Happy Birthday Xander!!
September 20, 2008
Our first family photo
It’s a bit surreal to think about where Xander, Zach and I all were two years ago at this time. I think it’s even stranger for me this year, as I’m pregnant again (though admittedly not nearly as pregnant as I was 2 years ago). Xander was just about to meet the world, I was working at an entirely different job, Zach was years away from being promoted to his current position. I hadn’t met most of the people I see every day now, and although we had already lined up a day care slot for Xander, I didn’t know or trust those day care providers the way I do now. I think our whole family has changed and grown quite a bit over the past two years, but it is of course Xander’s changes that are the biggest and most obvious.
It’s amazing to think about how much Xander has grown and changed in the past year. His first year was full of changes and developments, and the more obvious ones were physical changes - sitting, rolling, crawling, walking, etc. Between years one and two the changes have seemed to be more verbal. He’s gone from the super basic “da” and “ma” to three and four word sentences. He has developed preferences and opinions and is not shy about sharing them. For Zach and me the communication piece has been huge - it’s allowed us to understand Xander’s needs better, and learn more about who he is.
Xander's First Birthday - mmm, cake...
We have a fairly big birthday party planned for tomorrow. It’s Curious George themed - we’re grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, and we’ve got cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. I’m told the weather should be beautiful (yay!) so presumably most of the party will take place in the yard, which Xander will be perfectly happy about. Xander’s best friend from day care is coming - last year we just had our friends and family, so this is a new and exciting development. This boy is about a month older than Xander, and ironically, his mother is pregnant and due about a week before I am.
I’m sure it’ll be a great day - we always enjoy seeing all of our friends and family, and I think Xander will have a great time. Zach and I are dreading the amount of stuff that will accumulate after the party. I will never be the parent who tells people not to bring presents for their child. On the other hand, I have no idea where the heck we are going to put all of these presents…
I hope you all have a wonderful September 20th - we’ll be spending it celebrating my first born’s birthday 
