Maiden Voyage

We had ordered a double stroller MONTHS ago, and it finally arrived.  Exciting day.  Now I can get out a little more easily when Marcus isn't home.  I wanted to make sure I could figure it out for when I'm by myself, so Marcus and I decided we needed an initial outing together.  So Sunday afternoon, we got everyone prepared for an afternoon stroll. 

Chase testing out standing.

And trying the bench.

And we're off!

Naturally the destination we chose was the park.  Seemed like the best place to go, especially since the boys have all been inside a lot watching sessions of Conference.  Chase needed to get out a few wiggles :)

Don't worry, we made it home in time to settle in for the final Conference session. :)

Although Chase read a book instead.
(And then he played with airplanes, trucks, tracks, his tablet, Mr. Potato Head, Duplos, trains, ...)

Ty's Blessing

We decided to have Ty's baby blessing when he was two months old.  That allowed for both sides of grandparents to come and also the earlier celebration of Chase's birthday.  While we were all together -- and nicely dressed for church, we got some pictures.

Kate and Ty

Grandpa, Noni, and the boys

Gram, Pops, and the boys

A family of four (???!)

Our sweet little man of the hour

Family Birthday Party

For Chase's birthday, we had a small family birthday party.  We ordered pizza, made salad, had cupcakes, and, of course opened presents.  Chase had a really fun evening with so many of his favorite people in one spot.

He had been patiently waiting ALL DAY for his special "green cakes."

And he was mesmerized by the candles.  He blew them out right on cue, with no flying spit :)

And he devoured his cupcake - even after it fell down the front of his shirt!

Since Chase was covered in green frosting, he jumped in the tub and got ready for bed before presents.  Every time he opened a new present, he was super excited.  There were a lot of gasps and wow's.  Chase is so funny.  He wanted everything completely opened, and he played with every single thing.

By bedtime, he was exhausted.  He woke up the next morning bright and early, looking forward to playing with each toy he was given.  He'd rotate through them all, often requesting family members to play specific things with him.

And two bonus Ty pictures from during the party:

Family Fun

We had been really looking forward to having family come visit for Ty's blessing and Chase's birthday.  The timing was perfect.  Chase would ask all the time if Noni and Grandpa, Kate, or Gram and Pops were at the door.  He loves them all so much - it's super cute!  (Although Kate seems to be his all time favorite right now.)  Anytime someone buzzed or knocked, "Is it ...?"  It was exciting when they finally arrived :)  It was an entire long weekend full of fun, family, and fun.  Chase especially loved every second.  We compiled some pictures from all the cameras taking pictures over the weekend, so here's a small peek into all the fun.

See, nonstop family fun!

Pediatrician

Our two little guys had a pediatrician appointment the morning after my parents arrived, and thank goodness I had back up!  It was quite an adventure.  

CHASE

3 Years

Height: 3' 2 1/2"

Weight: 38 pounds

Chase did fail his eye exam and hearing exam, but not because he can't see or hear.  He wouldn't read the letters in the order on the eye chart, and he wouldn't sit still for the few seconds necessary for the hearing test.  He also did not like being tricked into giving blood for his blood test.  He's not really a good patient at the pediatrician :)  But he's healthy and happy (everywhere else).

TY

2 Months

Height: 23 Inches

Weight: 12 lbs 10 oz
Ty is a super baby.  He got like five shots and was great.  No screaming.  No fevers.  Just a happy little baby boy.  He eats just a couple ounces at a time and sleeps a couple hours straight at night.  We've had a few stints of five hours, so hopefully we're moving in the direction of all-night sleep.

A pair of healthy Hardy boys (who hate getting pictures taken)

Chase is THREE

Here are THREE less-known facts about our big THREE year old...

1. Chase obviously has more energy than just about any other three year old around, but he is the best at going to bed at night!  Seriously, he puts toys away, turns movies off, and he just goes.  And he's asleep within minutes.  It's amazing.

2. Chase thinks it's hilarious to call us by our first names.  "Is that Marcus at the door?"  "Erica, where are you?"

3. He has the biggest, cutest smile, but he melts down if we go to a portrait studio.  They perfectly capture his stern look, never his happy self.

Since we had family coming in town for Ty's blessing, we decided not to do anything big on his actual birthday.  We planned a small party for the weekend.  On Chase's actual birthday, we made his most frequent breakfast request and opened a present from us.  We had a great morning celebrating Chase.

Chase helping prep breakfast.

Trying to get to his present.  Yes, it's in a baby shower gift bag.  haha

Getting ready to dig in.

After the present (Duplos and truck books), we had cinnamon rolls and strawberries - Chase's favorite breakfast as of late.

The Duplo airplane has joined him for most meals since his birthday.

Happy Birthday, Chase!