Election Day...finally!

I don't usually care about politics, but this year, I've really been following the issues and have been excited about the possibilities. MSNBC (almost) every night. So, I couldn't wait for today to arrive. Eric and I had spent time figuring out how to work voting into the daily schedule. He insisted we be at the polls when the doors open. I thought we could tag team it, and I could stay home with Audrey while he voted, then we would switch, and then both head our separate ways. As it became more and more clear that lines would be long in our "battleground state", and I realized that the polls were only open until 6, I decided it would be best for all of us to go first thing in the morning.

So, we told Audrey that Tuesday was a really important day. A historic day. So important of a day that she could wear her clothes for the next day to bed the night prior! Anything to increase the likelihood that we were out of the house on time. Eric woke her at 5:15 AM, and I heard her tired groan. Within a few minutes though, she was smiley and ready to start the day.

When we got to the polls just before the doors opened, and there was only 1 parking spot left, I knew Eric was right. And, yes, I told him this. The line was wrapped around the building. I had brought a pacifier, the rest of Audrey's morning bottle, some books, and some snacks. Audrey was by far the youngest patron there. She managed to make friends with those in line, offering her pacifier to those who seemed to need some soothing. She also forcefed Eric one of her snacks. By the end of the 1 hr, 20 min wait, Audrey was restless. Almost there, I promised.

I agreed to take her in to the voting booth with me. She was not happy to still be contained after such a long wait. The kind poll official offered to hold her while I voted but I told her it was fine. I can handle it...Eric went his way, and I went mine.

And then, finally, it was time to vote! After a brief tutorial from the official, Audrey and I were ready to cast our vote. First up, president. That was an easy one! Ok, Audrey, why are you trying to press the button for the Libertarian candidate? Seriously, we've gone over this. We know who we're voting for on this. For weeks, your dad has been saying, "How does a parrot go? Bwaak for President." Ok, distracted her from that button. Ok, now stop SHAKING the voting booth. Squirm, squirm, squirm to get downnnnnn!!!! Ok, just a few more minutes, and I promise we'll be done.

"DADADADADADADADADADA!!!! DADADADADADADADADADA!!!!!"

Oh my god! Seriously, baby, we're almost done. Daddy's over there. We're almost done.

"DADADADADADA!!!!"

Just as I had pictured this going.

Turns out, "dada" was completely oblivious to any of this. Audrey was yelling for me? Oh, I was too in the 'voting zone' to hear her!

Next time, Eric takes her into the booth!