Reflections

I am turning another year older tomorrow. When I was 18, the 30s seemed so old. When I was 21, I felt very old and mature. I don't feel very old now. Which probably means I am growing older gracefully. :) A lady at church yesterday said I look young and pretty. Well, beauty beholder etc etc. I do have a couple of grey hair, my metabolism is not what it used to be, I am a few pounds heavier, few shades darker. And those are just the physical changes. 25-30 years (and continuing) has been the most eventful in my life.

When I was newly married, my husband and I vied with each other to create the perfect birthday for each other. After our wedding, the first birthday was R's. We were in two places at that time, but I bought him an ipod, took him to a mystery dinner, bought clothes, made a collage birthday card, booked him a massage, made his favourite stuff, and totally made a weekend out of it. Not to be outdone, on my birthday, he showed up at my work with flowers, arranged a lunch with my boss and some friends, went to La Nouba, had dinner out, bought me dresses, stuffed toys and made me a card with all the 52+ pet names he called me in the time he knew me.

After that, all of our birthdays, we took 3 days off and travelled. We went to Yellowstone, Utah for R's 2007, Grand Canyon for my 2007, Yosemite for R's 2008 and Bahamas cruise for my 2008. That was our last vacation with just the two of us. We were planning one to Costa Rica for our anniversary in 2008, but it never worked out and we are happy it didn't as I was pregnant with neil by then. Then in May 2009, we went to Hawaii but I was 6 months pregnant with Neil and although it was just the two of us, it still wasn't just the two of us :) I made a nice lunch for R for his 2009 birthday and that was it. I was a new mom for my 29th birthday and my parents were here with me, and I had pretty much everything I wanted.

The year I had Neil was when it changed for me. Now, we exchange cards and buy something we need. This year I needed a coat, and R got that for me. I am celebrating my birthday tomorrow with a doctors appointment. :) Life is very busy for us now. Years back, it was all about me and us. And here is the funny part, I don't miss it at all. And here is something else I never thought I would say: I don't miss the traveling. Honestly, it is more like a hassle packing everything for all of us for a few days of travel. I like staying home and the routine. I know a time will come in our lives when Neil gets much older, we will have time for everything we have put in the burner. I am enjoying this season in life. And a birthday marks another year that has gone past. I have changed, I know, and I hope - for the better.

My sweet husband and child is fast asleep hugging each other up in our bed. I should be asleep too. But I am enjoying this few hours of alone time. R might not get up to wish me Happy Birthday at the stroke of midnight. But he took Neil out in the evening, so I could have a few hours to myself. Then he took him up to bed and I had more time. That is worth more than any pearl necklaces and diamond earrings to me now. I am truly blessed!