Tales of a Tireless Mom: 40 and Fabulous

I’ve heard the term for years and only now can I honestly say that I get it. I mean, sure, I’d like to lose five pounds, find more time to exercise and maybe finish a book every once in a while but other than that, I’m feeling pretty good.

This week I rang in the Big 4-0 and was totally at peace with it. Many people groan as this number approaches and to be honest, I always thought I’d be one of them. No matter how much Andy might tease me about becoming an old lady (he is getting back at me for reminding him that HE has been 40 for the last nine months), this birthday hasn’t bothered me.

You see, I have always looked forward to my birthday with the same fervor of a child before Christmas. In my book, no amount of complaining will prevent your age from advancing so why not just embrace the fact that you’re queen (or king) for a day?

Or as I see it, queen for a week. Hey, it only happens once a year. Make the most of it.

My Mom stopped by this weekend to wish me an early Happy Birthday when Georgia informed her (quite bluntly, as only Georgia can do) that “my Mom is almost FORTY." My mother, ever the lady, explained to her that “we don’t tell other people how old she is” and when I thought about that statement I realized that it’s not anything that I’m trying to hide. 

On the contrary; I’m actually sort of proud of it.

I took stock of all the things that I’ve done over the past 40 years and realized that I’m really happy about where I am. I’ll be celebrating 14 years of marriage in September and Andy still makes me laugh everyday. How it’s possible that I have THREE kids, I’ll never know … but I consider myself pretty lucky every time I see each one of their little smiles. We live in our dream house in our dream neighborhood filled with friends that we love. I adore spending time with my extended family and I’m one of the few people who can honestly say that they love what they do for a living. 

In other words, I’m exactly where I want to be.

Andy and the kids took me to Isabella for dinner to celebrate and amidst the steak, pasta, wine and Shirley Temples, I realized just how right everything was. Ben and Georgia were filling up on bread, Quinn was singing “Happy Birthday to Isabelle” while driving his car off the table and Andy was trying to keep his cool amidst the chaos. I sipped my Cabernet, took in the moment and laughed.  It doesn’t get any better than this.

And so, Number 40, bring it on. I’m looking forward to more laughs, great family memories and good times with loved ones. I may be getting older but I’m getting better, baby, and I choose to celebrate this birthday rather than try to hide it.

I’m especially looking forward to being queen for a week so feel free to curtsey when you see me. And if tell me that I look like I’ve lost five pounds, you might just make it in this old lady’s will.