A Christmas Party & All-Nighter

Scott and I went on what felt like a fabulous date last night, since we got to get dressed up and enjoy each others' company without being interrupted by the constant demands of the babes for a change. It was his work Christmas Party, and quite the setup -- with 350 people at a Tuscan-themed event space in midtown. We escaped the house a little early, leaving the boys happily in the fun care of their Aunt Debbie and my mother in law (Maw Maw).

Relishing our freedom, we grabbed a drink and app at a cute Smyrna place called Crepes that really seems to love its customers, because the owner and entire staff welcomed us, chatted about life and even offered to take a photo, handing the camera to each other to get different angles. Of course, while there, I started discussing great "date" topics like our preschool tour schedule and Christmas to-dos and finally, Scott called me out and asked me to just enjoy and relax.

At the party, it was fun seeing some of Scott's old work peeps, meeting his new NY team, and just spending an evening together in happy chaos -- we managed to stay out to almost 11:30! ;-) But as we walked in the door, we also walked back into somber reality because I could hear Austin crying from his nursery before I even put my coat down -- which he never does at that time of night. I fed him in hopes he was just a little out of synch with his feeding schedule, but it ended up being an all-nighter with him, because he was suffering from that darn ear infection again! Scott got chronic ear infections as a kid, and I hope Austin doesn't have this curse, but the poor dear was uncomfortable, so he and I spent the wee hours of the morning rocking, cuddling and catching little bits of sleep in between.

It's wonderful to be needed, and his tiny arms gripped my neck in perfect sweetness, and his warm, gentle breathing and sighing was simply beautiful as he slept. But I hate for him to be sick and I'm thankful we had another antibiotic prescription the doctor had given us in anticipation of this very situation. And we are especially sad to have missed a party today in honor of our little next door neighbor, Sophie, for the second year in a row (Tyler had an all-nighter the previous year)!

This morning, thankful that I didn't bother him to help me in the night, Scott took over and let me catch up on my rest, making pancakes and then brownies to go with our lazy, indulgent day. Austin was definitely feeling better and Tyler was a bouncing ball of energy, draining Scott of any he had left from the busy week (I have to hold myself back from responding with "See!" every time he exclaims how tired the boys make him). ;-) The tagteam effort, which feels like ping pong with babies as we trade off constantly, is still a form of relaxation compared to what I normally do and I was able to enjoy the tired day.

Now I'm bracing for a VERY cold week indoors, but also so thankful that Scott will be in town for the next couple of weeks. That one hour of help with the boys in the evening, not to mention Adult company! -- makes all the difference to my busy day and gives Tyler the best thrill to see his hero when he comes home in the evening.