Growing Old is Mandatory but Growing Up is Optional

Today I turn 31 and this year is bound to bring about the most drastic change in my life thus far and maybe for ever more. One could argue that turning 30 with a new house in a new town as a newlywed and taking on a new job was a pretty big year too- but I think parenthood trumps all.

It really does feel like a point of no return. This little man is about to steal a huge chunk of my heart, and time, and money, and youth, and energy- but would I have it any other way? No-sir-ee-bob.

There was never any question for me that I’d become a mother. I consider everything up to this point to have been preparation for The Motherhood. A long orientation teaching patience, courage, generosity, humility, and love strengthening me for the hardest, longest, and best job I’ll ever accept.

While I’m acutely aware of how hard it will be, I’m more struck by how honored I feel to be able to be a part of this exclusive club. It seems as though my generation is having more trouble than ever conceiving and I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy. Every day I walk around with a miracle inside me and though I make jokes about hellish heartburn or big boobs, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t thank the universe for our healthy baby boy.

It’s also taken me until now to realize just how special birthdays are for parents. After all, all I did 31 years ago today was pop out and start breathing air. It was arguably a much more memorable day for my parents! I feel like when it’s someone’s birthday, we should really start sending a “Happy Birthday” card to the birthday boy/girl and a “Mozel Tov” card to their parents!

So thanks Mum & Dad for heading to the hospital 31 years ago and you know, all that stuff you’ve done since then.

If growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional, I’m feeling pretty good about turning 31. Having a baby is bound to make me feel old but it’s easy to stay young at heart having kids around. So happy birthday to me and to my little man, I can’t wait to have an even more important birth day this December.

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