Happy 3 months Chase!

The Parking Lot...Ty's trucks go "night-night".
I have to admit, I have waited for the day when I get to hang up my pre-schooler's artwork!

I love it, every day he goes to school he says "mommy, I am going to make you something..it is a suprise." And when I pick him up 3 hours later, he rushes to his bag and pulls out his folder with his latest and greatest art! Tyler is doing great as a big brother. I really can't remember life before Chase and Tyler has adjusted beautifully. He loves to help out! I can't believe he is turning 3 in just 10 days! Well..both boys are sleeping and I am going to turn in too...Good Night!

proud daddy..hudson james ley born 1.18.08
mommy and hudson
big brother andrew keeping an eye on the little guy!

Boys, Boys and more Boys!

My two cousins, John and Joe have welcomed in the last few weeks more boys to the family. This makes a house full of baby and toddler boys at our next family gathering. We are so blessed!

Here is the rundown:
Tyler (almost 3)

Chase (3 months)

Cousin Adam (2 years)

Second Cousin Dresden (1 month)

Second Cousin Andrew (almost 3)

Second new baby cousin Hudson (7 days old)

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

I forgot to post our link to new pictures of Chase. We took them a few weeks ago. You can click on the photographer link to the right of the blog. Then click on "order online" then on "portrait photography" and look for my name...have fun looking! He was quite adorable for most of the photo shoot. www.paulwendl.com.

Aunt Ashley with Smiley face, Chase..11 weeks old

Happy Birthday Adam!
Our favorite nephew
Papa Mike with his "boys"
Yummy Cupcakes!
More smiles from Chase
Silly Adam..this was a blast!
We traveled this past weekend to Nashville to celebrate with our nephew his 2nd Birthday! Adam had a ball opening his presents loving everything from his sit-n-spin to his new Thomas train...We also had a chance to see our friends, John & Maura who were visiting from Toronto, so thanks to our family for babysitting on Saturday!!! It was Chase's first BIG trip in the car and many of you know Chase does not like his carseat so much. But this trip, was perfect! He was an angel. We are still battling reflux and now have switched to Prilosec. It seems to do the trick, although the nights are still a little trying for him. Each week is better so maybe it is a little colic too:) I can't believe tomorrow the little guy turns 3 months old. I will be taking off one more month from work with the hopes of him sleeping a bit longer during the nights and his belly feeling better! Ty is a busy boy these days, he is counting 1-15, saying his ABC's, starting to write a little and loving to color and of course play with his trucks, trains and anything else he can find. It won't be long and we will be celebrating his 3rd birthday! Well...Ty is asleep and idol is on...Gotta Run! Colin

The remains of Tyler's first snowman, thanks to our incredible friends/babysitters Abby & Kevin for braving the cold with Ty to make the little Frosty!
Ty is so proud of his name in the snow!
Cousin Adam comes for a visit! We had a blast!
Big Boy Adam..potty trained and just turned 2! Happy Birthday buddy!
Silly Uncle Eric playing with the boys!

Almost time to go to bed...the boys are on the same stool to brush their teeth...

Chase, 10 weeks old.
Ty and Chase..check out how he looks at his big brother!
I love these boys!!!

Chase is now 10 weeks old and weighing in at 11 lbs 9.6oz and is 24 inches long.

We had his 2 month check up yesterday and after way too many shots he was given a good report except for a little reflux. So we are on Zantac now for baby reflux and hopefully onto more comfortable days for him.

Love to all! Colin

In memory of my amazing mother, Cheryl Gunter Ley....

It's been 7 years and most days it still feels like yesterday although there is so much that has happened since she passed away. I know if she is able to see our family, she is very proud:)

We miss you MOM!

My mom loved this little dog, Nick. Nick passed away months ago and if there is a doggy heaven..they have definitely re-united!

An old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home. He followed me into the house, down the hall, and fell asleep in a corner.An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back, resumed his position in the hall, and slept for an hour. This continued for several weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar:"He lives in a home with ten children -- he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?"

Does anyone have an open home and babysitter for a sleep deprived new mommy???

Blast from the past....1977

This was me (Colin) at 8 weeks old...now Chase's age! Check out the Swing O Matic...I guess there were no safety features...stuffed blanket did the trick!
This picture was from one of my most memorable Christmas mornings as a child.

Boombox and Cabbage patch kid!

I think it was the early 80's....

Happy New Year!

Posting at 4am...why not??

~ It's nice and quiet in the Smith house at this hour, Bailey wanted to go outside and Chase should be waking soon to eat..so I thought I would jump on and post some pics of our newest smiley face:) Love to all...Colin

Santa's cookies..they are supposed to be Reindeer, Ty thinks they look like doggies!

Santa's little helper!
Ty's new train table...loads of fun already!
This is Big Red! He is from the cars movie..before we know it, Chase will be pushing him around like his big brother. I can't believe the day is almost over...Merry Christmas!!! love, Colin

Sweet and Happy Tyler....
Very upset and scared of Santa Tyler....Chase slept thru the BIG Event!
Tyler in line with Frosty to see Santa...Toddlers..happy one minutes, very upset the next!
Ty and Chase this morning watching cartoons..Chase is really starting to watch Tyler.

2 more days until Santa...Merry Christmas!
Love, The Smith's

Big Brother Tyler is ready for Santa..wish list includes:

New Trucks

Blue Bicycle

Yellow Scooter

Happy Birthday to my Granny, 84 years old!

We loved coming to Greenville to celebrate with you!

My sleeping angel...best Christmas present ever!

Chase is doing great! He is now 7 weeks old and is eating and sleeping well. He is starting to smile alot although I can't seem to catch it on camera yet. We are slowly getting ready for Christmas and can't wait to have our family come down Christmas Eve. We have had a busy few weeks but are starting to get a little routine going now. Tyler had his last day of mother's morning out today and we hope to potty train over the holidays before he heads back in mid-January. Wish us luck! His 3rd birthday is fast approaching, it's hard to believe time has passed so quickly. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

PS. Birth announcements coming soon..we have been waiting for Chase to be a little older prior to going to the photographer...look out for your New Year's Cards!

Chase had his first month check up at the Pediatrician. He is doing great and the doctor says she has no worries, that he looks perfect. He is up to 9 lb 13 oz (47%) and his length is 22.5 inches (72%). He was 8lb 4 oz at birth and 21 inches so it looks like all the feeding and sleeping is working! Tyler was proud of Chase at his appointment after he got his 1 shot, Ty thought he should have a prize, so he got some stickers from the prize chest..too cute!
My camera is charging..more pics soon.

Good Afternoon from the Smith house!

As we celebrate Chase's 1 month birthday this past weekend, we are well into the swing of things. Tyler is "adjusting" daily to life as a big brother and Dad is back traveling. This cartoon captures my feelings these days! I will post more pics soon, my camera battery needs re-charging...sorry for the delay! Love, Colin