Now that all the birthday bid-ness is over I can tell you guys all about it. It was sweet. Turning 29 didn’t really feel any different than the past few b-days and it involved everything from a foot massage with shaving cream (John mistook it for the lotion bottle) to Clara taking her “first crawls.” Holy cow it was amazing. Everyone, including the doc, thought she’d just go straight to walking since she has been scooting around on her butt for a while – and even recently started pulling up. But lo and behold she decided it might be fun to give crawling a go (you know, just for kicks) and we even caught it on video:
So yeah. Baby, baby, baby. Sorry if that’s all I talk about but Clara is kind of awesome. Haha. It was the best present ever.
The weather on Saturday was around 70 degrees and sunny (which is funny because it used to always snow on my birthday when I lived up north) so we went on a nice long walk in one of our favorite neighborhoods (look at that gorgeous house behind me) with Clara and the dog.
We even saw turtles in the river (Clara loved it, Burger seemed ambivalent).
And the whole time I was sporting my new bun/thigh toning Reebok Easytone b-day sneaks that the hubby got me. Oh yeah, I’m styling.
I begged for them and he humored me. They actually didn’t kill me at all during or after the first three mile walk that I did in them. But the next day I did the same thing and I needed a serious break afterwards. So yes, they do actually burn the buns and legs after a while (although my first trek with them made me think they were all hype, my Reeboks had the last laugh).
What else. We went out to a nice little sushi dinner (we have a thing for it)…
… and I got some pretty fun stuff from J and the fam. Beyond my tush toning Reeboks John also got me an awesome book called Love Life (from a local gift store named Mongrel) with a perfect greeny-yellow cover.
Not that you should judge a book by its cover, but it never hurts if it looks as good on the outside as it actually is on the inside. We mentioned a while back that sometimes we struggle with balance (since the internet is a 24/7 thing, sometimes it’s hard to draw the line and unplug) so the book is chock full of couldn’t-be-more-true reminders, like:
- “The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won’t wait while you finish the work.” – Pat Clifford
- “If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live” – Lin Yutang
- “I think the most significant work we ever do, in the whole world, in our whole life, is done within the four walls of our own home.” – Stephen R. Covey
- “It is a great art to saunter.” – Henry David Thoreau
- “I haven’t a clue how my story will end, but that’s all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, that’s when you discover the stars.” -Nancy Willard
But enough philosophical stuff. What is it about birthdays that make you evaluate where you’ve been and where you’re going? Oh yeah, the whole “I’m aging” thing. We were just joking that we’ll have to change our blog name to Middle Aged House Love. Haha. Somehow it doesn’t have the same ring. Anyway, now for the fun stuff. Look at the home-related booty I got from John’s awesome sisters. We always do “wish lists” when it comes to gifting each other (which makes it easier on the buyer and pretty sweet for the receiver) so I moseyed around the world wide web in search of a few prints that I’d love to add to our soon-to-be-expanding frame gallery in the hallway, and found these beauties:
That one’s from here (we love a good road trip) from John’s sister Katie. And John went for extra credit. I begged for those Reeboks and thought they’d be the extent of my gift, but he also surprised me with this adorable bee print (we have a thing for bees too).
So I can’t wait to hang all of my new prints among family pictures and keepsakes in the hallway. Pics when we knock more holes into the other side of the wall and hang that pile of Ikea frames that’s still sitting in the corner of the kitchen. Someday. Oh and my sweet friend Heather sent me these lilies out of the blue:
I love them so much and especially adore that she specifically picked out the lime green vase because she knew I’d flip for it. Affirmative Heather. I went crazy oohing and aaahing and still find myself walking in from the other room just to “visit” my bouquet every hour or so.
So overall, birthday number 29 was awesome and life is good. Who the heck knows where I’ll be when I turn 35, or even 30. I’m just trying to make it count, without going so crazy that I forget to enjoy the little things like baby snorts and puppy sniffs. Man am I still hormonal from birthing Clara 10+ months ago? Sorry if this post is all sorts of personal and corny. I guess that’s just me these days.
