Older

I guess I should mention, I got older last week.  It kind of snuck up on me, despite the fact that my husband reminded me often (in a good way, I have no problem with my age or adding years to it).  It was a really fun celebration, despite the fact that I wasn't feeling my best.

My dearest took me to dinner, well, the day of my birthday we went out with a friend, and then the next night he took me out to Italian.  Yes, definite déjà vu from last year... right down to the dress (so, I'm predictable, it's my birthday).  I was very spoiled... and I'm okay with it this once.

My mom made my day by calling me the evening the night before so she could be the first to wish me happy birthday (as she she shrewdly observed, facebook reminds everyone, and she wanted to beat them).  She told me my birth story, something I never get tired of hearing.  She spent some extra time waiting for me, and while my family has always claimed I was stubborn, the real secret is that a snow storm was rolling in, so they kept my mom at the hospital rather than sending her home for the night.  I was born right before lunch - I'm continually amazed at my mom's strength and so grateful that she is my mom.

Anyway, my in-law's came down for the weekend, and we took full advantage of the pool in their hotel.  My sweet girl in a polka-dot swimsuit loving the water?  Best birthday gift ever.

The whole weekend was filled with cries of, "Bae-bee!" as Miss Anni cuddled and alternately tossed about her poor little doll.

The celebration was rounded out with some long walks through our local Mall and Ikea, complete with minimal purchases (a couple of small things for Christmas, but not what I could have walked out with had I not considered money).  Really, the weekend was made up of a million tiny little moments where my family and friends let me know I was loved.  I couldn't have asked for any more.