Not exactly what I had in mind, but just what I needed!

Most of you that know Taylor know that she's a girl of action. She's constantly moving, she's very nosey, she has to know what's going on around her at all times and what everyone else is doing...she's afraid she may miss something. So...

Last night we had planned to have a babysitter come over and after Taylor and Jake went to bed, Matt, Jayson, Crystal, and myself were all gonna head out for a night on the town. Apparently Taylor had other plans for us...she wasn't gonna be left out. Trying to put this girl to bed with people in our house, is like trying to take candy away from her...she holds on with all her might, and just won't let go. So our babysitter is here (Matt's cousin Troy's daughter, Rae...and her mom and dad were gonna hang with us too), everyone's shoes are on, the guys are waiting in the garage, the cars are started, Jake's asleep, and Taylor's screaming every time I try to leave her bedroom. I'm not talking whimpering and whining...I mean top-of-her-lungs, pi**ed off, come-and-get-me-NOW screaming. I wanted to just let her scream, but I was afraid she'd wake Jake up, so I couldn't. I brought her in and out a few times, stood by her bed and rubbed her back for what seemed like hours, gave her some warm milk, rocked her in the chair, kicked everyone out of the house so she couldn't see or hear anyone, and nothing worked. This went on for over an hour. By this point I'm feeling anxious, embarrassed, impatient, and so not in the mood to go out anymore. Crystal and I finally convinced everyone to just leave without us. So, they took the babysitter home (poor Rae...we felt so bad that she didn't end up getting to babysit that Matt still gave her $20!) bought us a bottle of wine, and left us with a wide-awake baby...at 10pm. Finally, at about 10:30pm, she settled down. At 10:50pm, I laid her in her bed, she rolled onto her back and stuck her right foot up on the side bars of her crib, grabbed her bear, snuggled him in tight, rolled over onto her belly, and stuck her little tush up in the air. *sigh* She was finally going to sleep. (this is her little ritual every night, so as soon as I saw that little foot kick up I knew this would be my last attempt...praise the Lord!) I went straight to the kitchen and poured myself a mimosa...I seriously needed a drink after this 2 1/2 hour marathon bedtime battle! I do have to say though, that when it was all said and done, both Crystal and I were secretly glad it turned out the way that it did. Neither one of us were thrilled at the idea of sitting in a smoke-filled casino all night...we were much happier to be home in our sweats, and had a nice, quiet evening-in, complete with free drinks and lots of girl talk! Not quite what we had planned, but exactly what we both needed :)

This morning after a yummy breakfast (thanks, Matt!) they packed up and left and I can't help but be sad that we won't get to spend much time with them in the next few years. We're really gonna miss you guys :) Thanks for a great evening/morning and...seriously...let's do it again soon!!

Jake, Jayson and Taylor

These two seriously love each other!
They really are so cute together :)

*Stay tuned for more pictures on Crystal's blog...she got a lot of super cute pics of the kiddos :)