Yesterday I turned thirty! It was not how I had pictured my birthday. Months ago I had this "perfect" picture in my mind of holding both of my girls in my arms in front of my birthday cake ready to blow out my candles. I imagined myself getting up during the wee hours of the night to feed our sweet Sophia and spend that special time with our new baby. I pictured us a happy family of four. That was not my birthday, but despite my birthday not being what I had imagined I had a really great day! : )
Ethan worked so hard to make my birthday extra special this year and he accomplished his goal! We celebrated for an entire week! It started out a week ago last Saturday when E and I showed up to Johnny's in Cleveland for a dinner out just the two of us. It turned out to not just be the two of us as our very good friends here in Hudson were already at our table. We had an amazing time and laughed until we cried! The table was decorated for my birthday and the girls even had a thirty birthday sash for me to wear! Later in the evening we even ran into an old friend from Northville and her husband, Nicole and David, who we have not seen for a couple of years. It was so nice to catch up and see them too!
We went up to Northville mid week since Ethan had meetings at our corporate office. Isabel and I had such a nice time. We didn't do a whole lot, but it was just nice to be "home". Thursday night we did go to Ethan's parents house and they had a birthday celebration for me! They did a "thirteen going on thirty" theme for me. My sister in law, Amy made the cutest placemat for me. And they had Razzles for decor too. It was so nice and fun!
Friday night we celebrated my birthday with my family! We went to Table 5 in Northville for dinner. It was really good. Especially loved the dessert - the apple cobbler, best part of dinner....well, besides the red wine! We went back to my parents house and some of our closest friends and family were there to surprise me too! We had such a fun night, and again I laughed so hard I found myself literally crying. It is fun having such funny friends!
On my actual birthday, Saturday, we went to Starbucks, then to Pooles for lunch, went by Suz and Aaron's house to watch the IU/Purdue game and then headed back home to Hudson. Isabel went to bed pretty much right after we got home. E and I ordered Chinese and at dinner by the fire in our family room. It was so nice to be home!
The first thirty years of my life have been pretty amazing. As I have sat back and reflected on my life I have realized a few things.
1. I am grateful for bumps in the road.
2. I am grateful the ability and confidence to take risks.
3. I am grateful for blessings which flow, and the ability to see blessings even in the smallest and sometimes hardest things.
4. I am grateful for opportunity.
5. I am grateful for life, good and hard times and sometimes just plain out "easy" times.
6. I am grateful for God's everlasting love!
It seems to me that bumps in the road help define you, build character, and build strength. For without challenges how could you possibly grow? I have learned that life is what you make it. And thanks to a tiny 4 pound angel this has been reinforced. I will never give up, I will always try harder, I will be thankful, I will fight for what I believe in, I will fight for what I hope and desire, I will take risks, I will love with all my heart and will always be grateful for each day of my life!
Today is Sophia Ann's three month birthday! I can't believe it has been three months since she first entered this world. At times it seems like just yesterday and other times it seems like an eternity ago. I will never forget holding her for the first time. I had to wait 14 hours to have that chance since I was at Akron General and she was immediately taken to Akron Children's Hospital. But I did finally get to hold her, one of the best moments of my life. She was so tiny, so cute and I knew from the moment I saw her there was something very special about her.
Sweet Sophia, I miss you every single day my love. Happy 3 month birthday my precious one. I hope they are taking your picture in Heaven with a special " I am three months old today sign" for Mommy - that is what I would have done today! I am so thankful for three months ago today and our first Mommy/daughter moments together. I love you my sweet baby girl!
