Sleepovers & Strings

Saturday we had a busy day! Olivia and I ran errands in the morning and made it home just before noon. We ate lunch and then headed to the middle school to watch Elliott’s friends play basketball. The games were running late so we watched the end of the girls’ 10-11 year olds basketball game. Olivia’s friends! Then the boys started their game. I was surprised that the kids wanted to watch the whole game. It was very good. Those boys can hustle and they played a great game (and they won)! After the game, Elliott went to talk to his two friends. He was asked to go to one of their homes. We went home so he could get his football and DS game and before we left our house, they called to see if he would want to stay overnight. Elliott was excited as I packed his bag. His first sleepover!

I dropped him off and visited with the family for about 45 minutes. They had a great night planned. They had to go to a party store and then planned to go out to dinner. Then they’d head home to enjoy the hot tub, followed by play time. I received a call at 9:00 p.m. and was told everything was fine. Mrs. C just wanted me to know that Elliott ate really well and was having a great time. All was going well. That was so thoughtful of her. Of course, Elliott was too busy to speak with me! Heart-ache for momma.

I’ll confess. I did not sleep well. I tossed and turned from 4:00 to 6:00 a.m. until I finally got up. I knew he was fine; however, I am a mother and I worry about my children. No use wasting time in bed, wide awake. Was Elliott sleeping okay? Would he wake up and not remember where he was? Would he talk or walk in his sleep?

I called to check on him at 10:30 a.m. I would have called earlier but I didn’t want to bother them. I was told they had a great night. A late night. They had already been in the hot tub, ate breakfast and were playing. No need to worry. They’d bring him home around 12:30 p.m.

He arrived home, tired, at 1:10 p.m. He was so tired he could not talk about the fun he had. I suggested he take a nap but he said he wasn’t tired. Olivia and I left to go grocery shopping. I could have gone in the morning but I wanted to be home when Elliott arrived. I could now resume my day knowing he was home – safe and sound. When we arrived home, he was sound asleep in his bed. John said he fell asleep sitting at the kitchen counter. Poor little guy was played out. I woke him around 4:00 p.m. and then moved him to the couch to watch a football game. I had to make him sit up so he would stay awake. Finally, he woke up, ate dinner and then we heard about his exciting sleepover. He had a ball!

I too survived the pain of letting my youngest go. It was just as hard when Olivia went on her first sleepover.

Just another apron string cut and many more left to go. They grow up too fast and I am positive that I don’t want to deal with another string so soon.