Mission Sleepover

As parents, we confront firsts every day. First smile, first giggle, first crawl, first step. But with "big kids," those firsts slow down a little and are generally not as thrilling. Last night, however, we experienced a new first: First time invited for a sleepover.

The phone rang about six o'clock and it was the dad of one of Brendan's friends, wondering if he could come over for a sleepover. I asked Brendan, and I could see both thrill and terror in his eyes. I flippantly told his dad that it would be fine, and hung up the phone. Brendan says, "Mom, I'll go, but there is no way I am sleeping over. I would miss you guys too much."

I kept assuring him that he would have a good time and he would enjoy every moment of it. About thirty minutes later, his friend's mom pulled in front of the house and chatted with me for a few minutes. We talked about it being his first time and him being nervous. As he heard me speak, he quickly quipped, "I'm fine. I'm sleeping over."

As they start to get in the car, I feel a little nostalgic. "Bye B! Have a good night!" He never even turned around. Meanwhile, Evan is sobbing. Complete sobs.

"I want Brendan! I miss playing with Brendan!" He was like Elaine and George without Jerry. Like peanut butter without jelly. Like ying with no yang. He missed his buddy. Eventually, we offered up the Wii as solace and he relented.

The hardest part for me was putting the boys to bed. I kissed only two little boys last night. There was no third hug --- that is always my longest because he doesn't let go. . .-- and I missed it. Around 9:30 curiosity got the best of me and I called to check on him. His friend's mom said he was doing great- no problems.

Characteristic of my normal Friday, I feel asleep on the couch shortly after that. Around 6:15 in the morning Chris is nudging me that the phone is ringing. I sprang out of bed, and it was his friend's mom. Brendan needed his inhaler. So, she ran over to pick it up and assured me he was great and to go back to sleep.

Around 9am she called back. Brendan was having so much fun he wanted to stay until after lunch. Evan was bummed. He had the whiniest voice working all morning, moping around looking for B.

Eventually, at 12:30 Brendan came home. He had an amazing sleepover. He stayed up super late and woke up super early. But he pacified me by saying that he missed all of us!

Mission Sleepover: Success.