In Preparation

We are currently preparing for the boys 1st birthday party. I'm planning and trying to get the house in order (including finishing projects around the house I hadn't gotten around to), James is working to pay for everything, and the boys are hitting milestones and acting like toddlers more every day.

Let's start with the boys :)
Ethan:
*He's finally realized that he can stand up and balance without holding on to anything. He would unknowingly let go of things and stand up while focusing on something else. Today he held up his hands in what I'd call a "I don't know" or "I didn't do it" way. I thought he was playing around because of the smile on his face but then I realized he wasn't holding on to anything and he was so proud of himself. He did it a few times before he moved on to something else. Walking is right around the corner. Holy cow!!
*He seems to be done with the bottle, or at least the formula. We're basically on all people food along with the bottles but over the last few days, he will not finish his bottles. We were planning to stop them at 12 months anyway so he's right on schedule.
*He bites. This I'm kind of struggling with. Sometimes "No Bite" works, some times it doesn't. When it doesn't, I don't really know what to do aside move him and distract him. Is he learning not to bit though? I don't know.
*We've graduated to the big boy bath with brother. No more ducky tub. He loves it. He acts in the tub the way he acts in the pool. He splashes and tries to crawl around.

Lucas:
*He's crawling, sort of. He does what I call a combo of the worm and an army crawl. It's crazy funny but he gets to where he's going. As for the cruising, he's non stop. Once they're both walking, I'm in big trouble :)
*He bites too.
*He seems to like the big tub until Ethan tries to crawl over him to get a toy or play with the froggy faucet cover.
*He's sort of a picky eater. He still loves his bottle but likes drinking water from the sippy cup.
*He's developed a speed walk. He loves walking when holding your fingers but over the last few days he sprints across the room. He's so funny

Me:
For the party: I still need to buy food for the party. Touch base with the cake lady. Collect card tables and chairs from my sister. Make their cupcake cakes that each of them will get to tear in to.
For the house: I need to get rugs and paint a few nautical scenes for the new bathroom decor for the boys' bathroom. Once it's complete I will post pictures. I decided to paint our guest bedroom this week. (what was i thinking??) It was such a dark dark blue that the room felt small and cavelike. I figured I'd get it painted and decorated for the party. Uh, no. I'll have it painted but it won't be completed as far as my concept for the room. We're making the basement our playroom to get all of the toys and such out of our living room. Plus, the basement is just one big room with no furniture with sharp corners and no need for a baby gate. It's a much more toddler friendly environment. I need to move everything into the basement to get it set up so that other kids that come over have a place to play as well. Our dining room is a bold orange (sounds crazy but it is a pretty color) that is in need of some decor on the walls. Again, I never got around to it. Tonight I sketched out on canvas what I want to paint, now I just need to take the time to paint it. How in the world am I going to finish all of this? Guess I better take out the Super Mommy cape and get down to business!!