I am almost 3 years old!

Chase shows his "evil eye".

Chase in front of the McCoy Pavilion, where Grandpa used to be director/manager of the park.

Chase in front of Grandpa's tree....planted by Grandpa's coworkers from the city. We visit the tree every year on Grandpa's birthday, May 23rd.

Hammer Time!

Chase, the artist, concentrating hard on watercoloring.

Chase insisted on climbing this wall (all by himself) so that he could sit on the ledge.

Enjoying the scenery while hiking with Dad.

Hiking up the trail

Hiking up a huge boulder...at home! (about 10 stairs from our house)

Today, I am 35 months old...almost 3 years old!

Things I Am Really Into These Days:

* Talking make-believe and making up stories and things as I play with my toys. (although the other day, I caught Mommy looking at me and I got all embarrassed, so I said, "Don't look at me! Turn around and look at the computer!"). I have imaginary friends, and I make up things that I see. Like when we're eating dinner, I'll say, "Listen...Do you hear a bear coming down the stairs? He has sharp claws, a big furry body, and BIG feet." Then Mom or Dad will say, "Oh I see him." And, I'll reply, "No, he's not there anymore. He's gone. He went home to eat dinner."

* Singing songs from the radio:

Michael Franti & Speahead's "Say Hey (I Love You)"...My favorite parts: "Hey Momma, Hey Momma!" and "I love you, I love you, I love you!"

* Getting interested in the baby in Mommy's tummy:

I hug and kiss Mommy's belly all the time. I include baby in my goodnight blessings before I go to sleep each night. I tell my friends and teachers at school that "there's a baby in my Mommy's tummy".

When people ask me if I want a baby brother or a baby sister, I tell them I want a baby brother. And when they ask why, I say, "So I can play soccer with him." Although Daddy told me I could still play soccer with a girl, I exclaimed, "NO! I want a boy!"

Mommy told me that I could talk to the baby in her tummy and that baby would be able to hear me. So one day, I hugged her tummy and told baby, "I like magnets and milk and water and noodles and trash cans." Mommy laughed because I had just come back from throwing something away in the trash can.

* Throwing tantrums when I don't want to do something, or because I want to do it all by myself.

Mom and Dad are discovering that two's were not so terrible, but three's are probably going to be more challenging.

* Fixing things:

One day we went to ride my bike up on the driveway. But Mommy said we had to lower the seat a little. She said she needed a wrench. So I ran down our 100 stairs, let myself in the house, opened the closet door, pulled down Daddy's heavy tool box from the shelf (It must have weighed about 10 pounds), and tried to open the box to look for the wrench. Mom came downstairs just in time to discover all this, and was surprised I took it upon myself to be so resourceful (without injuring my toe with the heavy tool box). Mom helped me open the box, and then I asked, "Which one is it? Is this a wrench?" Once we got the wrench we needed, we ran back upstairs to lower the bike seat.

* Relating things to books I've read:

One night I was looking at Mommy's eyes (which are always red from allergies she says) and I said, "Wow, you're eyes are really red. Let me see. (and I tried to put my finger in her eye)." She started moving her eyeballs all around and I said, "Hey, don't move your eyeballs like that! You're like the WILD THINGS!...They roll their TERRIBLE eyes, and move their terrible claws, and chomp their terrible teeth!"

Some Fun Things We Did This Month:

* Went to Mason's 5th Birthday Party at Sea Life Park
* Went to Coby's 1st Birthday Party at Waimanalo Shriner's
* Started preschool summer school program and spent a lot of time with Dad when Mom was finishing up the school year (since Nana and Pop went on a 4 week vacation to the East Coast and Europe.) I have fun going to school each day. I run off to my class and almost forget to give Mom or Dad a hug goodbye! Mondays and Tuesdays are regular center days, but we go walking on Wednesdays, cook a special meal on Thursdays, and have water play on Fridays.
* Went to Ala Moana Beach Park to play and swim (once I didn't have swim clothes on, and went in the ocean, holding my pants' legs up...then I slowly got deeper and deeper...and eventually I just went for it and dunked my head in the water and sat down in the water. It was so much fun! (though I had to ride back in the car in a diaper because I didn't have a change of clothes.)
* Went hiking with Dad
* Went to Wade's house to play and swim.
* Went to Dad's 20th reunion at Punahou. I had fun running around all over the campus, jumping off stairs and ledges and running through the gardens. I ate about 3 cups of poi at the lu'au.

I'm still a picky eater as ever. Mom and Dad get frustrated because I eat maybe one complete meal a day. I'll take one bite of something and like it and then the next minute, I won't like it and spit it out. I drink a lot of whole milk. That's the one thing I really like. A half gallon of milk every few days.

Although Mom and Dad know the gender of the baby, they're not telling me since I'll surely let it out to Nana and Pop (who don't want to know). Mommy was really tired the past few months and so she is really excited that the school year is finally over. But, now she is determined to clean and organize the house to get ready for baby. And, I really hope she doesn't throw away any of my toys (because my memory is superb and I know every single toy that I own!). She's just not sure how she'll get through this heat of summer because it's been so hot lately, and this time around, she needs to last all the way till Halloween!

