"Then"
Chase @ 6 Months
"Now"
Chase @ 18 Months
I can't believe it's been 18 months today… exactly 18 months from the day Chase came into this world. Goodness, so much has changed with him, and all of us really. Our "baby" really isn't a baby anymore, but, dare I say, a little boy. He's so mature and bright… and each week brings something new and special and exciting! We've been busy keeping up with this precocious little tot, and he's been learning and growing like a weed.
It's funny, I thought I'd feel all sad and nostalgic as Chase neared 2-years-old… but all I feel is delight. He makes Derek and I laugh every day with his antics, and we never tire of talking about what cute new thing Chase got into that day, afternoon, or evening. I feel only happiness as he fights for his independence – sometimes yanking his hand out of mine when we're walking down the street, or wanting to drink from a cup even though he has a hard time. I know a part of my joy is relief – wanting him to be as "mature" as possible when his brother arrives, without having to "push" him there myself. (I can't help but wonder how much more I'd miss the "baby stage" if he was an only child without any siblings on the horizon.)
Today was his 18-month checkup and things looked very good. He is 32" tall and weighs 27 lbs. 10 oz. He's still a solid boy, but nothing like the chunky baby he was months ago. He is in the 60th percentile in terms of height (he used to be in the 85th percentile!) so we're not so sure about him beating his dad's 6'3" frame anymore. 
I did talk to his pediatrician about my eye concerns and, while he expressed his opinion (that it was mere sleepiness), he immediately gave me the referral to an ophthalmologist.
I did talk to his pediatrician about my eye concerns and, while he expressed his opinion (that it was mere sleepiness), he immediately gave me the referral to an ophthalmologist. Meanwhile, while much has changed for Chase, many things have stayed the same. He's still mesmerized by dogs, birds, and bicycles. He still loves reading. He especially loves to make people laugh, enjoys music, dancing, and singing, and loves to be chased. I really like how social and unafraid of people he is – he loves to be the social butterfly at events (as long as mom and dad are within ear and eyeshot). He's also gotten a little more tolerant of getting his teeth brushed (although his doc said he doesn't need to visit the dentist until he is 2-years-old or has at least 20 teeth).
He still love his little kitchen. He plays with it every single day. Last month he started giving us "juice" to drink and the spoon to "eat" food from. He even makes the chewing sound as he feeds us. He also likes to put on his baseball cap and take my bag or a bucket, walk over to the front door, turn around and say "Bye bye," and then turn the knob. (The other day he actually opened it, so now we have to use the bolt or chain!). I love that he's starting to play pretend – it’s fun for all three of us and it’s so cool to get a glimpse into his imagination.
And boy has he reached a verbal explosion! Every day he repeats new words. Just today he said “Good job buddy!” and “No way!” for the first time. It’s been like that every day for the past month or two. It amazes us how quickly he learns and remembers words.
We helped celebrate Derek's second Father’s Day just a few weeks ago. We went to play at the park and then followed it up with a trip to see his grandmother. We also went out to dinner later that evening, and Chase did very well (no high-pitched screaming, flinging food off the table, or other meltdowns). He adores his daddy so much and wants to do everything he does, watch everything he watches on TV (including "bay-ball"), and go everywhere he goes.
My favorite thing is that Chase has become really affectionate lately, seeking me and his dad out for hugs and kisses throughout the day. We can never get enough of those!
Our Chase is really something else. He is incredibly sweet and so dern smart, it blows us away. If he continues at the rate he's been learning, he'll be doing calculus next year. We’re so proud of him and excited to see what the upcoming months bring. He challenges us and keep us on our toes each day. He really is a joy to parent, and all the silly, cute, loving things he does every day totally make up for the mental and physical exhaustion that can go along with raising a toddler.
We’re so proud of him and excited to see what the upcoming months bring. He challenges us and keep us on our toes each day. He really is a joy to parent, and all the silly, cute, loving things he does every day totally make up for the mental and physical exhaustion that can go along with raising a toddler.Happy 18-months to Chase!!! Mommy and Daddy love you, Sweet!!!
Are you trying to make me cry or something??? What a sweet post! And what a beautiful family you have!
Wowww!!! I agree!! I can feel the love from you both for our little Chase. He is so blasted cute!..and, what a nice little physique for a toddler, showing off his yankee gear! Ole’ grandpa ron–the #1 yankee’s fan– is grinning from ear to ear, envisioning his own love for the yanks since his boyhood days! Of course he’s an einstein!!: look at his parents!!
Happy Birthday Chase! And to you too Mommy and Daddy. Celebrate that you are parents and have managed to keep your sanity! He is ADORABLE.
Awww thoe NY pics are so cute! You are so blessed to have such a wonderful child and family!
u could definitely feel the love radiating from this post!! i can tell ur heart is swelling…and to think it only gets better when u have more kids (double the pleasure!!)
isnt it the cutest things when they eat ice cream cones? lol, shabazz (and garvey) looooove ice cream cones, lol!!! she will tear one up in a minute, okkkkk!?
and thank u, bika, for chiding yaki for abandoning her boston routes and embracing the yankees. lol, who am i fooling….chase was born in NY…just as my kids were born in LA. So shahid can only grimace about the fact they may be lakers, instead of celtics, fans.
lol, i love how ultra-serious he looks. that is totally your (and my) regular facial expression. our “relaxed” face, hahahah!!
aw this was a really sweet post! i love hearing about chase’s antics…i’m so glad he’s doing well and having fun with mommy and daddy. it IS amazing how they learn to speak so quickly huh? i took a linguistics course in college, and researchers still can’t really explain exactly how a baby/child learns the language–it sort of just happens! lol @ all that yankees gear…dern yaki, showin boston no love huh??
Happy 18 Months, Chase!!! Yay!!!
I could feel your joy through this post. Chase is so blessed to have parents who really observe and put in the time needed for him to develop his full potential. I applaud you and your husband! Thanks for sharing.
awww this post was so so sweet!! chase sounds like such a joy and i absolutely love his fun, outgoing personality! he is a trip!! and those baseball pictures are soo adorable, lol!
Happy 18 months…my son turned 15 months yesterday and boy do this lil guys grow.
Daisy
http://www.lilhiccups.com
awwww….happy 18 !!! You and dad are doing a wonderful job! Continue to enjoy the journey of watching your little man grow.
I just broke down crying! I swear..I had no idea Chase had reached all these milestones. It’s so amazing.
Happy 18 months Chase!
I just love your blog and it warms my heart to see how much you love your son! I’m proud that you’re proud, if that makes any sense.