It's a few minutes after midnight and I can still hear whispering and giggling coming from my living room. The light to the hall bathroom is on and my bedroom door is wide open. I can't sleep, not til I know they are sleeping first. I'm sure everyone will be fine, but it feels oddly irresponsible to be the only adult in the house and to fall asleep before the four 8 year olds do.
This was a fun night :) I didn't think we would have anyone show up at all, everyone invited seemed to be busy or out of town. So I was pleasantly surprised when more than just the one I had expected showed up (and extremely thankful it wasn't more than 4 including the babydoll). My mom came over to help, the ex brought the pizza and cake, and one of the mom's (a close friend) stayed for a while as well. We ate, opened presents and played Just Dance on the Wii for quite a long time. When they were all red faced and out of breath after Just Dance 2 it was time for popcorn and "The Princess Bride". I have to say it made me proud and happy that they all chose and wanted to watch one of my favorite movies (and that they could recite all the lines too). I sat and watched them tonight and was reminded of all the sleep over parties from my childhood and it made me smile. It made my heart happy to see my daughter play with her friends and listen to them giggle as the lights were turned off. It made me miss being a kid.
So in the morning I shall make breakfast and send them on their way, sincerely thanking them for coming and sharing an evening with us (even the one who just came into my room and complained that she couldn't sleep on the floor because it was too hard. Yeah, had to remind her she willingly gave up the love seat, too bad). And now I think I will turn off the lights and wait for the silence.... I haven't heard any giggling for a few minutes :)
MandaMadge
