Now that all the birthday bid-ness is over I can tell you guys all about it. It was sweet. Turning 29 didn’t really feel any different than the past few b-days and it involved everything from a foot massage with shaving cream (John mistook it for the lotion bottle) to Clara taking her “first crawls.” Holy cow it was amazing. Everyone, including the doc, thought she’d just go straight to walking since she has been scooting around on her butt for a while – and even recently started pulling up. But lo and behold she decided it might be fun to give crawling a go (you know, just for kicks) and we even caught it on video:
So yeah. Baby, baby, baby. Sorry if that’s all I talk about but Clara is kind of awesome. Haha. It was the best present ever.
The weather on Saturday was around 70 degrees and sunny (which is funny because it used to always snow on my birthday when I lived up north) so we went on a nice long walk in one of our favorite neighborhoods (look at that gorgeous house behind me) with Clara and the dog.
We even saw turtles in the river (Clara loved it, Burger seemed ambivalent).
And the whole time I was sporting my new bun/thigh toning Reebok Easytone b-day sneaks that the hubby got me. Oh yeah, I’m styling.
I begged for them and he humored me. They actually didn’t kill me at all during or after the first three mile walk that I did in them. But the next day I did the same thing and I needed a serious break afterwards. So yes, they do actually burn the buns and legs after a while (although my first trek with them made me think they were all hype, my Reeboks had the last laugh).
What else. We went out to a nice little sushi dinner (we have a thing for it)…
… and I got some pretty fun stuff from J and the fam. Beyond my tush toning Reeboks John also got me an awesome book called Love Life (from a local gift store named Mongrel) with a perfect greeny-yellow cover.
Not that you should judge a book by its cover, but it never hurts if it looks as good on the outside as it actually is on the inside. We mentioned a while back that sometimes we struggle with balance (since the internet is a 24/7 thing, sometimes it’s hard to draw the line and unplug) so the book is chock full of couldn’t-be-more-true reminders, like:
- “The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won’t wait while you finish the work.” – Pat Clifford
- “If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live” – Lin Yutang
- “I think the most significant work we ever do, in the whole world, in our whole life, is done within the four walls of our own home.” – Stephen R. Covey
- “It is a great art to saunter.” – Henry David Thoreau
- “I haven’t a clue how my story will end, but that’s all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, that’s when you discover the stars.” -Nancy Willard
But enough philosophical stuff. What is it about birthdays that make you evaluate where you’ve been and where you’re going? Oh yeah, the whole “I’m aging” thing. We were just joking that we’ll have to change our blog name to Middle Aged House Love. Haha. Somehow it doesn’t have the same ring. Anyway, now for the fun stuff. Look at the home-related booty I got from John’s awesome sisters. We always do “wish lists” when it comes to gifting each other (which makes it easier on the buyer and pretty sweet for the receiver) so I moseyed around the world wide web in search of a few prints that I’d love to add to our soon-to-be-expanding frame gallery in the hallway, and found these beauties:
That one’s from here (we love a good road trip) from John’s sister Katie. And John went for extra credit. I begged for those Reeboks and thought they’d be the extent of my gift, but he also surprised me with this adorable bee print (we have a thing for bees too).
So I can’t wait to hang all of my new prints among family pictures and keepsakes in the hallway. Pics when we knock more holes into the other side of the wall and hang that pile of Ikea frames that’s still sitting in the corner of the kitchen. Someday. Oh and my sweet friend Heather sent me these lilies out of the blue:
I love them so much and especially adore that she specifically picked out the lime green vase because she knew I’d flip for it. Affirmative Heather. I went crazy oohing and aaahing and still find myself walking in from the other room just to “visit” my bouquet every hour or so.
So overall, birthday number 29 was awesome and life is good. Who the heck knows where I’ll be when I turn 35, or even 30. I’m just trying to make it count, without going so crazy that I forget to enjoy the little things like baby snorts and puppy sniffs. Man am I still hormonal from birthing Clara 10+ months ago? Sorry if this post is all sorts of personal and corny. I guess that’s just me these days.
Pssssst- For anyone who has asked how we organize Clara’s toys or inquired about the big brown basket next to our sectional, click here to check out our BabyCenter post for the mind-numbingly simple “dump & cover” toy storage system that’s rocking our world.
jessica says
Sherry could you please share ur beauty secrets, I`m 28 but I look way older than you. I have already started to see wrinkles around my eyes ahhh! What do you do to keep your face looking so radiant and dewy?
YoungHouseLove says
Really? You think I’m radiant and dewy? I think I’m sweaty and awkward. Haha. I honestly don’t do anything special and I’ve always had a baby face. Maybe that’s my secret? To do nothing? Haha. I don’t use eye cream or face cream and I don’t even wash my face before bed. I don’t wear much makeup (when I do it’s organic – I love the Organic Wear line from Target) and the only thing I really try to do is wear sunscreen when I can. That’s it! Might be genes though because my mom looks really young (we always get that sleazy “you must be sisters” line from random men- haha).
xo,
s
Sevi says
Happy birthday Sherry! Cant wait you to post about Reebok Easy Tone again(though it’s not da place) , how it affects and whether the air cushions (!?) last long? I’ve read they go flat after a few months.
YoungHouseLove says
I’ll have to pay attention and see if they deflate over time! So far after about four wearings they feet bouncy as ever. Haha.
xo,
s
Rose says
A belated Happy Birthday from Australia……..love the book and its quotes…seems perfect for you Sherry…..esp the quote about I don’t know how my story will end….you often blog similar words..”who knows where we will end up” loving sharing the journey with you and seeing how enjoyable the process and not just the destination can be….
kim b says
happy birthday….29 I wouldn’t change the title yet your still a young pup.
