Well check

Chase finally had his 2 yr well check up yesterday.  It was originally scheduled for a few weeks ago, but I was nervous with our luck he'd have a reaction to the shots right before his big role as ring bearer.  So the next available appointment happened to be yesterday.  After a fun, and slightly hectic lunch with my girlfriend from college-the first restaurant we tried was closed, he tried to stand on the table at the second restaurant, and spilled an entire cup of ice water all over the booth seat, I told him we were going to the doctor's.  He of course said "No" (his new favorite word), and then proceeded on insisting we bring the biggest book possible for the appointment.  I kept saying "Buddy, don't you want this toy or this book?"  something a little more manageable, but you could guess his response.  "No, Omas"(that's Thomas for those of you not savvy with "Chase Speak")

As soon as we got in the exam room, I remembered how darn stinky Chase's feet are when he wears his sandals for hours(adult sweaty), and he pooped.  Of course I had left his changing pad in the car, since we'd only left the house 10 minutes prior.  Luckily the exam rooms come stocked with diapers and wipes for inept parents like me, and I was able to wipe down his stinky feet while changing him.  A few of you know I have a weird thing with smelly feet, and now you will all know that before going to the hospital for Chase's arrival I wasn't concerned about a pedicure, but whether or not my feet smelled after running around at work in leather sandals all day. Anyway as usually, I digress.  It's been a while since I've done a long narrative of a post:)

It was our first time in the race car room for his check up.  I found this only fitting of course.  Chase aced his exam, talked up a storm, and even inspected the doctor's ears and nose using the otoscope(couldn't remember what is was called, but the doc conveniently labeled it for Chase and I).  Mr. Independent insisted on sitting in a chair, and not on the exam table so the doc and his intern could listen to his chest.  Of course after a synopsis for the intern of Chase's arrival and treatment during/after the NICU, they listened for his murmur.  Can I tell you that after two years I remember nearly everything about his stay? Every medicine, exact day he needed the blood transfusion,  the pic line etc.  Each time I talk to a doc they are seriously impressed.  I guess so am I, unfortunately when you go through it its hard to forget.  Naturally, documentation on the blog doesn't hurt either!  Side note, I learned yesterday that white males at Chase's gestational age are the least likely out of the general population to thrive in the NICU.  African american females do the best.   You really do learn something new every day.

Back to the lingering murmur...yep it's still there. And yes we do need to go to CHOP for a follow up echocardiogram.  The doctor wasn't overly concerned, and he said we shouldn't be either.  It doesn't seem to be impacting Chase's growth(although he is still stinking skinny), and he just wants us to go to make sure there has been no change.  The rest of our appointment was uneventful.  He is in the 17%tile for weight, 47th for height, and head circumference.  Oh yea, and one last thing.  My kid didn't even cry for his shot.  He is a trooper!

Some more party shots

Since going through the 400+shots we took at my brother's wedding is taking me a while to sort through...I figured I should come back from our mini vacation to the beach, and post a few more pictures from earlier in the month!  

All of these fabulous shots(sans the first one) were taken by my wonderful friend Caitlin at her son Cooper's first birthday party.  She is not only a great photographer, but one of the most down to earth people I know.  Love ya Cait!!

The birthday boy with his mom and Dad

Such a smiley, happy boy!  Happy 1st Cooper!

We let Chase have a whole cupcake.
After all, it was his birthday weekend too!

Oh boy, this is delicious!

Laugh like MomMom

I got icing all over my face during this kiss

By far, my favorite shot

Not the sport we were thinking of for Chase, but he does have a great arm!

Chase's- Choo Choo I'm Two Party

Finally here are some of the pictures from Chase's party!  We couldn't have asked for better weather, and I think everyone had a blast. Chase picked the theme, and I ran with the idea. Next year maybe his party will be more low key....

So serious. Mom this is ridiculous!

Jason's cousin Jaime from Delightful Desserts NJ made the fabulous cake!!!

A little of the decor

  

The spread.  I actually got to break out my new electric chafing dishes

Hobo Satchels for favors:)

Time to Play

Is he mine?

I know I can reach one of those cookies!

SO much sugar!

Me and my roomies

Bubble Mania

Here ya go PopPop

Love you

Pleeeeease?

Hunter and Peyton.  Look at those smiles!

Cousin Hunter modeling with the favors

"Look I have a cup of chicken nuggets"

"Oh, you want some?"

Chase and Julia.  So cute!  

Present chaos

Trying on my new boots and slicker

Professional Shots!

 Cait from Caitlin Scott Photography happens to be a good friend of ours, and she offered to capture some of the day! Her son Cooper and Chase are little buddies:)   Thanks Cait these shots are fantastic and you rock!!

Not thrilled to be getting pictures taken

Love you buddy!

 One last shot...from his actual birthday dinner!

Is it True? You are Already Two?

Chase,

This past year has flown by, and we can't believe how much you've grown. You bring so much joy into our lives, and each day we continue to be amazed at how far you've come.  Chase, you went from crawling to running this year.  You also went from babbling to stringing words together to make simple sentences.  You are no longer our baby, and we've loved watching how you've grown into a funny, smart, creative, and sometimes stubborn little boy. Today for your birthday, we celebrate you and all that you are.  Keep making us laugh, and keep amazing us with the new things you learn every day.
We love you more than you will ever know.
Love,
Mama and Dada

Look at how much you've grown!

Birthday party photos to follow shortly...