Pssssst- For anyone who has asked how we organize Clara’s toys or inquired about the big brown basket next to our sectional, click here to check out our BabyCenter post for the mind-numbingly simple “dump & cover” toy storage system that’s rocking our world.
Happy Belated Birthday Sherry! And congrats to Clara! I can’t wait till Evie masters the crawling thing. She scoots around her crib with no problem, so hopefully we’re not far off.
Is Mongrel a human store? Every time we pass by it, I always mean to peek inside, but never do. I thought it was a pet store!
Yes! It’s for humans. Haha. I think their tagline is “for every breed of human” or something. So much fun in there!
xo,
s
Happy Birthday Sherry! I love posts like these!
Totally agree, loved this post! And, of course, I have about three more things on my wish list now ;-)
Much love,
Future Mama
http://expectingablessing.blogspot.com/
I haven’t even read the post yet, but couldn’t believe that I might be the first one to comment. So, I had to go straight to the comment section. Happy Birthday! Haha!
Happy birthday!!
For the record, it was nearly 80 in NJ on Friday!! But it snowed yesterday. March has it backwards this year….
Happy Belated Birthday Sherry! No wonder you remind me so much of my kids – two of my daughters are 28 and 30. You fit right in. :)
Haha, I’m right in the middle there!
xo,
s
Awww, happy birthday, Sherry!
30 won’t be too bad. 31 got me, though. I was “in my 30s” then. Ha ha! I’d kill to be that age again though. My husband will be 39 in May (he shares Clara’s birthday) and I will be the big 4-0 the next day. The HORROR!
Congrats to Clara on the crawling. My son is just shy of 16 months and runs all over the place. Oh to have a crawler again! :)
Happy belated Birthday wishes Sherry :) the gift-wish-listing is such a good idea and one I’ll definitely be trying to take forward myself. And awww to Clara’s first crawls – what a cutie she is!
Is it sad that I want the Reeboks, too? Looks like you had a great day! That house is beautiful! I’m surprised no ceramic animals made their way home. I did have a few of those prints in my Etsy favs though. They’ll look great on your new art wall!
No way, they’re awesome! Except I kind of feel like a dork when I’m walking around in my shiny sneakers. I’m used to my black low profile Pumas, which are a lot less “look at me, I’m a bright shiny new sneaker!” – haha.
xo,
s
I want those sneakers too! Even though I’m usually a Converse kind of girl. They seem much less dorky looking that the Sketcher variety!
I got those shoes for my bday last year and they’re still shiny white- and I wear them a lot! In middle school I used to have my friends step on my shoes so they would dirty up quicker..maybe I’ll just start wearing them during yard work :)
Haha, yes, that’s the answer! I’ll have to use them while digging around outside! And I’ll get a little bun workout while gardening. Haha.
xo,
s
LOVE the litte jumper thing she is wearing… Clara, not Sherry, although Sherry’s outfit also cute. I can’t believe how big she is! Again, Clara, not Sherry – she’s looking trim and fit. Ok, I’m gonna stop now.
Haha, too funny.
xo,
s
Happy birthday! This post was sweet. Our daughter is doing the fake crawl thing too- up on all fours and then belly flop. It was so exciting to see Clara move forward!! Best birthday gift ever :o)
Happy Belated Birthday Sherry!!!
The video is soooo cute of Clara. Love the pic of you and Clara too! :)
Happy Belated Birthday from Germany!! :o)
I’ve got the same Reebok sneakers and love them! At first I really felt every mile I walked in them but it eventually got better.
Oh and congrats to Clara, too! Good job!!
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful way to spend your day! Youre little one is precious! and p.s. i want those shoes too! :)
the weather WAS perfect this weekend, wasn’t it?!
