Recent Pics

Go Saints!

Ethan's "Gorilla Stance" (he can sit up like this for really long periods of time so I think he'll be sitting up very soon)!

The Boys




Please exscuse the lack of bottoms on Chase...we've been attempting to potty train for the past couple of months and it's just easier thay way :-)

Happy 5 Months, Ethan!

Today, Ethan turns 5 months old. The little stinker seems to be putting on quite a few rolls...he's a potato! He is still an extremely happy baby and is constantly laughing and smiling. Lately he has been making the funniest growling noise, blowing very slobbery sherbets and he is trying to sit up all by himself. He can actually stay in the sitting position for quite a while when he's in his "gorilla" stance. I have a picture, but it's on my new camera and I haven't figured out how to upload the pictures to my computer yet. (BTW, does anyone know if memory cards are not compatible with all computers?)

Today was such a beautiful day that we had to spend lots of time outside (no humidity in New Orleans during the summer is a big deal)! We took the kids to the park this afternoon and Chase had a blast. I realized that I haven't taken him to the park since Ethan was born (Shane has taken him a few times since then, but I haven't). He didn't know what he wanted to do, he just kept running from activity to activity. I guess I need to start taking him more often :-)

Girl's Weekend

This past weekend we had our annual girls trip to Destin. It was so much fun and I don't know how it's possible, but we get crazier every year. We had fun hanging out on the beach, water surfing, going out and staying in. This year the trip fell on my birthday and I was surprised with a delicious cake and decorations.

I was away for 3 nights and that is the longest I've been away from Ethan. I missed all my boys so much, and with the exception of one incident, Shane did a good job of taking care of the kids alone. I will say, I think after this trip, he appreciates what I go through every day a little more now :-)





Here are some recent pics of the boys. The first one is how Chase and Ethan play together at night time. The second pic is how Shane dressed Ethan one morning (notice the outfit is on backwards) :-)

Family Beach Vacation

This past weekend, we spent a long weekend at "Mammie's Beach Tower" (as Chase calls it). The first two days, it was just the four of us, and then Maw Maw and Pops joined us for the final two days of our trip.

Chase is still very much interested in the pool and not so crazy about the beach. It was a lot of work to get him on the beach and even more to keep him there. Ethan did great and lasted for longer periods of time outside at either the condo or pool. And even though there wasn't too much relaxing going on, I really enjoyed not wearing any make-up or fixing my hair for 4 straight days in a row :-)

We had a very nice vacation and appreciate Mammie and PawPaw letting us stay at their condo and MawMaw and Pops for playing with Chase in the pool so Shane and I could enjoy some solo beach time together.

We got back late yesterday afternoon and Chase started his first day of school today with a savage tan and blonde hair...he's such a cutie! When I dropped Chase off this morning, I asked Ethan what he thought about his Bubby going to school. Ethan responded with a huge grin from ear to ear...what a stinker :-)

Chase's First Day of School!

Chase started his first day of Pre-K3 school today. I was a bit worried, but he did fantastic! Today was only 10:00 - noon so the kids could get adjusted, but Wednesday he starts going 9:00-3:00 three days a week.

When we first walked in, Chase was a little shy, but he did fine when I left. I told him I loved him and that I would be back in a little while to pick him up, and he said "Okay".

When I picked him up, the teacher said that he did great and that he already has a "thing" for Mrs. Jeanne. He said he liked school and wants to go back. The only thing that ached my heart is Chase asking me why I left. He didn't understand why I didn't go to school with him. But he still did great and is now passed out taking a nap in his bed! I feel like I hit the lotto :-)

Happy 3rd Birthday, Chase!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Chase-Man! It has been an amazing three years and we can't get over how big and smart our little guy is becoming. He has a crazy strong memory and a matching personality. Full of love and energy (and strong will to get his way), Chase fills our lives with laughter every day.

His birthday started bright and early at 5:30am. We waited for the doughnut shop to open at 6:00 and then I took him for breakfast while Shane stayed with Ethan (who was still sleeping). I put a candle in his doughnut holes and the two ladies working and I sang "Happy Birthday" to Chase.

Once Ethan woke up, we gave Chase his birthday present from us, MawMaw & Pops, Mammie & PawPaw, Uncle Sean & the Straughan Crew....a motorized golf cart. To say Chase loved it is an understatement. He was so excited and drove it all morning long. Shane and I have to jog to keep up with him, so it ended up being quite a little workout.

We also had a nice visit from Shane's brother's family driving through from Dallas on their way to Destin. Uncle Scott, Aunt Angie, Max & Evan were able to wish Chase a Happy Birthday and meet Ethan for the first time. Chase had a blast wrestling with his older cousin Max.

Chase took a quick nap and then we went to his birthday party at the Mandeville Sports Arena. Chase was sweating within the first 10 minutes. He was busy having so much fun that he didn't eat any pizza, cake or ice cream.

We're so glad that Chase had a wonderful birthday and thank God every night for putting this little guy in our lives. What a sweet boy we have been blessed with! Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea!

P.S. All the extra paragraphs are just for you, Uncle Scott!