My, my, my, how things have changed.

I was just reading through my archives, as I sometimes do, and came across this post from exactly 5 years ago this week.

It was about my half birthday.

Yes, because back then, evidently, my half birthday was still something post-worthy.

I will also say that I was celebrating my 25.5 year old birthday. Ugh.

There are still five days until the big THREE-O-POINT-FIVE, but a second kid and one completely transformed life later I suspect that there won’t be quite as much fanfare as there once was.

This year, my half birthday will start with me getting to have brunch with some of my best friends–and not only are they my best friends, but they are also my best mommy friends. On my half birthday five years ago, not one of them was yet a mother. So, since that time I have become an aunt. I’ll take it.

This year, my half birthday includes a menu that advertises a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary with my eggs. Back in 2010 I was still nursing a very small baby, and would not have had that drink.

This year, I have the perspective to appreciate all of the blessings in my life, in a way that I couldn’t have when I was just six months shy of twenty six. At that time I felt incredibly grateful to be a mother. The world was enchanting and I was happy. And I had experienced ups and downs in life. But,

BUT,

I had no idea.

I had no idea what it was like for a life to fall apart and then to pick up the pieces, bit by bit, sliver by sliver.

 So, if you’re a friend and I’ve sent you a joking text message about celebrating my half birthday with me,

or with a link to a very expensive pair of shoes and a wink,

just know that I am not trying to be obnoxious or self-centered.

I think that, subconsciously, I am celebrating life in a way that I never have before.

So for my half birthday on Sunday, there may not be as much fanfare…but I sure as hell hope there are still cookies.