Crawling!

I am finally taking the time to post video of Chase on the move! He's been crawling solid for the past two weeks now.

Chase turned 8 months yesterday!

A Night Away From Chase...

In preparation for our trip to San Diego celebrating Mike's 30th Birthday without Chase, we had a "dry run" at Grandpa & Grandma's house to make sure he could handle being away from us. (ok, in reality, it was a dry run to make sure I would be ok away from him). The night went smoothly for Chase, with the exception of his never ending teething - note, we still do not have a single tooth, although he has been teething hard core for about 3 weeks now.

Here he is looking super cute in Grandpa's car seat... We went out to celebrate the Channel's going away party - moving to Austin!

The day after the party was Father's Day - Proud Dad and Grandpa!Chase was not a very messy eater a month ago... But apparently has digressed...

Can you believe these are from my backyard?!

Swings & Skylar!

Today was such a fun day!!! Started out by walking the loop at my aunt's house - the weather has been so beautiful here and we are taking full advantage. Then took Chase to the park, he doesn't quite get it yet, but he looks cute none the less! And then I got to meet the newest addition to Merrill Family - Skylar Zell. She came a little early but she is just gorgeous and healthy as can be. She looks just like her daddy! I cannot believe I am about to say this....but....she really made me want another! OK, I am crazy talking now, but I do love babies!!! Unfortunately for Mike, I have self control and will hold off a bit before trying for another (Mike would have another today if he had it his way)!

Skylar Zell Merrill

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

It has been a while since I have downloaded my camera (note, the random pics from my cell that I have posted in an effort to minimize the hate mail I receive). So, at long last I am going to post a few pics from recent weeks! Thanks for being patient everyone :)....

Here's Chase during his first attempts at crawling (he is now fully crawling and doing fabulous...check out video above)

Erin's Baby Shower was a total success - a beautiful day, setting, and mama to be! We had the shower in Erin's back yard - it was perfect for a garden theme! Steph went above and beyond (as usual!) with her handmade flower pot favors that we used as place markers - they were amazing! Thanks to Erin's sister Alex and Theresa for taking care of Chase so I could run around like a crazy person (what's new!) Chase met some great new friends!

Chase now feels very independent at restaurants and all but demands his food!

Sofia's 1st Birthday party....another perfect day. Monica did a butterfly/garden theme as well and it was just perfect. She did so much planning and it turned out beautiful! Sofia was a very lucky girl and got lots of fun gifts!

I love her profile...Chase was decked to impress!

Our music teacher came and did a "birthday class" - so much fun!

Birthday girls Nicole & Sofia doing their own dance off!

Chase got his first boating experience this past weekend thanks to Theresa and Kyle. He slept through both of the boat rides and woke up in time to enjoy/hate the beach...just like his daddy, he hates to be dirty!

He also did not love his life vest so much.

But, he did enjoy checking out the sand while trying to sneak some into his mouth.

More exploring time for Chase

My two beach bums...

While Chase was not a huge fan of the beach water, he LOVES his bath water! He "splash splashes" on demand and tries to nose dive into the bubbles every time! This is a fuzzy shot, but poor miss Rigley is getting a little older and has hurt her knee. She is taking some time off from catch and enjoying slow walks these days...

One Happy Kid

I love days like today!
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Chase, Meet Swing

I think he likes it! Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Finger Foods Are A Mom's Best Friend

Wow, put Chase in a high chair with a new project that has a reward of food and he is set for the afternoon! I just have to make sure he chews :) Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Big Boy Seat

With a sniff and a tear, I broke down and bought Chase his "big boy" carseat. It was bittersweet as the new carseat signifies that he is getting older and bigger, but seeing as how his little feet were hanging over his old carseat I recognize that it was time to trade up. Below you can see for yourself that Chase is indeed a happy camper in his new throne. I can't decide if he needs a beer, a remote, or both, but he is clearly right at home. The first pic was taken from the mirror - I was cracking up looking at him from my rearview mirror!