when the clock struck eight

I cut a deal with my daughter last night.  She could sleep in our bed if she would lay down and go to sleep-- no playing.  Though I know that I never sleep well when she's in our bed, I just couldn't resist when Katie looked up at me with her big blue eyes and asked so sweetly.  Besides, it was really late and we were all tired.  John was nearly falling asleep and I didn't want to wrestle with the bedtime routine.

Katie doesn't normally stay up until 10:30 or so, but we went swimming at the Rec Center last night and didn't get home until after 9.  She needed some Daddy-time.

I tossed and turned all night.  Katie woke up crying several times.   I do not know if she does this in her own bed or not, since we got rid of the baby monitor ages ago.  But, she does it in our bed.  Maybe it is just being in a different place and being startled?  I don't know.  At any rate, I had less than a peaceful night's sleep.  But, I got bedtime cuddles, so they kinda cancel out.

This morning, John quietly got ready for work.  Katie woke up and he put a movie in the bedroom dvd player so I could sleep a while longer.  I really appreciated it.

I snuggled down under the comforter and thought about the day.  Suddenly, I sat up and looked at the clock.  7:55!  On a Tuesday!  Crap and double crap.

Jump out of bed.  Throw on some jeans.  Pull Alex out of his bunk bed.  Jeans. shirt. shoes. socks. viola. granola bar.  New diaper for Katie.  Out the door.

Alex goes to strings class at the neighborhood school every Tuesday.  He has to be there at 7:55 so that he can check in and get to class by 8.  Today, he arrived at 8:03.  8 minutes after I cracked open my eyes.  Not too shabby.