Pennsylvania 2011

Here some pictures from our recent trip back east. We had a great time, thanks everybody.

Go Beavers!

Pacific City Oct11

Little Piano Man

Big Brother

 

Chase is adjusting to his new role as big brother. Since I’m still on Paterinty leave the adjustment has been relatively painless. We had one incident where Megan couldn’t move something for Chase because she was nursing Austin but she offered to move it with her foot. When she moved it Chase had a little break down and asked her to move it with her hands. She told him she couldn’t because she was holding Austin. Chase then reasoned that she could he help him if she put Austin down. So he cried out “Put the baby down Mommy”. Both Megan and Chase shared some tears that day.

That’s been the only incident we’ve had thus far. Often Chase is curious what Austin is doing and offers to lay down next to him because “That will be cute”, or so he tells me. You can judge for your self : )

 

 

 

He’s getting quite a bit of hair. Those curly locks will be cut in the next few days because starting to get quite a few tangles.

Austin Grows Up

It’s always amazing to me how fast babies change. Besides being a full time Dad, Mom, Husband and Chef I’ve been trying to take pictures of Austin every day.

2 days old:

5 days old:

6 days old:

7 days old:

8 days old:

10 days old:

11 days old:

As you can see, we get plenty of photo opportunities. This kid knows how to sleep.

Sleep

Welcome Austin

Still Waiting!

I feel so blessed that so many people have been asking how they can help once this overdue baby arrives. I will not be shy about taking you up on those offers! Since I'm just waiting for the big event, I thought I could make a list of how to help.

1) Pray! Right now, for a healthy delivery, strong baby, and for our family to trust God. When the baby arrives, for more health, rest, and for the love in our family to grow, for us to have kind words and compassion for one another as we take on the overwhelming task of caring for a newborn.

2) Come over and play with Chase! He is used to having just about  all of Mommy's attention all the time. He will really need some playtime, extra love, and attention during this big adjustment. Call or text before coming to make sure it's a good time. Nap time is sacred - 1pm-4pm, so please let us all sleep then.

3) Can't make a Chase play date? Give him a little toy. That will entertain him and make him feel special. Right now he likes cars, airplanes, helicopters, racoons, snakes, books, and I think he would really like a spool of ribbon (he has this roll if stickers that he likes to unroll, throw around, and re-roll, but it keeps tearing). Think small and inexpensive. One of his favorite things is a used Matchbox car.

4) Meals. :o) For those if you who know about our no sweets thing, know also that we are spending August and September's dessert on anything that might show up for this ocassion! When Chase was born we got some amazing pies. :o)

5) Household chores - dishes, fold laundry, pick up floors, vacuum, mow lawn, water vegetable garden. Ask us what else at the moment.

6) Print some baby pictures and mail them to my parents.

Thanks!

We will post here when the baby arrives and we have the chance.

Playing

Playing with Chase in the water.

Mom and Dad, next visit I want to remember to take you to the pizza place in Falls City, and the Starduster Cafe in Independece.

Preggy Pic

My PA family was asking for belly pictures. Here I am last weekend in Falls City.

The 3rd Napper

During much (most) of this pregnancy, I've been napping in the afternoon when Chase naps. Oliver does too. Here he is today.

Grandma & Pa's

Bubbles from Grandma. What a happy guy.

Chase's Words

Chase's bedtime prayer tonight:
Thank you for Grandma
Thank you for Pa
Thank you for Grandma Holben
Thank you for Pa Holben
Thank you for puters (computers)
Thank you for waterfalls
Jesus, AMEN!

Other Chase-isms
Meself instead of myself
Tricybicle for tricycle

Summer Fun

While Chase slept, I discovered my double jogger arrived! NOW we're all ready for the new baby. :o)

Summer Fun

Crashing after a morning packed with watering the marigold he planted for his mom, swim lesson with dad too, playing on the playground, dock, and splash pad, and then going out to Venti's for lunch!

Summer Fun

My buddy Liam on the last swim lesson day.

Summer Fun

With buddy Troy at the same park. Troy sure loves trains! There was even an engine at the park Friday morning.

