NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

Dear 28 and 29

by

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

 

Comments

  1. 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! 😉

  4. 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?

  6. 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!

  8. 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!

  14. Happy Birthday! You’re totally with it and you’re going to rock 29.

  24. 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!

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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!!

  30. 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!

  36. Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day and feel celebrated today because you should! 🙂
    love from MN,
    Katherine

  38. 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!

  39. 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!

Trackbacks

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