My 29th birthday is tomorrow. From the looks of things (my cervix) I’ll be able to enjoy some time with my sister, a good nap and something delicious for dinner. Then again, things could all change in the next 15 minutes, that’s the thing about carrying a full grown human baby in your stomach. You’re kind of at their mercy.
I have a friend who isn’t ready to have her baby come out yet in the hospital because somewhere something decided to poke a little hole in her baby’s swimming pool. I have another friend who’s cervix is ready to throw a birth canal parade but her baby isn’t quite ready. I also have so many more friends who have never made it as far as I have. I may not be up for any awards in the “getting pregnant easily” category but when it comes to baking them? I’m Gordon’s Volvo P1800. I dare you to bust this baby out before she’s ready.
We are all so lucky to be where we’re at with something in our lives. Our family, our friends, our health, our dainty wrists, the way the sun shines into our bedroom in the morning. Other people would see our individual blessings as a burden (“Blech! I would never want to be pregnant again!“) while others would give up all they had to be where we’re at.
If I’ve learned one thing over the last year it’s this…
Another person’s happiness deserves to be celebrated with all I am able to give. Is it always easy? No. Jealously can be a cruel wench. But the more I do it, the easier it becomes. And the easier it becomes the easier it is to see the blessings in my own life, which in turn allows me to celebrate the wonderful in others lives as well.
I hope to never be known as a miserable person.
What is the most wonderful thing going on in your life at this very moment?
making unbreakable - formerly moosh in indy. 
It’s hard to even imagine you as anything even close to a miserable person.
Wonderful in my life… hmmm… we’ll go for simple. I’m really enjoying bedtime stories lately… specifically the ones that Zoe has started being able to read to Ana. My favorite time of the day lately.
LikeLike
@Colleen, Addie reads to my belly sometimes. Total win.
LikeLike
After 5 years of trying and 6 losses, I am 15 weeks pregnant. Also not to brag but I have the best husband ever.
LikeLike
@Jenni Williams, So much congratulations for you. However my husband stole the title from yours, second runner up isn’t bad. 😉
LikeLike
A good job interview this morning. Fingers crossed for a permanent job!
LikeLike
@ccr in MA, OOH! It’s a good month for jobs. One of my favorite people just found the perfect one for her. I have high hopes for you.
LikeLike
My second son turns 1 in five short days. A year ago, at this time, I was full-term and just waiting. But during the second trimester I was suffering from a very rough case of antenatal depression. I was trying my darndest not to worry or fret and at the same time I felt terribly guilty that I wasn’t happy to be expecting. I tried, but my brain chemicals wouldn’t let me.
So to be here, and look at my second son with a heart crushing love that can’t be explained, one year later, it’s just an amazing feeling.
LikeLike
@molly, Everytime I fart I fart in antenatal depression’s direction.
LikeLike
My wonderful is currently snoozing in her car seat. Today, we brought home our sweet beautiful baby girl, Sadie. Her shoulders are the softest things I’ve ever felt and I am so in love.
LikeLike
@Amy, That spot where their shoulders meet the back of their neck? Best baby kissing spot EVER.
LikeLike
I love pregnancy & your bump is so cute! congrats!
nothing good happening in my life right now since I’m away from my family, total depression mind you! Sigh…
LikeLike
@Vi Nguyen, Thank you, and oh dear. I’m sure there’s SOMETHING. Do you have pretty little toes? Because mine look like smooshed mushrooms.
LikeLike
@Casey, haha, I remember my big old elephant feet (it was onli 2 mos ago!) def not a happi side effect to pregnancy.
If I was home w/my family, then I would say the good thing in my life is my new baby, but since I’m away from them now, I realli don’t know. “Meeting” wonderful new bloggers like you maybe?!?! Haha
LikeLike
BABIES! Not for me, but for like everyone I love!
LikeLike
@designhermomma, No kidding. Your baby bounty runneth over.
LikeLike
My baby boy turns three on Sunday. I was 29 weeks pregnant and so very far from ready when my blood pressure started to creep upward and my uterus decided to do its thing. He’s a healthy, blissfully happy boy and a daily blessing in my life.
I registered his older brother (my 31-weeker – thanks, trigger-happy uterus!) for kindergarten yesterday.
My life is more amazing than I imagined possible.
LikeLike
@Jenny, Your uterus is like me with birthday presents apparently.
LikeLike
I have a few wonderful somethings! I’m excited to see your little one, my cousin had a healthy baby girl this morning, my sister in law is due any day, I’m running my first half-marathon (with Sam) on Sunday and my last exam is tomorrow! Life is fantastic!
