Hard to believe that 8 years ago tonight, we were a family of 3, preparing to become a family of 4. Even though my due date wasn't until November 4, I was induced 10 days early because of having gestational diabetes and the size of the baby. Alex was born on October 25, 2004, weighing in at 9 pounds, 15 ounces. Yes, you read that right. And no, I did not have a c-section. Imagine how big he would have been had my doctor not induced me?
I was extremely lucky that he slept thru the night from day one. There were a handful of times where we'd have to get up in the middle of the night, but for the most part, I got my sleep with this one. The nights I did have to get up with him, it wasn't uncommon for John to find us asleep on the chair in the living room in the morning. I think that is one of the things I miss most - relaxing in the chair with my feet up and my baby asleep on me. So relaxing and comforting.
I do miss those baby days and have my moments where I'd love to have another just for those days alone. How could I not when I look back at this picture, taken when the little guy was just 3 days old and we were home from the hospital?
To celebrate his birthday, we took Alex shopping the other night to pick out his present. Think he likes it?
He was super excited to pick it out and take it home. Once we got home, he immediately started riding it up and down the street and got mad when we told him it was time to put it away and come inside for the night.
Fast forward to tonight, and he had a box waiting for him from my dad and step-mom when we got home from school. His words? "Look mom, that box is for me. It must be like a birthday present or something."
Yes, son, I think it was, and here's a picture of part of what was in the box:
So tomorrow, we'll celebrate by having lunch together at school and then going to soccer practice tomorrow night. We're having his party on Sunday, so the fun will continue on all weekend.
Normally, I'm the queen of making lists and knowing what needs to be done. If I don't, it just doesn't happen. Period. And sometimes, even if it's on a list, it still doesn't happen, but then I can at least prioritize and make sure what needs to be done is done.
So, Alex's 8th birthday is next week and his party is the following Sunday. Tonight, the kids are spending the night at their grandparents, so I decided to get a start on the treat bags for the party. I ordered some personalized stickers from Shindigz and then went and bought some small bags at Hobby Lobby that were 3 for $1.00.
It was only after I was halfway thru the stack of bags that I realized I hadn't bought enough. Argh! I ordered 24 stickers and only bought 21 bags. Looks like I'll be going back to get those last 3 that I need so I can get these done.
If only I had made a list before I went to Hobby Lobby to buy the bags.....
Well, we are deep in planning mode starting now until the end of the year.
October:
Alex's birthday is next week, with his party that weekend. Invitations went out to friends and classmates this week, cake is ordered from my co-worker who has made the last several for me. Next up: buy the ice cream and drinks, candy for the treat bags, and make sure I've got all the plates/cups/napkins/plastic ware that I need. Oh, and we're still going strong with soccer thru the end of the month, too.....
November:
Whew - lots going on here. John's brother's birthday, a good friend's sons 1st birthday, and visiting with my family for Thanksgiving. I'm not taking time off work this year and the boys can't miss any more school this semester without a doctor's note, so that will be a very quick trip this year!
December:
2 of my sisters birthday's, my sister in law's birthday, John and John Anthony's birthdays, and then Christmas. Oh, and throw in an 11th birthday party in there somewhere, too!
So, if you see me at anytime over the next 2.5 months, just ignore any odd, strange, stressful looks I may have on my face. Just know that it's that time of year and if you've known me for long, you'll know that this is normal!
