Today I turn 29. Which basically means I’m closer to 30 than I ever believed possible. Not because I don’t want to be 30. I don’t really have any qualms with getting older. I clearly only get better with age. But, in my mind, I just graduated from college and I’m totally hip and cool and “with it.”
Do people still say that they are “with it?”
That probably tells you how “with it” I am.
I’M YOUNG, for goodness sakes.
And then I realize that I’ve been out of high school for more than 10 years. And college? College is a faded, hazy blur of laughs and friends and late nights and early mornings and books and parties and freedom and laughs.
It’s strange. Being old(er). But it’s also kind of awesome. Because I’m an adult and I can totally do whatever I want now.
I could eat a handful of chocolate chips instead of dinner. Or paint any piece of furniture in my house. Or buy a purse just because I feel like it.
Or. Well, I can’t think of anything else. But if I can dream it, I can do it, people. Because I’m an adult. I own a house. And furniture. I pay insurance and taxes. And I am responsible for keeping a little person alive.
So, to 28…
You were awesome. I think, very possibly the best year of my life. Also the most difficult, busiest and craziest year, too.
- 28 brought me the most beautiful and perfect and wonderful baby boy. Who totally rocked my world and made me a mom.
- 28 showed me a greater love and respect for my husband.
- 28 brought better and deeper friendships to my life.
- 28 saw earlier mornings and middle-of-the-night wakings.
- 28 brought a great deal of gratitude for my family – especially my parents and in-laws.
- 28 gave me opportunities to try new things and meet new people.
- 28 taught me patience. A little more patience, at least.
- 28 opened my eyes to what’s really important in life and helped me let go of those things that never were.
And you, 29 …
I have always wanted to make one of those lists. The 30 before 30 lists. But, geez. That’s too much pressure for this old(er) lady. But, I plan to make the most of you, 29.
At 29:
- I’m going to rock this mom thing.
- Except when I don’t. And then I’m going to be patient with myself.
- I’m going to do scary things, try new things and be open to change.
- I’m going to trust myself and my gut.
- I’m going to really love my husband and my kid. So much that it may embarrass them.
- I’m going to love myself and treat my body with the care it deserves.
- I’m going to learn new things.
- I’m going to nurture my gifts and my creativity.
- I’m going to slow down a little. Enjoy more moments. Try to keep myself from thinking too far ahead.
Basically, I’m planning to have another best-year-ever, 29. So you can get on board now.
And 30 … I’m coming for you.
XOXO,
The new 29-year-old
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claire says
this is beautiful. and i’d say you did have a pretty amazing year – and with that cutie around, they are just going to get better and better 🙂
happy last day of your birthday month! 😉
Amber @ Wills Casa says
Happy belated birthday! Hope 29 is even better than 28 (especially since I’m about to turn 29)!
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
A little late, but Happy 29th Birthday! I turned 29 too! So. Close. To. 30.
FRECKLES CHICK says
What! You’re making me feel ancient, you’re a spring chicken!! You’re aging like a fine wine!! Mmmmm, wine……..mmmmm, Kim.
Happy belated birthday, my friend!!
P.S. Sorry so late. Clearly I’m ruling at this mom thing. Shall I advise your 29 yr old self on the ways of motherhood?
Kristen | Popcorn on the Stove says
Happy belated birthday! If 28 was any indication, I think you’re going to rock 29!
Lisa Hamel says
Happy birthday, Kim! I love reading your inspirational posts, especially since you always include your special brand of humor in them.
I just turned thirty on the 16th, and I basically spent the six months prior thinking, “Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap. I cannot turn 30–I AM a twenty-something-year-old!” You know, as if the “roaring twenties” were the only decade of my life that actually counted? And then my big day came, and I got over it. I’m not USED to being “in my thirties” yet, but I have a feeling it will get a lot easier as I realize most of my friends (in real life and online) are already there or will soon be.
It sounds like 28 rocked, and I hope 29 is just as awesome. Enjoy it!
Joi says
Happy belated bday, sweet Kim!
