Babysitting Fun

Last night Steve and Angie were invited to an engagement surprise party for friends and we were asked to babysit. We've visited lots of times, of course, but this was the first REAL babysitting assignment. We left early so we could stop by the Apple store (Bob's fav new store) and walked through the mall, taking in all the enormous commercialism surrounding Christmas. After a treat at Panera's (Kathi's fav place to eat), we headed over to "report for duty"!!!

When we arrived, there was little Evan, with his cute smile that always steals away our hearts. We always ooh and aah over him and that makes him smile even more. Yesterday he was especially happy, with lots of time spent laughing away at this and that. Grandpa Bob loves to make this silly sound and Evan can't get enough of it.

Angie and Steve got all "dolled up" for their night on the town and then we got down to business. Bob picked up pizza and I started trying to get Evan to eat his peas. He ate a few, but really relished his beloved yogurt. I tried to sneak in some more peas, but he's too smart for me and it was "nothing doing"! Bob arrived with the pizza and Evan enjoyed this part of dinner immensely. We skipped the diet coke for him...didn't think that would go over well with Mom and Dad.

After playing a little more and reading a story, it was time for jammies and teeth brushing. Poor little guy had not slept well the night before and he was rubbing his eyes with tiredness. He fell asleep pretty easily, but refused to take the bottle we had for him. Steve will usually give him a bottle if Angie is away, but again "nothing doing" with the bottle and us last evening. After about an hour or so, he woke up and cried his little heart out. Steve happened to call when he was crying, so I think Mom and Dad thought that a sign to wind down their evening. It was really nice for us, though, as we sat together with Evan on the couch and tried to ease him back to sleep. We sang, massaged his back, tried the bottle again, cuddled him, but he just looked at us with the cutest eyes that said, "Your not my Mom and Dad". He wasn't crying anymore, but those eyes seem to say, "I think I'll just wait for them to come home before I go to sleep again"! Mom and Dad arrived home around 10 and he just melted in Angie's arms.

We gave him good-bye hugs and kisses and are happy we all survived. And, of course, we can't wait to be called into active duty again. One thing is for sure...you can't beat being a grandparent!