Colds

Well, we made it almost the whole winter without much in the way of illness and then February became runny nose month. Nothing too major, but then we attended (within 8 days):
*A one year old birthday party with around 40 guests
*A two year old birthday at Chuck E Cheese (sigh.....I am really trying not to judge, but for a 2 YEAR OLD???)
(Did I mention both of these were on the SAME DAY?!)
*A babysitting night at church (our youth group was in charge of it) with 10 other kids
*3 play dates
*ANOTHER party for a 2 year old with around 25 guests

It's no wonder the sniffles turned into a hacking cough, fever and major congestion. Really, she's fine, but we are going through a LOT of burp-cloth-turned-nose-wipers at our house right now. And, I will take it, because it's making her tired enough that bed time has become MUCH easier!! (knock on wood, I probably just jinxed myself) She has been going down within 20 minutes and with hardly any fuss or complaining and at the reasonable hour of between 8 and 9, rather than 11:30. And sleeping until 8 or 9. THANK GOODNESS)

The parties were all fun. They are all good friends or family. It is crazy that these kids are already another year old, because it means that my child is quickly approaching 2 and another party is in store. (this year's will be smaller than last year because in Nelson's family, only the 1st one is the BIG one) I'm thinking something VERY low scale, because (1) she's only 2 and won't remember it (2) I don't want to stress out over it and (3) We are on a budget right now, while saving for a down payment.

I know there are parents out there who will think I'm a b**** for saying this, but I am NOT doing the Chuck E Cheese thing. I am not going there again with my child for a LONG time. That. place. is. HORRIBLE. Everything about it. The crazy activities, the flashing lights, the shows, the food, the crowds of people, the greed over tickets, the greed over tokens, the greed over cheap, crappy prizes, the wild kids, the parents not controlling their wild kids....it is all just too much. Yes, Kalaya had a fun time, but she was so overstimulated and so overwhelmed. Nelson and I agreed that we will do ONE, just ONE party each for our children there and only if we can't talk them out of it. And, not until they're 7 or older. There are just so many better ways to spend time with family and friends to celebrate a birthday!

Speaking of our down payment, this process is actually moving forward!! We have submitted out loan application and it looks like we are going to qualify for the FHA loan for enough to buy our first house! We are SO excited, because we only have to put 3% down and it's definitely a realistic goal by May or June. We've met with our Mortgage banker several times and it turns out we have FANTASTIC credit (who knew???) so we should get approved no problem. The down payment it very reasonable and realistic as well. We have contacted and started meeting with a realtor and are actually starting to see this happening!