I love the first print a lot…I have a thing for maps as well.
and kudos to John on the shoes AND the bee print…
can’t wait to see the hallway all framed up.
glad you had a good birthday!
Happy Birthday! I’m sure all the gifts were great…but really, who can beat crawling? She totally reminds me of a little frog in her green get-up and crawl/gliding action she has going on.
Haha, a frog is cute. I always call her my little easter egg in that outfit. Haha.
xo,
s
Happy Bday! And hey, what stroller do you have? Do you like it?
We have a Joovy Kooper, which we’ve used from day one with Clara. It’s awesome, and it’s all we’ve ever needed!
xo,
s
Happy birthday, Sherry! Sounds like such a lovely day. But the best part: What kind of cake/dessert did you enjoy??? (This peanut-butter pie I made over the weekend is totally happening for the next family birthday. theadventuresofculinarylin.wordpress.com/2011/03/19/chocolate-pie )Red Velvet is my personal fav.
How sweet Clara crawled for your birthday, just imagine what she’ll be surprising you with for the next!!!!
love the blog, as always, and loved an excuse to buy The Post so I could see your article in hard copy : )
Lins
Mmm, that looks delicious! We had green tea ice cream at our sushi dinner. Yummy and very refreshing on a hot day!
xo,
s
Okay, I gotta know what sushi place in town does that adorable Orange the Bear – love it, and so would my kiddos!
It’s Sushi Box. Love it!
xo,
s
Aaawwww ! Clara is so cute ! This morning, I was watching videos of Clara and Burger, which I just ADORE to watch to have a little sunshine in my day, when my little 7 years old cousin came by and got really interested by the cute dog and the lovely girl on my screen. I was about to leave your blog when I noticed a brand new post of Clara ! So proud of her ! Even though I don’t personally know her, you guys are so nice, funny and likable, Clara is like our little friend. Nice job there Clara ! Thanks for sharing this with us !
Happy Birthday Sherry! Love the sentimental posts and you have been extremely blessed in the past year :)
Thanks for the quotes about work being less important than life- I need to show them to my husband! Sounds like you had a fantastic 29th birthday!
I love love love love the wheatfield shop on etsy!! thank you so much for sharing this! this is exactly the type of prints ive been looking for to add color and happiness on my walls. i want to buy every single one!
I find the best birthday presents are ones that come via our little ones! They are definitely presents money cannot buy! glad to see you had an awesome day…Happy belated birthday :)
I think we are birthday buddies! This year was by far the best birthday weather I can remember one state north of you in MD. Here’s to an amazing year ahead :)
I’m a tad disappointed John didn’t take a picture of you on fabric in a onesie with your age on it… j/k!
Happy birthday! Loved this entry, thanks for sharing some of the quotes.
Talking of which, any ideas of a yearly birthday photo tradition with the bean? How about a picture with one of the greyhounds every year?
Haha, I totally should have posed in a onesie on fabric. Haha. As for the bean, we’re just planning to continue the fabric shots every month instead of every week after she hits one. But haha, the greyhound idea is hilarious.
xo,
s
aww I turn 29 in 2 weeks and have a soon to be 8 month old baby… I understand how seeing a crawl would be the best birthday gift ;).
I am hoping to just spend a simple birthday with my new little family too! Happy Belated Birthday to you!!!
PS I was wondering… what stroller is that you have for Clara?? We are looking for something smaller than our “travel system” stroller for my son… we just passed down his infant car seat to a family member and the stroller to accompany will soon follow. I love the look of that one you have!
We have a Joovy Kooper stroller that we’ve used from week one with Clara. It’s awesome and it does it all!
xo,
s
Happy Birthday Sherry!
I just celebrated 29 as well and it was the best year yet in terms of gifts. The things my friends and family picked out for me were so thoughtful that I cried upon opening almost every one of them (and I don’t even have pregnancy or post-pregnancy hormones to blame!). Looks like you had a great time and a great haul of thoughtful items to display in your home (and put on your feet).
