Xander's Third Birthday Party

We had a wonderful party today with our neighbors. It was quite toned down from some of Dominick's recent parties but perfect for a three year old. Dominick helped make the fishing game.
He also helped bake the cake and decorate it--although the shape and frosting were all me. I was going for a fish . . .



In a few weeks Xander's birthday party guests will have doubled--three in utero babies attended the festivities.

We ended the party with bubbles outside. It was going great, beautiful weather, friends, kids running around . . . and then Xander went down. He tripped and gave himself a gash under his nose. Not a fun way to end a party. He didn't take a nap this afternoon which perhaps added to his sadness. As each guest had to leave he began crying all over again. It was very sad. He did thank me for giving him hugs and kisses--sometimes he makes my heart hurt.

His actual birthday is on Tuesday. We're all headed to Springfield for our nieces custody hearing. Hoping Xander's lucky day will bring us luck once again.

Open House

We had our first open house. I took the boys to the zoo--Dominick was very disappointed not to meet all the "customers" and collect all the cards (from the realtors) But we managed to have fun at the zoo anyway. We met our friend Olivia and her mom for some fast wheeling action. She is a few months younger than Xander with sb too so its great to get all the newest tips and tricks. I wanted Xander to see another kid using a chair, he was much more willing to ride seeing her in her chair, but he mostly wanted to get out and walk. He did like racing her.

On the way out I let Dominick drive the chair--amazing how well he did. Gives me hope that in three years Xander will have the strength and coordination to maneuver it so well.



Our open house was a success. We had 10 people walk through. No offers yet, but it's a start. One person didn't believe that there were people living in the house!!!! I am quite pleased with that remark :) We have been doing a lot of hard work getting the place all shiny, now if only someone finds it shiny enough to buy . . . .

Listing!

We met with Susie, our Realtor, this morning. She took pictures, we signed forms, we're going live tomorrow! There's a nationwide openhouse on Sunday so we're going to show our house as well. Crazy times! It has been an insanely busy week with all the house stuff, Dennis has a ton of grading, and my dream job (in Michigan :) just posted so I'm trying to put together an application. Xander was sick last weekend so we've been worried/ going to the doctor --luckily it looks like it was just a virus, what a lot of worry though.

Our house looks great. We moved the changing table out of our bedroom and it's just been wonderful having our bedroom back--it has been such a long time.

Bedroom, check!

Another room is done today. Thanks to the zoo for a morning away and to our fabulous neighbors for an afternoon showing of The Wiz--Dennis was able to paint, paint, paint. Now we have some small projects and then just a "little" cleaning, and tidying up. We're going for the lived in look for our house, hoping that a family sees the house and realizes how many toys really will fit into the house.

Easter Party

Today Xander and I went to Dominick's school for an impromtu Easter party. Dom's teacher, I do love her, called last night asking if we could bring 3 dozen filled eggs . . . we had a great time. Xander got to be part of the class which he loved. Dominick was super sweet, helping Xander up, holding his hand down the hall--heart warming.

I walked two school twice--40 minutes round trip. I'm sore and tired. Dennis finished painting our living room. We're both ready to collapse.