LikeLike
@Karen Sugarpants, I will be cheering you on from the well hydrated comfort of my couch. You ladies will rock it haaaaard.
LikeLike
I have realized slowly over the course of this past year that I have made all the right choices in my life.
My family is happy, healthy, thriving and so close-knit that I beam with pride.
It’s a good day.
Happy almost-birthday.
LikeLike
@mrshiggison, I’ve only had glimpses of that feeling but it’s a good one.
LikeLike
I have two beautiful, healthy, amazing daughters here with me. I have a wonderful husband. I have three little boys waiting in Africa who will someday, maybe soon, come home. I have a comfortable home, solid family relationships, and financial security. In light of all that, being sad seems frivolous.
LikeLike
@Kait, unless one of those three people finish off the watermelon when that’s exactly what you’re craving. Then there’s a *little* sad.
LikeLike
I don’t think you could ever be a miserable person, even if you tried. And lordy, if anyone had an excuse to be at certain points, it would be you 😉 You have handled everything thrown your way with such amazing grace and strength. And I am beyond excited to see what is in store for you in the coming weeks (OR DAYS!!!!! WOOHOO!!!)
Happy birthday tomorrow, my dear.
LikeLike
@Jen, Oh I could be miserable. I’ve had lessons from some very skilled people over the course of my lifetime. 😉
xoxo
You’re on my lifelist of people to meet by the way. Get on that.
LikeLike
@Casey, LOL yeah good thing we’ve got lots of people in our lives to teach us how to be miserable.
You’re on my list too, you know. Next time you’re in the Burgh…!
LikeLike
@Casey, Also: my wonderful: Baby slept 11 straight hours last night. HOLLA.
LikeLike
Or, you could come here and see BOTH of us. Wonderful plan, that. 😉
LikeLike
Believe it or not my wonderful was getting all four of my wisdom teeth pulled out last week. My stitches were taken out yesterday.
It’s wonderful because they are gone and because it was last week. lol!
BTW, that cookie looks yummy! 🙂
LikeLike
@Sasha, And you have an excuse to eat nothing but mashed potatoes and slurpees!
LikeLike
I’m employed; my husband is employed; we and our children (3!) are healthy, and even if we or they weren’t, we have healthcare. It’s spring, and starting to be warm. These may be little things, but they are wonderful to me right now.
LikeLike
The weather here is awful, but that meant preschool got out 3 hours early. I can’t get over how excited I was to go pick my boy up and bring him home for a living room picnic!
LikeLike
@Jen L., Addie and I used to have living room picnics ALL! THE! TIME! Then we got carpet I cared about. Hmm…
LikeLike
After 3 losses and 5 years of trying, I’m almost 18 weeks pregnant. It was a surprise-for sure-we were coming to terms with our son being an only child.
But the most wonderful thing? An almost 8 year old kissing my belly and saying, ‘hey little dude!’ (we have no idea if this is a little dude or dudette, but obviously he has his preferences). 🙂
LikeLike
@Melissa E, Dude, the love Addie has for this little invisible bump person is mindblowing, it will only get better and that makes me so excited for you.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you have healthy babies- there’s some justice in that. The happiest thing for me is a potential vacation next week to somewhere warm and sunny with just my little family. Perfection.
LikeLike
@Barb @ getupandplay, I hope there will be sand. I haven’t had wet sand in my underpants for a long time and I miss it.
LikeLike
Right now? The sun is shining for the first time in DAYS. I’m soaking in it at my desk window. Sigh.
LikeLike
@Momo Fali, I sent that to you. You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Happy birthday for tomorrow.
In my life at the moment 12 is doing much better than she was, more settled and less aggressive and someone else who wouldn’t like to be mentioned is beginning to receive the help they desperately need. That’s pretty good.
Also, could you please drop me a line to let me know how you do the out links that show as incoming links on other people’s blogs. I’m an idiot and can’t figure it out. I’d like to return the favour.
Thanks.
LikeLike
@Penbleth, Oh so good for 12.
Do you mean pingbacks? I think it’s something that each site has to have set up. This is where I have to admit a somewhat idiot status as well.
LikeLike
@Casey, Thank you. I didnt realise it was just a pingback. I couldn’t see how you were doing the links. I only write the stuff, I don’t know anything else.
Lynn
LikeLike
@Penbleth, It’s the ninjas I have hiding behind my header. I don’t tell many people about them. 😉
LikeLike
Seeing my boys evolve into strong, kind men. Appreciating my married love story in a new way. Doing work I love. Having friends (like you, Casey) who are real and filled with love and life. Plus springtime! Plus new babies just here or on the way for people I love. Plus Pristiq.
