Birthdays

I've been lax on posts lately. I mean, I haven't written since I was 34. And now I'm 35.  !!

I'm trying to be excited about it.

It's not that I'm bothered by it, really, but, well, it's thirty-five... It's mid-thirties. It's closer to 40. It's additional health screenings. It's "advanced maternal age" if we were to decide to have another child. (Not that we're planning it, but it's something you think about.) Michael was telling me a story about a "younger guy" he met, and it struck me that, wow, we're 35 and 37... we're... Adults!

So why doesn't it feel like I'm an adult? With every year older, I still feel like I'm growing up. But then, that's important and good, right? It means I'm still learning, still advancing, still evolving. I would love to step outside of my life for a day and watch myself at the playground with the kids or lead a training session at work. Would I look at her and wonder, how does she? Would I like her and agree with her and recognize myself in her? Would I have understanding and respect for her as she tries to juggle motherhood and a career? Would I be able to see that she's trying, really trying to be the best at everything (and seems to be managing well enough)?

I'd like to think, yes. I like that girl.

Thirty-five isn't scary. It's actually fun to finally arrive at the life I always dreamed for us. Growing up I had this image of what I wanted my life to be like, and I finally feel like we're realizing it.

I have an incredible husband who manages to work from home AND watch over Sam (and pukey 3-year olds) while I'm at work. We have a home that we love and share with THE most adorable, lovable, light-up-a-room 3-year old on the planet and a squishable, cuddly, more-gorgeous-by-the-day 4-month old. I am excited about my job and the career that's advancing.

Pinch me! I might just wake up from this beautiful 35-year-old life that I am so very blessed to have!

So, what does one do to celebrate 35? Share it with family and an awesome girlfriend and a trip to the outlet malls. Thank you, Sarah, for being here! I needed the girl time!

Oh, and there was cake. Of course there was cake!

A private dinner at Maggiano's with tiramasu. Yep, 35 ain't all that bad.