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.

First Movie!

Dominick went to his first movie and we went BIG with the Omnimax at the museum--Under the Sea. It was great! Last year he and Dennis tried to see Up--he freaked out during the previews and has been reluctant to see a movie in the theater ever since. So now we broke the seal in a big way--hooray. It was really cool too--6 ft. sea snakes, cuttlefish, sea dragons--fun fun fun!

It was a very fitting end to a good spring break. Dennis and Dom went to get doughnuts while Xander and I went to PT. We all met up at the museum and after some play, Dom and I went to the movie and then I went to work and Dennis took the boys home. A bit of crazy car switching but it all worked out.

Tomorrow it's back to school. Dennis' last day before Easter break and our final push to paint our main rooms.

Spring Break--1 day to go!

How fast Dom's break has gone! Honestly, I was kind of dreading a week and a half of no school--it has been pretty wonderful. Lots of time with our new friends (not the best time to make new friends right before moving, but that's how we like to do it :) enjoying the zoo and children's museum--lots of things we'll miss so I feel this need to take advantage of what we have right now, and all summer-long.

It has been nice not to have to get anywhere at any particular time and nice to include Dominick in our shopping trips and excurtions. Last night we put Xander down at 6:15 he was so exhausted--Dom and I stayed up and sorted school papers (even managing to throw some his hard work away!) I had to explain that the reason we do worksheets and works is not to have the sheet but to learn--he seemed to like this. I've just been enjoying being with him, it's a good phase we're in right now. I just introduced him to Wicked which of course he's found one song he loves and he's been playing it on repeat--poor Dennis.

Xander . . . he's been going through a bit of a rough patch. I think the fact that he's decided to give up naps makes him downright miserable by 3:30. Hopefully he starts sleeping in and catching up on the sleep he needs. He is still quite adorable and loveable, asking for hugs, thanking me for hugging him, loving him.

Good kids.