They're planning my 3rd Birthday party at the end of this month. We're going to have it at Ala Moana Beach Park - Magic Island. We'll BBQ, play in the park and beach, and hang out all day long. I always have fun being outside! Come join us if you can! Sunday, June 27th from 10 am - 2 pm.

My First Report Card

My First Preschool Class: The 2 Year Olds at Alani Children Center

First Month of Preschool - August 2009

End of the School Year - April 2010

Goofing around with one of my teachers, Uncle 'Ena

I love to read books!


At the end of April, Mommy and Daddy went to my school, Alani Children's Center, for my parent-teacher conference. Even though I only went 3 days a week to preschool this past school year, I had so much fun with all the rest of the two year olds. I loved my teachers, and they gave Mommy and Daddy a cd of pictures and videos they took during the year. Plus, we got a portfolio of pictures and my artwork, with a list of benchmarks and standards that I met throughout the year. One of my teachers, Auntie Lisa, said she had fun watching me mature from a quiet boy to the Chase that is full of curiosity and questions.

Because I am so verbal and surpassed all the 2 year old and 3 year old benchmarks, they rated me on using the 4 year old curriculum. Here are some of the highlights of my conference report:


* Social/Emotional Development:
Chase...
- Shows ability to adjust to new situations
-Recognizes feelings and is able to describe the feeling and what may have caused it for himself and his peers
-Stands up for his rights verbally (and sometimes physically)
-Demonstrates self-directions and independence by completing multiple tasks with a project of his choosing with some adult assistance
-Takes responsibility for his own well being by using his self help skills without reminders.
-Knows and can follow classroom routines and rules
-Plays with other children, will share toys (most of the time), and uses thinking skills to solve a problem before coming to an adult for help


* Cognitive Development:
Chase...
- Observes objects and events with curiosity and will ask questions or remark about similarities and differences.
-Will experiment how to use and operate objects in new ways if the first way does not work.
-Likes to explore cause and effect and make comments on what he is seeing.
- Classifies objects by a group of objects, then by one property, etc.
-Notices similarities and differences when comparing and measuring items.
-Lines up objects in a series from big to little.
-Notices and recreates dimple patterns with objects.
-Understands what comes next in the daily schedule.
-Knows basic positional words, and matches pairs in a one-to-one correspondence.
-Is able to count objects correctly to 10.
-Acts out pretend roles by offering a play theme.
-Makes believe using real objects or replicas in pretend play
-Makes and interprets representations by naming what he has drawn or constructed.

* Physical Development:
Chase...
-Demonstrates increasing coordination in running, jumping, hopping, galloping, and kicks 10 touch soccer style dribble.
-Walks forward and backwards along a wide beam
-Climbs and plays easily with confidence on the play structure
-Pedals the tricycle forwards, while steering around wide corners
-Controls muscles in his hands when he manipulates objects
-Performs simple manipulations (stringing beads, shape sorters, puzzles)
-Shows his ability to use tools for writing by drawing some recognizable letters: "C", "S", "T"

* Language Development:
Chase...
-Expresses himself using words and expanded sentences (5-6 word sentences).
-Understands and follows more than 2-step directions
-Answers questions with a complete thought
-Asks questions to further understand concepts
-Actively participates in conversations with a series of exchanges
-Enjoys the value of reading and interactively participates in story time
-Knows that print carries a message
-Wrote in shaving cream the letters "S" and "T"
-Can spell out his name as he scribbles with markers


Thanks to all of my teachers for a great year!



Since I didn't get selected by the computer lottery for Kamehameha's 3 year old preschool for next year, I will continue at Alani. I will also go to the full time summer program which starts on Monday. Eight of my friends from my two year old class will be there, but there will also be older kids in the multi-age class. This will be helpful to Mommy and Daddy since Nana and Pop are in Paris, France on vacation. Daddy had to take off a few days of work this week to watch me, and Auntie Jane and Auntie Miya helped watch me a couple of days as well. Besides, after Mommy finishes work in a couple weeks, she needs to do some deep cleaning and organizing of the house.

So, for my next trick, watch me DISAPPEAR!

Now that I am almost 3 years old (33 months to be exact), I like to do silly tricks, especially when it involves getting in the hamper and taking all your toys with you. (But for some reason, I don't think Mommy likes me throwing the clothes all over the floor.)

A Recap of April 2010

Here I am enjoying my Easter basket full of tattoos, fun growing animal tablets, and my favorite snacks. We had a fun Easter egg hunt at Raiden's house.

And here I am at Aukai's 1st birthday party with all of Mommy's yoga friends. I got to play in the pool, eat some yummy Hawaiian food, and took some pictures with her older sister (well, she's a few months younger than me) Vaihiti. Don't we look cute together?

We went to the zoo for Earth Day activities. I made a caterpillar hat, saw a skink, and shoveled some compost in a bag to take home. Of course, I also led Mom to all of my favorite animals and played in the petting zoo. She ran into a few of her students from both schools. We ate popsicles, too. The best part was seeing the zebras eating so close we could practically touch them!

This month, we also did a charity walk for March of Dimes -March for Babies. I slept most of the time, but boy did I have fun playing in the bouncers later!