Summer Fun

Splash pad at Riverfront Park

Summer Fun

On the dock at Riverfront Park

Summer Fun

Last day of parent tot swim lessons was Friday. So much fun, even Andrew got to come a couple times during the work day.

Picture

Silliness.

Picture

Candy bar break during a "hike" with Mom, Pa, and Oliver. Andrew has this hiker on training.

Picture

Together at last!

Grandma and Pa Visit from PA!

Recent conversations

Pa: Hi Stinky!
Chase: No stinky. Just Chase.

About a picture of a chicken egg with chick legs poking through.
Chase: Egg running!
Me: How can an egg run?!
C: A have legs.
M: Why does the egg have legs?
C: Because... (long pause) ... a fire.
(First time I ever observed him answer a why question or use the word because.)

Chase wanted to go to the playground, but Andrew and I had things to do. I told Chase to ask Pa. Pa agreed.
Chase: Come on. I show you.

We are battling ants in our home. I often say, "get out of my house, ants!" and Chase has learned to say this too, although he likes the ants. Chase woke up one morning.
Chase: Hi Mommy!
Me: Good Morning Chase. Did you have any dreams?
C: (with a mischievous grin) Ants! Ants here! (Pointing at carpet) Ants here! (Pointing at wall) Ants here! (Pointing at door) Ants here! (Pointing at bed, all while watching for my reaction)

Chase: No no Oliver! No lickin' p*n*s! (With appropriate vowels, repeatedly, really loud, first thing in morning, waking Dad, and possibly both my parents. Oliver is our dog, with an embarrassing habbit.)

(Mis-)Pronunciations
Oatbeal (oatmeal)
Botmom (bottom)
Paggy (spaghetti, although he's already outgrown this one)
Megan (with a smirk, for Mommy... ok not exactly a pronouncement issue)
Busich (music)

Pictures to follow. Annoyingly one at a time as I post from my phone. :o)

Growing Family

Baby Number 2 is due September 6th. We chose not to find out the gender until the birth. We have a couple girl names that we both like, but zero boy names. We didn't choose Chase until at least an hour after his birth. A few people commented that it would be funny if I labored on Labor Day, but Chase came a week before his due date, so my bet is on a late August baby.

I'd LOVE to hear your gender predictions. My parents have 3 grandsons, and no granddaughters. Andrew's parents have 4 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. Earlier in this pregnancy I guessed it was a girl since I had no heartburn, but constant heartburn with Chase. My mom had heartburn with my brother but none with the girls. However, since then I've had some heartburn. Obviously we'll all be thrilled with either gender, but Andrew's routing for a boy, I'm hoping for a girl, and yesterday Chase declared he wants a "green brother". Guess his favorite color... just like Uncle Dan. So what's your vote, boy or girl?!  Any boy name suggestions?

Quick Picture

Chase loves to play outside in any weather.

More Quick Pictures

Warming up and drying off after a romp through big puddles, Feeding Boo, Pancakes!, Oliver helps with dishes too, Blanket fort

Moblie Post

So we haven't been posting because we can't stand to pay increasing internet bills. We've been using our phones and holding out for a better monthly home internet price. So here are some phone pics from the last few months.

Biking, Easter egg painting, the latest DDR moves.

Chase, translated

Two

We got to celebrate Chase’s second for a few days last weekend. On Friday (11 Feb, his actual birthday) we had family celebration that included helium balloons, playground time and delicious desert. Chase also blew had his first chance to blow out candles and hit a home run…

On Saturday we started the day by going to the zoo. It was a lot of fun for all of us as we (Megan and I) enjoyed watching Chase experience the zoo for the first time.

 

I’m not sure what part was his favorite as there was so much to do, but he did enjoy the Sea Lions a lot. The chickens were also a hit…

Monkey time…

We spent about three hours at the zoo ( about 30-45 mins too long) then headed home to get ready for the birthday party.

Around five on Saturday some friends and family came over to celebrate with us. It was a very fun evening but Chase didn't quite do as good blowing out the candles, one for two ain’t bad.

Happy! Happy! Oww!