30

Yesterday was my 30th birthday.

Wow. First time I've actually written out "30", referring to myself. I had been reflecting upon this milestone over the past month or so. I reflected in the way I always hope to about such things, to really have a chance to build them up, and be aware.

As I do any weekday, I enjoyed my bagel and coffee in front of the news and lap top before the kids woke up. I heard Buddy practicing some new sounds over the monitor, and went upstairs to get them.

When I opened the door to Rosie's room, she picked her head up off the pillow and gave me a sheepish smile. I returned the smile and said "Guess what? It's my birthday!". Her smile got wider. I sat down on her bed and she nestled into my lap. She wrapped her little arms around my neck, her head against my chest, and whispered "Happy Birthday, Mama".

Of course, that made me tear up. I hugged her tight, inhaled her sweet Rosie smell, and was so very thankful for her. I was reminded, then, that she and Buddy are the best presents I could have ever hoped for. It framed my mindset for the rest of the day. I took more time to laugh, play and cuddle. Do I usually do these things every day? Yes. But yesterday I did them more. Instead of tackling the laundry, I cuddled with Rosie during Buddy's nap time. Instead of doing dishes, I tickled Buddy so he laughed and laughed and laughed. I even roughhoused with the dogs, which I admit is not something I always take time to do.

I lived, laughed and loved a little bit more yesterday. It made for the best birthday I could remember in recent years.