Back from Greenville and Chase's big news!

I got back from Greenville late on Sunday night. There were flight delays... of course. Doesn't it seem like there are delays or cancellations every time you fly these days? That's how it seems to me. But fortunately Chase wasn't with me this time, so a later flight simply meant that I had more time to read my book or do a crossword puzzle! It was the first time I've flown anywhere without Chase since he was born. Do you know how many planes that kid has been on? I got bored one day and counted. 18! But, I have to say I'm not too anxious to fly with him again. It was so much more enjoyable by myself!

My time in Greenville was SO good. I'm really glad that I went and that I got there when I did. I imagine it was like being at the wedding where Jesus turned water into wine! Or at Lazarus' tomb when he was raised from the dead. When I arrived at the hospital on Thursday, everyone was smiling, laughing, and crying. No one quite knew how to put what had happened into words. I heard the word "speechless" a lot. We were just so happy, and excited that we were there to witness it and to celebrate with Emily and Chris! Little Cohen is alive and we are all so grateful!

My first glimpse of Cohen... this was the day after he was born and he was still on oxygen. He looks much different now!
The birthday cake and balloons at Cohen's first birthday party!

The proud parents...
Me and Em:I was lucky enough to have very gracious hosts while in South Carolina. Jake, Kristi, and Logan gave me somewhere comfy to sleep, good food to eat, and fun conversation. I love spending time with them and with other friends from Clemson. It just feels like home, you know? I got to hang out with Dr. Gregg Johnson in the waiting room of the hospital, eat lunch with Chris, Dan, Heather, and Carter, and spend time with Katie as her adorable son Zeke showed off his new crawling skills. I love to see my friends' kids and marvel at how much they've grown up. I did wish that Eric and Chase were there, but I know they had some good male-bonding time at home!

Gregg and I:Logan:
Chris and Jake:
Carter:Heather, Dan, and I (and Carter, fast asleep!):

Kristi:Zeke and Logan:
Katie and Zeke:And now for Chase's big news... Eric tells me that on Sunday, Chase took his first steps!!! He was outside (of course!) and walked 3 steps towards his climber! He also saw him walk more in the kitchen later that day. I was a little sad that I missed it, but thankfully he repeated his performance for me yesterday a few times! The first time I saw him walk, he was holding on the couch and then turned around and took about 6 steps out into the middle of the living room!! It was amazing! We've been trying to get some video of him walking, but it's tough because we never know when it's going to happen. Finally, this morning, I caught a few steps on tape! Here it is: