Well, hello thirty.  If you had asked me a little over 2 weeks ago how I felt about turning 30, the response would not have been great.  When I used to think about what age was ‘grown up’ 30 was it.  It was a birthday I was definitely dreading.  

There was a moment, exactly 2 weeks ago today, that I had an epiphany.  It was Christmas Day and our house was full.  We had just brought Eleanor home 2 days before.  My Dad was cooking an elaborate meal, as usual, while my mom, brother, sister, brother-in-law, husband, Eleanor, and I were sitting in the living room.  We were eagerly anticipating the arrival of Matt’s family that afternoon.  My dad was getting ready to serve cinnamon rolls on a platter we received at our wedding–that we had probably not used until this moment.  And that’s when it hit me.  Everything I have done in my life has led to this very moment.  Growing up in Kansas City, meeting Matt at Purdue and all the memories made in our college years, moving to Virginia to build our little family of two, every friend we’ve met along the way, moving to Columbus, camping trips with friends, buying our first house together, finishing the basement, getting my master’s,  every student I’ve ever taught, all the extra jobs I’ve worked over the years, every coupon I’ve clipped to create my hoard of toilet paper and shampoo, every thoughtful gift we received to build Eleanor’s nursery, every moment: good or bad, has led to this very moment.  This was what it had all been meant for.  I know this sounds super cheesy and I don’t normally get sentimental about a whole lot, but the best way to describe the last few weeks for me, is blessed.  I feel so very blessed.  So turning thirty today feels different than I thought it would.  I’m excited for all that’s in store the next 30 years; all the memories we will have with our sweet Eleanor and all of our friends and family.  

So here’s to the next 30! Let the adventure begin! Cheers!

Erin