Woo hoo! I'm amazed! Sometimes democracy really does work!!

For the first time in my life, I put a sign on my lawn endorsing a candidate. It was for City Council. He actually came to my door and talked to me and DH. He was canvassing our town on his bike. He seemed really well-informed, earnest and had some great ideas. But I didn't think he'd win, because he's new, definitely not part of the party machine, and he wouldn't accept contributions of over $100. But he actually got elected! I'm so excited!

Evening out

Saturday came, the evening when Castor and I went out for a whole evening sans Special K for dinner and the opera Abduction from the Seraglio. I tried to stay positive about it and push away the guilt and fear. I talked to Special K again that day. She seemed to listen. I gave her a goodbye breastfeed just before we left which seemed to make her happy. Though when Robin the babysitter arrived, SK protested a little when placed in her arms, but Robin allowed her to stand on her lap. We left and SK watched us go with a somber expression. We met my dad at a Cuban restaurant and went to the opera. I tried and mostly succeeded not to worry about SK. We had a lovely time.

We arrived home after 7 hours to a silent house. Silence is bliss in this case. Robin said SK only cried a little. SK believes in laughing and crying before bedtime, so this is normal. Robin looked calm and content. I was amazed and very relieved. I feel a great burden has been lifted from me. It's funny how little things like this can mean so much.

First Halloween as a mother

I had my first Halloween as a mother and it encapsulated the highs and lows of being a mother. We (K dressed as a pumpkin and I dressed as a witch) went to the local Senior Center at lunchtime to hand out candy. After a while, K woke up enough to be charming and smiling to one and all. We had a lovely time.

Then I locked Special K in the car with the windows closed. I have a black interior car and it was 68 degrees outside. I've never felt so stupid in my entire life. I have VW roadside assistance, but the number and everything else was locked in my car. Fortunately another mother happened to have a Passat so I got the number. I made the call, explained the situation and was told they'd come in 20 minutes. They said to call 911 if I needed to.

K was a bit perplexed and restless, but okay for all but the last few minutes. Just as she was sliding into full meltdown mode, the tow truck arrived. Perhaps knowing she was about to rescued and soothed by the rumble of the tow truck's engine, Special K fell asleep. The driver mumbled about not being able to break into Passats, while I said a silent prayer to Freya. And after a few agonising moments he jimmied the lock, setting off the car alarm. Special K started screaming and I took her out of the dreaded car seat. A few minutes later, Special K was smiling again.