Keith and I have just reached a milestone in our lives, one that I am sure will bring us many blessings and fill our hearts with love. We became aunt and uncle to a beautiful baby boy- Michael Stephen. While this is a bit more of Keith’s milestone than mine, considering I am not yet sharing their last name, and we do not yet have our own addition within the bloodline, I am disregarding these technicalities and jumping on this baby wagon as his proud auntie. And boy is it worth it! He is TRULY one of the cutest babies I have seen (and I have seen a LOT of babies!). Do babies always seem more adorable when they are part of your own family?

One of the best things about meeting baby Michael for the first time, was getting a chance to see Keith’s reaction to this new part of his family. As Keith watched his younger brother stepping into the shoes of parenthood, I could see the wonder, amazement, respect, and fear(?) that was sinking in. Is it going to be this amazing when we have children? What do you do with a new baby? What if we don’t know what to do? Yet, at the same time, watching Matt and Britney (the new proud parents) start this journey with so much ease, and happiness, and love, makes us want that in out future all the more. I only hope they’ll be able to give us a few pointers along the way!

I can’t describe how different it feels to reach a point in your life when things begin to shift. Though, I feel it all the time now. With my wedding approaching, friends having babies, FAMILY having babies, parents getting older, parents retiring, etc., it is hitting me- I’m growing up. And despite how much fear and loathing is associated with aging, it is becoming a beautiful thing. Gone are the days of sitting with my girlfriends talking about the cute guy next door, the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy, cranky professors, studying abroad, and the Nordstrom sale. Now, more and more, I find myself in the midst of conversations involving politics, mortgages, refinancing, nannies, housework, and the best deal at the grocery store. But with that comes independence, accomplishment, love, deeper friendships, fuller houses, and a sense of happiness? At least that’s what I’m heading for…