Oh and thanks passing on the inspiration for your big wall collage. We have an 8’x~35′ wall in our apartment that will soon be covered head to toe in frames. Since I’ve gotten bitten by the photography bug we have more than enough to display. Can’t wait!
Great idea for that wall Claire! can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Wow! Some little girl looks JUST like her daddy!
Happy birthday, you deserve a corny emotional post every once in a while–it’s nice to read. :)
Happy Birthday :) I just turned 55! Where did the time go?
Ahhh…turtles!! When we lived in Richmond we’d always look for the turtles when we’d cross one of the bridges on the way downtown (from Midlo). I couldn’t cross the bridge without yelling, “Turtle alert, turtle alert!” They were always there. Happy Birthday!!
It sounds like you had an awesome birthday. As a baby I was a butt scooter. I don’t think I ever crawled. My mom had to stop letting me wear dresses. My parents had to take me to some remedial classes to learn to walk. I grew up to be a perfectly normal walking adult though. But looks like Clara has the crawling down. I want those reebox!
middle aged house love….hahahahaha. love that. also, we are weird- but one of my best friends texted me about a young house love sighting at mongrel over the weekend. you guys are richmond celebrities. happy birthday sherry!!
Haha, that’s too funny! I wish she had said hi – we would have loved to meet her (and probably would have been awesomely awkward). Haha.
xo,
s
Happy Birthday Sherry! Do you guys have any tips for searching Etsy? There is so much great stuff there, but I actually find it overwhelming. I never know where to start.
I usually just search things I like, for example I put in “map print” and “New york art” to find some of the items on my b-day list. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Aww, not a corny post at all, it’s sweet. I love the little family updates and pictures. Clara crawling is precious! I hope I can accomplish at least some of what you have when I turn 29 (4 years to go). You should be so proud!
Happy 29!!! its a big year, you have to enjoy, because after this…you will only see 20’s in your wallets lady :-)
Loved the vid of your little turtle learning to crawl. Did the sushi place do the orange bear? that is just adorable!
Confessions of a Purse-a-holic
Yes isn’t that cute? They surprised us with that at the end and Clara loved it!
xo,
s
Happy belated birthday! I’m glad that you had nice weather for your birthday.
A quick question–as I was breezing through the last year’s worth of your blog, I saw a post which included a list of other DIY blogs of various “friends”. I was trying to find that to take a look at some others, but now can’t find it. Can you help find that list?
I especially love how creative you guys are. Gives me some incentive to work more on our house and we’ve been in our house for 4.5 years.
Hey Ted,
I think you’re talking about our Link Love list of other blogs that we love? If so, you can find that by clicking the Link Love tab on the sidebar button with our faces on it. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Happy belated Birthday Sherry!!! Sounds like you had an awesome time. Well in NY on Saturday it was pretty nice, but we did get a rain/snow mix yesterday morning and we are getting the same weather tomorrow. I guess Mother Nature is all screwed up this year and doesn’t understand that she just made it Spring the other day. LOL!
When I turn 30 it didn’t bother me, but 31 bothered me a lot. I was “in my 30’s then” and didn’t like it that much, but last year I turned 40 and it didn’t bother me at all. Still can’t believe I’m 40, but I’m ok with it. LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!!
I have that same lime green vase…..LOVE IT!!! Brings such joy to my house. :D
Happy Belated Birthday! What a GREAT day! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Happy Birthday! The NYC print is from a friend of mine (I do a lot of her product photography). We have Portland and Eugene, OR at our house. Love them!
Happy Belated Birthday!! And yay for Clara crawling! When my eldest girl started crawling commando style, like John, I moved the toys out of the way so we could capture the moment on film. You can even hear me say “This is for the grandparents!” You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/user/frascoe#p/u/7/YSMSoNKXDWM
I love crawling babies and I can’t wait until the 6 month old does it too. But she needs to learn to sit up first.
