School Girl got a ton of presents at lunchtime; a couple of big craft-type presents, some Hannah Montana things (hey, she’s 8), some books and a couple of other things besides. She got to spend some time alone with M for the first time – once in the arcade, and once doing something else which escapes my memory at the moment. Like I said, School Girl had a blast.

I’m glad, honestly, that M feels able to spend time with School Girl, just the two of them. I have to admit I was a bit nervous – and in other exciting news, water is wet – but everything was fine. It was a big deal for School Girl. I’m not sure how it was for M. There are still some things I’m afraid to bring up. We did talk a little bit about how things were for her on School Girl’s birthday. She was better, at least good enough to talk to School Girl on the phone this time, but not great. Understandably.

It was pretty quiet on the way home; K and I were beat, and School Girl fell asleep once or twice on the trip back, but I think everybody had a good time.

We talked a little about what she likes now. She’s discovered reading in a big way. She reads chapter books at night, after K or I read to her at bedtime. She loves girly things. Right now we’re having a battle over makeup. She gets to wear nail polish, but she’s been asking for other makeup things. But anyway.

C has been having a tough time; understandably, considering what she’s gone through these past 6 months. We talked a little about how hard this time of year is for them. I’m hoping that M will be okay with even seeing School Girl the day after, but I won’t be surprised if she can’t do it. Disappointed, certainly. Not surprised.

I will be pissed off if there’s heavy snow next weekend, but that’s the only thing I’m stressing over.

We got through the ring-toss game, the fizzy lemonade/CO2 demonstration, cupcakes (apparently I shouldn’t have bothered with icing them), and watching an old Scooby-Doo TV show. There were also two exciting rounds of balloon football in the living room (no breakables in the living room = WIN) and at least one round of “dancing on the kitchen table” when I was seeing one of the party guests/parents out. W00t.

School Girl got craft items for presents this year, which she loved and I really appreciate. The spirograph was a huge hit, and we’re saving the scrapbook for spring break when she’ll have some time to plan what she wants to do and include in there. She also got a Martian Matter set from Evil Dad and I – also a huge, huge hit; we’re anxiously looking around for refill goop to make more aliens.

We discovered that dry ice-carbonated drinks make you so cold that your face freezes, your feet won’t move, and you become an actual statue. I had no idea. But it’s true! We found out Friday afternoon! 1st graders make some impressive scientists, let me tell you (seriously, they do. I was impressed by some of the other things they said and asked about dry ice and drinks).

So, School Girl and her friends had a great time. Nobody lost any appendages. Nobody left in tears. And School Girl and I each had a hot bath after it was all over. A successful afternoon, all in all.

And she wants to do it again next year. Maybe I could talk her into something easier, like a trip to Mexico…

Go On Cry – Heart
Penthouse and Pavement – Heaven 17
Jesse James – The Pogues
Birds and Bees – The Bird and the Bee
Hear Me Talking To You – Ma Rainey
The Crunge – Led Zeppelin
Waves Become Wings – This Mortal Coil
Blue Skies – Willie Nelson
The Have Nots – X
Just Got Lucky – Jo Boxers

Have a good weekend…

Oh my. What a long, long weekend it was.

It turned out that “chatty” was, in fact, “all pumped up on birthday adrenaline”. By Friday, not only was her fever back, she was out cold on the couch for the remainder of the day. Didn’t even ask about her party, poor thing – I had called the parents the day before to break the news and see if we could have a do-over this coming weekend. I also called and rescheduled our visit with C and J, which can’t happen for another few weeks, unfortunately.

She slept for most of Friday. By Saturday, she was still not so great. She was also beside herself, because she thought she missed her annual trip to Build-a-Bear. We did that yesterday, as she was feeling way better by then. Not well enough for our Sunday thing, but well enough for getting a new teddy bear. We may go out next week for her birthday dinner, and by Saturday she will be officially all partied out, as one of her friends has her party that afternoon.