Happy Birthday Daddy

Last weekend we celebrated Scott's 35th Birthday. On Friday night, we went out for dinner with a bunch of friends, without kids! It was great to have a quiet dinner out with so many good friends (see picture below). Papa, Margaret and Maggie came over to babysit, which was a first for them. Both kids were well behaved and asleep by 9:00 p.m.

On Saturday night, we had a quiet birthday celebration with just the four of us. Olivia especially loved the birthday cake. During the day, Olivia and Scott went shopping for some birthday presents for him. Other than that, we just relaxed at home. I don't seem to have the energy (or desire) to venture too far these days!!

Aside from birthday celebrations, things have been very busy around here. Last week Ethan and Olivia both started pre-school. Ethan goes MWF from 9-11:30 and Olivia goes T/T - same time (different pre-school). Two of Ethan's friends are in his class. He really likes his new school and was happy to go on the first day. Olivia on the other hand, is not really liking pre-school so far. She really loves her four core people - me, Scott, Paola and Olivia - and isn't really too fond of spending time with anyone else (unless one of us is with her). The first day, parents stayed and she had fun exploring the room. However, on the second day you just drop them off and leave. So I dropped her off and went to get the oil changed on the car. Around 9:45 a.m. they called me to come and get her because she wouldn't stop crying. I guess she was fine for the first 15 minutes and then started crying and would not stop. So I rushed to get her and literally the second I picked her up she stopped crying and started smiling - what a turkey! She didn't end up going on Tuesday, so we will see how tomorrow goes..

Aside from pre-school, Ethan is also taking gymnastics with two of his little friends. I was a little hestitant at first, I figured gymnastics was only for girls, but they all love it. He is also playing soccer for the month of September and taking a class at the library with another little friend. Lastly, he starts swimming lessons tomorrow night, the class is designed to teach the kids how to swim on their own. I am trying to keep him occupied and out of trouble but not overschedule myself...not sure whether that balance has been achieved!

We have also had a couple of playdates at indoor playgrounds. Unfortunately, I have not had my camera for any of these events. I will have to try and bring it more often!!

Although Olivia has been taking 6+ steps on her own for the past 6 weeks, she was too nervous to go any further. Over the past week, she is now taking 10+ steps and walking on her own. She is still nervous at times and only wants to do it on her terms. You can try to get her to do it for 20 minutes and she won't want to but then 15 minutes later she does it on her own with no prompting. Too funny...anyway, she is definitely making lots of progress in the walking department!!!

The next blog will likely be introducing the newest member of our family...could happen any time now...stay tuned!