Day 263 (Friday, 10/15): Thirty-Two

Today was my 32nd birthday. I wasn't feeling particularly wiser or older . . . that was until I got a birthday call from my grammie.

Grammie: Happy birthday, sweet baby Helen! So how old are you now?
Me: 32.
Grammie: Oh . . . wow! You're getting up there! Soon you'll catch up with me!

This last statement was followed by some hearty chuckling on Grammie's part. Then I felt a little bit older.

I celebrated my birthday with nothing too spectacular. I was mostly excited by the fact that I didn't have to teach on it. All I really wanted to do was collapse on the couch and think about absolutely nothing. The thought of getting dressed up and going out was too dreadful, and so Tom and I got a nice bottle of champagne and a deep dish pizza, sat on the couch, and did absolutely nothing. It was a good birthday.
I want to send out a couple of thank yous for some awesome b-day gifts I received.

First, from my little sis, this very cool and very unique ring. I love the colors: light blue and rusty red brown. Thank you! I can't wait to wear it and show it off!
From Crystal and Jakey, a delish lunch at Best Thai and a gift certificate for a mani-pedi. Good Thai food and cute nails! What more could a girl want?! We were lucky enough to be joined by Sheila. What a great way to spend my b-day, with two of my favorite women and one of my favorite little jelly-belly babies.
And thank you to Grandpa and Grandma Lovejoy for watching LB this weekend. We've decided that LB will stay with G and Grandpa one weekend a month, and it just worked out that this weekend was best for us all.

Here's Papa getting a last cuddle in before LB headed up to Victorville.
This trip to Grandma and Grandpa's included a stop by Maria's house, where LB met Maria's granddaughter, Danielle. The two were great playmates, but they both wanted to play with this little car.
Apparently, there was a bit of passive-aggressive pushing as they vied for the seat. "Oh, are you just getting out now? Here, I'll just get in behind you. Oh, don't mind me."
"Hey, why don't you just go play over there. There are lots of fun toys you'll just love over there."
And a triumphant LB took the lion for a ride.
Of course, no trip would be complete without a rabbit photo. Her little foot is the same size as the wee rabbit! G said she wasn't trying to kick bunny, but that she just wanted to show her foot to it. Ack! It's all so damn cute! I think my heart is going to explode!