My 34th Birthday - One for the Books

Growing up, birthdays were big in our house.  Each birthday morning began with members of the family dog-piling on the sleeping birthday boy or girl and yelling "Happy Birthday!!!".  It may not sound fun, but it was.  The celebration always seemed to last at least a few days.  

I was at home until just after my 19th.  Years 20 - 25 were my single days in LA, so birthday fun was pretty easy to come by.  I turned 26 just after Doug and I got engaged, and he took me to Disneyland that year.  By my 27th, we were expecting Olivia, and things were starting to shift.  No longer was I the center of the universe, and my birthday the most exciting day of the year.  I suppose this is a normal step in maturation.  Sadly though, my birthday celebrations were kind of a slippery slope from there.

Last year was especially bad.  It culminated with my getting pulled over for an incomplete stop at a stop sign.  NOT GOOD!

So, let me tell you what been happening THIS year!

Yesterday, I got a card from my sweet mom along with some mad money (yes- it will go toward my new MM).  Thanks Mom!

Today, my friend, Shawna, took Michelle (she turned 33 on Feb 4th) and me out to a lovely birthday lunch at Lemon Moon.  So fun.  Doug came home for his lunch hour and watched all three kids, so I could lunch in a very relaxed fashion.  It was awesome!!!  They each had their babies with them, and were surprised when I showed up without mine.  They said that they are so accustomed to seeing me wear Conrad all the time, it was shocking to see me show up without him.  We had a wonderful time.  There is nothing quite like being able to to visit with your friends with no distractions.  I actually did start to miss my kids by the end of lunch, isn't that funny?

THEN...I get home and the UPS man rings the bell.  I buzz him in, and guess what?  He had a package for me.  I open it up to find.... (drum roll, please) a gift certificate to Malia Mills from my lovely SIL's Diana and Rachel.  WOW - now that is some serious thoughtfulness.  Thanks guys!  I am in a shocked state of joy...

I haven't had a birthday like this in many years.  AND there is still more to come!  Tonight I am meeting my old work friends at El Chollo in Pasadena (this reunion just happened to coincide with my big day), AND THEN staying in Pasadena and meeting up with Dani and Brooke for a movie...Tomorrow (my actual birthday) we have a play date at travel town with my SIL, Sarah, and her kids and then...I'll pick up a red velvet cake from Suzie Cakes in Brentwood for our family celebration tomorrow night.

Now, this is a birthday!