Chasing Chase: Danita tries to keep up with her little toddler who always has a song in his heart

Where does the time go? I was looking at some pictures of Chase when he was just 5 months old and I began to miss his little baby coos. I could hold him all day and never get tired. OK, maybe a little. But he was my little peanut, and I just wanted to hold him close and kiss his little cheeks.

Now that he's 19 months, I can't hold him as long because he's much heavier and he moves constantly. I go to kiss him, and sometimes he welcomes it and other time he says his favorite word, no. But moms know how to get around these things. While he's sleeping I kiss his cheeks and play with his little feet. Chase is such a sound sleeper, he doesn't even move.

The plus side to him getting older is that we run, march, sing and dance around the house. Chase loves to play and laugh, and he keeps me entertained. He's working on a CD titled "Chase Sings the Hits." Songs like "Kinkle, Kinkle, Little Star" and "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round" will be featured on the project. But his live version of the "A,B,C song" will bring you to your feet.

I was told by many parents to cherish the moments when he couldn't crawl or talk because it would go by so fast, and now I know exactly what they mean. But I will confess, that on days when I'm able to to pick my son up from daycare he says in a loud voice "Mommy" and runs into my arms, that is one of the best feelings in the world. He wraps his arms around my neck and my heart just melts.

Yes, I'm chasing Chase. But I'm so grateful for the gift of motherhood because it has brought so much joy into my life. (Chase makes a noise) Uh oh, Chase just put his cereal bowl on top of his head. You guessed it, the milk and cereal are now in his hair, on his clothes, and in his chair.

Until next time....