30 years

I tried to play off my birthday today as just another birthday, but it's not. I turned thirty today and it really caused me to reflect on my three decades of life, celebrate my family, and get pumped for the next thirty years. I'm definitely not pretending to be a grown-up any longer. I'm not worried about trying to prove to anyone how grown up I am. When the babies came I had no time to worry about being a grown-up or not. I'm simply a grown-up, adult, wife, mom. This is my role and I love it. Turning 30 today really was the last step into adulthood. Just a week ago if someone asked me how old I was they would respond, as always, "oh you're still so young". This week when I tell people I'm thirty, it sounds, and is, no longer a childish number. Being in my twenties was my last hold on childhood. Now I start the third decade of my life.

Justin and the girls made the day extra special. My husband treated me to a wonderful steak house dinner last night so we could celebrate by ourselves and then with the girls tonight. Last night he stuffed me with delicious food and showered me with wonderful compliments about being a wonderful Mom, and even more beautiful at 30 than when he met me at 20. Aw shucks! Today I was showered with flowers, hugs, and kisses, joyful wishes from Addie as she hugged me good morning. She and I made a sinfully delicious Extreme Chocolate Cake. It was dark as night chocolate, moist, and so rich a few bites were all that we needed to satisfy that chocolate craving my girls and I get. Even Bella scarfed a few bites of cake and tested the frosting this morning. I got a lovely stack of books to read which is truly the perfect birthday present for me. My husband knows me best. Adelaide picked out three lovely gifts for me; a puppy dog bookmark, glitter glue, and a flower cookie cutter set for our baking adventures together. Justin explained that when they went shopping he asked her what she thought Mommy wanted for her birthday. No hesitation, her immediate response was "Playdough". Steering her away from that idea she settled on the three gems I unwrapped tonight. When I thanked her for the bookmark he had a smug look on her face as she said "you're welcome Mom". I could tell she was so proud of her choices for me. My ultimate birthday moment was sitting at the kitchen table with Addie at my side. Both of us chomping on our dark chocolate cake. She turned to me with a mouthful of cake and said "Happy Birthday Mom". That's what it's all about for me now. That was better than any wild night out on the town. 30 looks like it's going to be a fantastic year.