Happy 5th Birthday Chase!

Chase's 1st piece of gum!!! He has been waiting 5 years

to enjoy this! House rules are no one gets gum until they're 5.

Watching Chase's birthday video

The new Blackhawks goalie helmet!

On Friday, we celebrated Chase's 5th birthday. I can't believe that my baby is almost a kindergartner. Chase has changed so much in the past year. He is more confident and less afraid in all situations, he can be shy & quiet in new situations but boisterous and funny in others. We had a conference with Chase's teachers and they told us how he is a great listener and always tries his best. He loves his Star Wars guys, playing soccer (inside the house of course) & watching sports with dad. He loves to play with his friends because they are so important to him. He has become very opinionated about his clothing, wanting to wear only warm up pants, t-shirts and "short pants" as he calls them. Lukie is his side kick around the house, he shares and cares for him in a special way. We are so blessed to have him as our son and be with his bright personality everyday!

Chase's Swimming Lessons

So we were finally able to convince Chase to start swimming lessons again. We had started them last winter and they were great, until they weren't. He got scared because the level of difficulty began to increase and the thought of going under water terrifies him. After many discussions about this summer & swimming with his friends (many of whom are already great swimmers and aren't afraid), he finally changed his mind.

Although we've only had 2 lessons, I've seen such a big change in him. He has a great attitude, he doesn't seem scared, more excited & ready. I hope this pattern continues so that this summer he can feel more confident at the pool instead of needing me by him constantly. The one video shows him jumping into the water with his instructor a considerable distance away from him. For Chase, that is huge and I'm so proud of him for just going for it!