LikeLike
@molly, I sure do like you a whole lots.
LikeLike
Too true! For all the indignities of childbearing, a healthy baby is one of the biggest blessings around.
The most wonderful thing in my life right now is color-safe bleach and Clorox disinfecting wipes (my son and I have the stomach flu).
LikeLike
@Parsing Nonsense, And a working washing machine right?
LikeLike
I am going to California in a few days where it will be HOT and SUNNY. I demand it so.
LikeLike
@punkinmama, they have really good food there too. ENJOY.
LikeLike
I love reading your blog and wish you nothing but a smooth labor and delivery. 🙂
Today is my birthday! My husband and I are going to start trying to conceive in August! We are so excited and SO ready!!
LikeLike
@Mindy, Oh thank you, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Good luck trying to keep your hands off each other until August. Making babies is fun.
LikeLike
Happy early Birthday to you too! Enjoy your special day!
LikeLike
Happy Birthday! I can’t wait to see little Mozzi! Happiest thing in my life right now is being preggo with our first little baby we’ve been waiting 2 1/2 years for! Even though I am sick all day (and night) I can’t get over the joy and excitement of what’s to come!
LikeLike
@Sarah, It’s a lovely sort of sick. I mean, it still hurts and comes with it’s own troubles, but there’s something about growing a human so well you barf.
LikeLike
Happy early birthday, my friend! Let me say again how happy I am to know you. 🙂
LikeLike
@Mary, Ditto right back at you darling.
LikeLike
The most wonderful thing in my life right now? I’m pretty happy. I have a job I love (after being unemployed for 3 months), I’m making money again and my health and my family’s health is pretty darn good. Oh and I’m surrounded by pregnant people and the thought of snuggling cute babies makes me smile 🙂
LikeLike
@DWJ, It IS a good job month! And I’m not sure there’s anyone who isn’t surrounded by pregnant people at this point. For serious.
LikeLike
My brother came home from the hospital yesterday
My mom’s husband helped my sister financially so she and her hubby can try IVF
I just bought myself the prettiest gerbera daisies and they make me
Smile
LikeLike
@Sarah, Yay. DOUBLE YAY. And I bought myself roses last week. They’re dying now but gosh if they weren’t pretty while they lasted.
LikeLike
I’ve got a couple of best things…
First, through reading your blog, I’ve discovered that the best sort of therapy must be blogging. So I started blogging, and it definitely is the best sort of therapy!
Second, my four year old never ceases to amaze me and everything that comes out of her mouth makes me happy…well, almost everything. The latest was the following:
“Mommy, I had a bad dream. I dreamed that our house was made out of ice and it was being smashed and we had to move out of our house. I don’t like houses made out of ice. I only like houses made out of bricks and trampolines.”
LikeLike
@Tara, Best and cheapest sort of therapy! I’m so glad you joined into this silly little wonderful world.
And speaking of wonderful world, HOUSES MADE OF TRAMPOLINES? Yes please.
LikeLike
@Casey, We’re in Westfield. As soon as I make my baby’s dream come true, you’ll be invited to our trampoline house!
LikeLike
Hmmm, right now: baby is taking the best nap, I’ve got Braxton Hicks reminding me of baby #2 and I’m watching HGTV. It’s the simple things.
LikeLike
@Kate at Big City Belly, My guilty pleasure is TLC. HGTV in my pregnant nesting state makes me want to do CRAZY things.
LikeLike
My hubby and 3 healthy girls make me very happy!
LikeLike
@Jenny, Who needs fancy things when you have a fancy husband and little ladies?
LikeLike
The most wonderful thing I’ve got going right now is looking forward to a trip to Michigan to see my cousins, uncles/aunts and my grandparents.
It will be my daughter’s first time to meet them all (she’ll be 20 mo the day we leave). It has been nearly 3 years since my son and I saw them – last time, he was 5 months old.
My daughter’s surgery went fine, too (pins in her broken arm) and we got the cast this week so everyone can sign it. THAT is a mixed blessing, but will make good chat material in a few years. 🙂
LikeLike
@Della, Indiana is right below Michigan, just saying. I totally have a sharpie next to me for cast signing.
LikeLike
@Casey, *sniffle* if we were only driving, I’d probably beating down your door. Or stalking the hospitals, if you’re just then getting around to your parade…
Sadly for the stalking, but very, very, very, VERY happily for me, my mother, and the 3- and 1.5-year-olds, we are flying.
