29

It is always so busy around this time of year, and I have SO much to catch up on, including the blog as well as finishing my Christmas shopping and wrapping a gazillion presents EEK!!!.  I have a list of about 10 things I need to post about.  Hopefully I can tackle all of it before the end of the year!

Yesterday was my 25th 29th birthday (sigh).  Time sure is flying.  I can remember last year around this time vividly.  It was just before I was put on bed rest, and I was so excited about my birthday for the first time in years because it meant that I was that much closer to meeting my baby girl.  28 was a big year for me.  As Steph wrote in my birthday card, it's gonna be hard to top this past year, but I can't wait to try.  Bring it on, 29.

Dan would never admit it, but he can be so sweet and thoughtful and romantic, and this birthday was one of the best I can remember.  Maybe it's just that motherhood has turned me into a total sap.  Anyway, the birthday celebration started on Sunday morning.  I woke Lilly up early in hopes that she would take an early (and short) nap because we planned to go to church, which is right in the middle of her normal nap time.  We'd just finished breakfast and I was cleaning the dishes when the doorbell rang.  I thought to myself, "seriously who is here unannounced on a Sunday morning before 10am?"  Then I heard Steph's voice.  Um, what?  Turns out, Dan and Steph had been scheming behind my back, stealth style.  Remember the bestie spa day at The Umstead that our husbands got us for our first Mother's Day?  We hadn't yet gotten around to going, so Steph came and kidnapped me for the day.  Jon had other plans, so Dan was keeping the girls.  Seriously, how cute are they?  I later found out that Dan wanted the spa day to happen on my actual birthday - he had taken off work to keep the girls and had even called to clear it with my boss - but they were booked.  Anyway, Steph and I had a glorious time and I am SO GLAD that she and Dan worked so hard and made this happen (it was no easy feat, from what I understand), because I really needed it.  It was so nice to relax for a while and not worry about anything.  Steph and I both told our husbands that they don't have to ever get us anything else for Mother's Day, ever, because we want a bestie spa day at least yearly.  :-)

On Monday morning, Dan took the morning off and made me my favorite breakfast, the same breakfast that my Mom has made me every year that I've been with her on my birthday: french toast and bacon.  I think it may be Lilly's favorite, too.  Then, I got to open presents!  Dan, Lilly and Layla spoiled me rotten, and I love all of my gifts.  Dan and I planned to go to a birthday dinner date last night, but I wasn't feeling well.  As a result, we ordered takeout and rented a movie, which Dan let me choose in honor of my birthday.  I chose Magic Mike.  Let's just say that Dan is an excellent sport for sitting through that one!  Anyway, it was a wonderful day, and I am so thankful that I got to spend it with my little family.  

I somehow managed to forget to take any photos to commemorate the occasion, but since posts are much more fun with photos, here are a few from my iPhone from the past week:

Best birthday gift EVER...Layla has started letting Lilly get close to her!  

I realize that Layla looks terrified, but I just KNOW that this is the beginning of BFF-ness...

Totally unphased by the Chick Fil A Santa cow.  Loved him!

28 brought me so much joy in the form of one of the greatest gifts I've ever been given, Miss Lillian Grace.  I am looking so forward to 29 and everything that it has in store.  If my birthday celebration is any indication, the year will certainly be fantastic.  Thanks to all of my friends and family for the birthday love and well wishes.  Happy birthday to me!  

Sarah