Your birthday stash is really cool. Now I have even more things to scout on Etsy. Thanks for the tips.
Haha, so cute! Love that video!
xo,
s
Happy belated birthday! Does Clara like sushi? I’m always impressed when I see babies at sushi restaurants – we definitely did not do that when we were kids!
She had tofu and edamame (along with beans and some chicken brought from home) and loved it!
xo,
s
Happy Birthday!!! ;o) I turned 29 also. I’m glad you enjoy it because most people think we’re hitting an age crisis! Don’t worry old farts rule LOL
Happy belated!
This is totally random, but I have a weird flower tip to share! If you pull those brown pollen-ish things out from the center of the lilies, they will last a lot longer!
I’m totally going to do that right now! Love it.
xo,
s
Pulling off the pollen also protects what ever the vase is sitting on, since it can stain.
Thanks guys! Great tip.
xo,
s
I do the same thing – if the lily’s have just opened you can pull them off with your fingers into the palm of your other hand. HOWEVER, if they are a little older – catch them in a napkin or something else because they do stain and definitely wash your hands afterwards!
That bee print is awesome!
My mom just recently took up bee keeping (all of us kids are out of the nest…so she replaces us with a swarm of stinging things…how sweet). I’m totally going to snatch this up and gift it to her for Mothers Day! Thanks for sharing!
Happy birthday Sherry! I recently stumbled on your blog and I am so glad I did…I have really enjoyed reading all about your DIY adventures! We also live in Richmond VA with our just turned 1-year old and your blog has inspired me! Love all your tips and tricks about where to find things. It is great!
My question is actually about your stroller from the picture above…is it a Joovy Kooper? Do you like it? We have a Baby Jogger City stroller that I use when I go walking, but wanted something that took up a little less room in the trunk of my sedan–but that was still comfortable for walks. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks so much!
Yes we LOVE it! We have used it since Clara was three weeks old and plan to keep using it until she’s over strollers entirely. It’s so nice to have one stroller for everything!
xo,
s
Yeah, I was actually wondering if Clara has outgrown her infant car seat yet? I noticed she had one in some random pics you have posted of the house. I have a 7 month old who has almost outgrown his. What can I say, I grow big boys! :)
If she has, what kind of convertible seat have you went with or do you know what you will go with? There are WAY TOO MANY options out there!
We have a Keyfit 30 carseat by Chicco that goes up to 30lbs, so we’re planning to keep her in that (and rear facing) as long as possible – hopefully until 2 years old! They just released new guidelines for keeping kids rear-facing until 2 years instead of 1 yesterday. Hope it helps! As for a convertible seat, we have no idea what we’ll get when the time comes, maybe we’ll use consumer reports?
xo,
s
There are several convertible car seats on the market that allow rear facing till 45 pounds. Did you see that they actually advise kids being in booster seats till they are 4’9″! That is crazy tall! Already worried about how I’ll convince my daughters to sit in a booster seat at age 10-12 (they are currently 4 months).
I know right? Clara is so not going to like that, but safety first! Haha.
xo,
s
Yay fun birthday!! I was actually in Richmond (Short Pump) on Saturday at a soccer tournament for my little cousin. It was a beautiful day! I drove by the hobby lobby and world market and thought of you guys!
Also that is so funny about that bee print, because I saw that browsing etsy last night and thought of you guys too!
Happy birthday! Glad to see some one else over twelve still enjoys them. All my friends and family think I am crazy because birthdays are still a big deal to me. They get mad even when I go gaga over there big day.
Clara is redonkulously cute! I love watching her videos! (In a non-creepy, baby-fever kind of way.) She always looks so alert, like she totally understands everything that’s going on, she just hasn’t decided she wants to talk about it yet. ;o)
Wow, just as impressive as Clara crawling, is Clara holding two blocks in one hand! That’s some real coordination, there!