LikeLike
At this very moment? My trainer cancelled on me tonight and Wednesday is our weigh-in day. So I have a one week reprieve (see: Easter food fest) and I’m celebrating with Honey mustard and Onion Pretzel pieces…. maybe also a Hostess cupcake.
I can work out and eat salad later!
LikeLike
@Amy in StL, Have the cupcake, calories still don’t count until all my Easter candy is gone. You’re welcome.
LikeLike
1) I love your heart and your joy and your perspective! Thank you, thank you for reminding me that contentment is a choice.
2) (I think)the most wonderful thing right now is that there is so much unknown in my life. There is still a ton of story that needs to unfold, and while at times that’s maddening and I WANT IT NOW (cue Veruca Salt impression) it’s also a reminder that I serve a God big enough to handle all my dreams. (Does this even make sense?)
3. Sorry for all the cheese. Next time I should send along the real stuff… 🙂
LikeLike
@steph, It totally makes sense. I like knowing not knowing how my story will unfold that it will be a good one.
LikeLike
You are a constant inspiration to me, you know that?
What’s wonderful for me right now? I’m on the path to healing. With medication, involved doctors, therapists, etc . . . I can see a future where depression is manageable.
And YOU are one of the people I have to thank for that.
LikeLike
@Untypically Jia, I just say what my heartgut tells me to, yours must listen. 😉
LikeLike
I agree, I hope no one ever thinks of me as a miserable person either. Right now both my sisters are pregnant and are due on the same day and I can’t get pregnant. But the best thing in my life right now is their pregnancies. At first it made me sad, but now I’m just so excited for the little ‘twin’ boys to get here.
LikeLike
So excited for you, praying for others.
Most wonderful thing for me: Listen To Your Mother is ACTUALLY HAPPENING and like REAL LIFE. I can’t wait for you to be rocking your baby while you watch it on video in a few weeks. 🙂
Steph
LikeLike
I’m waiting for my hubby to come back from China so we can move into our amazing new house! He’ll be back in a week!!!
LikeLike
After a scary bout of heavy bleeding, I got the wonderful news that baby is just peachy and wiggling away unawares of the scare s/he just gave mama.
LikeLike
Thank you, Casey. I needed that readjustment this evening. There is so much about which I can be thankful this evening, despite a few naysayers. One thing for which I am thankful is getting to know you & your beautiful soul. I have been blessed in many way, and I will focus on that this evening rather than the haters.
LikeLike
Each day this baby keeps baking is the most wonderful day. But talk to me again at 40+ weeks : )
Birth canal parade? Love it.
LikeLike
My wonderful? Starting what may turn out to be my dream job on Monday. Smiley face cookies. Getting to meet Mozzi soon. Being able to recognize the positives.
xo
LikeLike
You and I are two days apart. My birthday is the 30th and I too, will be 29. I knew there was more than ten reasons why I liked you.
Happy Birthday, fellow Taurus!
LikeLike
Well, guess what my wonderful thing is! TODAY is MY birthday!
Did we know we were one day apart????
LikeLike
celebrating my friends and my friendships. I am so lucky. xoxoxo hot pocket.
LikeLike
Happy happy Birthday! (this time I’ll get it right, on twitter I thought it was “today” not tomorrow!)
Most wonderful thing is my adorable 13 month old walking. Half drunken sailor, half cutest white blond baby ever! And then throwing himself at me whenever he sees me!
LikeLike
Happy Birthday! I hope it’s wonderful. And rain free. Which has been hard to come by in IN lately.
Wonderful thing – getting a lead on a (highly recommended doctor) to hopefully help me start feeling better. I miss me.
LikeLike
Happy Birthday today!
Wonderful in my life today…the sun is shinning (it’s been raining for a week), my husband has a job interview (he lost his job 5 months ago), and I had time to snuggle with my boys before work this morning! It’s a good day!
LikeLike
And now here I sit at home, freed of my hospital stay and so relieved to still be cooking this baby. I like to keep people on their toes with my baby drama 🙂
Happy Happy Birthday to you, my sweet friend. Thank you for all of the love the last few days. You brighten me like sun in the window in the morning. It’s true.
xoxo
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Casey!!! I hope you have a wonderful day of anything of your choosing, you deserve it!
Oh – and the good thing going on in my life – I am also waiting on my baby girl to get here – less than 8 weeks 🙂
LikeLike
What a beautifully written and heart-warming post.
The most wonderful thing going on in my life is this: I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter that no matter how often or how hard she wants to make me scream at the moon with aggravation, she is absolutely, beyond any shadow of a doubt, the LOVE OF MY LIFE!!!! Everything else pales in comparison to knowing I am blessed enough to have her in my life.
LikeLike