Life at 8

I realized the other day that I never posted anything after Alex's actual birthday and his birthday party. A co-worker of mine made the cake for me again this year, and she far exceeded my expectations. When I told her he wanted a cake with a tank on it for his party, I was expecting a sheet cake with a picture of a tank on it. This is what we got:

Isn't is awesome? And yes, those are Oreo's on the side for the wheels.

We had his party at Crossfire Commados the Sunday after his actual birthday and the kids had an absolute blast. Who wouldn't with a big ol' foam block pit to jump into:

And then a little trampoline jumping fun:

Followed up by a little zip line action where they got to throw foam blocks at the other kids who had to catch one and then run thru a mini obstacle course:

Yep, the kids all had a blast. Here are a few shots from the party room and Alex opening his gifts:

 

From 3 to 4.....

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.

Insufficient planning

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.....