In systems and methods of selecting an access node for wireless device communication, it is determined that a first loading of a first access node meets a first loading criteria, and a wireless device is selected which is in communication with the first access node and which detects a second access node. A request is sent to the second access node to accept a handover of the wireless device, and a timer is started comprising a first timer value when the request is rejected by the second access node. A second request is sent to the second access node to accept a handover of the wireless device to the second access node when the timer expires, and the wireless device is instructed to change from communicating with the first access node to communicating with the second access node when the second request is accepted by the second access node.