Oswald Jonathan Chase

After 3 months,... I think it's about time I finally introduced you all to our newest addition! Meet Oswald Jonathan Chase!! Born 20th of October 2010, at 11:32am, weighing 7.6lbs and measuring 19in long. He has filled our house with much joy and it's hard to remember what life was like before him. That might just be because of the sleep deprivation and complete fatigue :) I'm sure it was a little less hectic, but we wouldn't have it any other way. We adore this little boy SOOO much. What a precious gift we have in him.
I had to spend eight days at the hospital with Os after he was born. I was so worried about being away from home for that long, but it really was such a restful and quiet time to recover and bond with my newest little boy. Matthew did a wonderful job taking care of liam and Hudson, and they came to visit us almost daily. (even if they only lasted for 15 minutes sometimes :) too many nifty things to get into at the hospital! My favorite part about them visiting was when they first walked into my room, they would be straining their necks trying to find Os. We had a lot of fun moments introducing them to their baby brother.
It was my first time to have a baby in Japan, and I can honestly say that I had a great experience. I loved all the nurses, and the traditional Japanese food that I got to eat (once they finally allowed me to eat again after my c-section... I didn't eat for 2 whole days!!) was SO yummy.
Here's Os moments after he was born! Matthew was able to stay with him like this while I was still in surgery.
Finally home with his brothers!! I think Os was wondering why his world got so noisy all of a sudden!
I am not exaggerating when I say that Os must be the most kissed baby around!! He is kissed CONSTANTLY, especially by Hudson. He is forever covered in slobber :)
Liam has also taken to Os beautifully and he will sit holding his baby brother for good chunks of time, 20-30 minutes at a time! (and if you know Liam, sitting still for any amount of time is quite an accomplishment!)
It's hard to believe that Os is already 3 months old! He has really started to interact with us lately with lots of smiles, and talking too! and for the most part we think he has a very laid back easy going nature. Sometimes I'm sad that I don't get to spend as much time as I'd like with him... I'm busy running after the older two. So take the moments that I can, and have been thankful that I am forced to sit down and be with him every 3-4 hours. I think God knew what he was doing when He made babies :) Even though these last 3 months have by no means been easy, they've been really really hard, adjusting to three has been more difficult than I though it would be! I'm already looking back and remembering fondly...

pregnant tummy!

I have about 2 weeks left till I finally get to meet the little babe that's been kicking me and nudging me from the inside! I can't wait!!! I can't wait to hold this little one, to snuggle and love on this baby face to face. I some times also look forward to not having such a 'Big' tummy!! It just makes life that much more difficult, although I generally like being pregnant, the last few weeks can be a little rough....
Then I remember my gorgeous Mama!! WOW! and almost never without a smile on her face :) She is beauty, so thankful for her and all the babies she had. Here she is carrying my youngest sister Esther!! Then I also remember I've got nothing on her :)

Big Boy

Some new friends of ours gifted Liam with his very own 'Big Boy Bike'!! It's one that their son had grown out of (is that what you say for bikes??) and after Matthew spent a few minutes here and there, tweaking this and that, it was perfect. Liam could not be more thrilled to have his very own bike!! He has a bit to learn as far as actually riding it, but he loves to just go out to the yard and sit on it. The simple pleasures in life!!

Chase Mt. !

All the boys lovin on each other!

expectant

I love their little faces, filled with expectancy! Praying that God would fill me with an expectancy... He is ALWAYS working, in our hearts, in the lives of those around us, in this land, in the world... He has a plan of redemption and it is being worked out every day all around us!! Excited to see how it's worked out in my day.

family day out!

What a fun day we had out and about at the aquarium! It's always a treat for the boys when we get to ride the train, and an extra treat to have their 'Gi' (my Dad, who was in Japan for a little while) join them.
It's also special to have so much time with Daddy!! and I love any opportunity to get a family shot :)

The rate at which Liam is growing, it probably won't be long till he out grows me!!
Watching all those big fish!! Liam and Hudson were both mesmerized.
I was too really! such beautiful and amazing colors combined with such unusual shapes!! What a creative God we serve!! So thankful for fun times together.

funny faces

Matthew and Liam were having a fantastic time cleaning in the kitchen, I had to go grab the camera.
I LOOOOOVEEE that Hudson wanted to join in on all the fun! His smile just about kills me.

We're still here!

But don't ask me how these boys got to be so big!! I have no idea...

Sakura :: Cherry Blossoms

These are definitely a little old and the sakura season is mostly passed except for the very rare late bloomer. We had a REEEAAAAALLLLLYYYYY long winter this year and it seemed like the sakura would never bloom. I confess I was more than a little grumpy about it... But God is good and when they did finally bloom they stayed open for an unusually long time! We had lots of opportunities to go on 'hanami' picnics! (That literally means flower watching!) So here are a few pics from our picnics!!

The color blue

Would you look at those blue eyes! He has the biggest, bluest, most expressive eyes. I love it, and I love him.

Little Goofs

These are a little old but still I thought they were worth sharing, they sure make me smile. We were eating our breakfast and the boys were playing nicely in the other room, when all of a sudden they start giggling, and come out to surprise us looking like little goofs. I'm so glad we had the camera near by.

Hair Cut

:: BEFORE ::
:: AFTER ::

koinobori :: For the boys

There is a little river about 10 minutes from where we live, and during april and may the town hangs 'Koinobori' across the river to celebrate 'Boys Day' or more recently, 'Children's Day'. We had a beautiful sunny and warm day on sunday, so we took a little drive out to enjoy the river side and all the big fishies!! What fun! The boys, especially Liam, loved it. And I did too!! Time with family, beautiful country side and fun Japanese traditions.