Our post-child New Year's Eves have been, as one might imagine, completely boring and anti-climactic. Last year, I took Ella to a party that celebrated 'East Coast' time, which was a clever way to include children in the festivities, but I still longed for the days when celebrating New Year's involved a cocktail and a party dress, maybe even a pair of high-heels.
Shortly after we moved and met our friends Justin & Rachel, they started talking up their New Year's Eve party. They hosted one last year, to much success, and planned to do it again and 'we'd better be there, or else.' I think that was in June. That's when I started looking forward to December 31st.
So before the holidays, when we finally decided that Ella and I were off to Hawaii again, I drew the line at not being home for New Year's. I wasn't going to miss a real, grown up, bona-fide party. No way, no how. Much to my surprise, Matt agreed wholeheartedly. It's a testament to how much he likes Rachel and Justin, I believe, that he would plan anything (especially airplane travel) around a party. He's not nearly as silly as I am.
Next up: finding a babysitter. Sitters have been the New Year's conundrum, aside from Matt's ambivalence about the occasion, ever since Ella was born. No one I know wants to babysit on the one holiday that's all about partying. No one except Grandma. Bingo.
Naturally, when we broke the news to Matt's mom that we would be backing out of Christmas at her house, she was seriously bummed and wanted us to make it up to her. No problem. She got to keep Ella for a few days after we returned to California, and we got a free babysitter for New Year's Eve. Ella was happy. Grandma was happy. And we made it to a real-live, grown-up affair.
We danced (yes, even Matt). We drank cocktails (mine for the night were Blue Sapphire & Tonics),
complete with Amaretto-drenched cherries and lemon twists. We scrounged for adult-pinata goods. We even sang karaoke (in this case, especially Matt). And that's where things get a little hazy.
It was later reported to me that I worried my friend Lia when I abruptly got up and left her singing solo on our duet to Fame. Oops. Apparently she thought I didn't like the way she was doing it, but I'm positive that wasn't the case. Who knows what the hell I was thinking, but I'm sure it had more to do with my intoxication than her voice, which according to Matt is very nice. I also learned that I embarrassed him to no end while he was singing when I kept saying, "Doesn't he sound good? Guys? Isn't he doing great? Everybody! Listen! Isn't Matt the BEST!" Yeah, I get a little overzealous... My face is turning red just thinking about it.
Anyway, it was an awesome party. I'm already looking forward to next year.
So flattered to have out little shin-dig blogged about, and glad good times were had by all. Oh, and could my mouth be any bigger?
Posted by: Rachel | March 04, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Oh my goodness, you're funny. And you look fantastic! You always do, of course, but it's always good to put on some lipstick and get your picture taken.
Posted by: Jen | January 11, 2007 at 08:31 PM