Chase's Baby Blessing

Today was Chase's blessing day! He was privileged to have his dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather participate in the blessing. My parents drove in from Utah for a 36-hour stay just to be a part of Chase's big weekend. It was so sweet of them! (And no matter how short their stay, we are always happy to show off our boys!) A tremendous thanks also to our friends who came for the occasion. It means so much to us!

Chase's adorable blessing outfit... Don't you love it? I couldn't be more proud. (Of him, that is. The outfit is just a happy bonus. :)

Chase and his great-grandfather (who is much to young to be a great-grandfather, of course), Grandpa Wood.

The men: (Love this one!)

The whole group! (Is anyone else not surprised that Trenton is missing a shoe?)

And lastly, one of our few pictures as a family of four.

All Smiles

Today was the first time I tried catching Chase's sweet smiles on camera. At nine weeks old, he's getting more and more responsive. He practically smiles instantly when he hears his daddy's voice come close to him.


I just love these next two faces: pensive and confident, respectively.



To compare these with the first photos I posted of Trenton smiling, click here.

One Gorgeous Saturday Afternoon

It was a BEAUTIFUL weekend in California. We had one rainy winter, and while was comparatively nothing to complain about, I am so happy for the sunshine. (Stir-crazy Trenton is equally happy.) Have I mentioned I love living here? Because I do.

Anyway, we spent Saturday afternoon along the Bay Trail, admiring the kite boarders (coveting the kite boarders, in Ryan's case) and the wildflowers. Trenton walked a long, long ways and never tired one bit. Birds, ducks, airplanes, water—the kid was on cloud nine.

We attempted to take some photos of the boys in their cute coordinating outfits, but they're at difficult ages for photo shoots. Trenton is way too busy to stay still, and Chase is too little to pose without being held. (And Trenton holding him is obviously not an option.) We managed to get a few keepers anyway.

Loving Life

I'm loving life right now. Work finally let up for Ryan, and I seriously could get used to this. I feel like I can handle my life when Ryan's around to help. (It's when he's gone 7am to midnight that I start wondering if I'm losing it...) Trenton is the greatest age right now, and Chase is as sweet as ever. Here are a few updates by photo...

When the weather is warm, we spend lots of time on the patio, throwing and kicking around our collection of seven balls. :) Check out Trenton's new hoop! (And while you're at it, check out that beautiful belly!)


My beloved patio garden. I love spring!


My new hair. Lightened and shortened. (Only my second time getting highlights!)


Just because.

I'm the Mom. (Weird, huh?)

I always wanted to be a mom. I spent most of my youth wondering who I would marry and what our children would look like. Lately, when I'm out and about with the boys, the thought dawns on me, "Wasn't I just barely 15 years old? How am I suddenly pushing a double stroller everywhere I go??" Seriously, how did that happen??

Goodness, it goes fast! The ten years between ages 15 and 25 flew by. I can only imagine how the next 10 years will go—which is exactly why I need to soak it all in and enjoy the special moments while our children are small. That's what I'm working on now.


The boys in their first (of many) matching outfits, compliments of my mother.

Our Big Helper

Trenton has adjusted well by now to having a little brother. He loves Chase, and anytime Chase is within his reach, he runs to him saying, "Cha-ase!" I sometimes use pillows to hide Chase on the bed while I get ready in the mornings, which buys me a few minutes until Chase makes a noise and Trenton goes running to climb the bed, singing his endearing little "Cha-ase!" as he runs to find his brother.

He gives Chase hugs by putting his head next to Chase's. He loves to help me burp Chase by (vigorously) patting Chase's back. He also likes to feed Chase bottles, but he refuses my help and isn't quite steady enough (or patient enough!) to keep the bottle in Chase's mouth. :)

He excitedly runs Chase's diapers to the trash can and bashes in the praise he gets from Mom after doing so.

He still whops Chase on the head occasionally, but just when Chase is getting all the attention and he wants some. Chase is definitely going to be a tough little brother.




Thanks for being Mama's big helper, Trenton!

My First Broken Bone

It turns out I broke my knee cap back in October. Who knew?? Guess I should have gotten it checked out after all! Oh well, it spared me three weeks in a cast, although now I'm looking at some physical therapy.

Hmmm... This could make losing my baby weight a little tricky...