I got older.

I turned 33 a week ago.  And here's the full birthday recap...

After 12+ years of marriage, I am by definition an Earnest, which means my birthday was first celebrated at about 7am.  I'm getting used to such early morning festivities, and I guess I wouldn't have it any other way.  Darin helped everyone give me lovely little gifts.  He's talented like that.  I think his favorite gift to me was my new UNC track jacket.  He's sort of old school, and digs it when his girlfriend wears his college sweatshirt.  It's a fancy track jacket so I'm proud to wear it. 

Later that day, my mom flew into town.  She had been in Virginia visiting my brother, but being so close she decided to spend the day with me for my birthday.  Her very presence elevated the day from being ordinary to being special.  She treated us to lunch at 411 West on Franklin Street, a place we'd been anxious to try.  Then she came with me to browse through my favorite little shop at the University Mall.  Sadly this is the only picture of us, as we were trying out these vintage French side chairs.  They were darling. 

When the kids got home from school, we had to have my "cake" which Darin had driven up to Raleigh the day before to pick out for me.  I think I've mentioned my quest to find the best cupcakes in North Carolina?  If I haven't, I have now.  I'm trying to find the best cupcakes in NC.  These dozen were tasty and probably beat out Sugarlands.  But oh boy was I sick by the end of my sampling!

Later that night, my mom took the kids out to dinner, etc. and excused Darin and I to go out for a night on the town. 

The next morning Darin excused me to drive back up to Virginia with my mom for a fun family weekend gathering honoring my newest niece Mi Na's baby blessing (I know I've mentioned my love of Mi Na before!).   

awesome that my eyes are closed!

The weekend was full of laughs, as would be expected.  And maybe a few tears when a bit of wedding planning stress was thrown in the mix.  But nothing that a few dumplings and chocolate cake couldn't make better.  On Saturday night I shared a bunk bed with my brother Zack.  And on Sunday night I shared a queen bed with my little sister Rachel.  I found my sleeping arrangements to be one of the most entertaining parts of the trip.  So great to see everyone, and lovely to have a little break from being called "mom". 

The saddest thing I got for my birthday??? A stress fracture in my right foot, with a projected 4-6 week recovery period!  You heard me right, I'm off my foot, in terms of running, for the next 4-6 weeks.  You'll understand me when I say I did not take the news lightly.  I was on track for my come-back marathon in December.  I guess the come-back marathon might be in early spring.  Darn it!  Darn it to heck!!!

To wrap up a splendid birthday week, Mi Na and family came to our house the next weekend (as in they left today).  

 

Especially cute photo because Jane wore this outfit when she was about Mi Na's age!  To say Mi Na is loved at our house, is about the biggest understandment of this blog post.  She's a celebrity here.  I didn't get to hold her nearly enough because Steve and Ie Li came to let me and Darin go off to a beach front hotel on Pleasure Island, NC.  

To say that I am lucky is the second biggest understatement on this blog tonight, stress fracture and all.  What I discovered during my birthday this year, is that I am still wildly in love with Darin.  Not in the same way that I was when I was 20.  Because I'm not that girl anymore.  But in a new marinated-by-life sort of way that is richer and deeper.  Looking forward to another spectacular year of life, new gray hairs,  squinty eye wrinkles and all!  Bring it on.