My 29th Birthday

I woke up on the morning of June 5th and it was just like any other Saturday. I normally have breakfast in bed with some fresh flowers sitting nicely in the middle of my dining room table. I am taken out for dinner and a movie and treated like a queen all day.

But this birthday was different. I expected it which helps so I mentally prepared myself and was truly not hurt when these pleasantries did not occur. You see, Brent was sick. I mean, sick sick. He was running a temperature and was just icky for days. This was also my first birthday as a mother so I knew that aspect would be different because you are needed whether it is a special day or not. Alex woke up at 7:30 like usual and needed his mommy.

I did manage to sneak out of the house and go shopping. I left while Alex was napping and Brent only had to watch him for about 45 minutes before I returned home. Shopping alone when you have a 10 month old baby is a real treat so I was incredibly grateful for that “me” time. I found some great clothes at fantastic prices. There was no guilt. My mom and dad sent money for my b-day present so there were no feelings of “This money would be better sent here or there.” This was MY money and I spent every bit of it gleefully.

That night I cooked barbeque chicken breasts and corn on the cob on the grill. I baked potatoes and had such a nice dinner just enjoying grilled food and sharing some of the potato with Alex. Brent didn’t eat much but he did make the effort to join us at the table.

I thought that was the end of my birthday. But I overlooked the fact that I married such a terrific man.

Friday evening, June 11th, I was starving. Brent said he would take out chicken for dinner and I didn’t see it. I said, “Well, its payday let’s go out somewhere to eat.” He didn’t budge from the sofa. I was in some kind of rush to leave but he wasn’t budging! Then I said, “You’re not going to believe this but someone is pulling in our driveway! It looks like your parents.” I was shocked and of course it was Sue and Larry. They came with presents for me and to babysit Alex so Brent could take me out. It was a complete surprise.

Brent still wasn’t feeling 100% but he planned this special evening for us. For those of you with babies, you know how special it is for someone to plan for a sitter and then take you out for a real date! We ate dinner and chatted then went to see “Get him to the Greek” which I thought was hilarious. I laughed the loudest in the theatre (no big surprise there) and then we went home. Alex was sleeping soundly in his room. Larry was asleep on the sofa and Sue was finishing a movie. All was well. And I got my birthday celebration.