post is sooo late! Between having my mom in town for the week, and a newborn on our hands, I somehow just never made the Merry Christmas/Happy New Year post.

Christmas in our house was most excellent. Catherine was pretty well behaved, and became totally enamored of her Grandma Trish. This is about the best picture we could snap with the two kids: one is spitting up, the other picking her nose. Go figure!

There are more pictures on our Flickr site. Log in, to view them if you wish. They are private for friends and family only, so let us know if you can't see them and would like to!