March of Dimes - March for Babies Walk

We did the nearly five mile walk from Kapi'olani Park to Ala Moana Park and back this morning. I was asleep in the stroller while Mommy pushed me. We got a bag full of goodies, snacks, energy drinks, etc. from various vendors, and then I had fun playing games and riding the big bouncer slides. We munched on hamburgers and hot dogs and had fun visiting with the rest of the kiddies and mommies. Thanks to all of those that donated to the cause to help those families and babies who are born pre-term! Team Honolulu Mommies raised $7100 for the March of Dimes!

Check out more pictures from the walk by clicking on Team Honolulu Mommies. We met up with a woman who has been doing the walk for 39 years. We walked with her half of the way and walked with her through the finish line!

Recap of March 2010

Cousin Eileen visited from Vermont (on her way back from Australia) this month. It was great to finally meet her since we've never made it to the East Coast. She got to know me really well since I spend a lot of time at Nana's and Pop's.

I liked to show off and do funny things for Eileen. One night, I looked at an old photo of myself with a net on my head. I said, "Let me find the net and catch my head!" I showed her how to play with pots and pans in the kitchen and how to strain the eggs.

We took Eileen out to dinner at our regular and favorite spots, hiked Makapu'u, drove to the North Shore, and found out how much Eileen likes shopping.

Mommy went to a baby shower for her friend Karissa.

We went to Maka's birthday party. There was a fun bouncer, tattoos, and balloon artist (I got a tiger of course!).

Mommy had a week of Spring Break vacation off from both jobs. She did a lot of sleeping, report cards, and more sleeping. We went to hang out at the pool with mom's friend Kai and baby Coby. We played at the park, where I found a huge walking stick and had fun playing in the leaves and trying to eat berries from the tree.

I had my Spring Break the following week, so I had to stay at Nana's and Pop's.

Mom and Dad got to see the final show of "The Chorus Line" on stage because Pop wasn't feeling well to go.

Mommy took me to the Windward Mall pet store and play area. Everytime I see cute puppies, I go "He's so cute! I want to take him home with me!" It was so much fun.

We played at the neighborhood park. Mom and Dad also took me to the Honolulu Family Festival. They won me all sorts of stuffed animals, I got to ride on rides that made my tummy tickle, and Daddy and Adam went on a hangglider ride. Baby Allison got to go on her first merry go round ride.

We went to Italian dinner with Nana and Pop and got Tutti Frutti yogurt for dessert. These frozen yogurt places are so popular now. I already know the drill. I run up and grab my own cup and run to the flavor I want.

At 33 Months, I'm finally pretty much potty trained. Last month, Mommy started using a sticker chart. Every time I went pee, or "shi shi" (#1), I'd get one sticker. And if I went "doo doo" (#2), I'd get 2 stickers. Although I don't like when Mommy or Daddy look at me when I'm making doo doo ("Don't look at me!" I say), I always bend over when I'm done and ask, "Can you wipe my butt?". And I remind them about how many stickers I've earned each time. When I reach 20 stickers, I get a new book. Mom and Dad remind me not to force it just to get the 2 stickers.

After all, we had a scare this month that almost sent us to the ER when Daddy discovered my insides outside after I had gone doo doo. The doctor told us to make sure I don't strain too much and to drink lots of fluids. I wasn't bothered by it all but it freaked out Mommy and Daddy. It's a good thing I love prune juice!

I did have to go to the doctor to get my second H1N1 shot. I told the nurse "Thank You" since she gave me a cool band-aid. She thought it was funny...I guess kids don't often thank her for giving them shots.

This month, I've become "Mr. Destructo" (as Mom calls it) when I go through rages of throwing my toys and destroying the house. It's usually because I'm tired and grouchy or having cabin fever. I've gotten time outs for hitting and not picking up my toys (which disappear if I don't pick them up).

My favorite movie to watch at home: "Alvin and the Chipmunks" - GlamMa gave it to me for Christmas, and I just laugh hysterically when I watch it. I've also learned some phrases that Mommy and Daddy would rather I not know.

Mom and Dad say that I have such a vivid imagination....I'm always making up stories and talking about the "monster band in the park" or seeing the "elephant coming down the stairs" that I've been having nightmares this month which has made sleeping for everyone difficult.

My favorite sayings:

"Aw, man!" (picked up from a friend at school)

"Shucky darn!" (Nana says it a lot)

"Oh my goodness!"

"For goodness sakes!"

"Next time..."

"Last time..."

"Sure! Why not?" (and with a shrug of the shoulders)

"You gonna put me in time out?"

"You're my best friend."

"Are you going to cry?" (if I take something away from Mommy or Daddy)

"I haven't read that book in a long long time!"

"That's my favorite book!"

"I haven't been there in two weeks!"

"I slept for two weeks!" (after waking up from a long nap)

"I'm not a baby...I'm a boy!"

"I can't remember." (what letter or song or words are in the book)

"Maybe it's out of batteries."

"He's/she's soooo cute...I want to take him/her home with me!" (when seeing a stuffed animal, a puppy, a baby, etc.)

"But, WHY?!"