By the by if you like bees then you definately need these
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod25210088&ecid=NMCINexTagFeed&003=5839325&010=H11A2&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=23-132685696-2
A friend of mine has them and I just love them every time I see them.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooooh so pretty! I’ve seen something similar at Sur La Table! Love them.
xo,
s
Sa says
Happy birthday ! Better late than never, right? :)
Clara is officially THE cutest ! Look at those front teeth, so adorable ! And I gotta say, I am diggin’ her purple top as well ;) Go Clara go ! Oh and BTW, sorry for your loss, poor faceless doggy.. :)
Shannon says
Happy Birthday Sherry…we share the same birthday! Only I’m (cough!) 6 years older. :) Sounds like you had a great day…My day was spent supervising hubby and a friend installing our new flooring. Perfect day for this DIY gal!
XO
Shannon
Kaylyn says
Happy belated birthday, Sherry! What a fab present from Clara, she just knew that would make her mama’s day!
If you think turning 29 is sweet, wait until next year. Turning 30 is awesome… it’s been one of the best years of my life. :)
Valerie says
Happy belated Birthday and best wishes for the year to come! Yesterday on Etsy Finds I came across the cutest ceramic bee from Blue Room Pottery. Thought I should share since you mentioned a thing for bees.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! Off to check it out…
xo,
s
tracie says
happy belated birthday!! looks like you had a wonderful day! and no worries.. you’re still a baby! {compared to me!} lol ;)
Jaye says
Happy Birthday, Sherry! Enjoy this (real) one, you will be twenty-nine for a long time! Just wanted to let you in on my observation. For the longest time, (I still do), have thought that Clara resembled John the most. But in the video (crawling) I could actually see so much of you in her expressions. Just wanted to share that bit of information (cause I really don’t know how you could go through life without it)! Love your blog and really appreciate all that you guys do! Educational and entertaining, that’s what you were going for right? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! Everyone says John all the time, so when I get an “I see Sherry” I revel in it!
xo,
s
Dawn SC says
Very happy belated birthday! My husband and I celebrate one day for each year we are old (just little things – picnic, cook special dinner, flowers, etc.) . I think more people should do that so they look forward to getting another year better. :) I hit the big 3-0 this year, so I’m excited for a full month, haha.
On a side note, I read this post and immediately bought the bee print (and another more “kiddie” bee one I found on etsy while looking). During our first ultrasound, my husband said the baby’s heartbeat looked like a bee buzzing, so our Sept baby has been nicknamed Bumblebee ever since! I’ve been too paranoid to buy things for the nursery yet (ignoring that everything has been going great and I have no reason to be paranoid :-P), but couldn’t pass that up!
Amber says
Happy bday, AND glad to see your girly is crawling! It slightly worries me when I see babies going straight to walking- crawling is a huge building block in helping to develop their motor skills, brain development, and spinal cord formation. I really believe that it’s better to teach a child to crawl first, if they’re not doing it naturally on their own, then have them go straight to walking! Just some food for thought :)
Erin T. says
Happy birthday, gal!
It cracks me up how bald Clara still is, especially with two parents who have such thick-looking locks!
Michele says
Saw this peacock print while trolling design blogs and thought of you, Sherry…I love it!
http://www.madebygirl.com/product.php?sku=WD-14
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh it’s gorgeous! I love it!!!
xo,
s
Alissa says
Happy birthday! I hope the entire week is a great one!
laura says
I was in Pier 1 here in Raleigh, NC today and saw 2 (TWO!) ceramic dog statues for sale…thought of you guys. I love the blog, you inspire me for whenever I buy a house :)
Elizabeth says
Happy Birthday Sherry! Just wanted to say that if you were serious about the still-feeling-hormonal thing 10+ months p.p. that you’re not alone! I think bfeeding extends the weird feelings new moms have, my lil one is 13 mos and I’m almost finished weaning, and just beginning to feel normal again!
Love you guys!
Erika says
So, since it’s been about a month, how are you liking the Reebok Easytone’s? I’ve been thinking of getting some but I’ve read some reviews that they are a waste of money. I figure it can’t hurt since I like to take daily walks anyways. Thanks for your feedback!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s the thing. They hurt my buns and thighs when I really work it (3+ miles, hills, etc). My buns/thighs might still hurt in normal sneakers but for some reason it feels like they’re doing something because I can literally feel the burn and my brain says ‘they’re at least working a little’ so I like them. Let’s put it this way: they don’t hurt and they encourage me to work harder to feel the burn to feel like they’re working. Haha.
xo,
s
milana says
Sherry i just want to say thank u! I really enjoy your blog… I have a baby girl who is 8 months and i am breastfeeding still so i loved your blog on it. Also love your decor style! Blessings. Wanted to ask u what u guys do to keep your smiles so white??
Thank u so very much.
Blessings
Milana
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I wish we had a secret. We don’t drink coffee and not much wine so that might help. And we brush them and see the dentist! Haha.
xo,
s
Chelsea says
Love the blog!! I noticed you used your love life book cover framed in your kitchen renovation. I have the same book, and am wondering what frame you used?
I tried looking up old posts, but couldn’t find a reference to framing it.
Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s just a small frame from Ikea. I think it’s 5 x 7″ or 8 x 10″?
xo,
s
wei says
Could you update us about the chicco car seat? The height limit is 30 inches. I am wondering how long it take before Clara grow out of it. Also, which convertible car seat you are using right now? Thank you
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, she’s so tall that she reached that faster than we realized! I don’t remember now, but maybe about a year old? Then we got a Britax convertible one that we love. She’s still in that one (but the Chicco one was great for when she was smaller). Hope it helps!
xo
s