Sparkles the Horse

Tonight was my first experience with babysitting Caroline and Natalie. Natalie greeted Eryn and I before we even walked in the door. She told us all about going to Adventureland today and how much fun she had riding rides. Gosh, how I miss being super excited about little things.

Janelle and Max left just after 5:30, which meant Eryn and I were on our own with the girls until 11:00. It was a blast, though. During dinner, they read jokes out of Highlights magazine, questioning Eryn and I. Though I didn't get a single one correct, it was adorable. Also, what 7-year-old knows how to pronounce "poached eggs?" Not to mention, she knew what a poached egg is. I don't even know what a poached egg is. Wow.

Actually, both girls love to read. Natalie also read poems and stories out of the magazine during dinner. It was cute to see how excited they were that Eryn and I were actually listening to them. I know the girls appreciated the attention.

Bath time was definitely a chore, and probably the most difficult part of the night. Natalie DID NOT want to take a bath, no matter what Eryn or I said. She was determined to prove us wrong that she needed a bath. But she had sucker all over her face and hands. She was just a mess. After 7:15, both girls were finally bathed and clean, though we forgot to brush their teeth. Oh well. I'd say it was a partial success.

It was difficult getting Caroline to sleep. Natalie didn't have much trouble after I found "Sparkles" for her to sleep with. Sparkles is the stuffed horse she got at Adventureland today. I'm pretty sure that thing had more candy on its face than Natalie did earlier in the night. I actually had trouble touching it because it was so sticky. She just did not care, though. It was her new buddy and she decided she just could not sleep without it. So adorable.

After both girls were in bed around 8:15, we had the rest of the night to do homework, which was nice. I didn't get a whole lot accomplished, but I was happy to be a little productive.

One cute thing about the night was when Natalie asked me why I wear so many rings. I told her about my purity ring and she knew what that was. She said, "So that means you are going to do it until you get married?" Yes, Natalie, I am waiting to do "it" until marriage. So cute. :)

Of course the next question was whether I have a boyfriend or not. I love answering that question. Anyway, I said that I do and that his name is Matt, like in the bible. Again, she knew what I was talking about. Then she began to ask me random questions about him.

"What's Matt's favorite ice cream?"
Without hesitation, I said, "mint chocolate chip."

"What's his favorite restaurant?" ......I really had no idea, so I just said Bang Bang.

"So that means his name is Matt Mint chocolate chip Bang bang. You should tell him that, like call him, right now," She told me. I told her I would text him and let him know, which was probably random for him for a bit.

Natalie then wanted to read his reply, because she loves reading. It took her probably a minute to understand what he had written because it wasn't written in perfect grammar like she is used to seeing. Nonetheless, I think she was satisfied with his answer. :) For the rest of the night, when my phone would vibrate, she always tried to read it, just to see what Matt said. Caroline actually started doing the same. It is cute how much those girls look up to one another.

They remind me of my relationship with Eryn. I hope they always stay that close for the rest of their lives. They are clearly best friends and I hope it stays that way for a very, very long time. I can say from personal experience that the bond of a sister is unique and unmatched. No other relationship in either of those girls' lives will be similar to that with each other. I look forward to watching them again, if my schedule works out that way.