Twenty-Eight

First, a question... If I am turning 28 today, does that make the last year my 28th year or my 27th? I'm thinking it was my 28th year, because it had to be completed in order for me to actually be 28 YEARS OLD... But, it sounds weird to talk about my 28th year when I just turned 28. Have I lost you?

Regardless, I'm 28 today!

Since it's a Monday, we "observed" the occasion yesterday.  The day began with a little extra sleep courtesy of my husband, some time alone (yes, I skipped church) at home, brunch with my family at one of my favorite restaurants downtown, too much cake and too many gifts, and then... The Hunger Games matinee.  Truly, it was a perfect day. 

Obviously I have a lot to be thankful for and to reflect on this year.  The last twelve months have brought some of the biggest changes in my life thus far - "game changers" in the best possible way.

This is my first birthday as a mom.  And, for the first time, I'm not just thinking about myself today. 

Of course, I'm thinking about Sam's feeding schedule, and getting him to the babysitter, and making sure his diapers are changed; but, I'm also thinking a lot about my parents.  See, before now, I never really paid attention to the fact that this day is SO much about them too.

I spent a lot of time this weekend thinking about who they were on this day twenty-eight years ago... What must have been going through my dad's head as he drove to the hospital (in a snow storm, legend has it), and how my mom must have felt when she held me for the first time. How my poor mom must have worried if she'd ever lose her pregnancy weight or sleep a full night again. I wonder if they had any idea how much their lives were about to change on this day in 1984. I wonder if they ever could have imagined having a twenty-eight year old daughter with a baby of her own...

I know now the kind-of love they have felt for me all these years. I know now the prayers and hopes and worries and wonders they have carried in their hearts for almost three decades. I know now that this day is a celebration of their hard work and sacrifices and love. 

I doubt they knew what they were getting themselves into back then.  But, I know with certainty that they made it.  They were a success.  Every one of my 28 years, I have been, truly, blessed.


("Blessed" by Elton John - the song I danced to with my dad on my wedding day.)

I love you Mom and Dad. Happy BIRTHday to you! :)

Maybe in 28 years Sam will take these sort-of photo ops seriously. ;)

And, yes, this does mean I won't feel guilty about the party I'm already planning for myself on July 13th. ;)

P.S. I'm NOT going to change my name.  Thanks for all the kind words & loyal followers! :)