Erin @ His & Hers says
Happy birthday, Kim! I know how you feel about looking back at the years…I can’t believe I’ve been out of high school for almost 10 years. It seems crazy. Hope you enjoyed your day!
vel says
Happy birthday Kim!!!!! Love this post! Have a great weekend!
anne fassnacht says
So cute! You go get 29 and 30! I will be sending a similar message to 39 and 40 this year I can tell you that it just keeps getting better.
mandi mclure says
I hope you had a great birthday! My 29 be the best year for you. You know…. until you turn 30!
Emily @ imperfect says
Hope you had a fabulous birthday, Kim! You’re totally going to rock 29.
Leigh Powell Hines @Hinessightblog says
Happy Belated Birthday! 29 is so young. Take it from me now.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Happy Birthday! You’re totally with it and you’re going to rock 29.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
TESTING 1 2 3
Kim@NewlyWoodwards says
Trying this out.
Kim@NewlyWoodwards says
Test
Katrina says
Happy Birthday!!! So happy you’ve had one of the best years ever, and it only gets better!! 🙂
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO YOU!! I turn 29 1/2 next week. 🙂
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
Happy Birthday! Sounds like 28 was an amazing year, and 29 will be even better!
Julia says
Love this reflection on your birthday! Happy Day, again! Time is a strange thing, isn’t it?
Stephanie says
happy happy birthday kim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you certainly are “with it” 🙂
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
awww, happy birthday! i feel the EXACT same way – this year is my 29th too and i swear high school was yesterday! and that 2002 cars are brand new! haha
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says
I like this post. a lot.
I am turning 28 in May and have been drafting my blog post of what I did and where 28 will take me. i see many things we have in common…so I’m glad that 28 won’t make me feel old at all like I am expecting 🙂 you go girl! (is that an old lady thing to say? IDK.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Heather says
Happy Birthday!!! I hope it is nothing but fabulous!!
kristi says
Happiest of days, my dear! You are an awesome lady and I can tell you are going to have an awesome year. Blessings to you on all that lies ahead.
Rachel says
Yay, happy birthday! You’re totally with it. I think. If they’re still saying that. I hope your birthday is amazing, and you’re going to rock 29 like nobody’s business.
Amanda S. says
Happy birthday Kim!!! 🙂 I’ve gone past the big 3-0 already… it’s no big deal, it sounded worse than it ever could possibly have been! Enjoy today and all of year 29!!
Becky @ RamblingsFromTheBurbs says
Happy Birthday Kim! I’m a year ahead of you and recently turned 30. I remember when that sounded so old but it doesn’t feel like it. Enjoy the last year of your twenties!
Ash @ HumberHomeProject says
Happy Birthday!
I’m right there with ya – I feel like I’m still a kid, yet here we are, just around the corner from 30!
Have a wonderful day, Kim! Here’s hoping that 29 is the best year ever!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Happy Birthday Kim! You’re totally going to rock 29’s world! 😉
Ashley says
28 was good to you, 29 will be better…Happy Happy Birthday! You young lookin thang!
AP says
Happy Birthday Kim! Hope you enjoy *your* day!
Amanda says
Happy Birthday Kim!! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Sarah says
Happy Birthday!!!
Katherine Kelly says
Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day and feel celebrated today because you should! 🙂
love from MN,
Katherine
Rach @ Mrs-Adventure says
Happy-HAPPY Birthday Dear!
Emily says
Happy Birthday!!! You are just a baby. And 30 is no big deal- your 30’s are the new 20’s, right? I know how you feel though- I’m turning 31 this year- eeek. And college feels like just yesterday to me (actually so does high school). But anyway- enjoy the last year of your 20’s and I hope Henry gives you extra hugs and kisses for your birthday!
Justine says
Happy Burthday!! I, too, am turning 29 this year, and it’s kind of greaking me out that after that it’s onto 30! That just seems so old, so adult 😉 hope you have a great day!
Kari says
Happy Birthday, Kim!
Cindy @ The Flipping Couple says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I hope Ryan has prepared adequate (aka excessive) celebration opportunities. Hope it’s an awesome day and it WILL be an awesome year!