What a Day!

Like most mornings, I woke up before 6 am and headed to the gym, but today was a little different, as I knew I needed to finish up early to stand in line to vote. I left the Y around 6:45 am and drove the few minutes to our polling location, which is only a couple blocks from our house. When I arrived, there were already over 20 people in line. I was so happy to see all those faces, many of whom I knew - the older couple who live in the tree-covered house, one of my friends (another mom with two young children), the sweet old man from the corner, one of the men who live in the beautifully restored house down the street. These were my neighbors, all coming together. Even in the cool morning air, the genuine friendly, cheery atmosphere of those in line warmed me. I had to smile when an older man and his wife drove up to the polling station and proceeded to unload a small table and kiddie-sized chairs from their minivan. As he set up the table, he taped a large Obama/Biden sign to the top.
I only waited in line for about 30 minutes to vote - a small amount from the stories I heard yesterday on the news. But the whole time I was waiting, my mind kept drifting to the party plans that still needed to be carried out. Not only was yesterday Election Day but also I foolishly scheduled Emily's birthday party with our playgroup friends for the same day. As I left the polling place, I was full of excitement. Too bad we would all have to wait until the end of the day to know the final outcome.
Having done my civic duty for the day, I moved on to my mommy duties. When I returned home, the kids were eating breakfast, as Jon was getting ready for work. The morning progressed with our usual routine except today Ethan and Emily asked me a million times when their friends were going to come over. Luckily, both Jodie and Sarah called and decided to come over earlier than planned. The kids were so happy and I was so thankful to have them occupied. When Ella, Emily’s best friend, arrived, they immediately ran off into the other room giggling. I walked over there just to check on them and overheard Ella say, “Emily, me take coat off. Look, Emily. See my Obama sticker.” One of my favorite moments of the day.

Ella and Emily, wearing Ella's Obama sticker upside down!

Puppy girls - Della, Bramley and Emily

The puppy party itself was a big success. The kids made dog tag necklaces out of Fruit Loops, ate Puppy Chow, ran around the house, got out every toy, ate paw print cupcakes and got their very own stuffed puppy to take home. Lots of sugar and lots of fun.
After all the excitement, it was time for naps. We all needed some down time. As I put Emily in her crib, I said, “Goodnight, my sweet baby.” Emily immediately responded with “I’m not baby. I big girl, Mama.” Another of my favorite moments of the day. Two is going to be so much fun!

Bad to the bone!

Blowing out candles

Once Emily was down, it was time to clean up and get Ethan to bed but I wasn't feeling that great so I decided to simply pick up the toys and call it quits. Ethan and I went upstairs to read books and I immediately started feeling worse. I ended up falling asleep with Ethan and waking up with the stomach flu. Uggghhhh. I had to drag myself out of bed and call Jon. I needed reinforcements, and quick. Thankfully, Jon was able to finish up a few things at work and come home soon. I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in bed, in achy, yucky pain. Not a fun way to end the day, especially after such a fun-filled day.
The last thing I remember about yesterday was Jon waking me up around 11:30 pm to tell me McCain had conceded. It took a little while for it to register and I groggily went back to sleep, knowing Ethan's prophecy had come true.
What a day!