thirty

I have spent the past month stewing. And not just any kind of stewing -- the kind of stewing where you load the ingredients into a crockpot and let it slow simmer on warm for an abnormally long time. That kind of stewing. I've stewed over how I should feel about the first number of my age being a 3. It's only one year older, but it's a whole other decade. Or, is it like the millennium controversy where it doesn't TRULY start until 31? Either way, I had no idea how to feel about the big 3-0. Should I run out and buy wrinkle cream? Lock myself in my room with a bottle of wine, a pint of ice cream, and a box of tissues? Rejoice that I'm finally a real-live-grown-up that can be taken seriously? Let's be honest, folks, there's a HUGE difference in how people react to you and your "intelligent commentary" when you're 29 versus when you're 30. I still don't know how to feel about it, so until I do, I'm going to be ok with it. I've done a lot in thirty years. My teen years should be applauded for surviving high school with a parent constantly within 100,000 square feet of my general direction. This came in handy when I needed money or needed to snag her already-signed book of passes to avoid an unexcused tardy. Yes. I was a rebel. I lived for show choir and chorus and music and dance, and I cry every time I watch Glee now because I remind myself just how much fun I had and how much I miss it. My twenties are to be celebrated. There's a big difference between applauded and celebrated. I achieved two degrees in the field that makes my world go 'round. I bought my first home. I sold my first home. I bought 2 dogs. (they now live with my parents. apparently, I'm forbidden from buying any more four-legged furry creatures while Mom and Dad are still breathing on this Earth) I learned what true love is. I got married to a wonderful guy, and I have a beautiful daughter who makes each day begin for me. So, we celebrated. We toasted my 30th with good friends and an amazing family. Nobody can argue that baby ain't his. It was certainly a sparkly day, with Eric's gift of diamond earrings, Diane, Amy, Bryan, Chris, Cameron, and Mary Ruth's gift of a Troll Beads bracelet, and the one that made me choke up -- this beautiful creation made from a Ruby (Anna's birthstone) from my Grandma Davis, diamonds from my Great-Uncle Sam, and set on my Mom's wedding band. A true family heirloom. And, just as any true princess should, Anna tried on her first tiara. It suits her.

projects.

It was a day of projects. The colorful bouncer that Anna has jumped and giggled in for the past 5 months has fulfilled its purpose, and it was time to put it in its rightful space in storage. I believe she is convinced there is a special portal for which she can access the picture inside the TV. She had lots of fun trying to scratch out an alligator. sweet feet....her toys were rather lonely.......so a tea party ensued.And our final project of the weekend? Project Pinwheel. A wise woman once told me to buy a pinwheel and place it on the front lawn and it would bring good fortune to the house. Let's hope we'll see some foot traffic. Stay tuned.

10 Months and Running....

Our baby girl turned 10 months old yesterday. It's hard to imagine she'll be a year old in just a few short weeks. She's doing remarkable things -- she can pull herself up, crawl, walk with some support, wave bye-bye....though, she's doing what we call the "Italian Wave", Ciao, Bella....where she really only waves to herself. She imitates sounds now, rather than just babbling, though she still does plenty of that. We find it difficult to get a word in edgewise. Her words have meaning now, though. She says, "Mama" to me. She says, "Dada" to Eric. She loves to say her own name. And, it would appear her Grandma Davis just might become "Yaya"....which is Greek for grandmother. She's a very bright child. She sings. It's the sweetest sound I'll ever hear. Today, she 'ran' her first 5K for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She even got a "cute baby!" compliment from our resident meteorologist, Andrew Frieden! Check out this video....and make sure to pay attention around 0:27 for a familiar face over Andrew's right shoulder. Anna was fully decked out in pink, including a onesie with baby blocks declaring "C is for Cure" and a pretty tutu. She looked adorable. Ready....Set....Go! Post-race, winding down while Momma's shoes cooled off. She even got a medal when we crossed the finish line. She was pretty proud of herself.Now, we'll enjoy an afternoon of relaxing, maybe a little shopping, and lots of well-deserved playtime.