I turned 42 this past week and it was such a magical birthday. Yes, even despite the fact that COVID is still making this year suck as much as last year. Maybe my expectations were lower? Or maybe I was able to focus on all the good things in my life instead of thinking of all the things that I’m missing right now. (I’m becoming less of a pessimist in my old age.)

My birthday eve was sweetened by a visit from my BFF Erica stopping by for a quick afternoon walk while her girls were at their dance class. She brought a gift from my crew - my oldest friends from childhood went in together on a bottle of sparkling wine and heart-shaped French macarons. And Erica gave me the perfect book, Afoot and Lighthearted - a journal for mindful walking. So perfect because if there’s any silver lining to the pandemic it’s that I’ve discovered a love of walking the countless paths of our neighborhood.

The day started off with my kiddos bursting into my room at 6:30am. They climbed into bed and sandwiched me, and we snuggled together like an Oreo cookie. Vivi had a surprise that she said she needed to bring up before the cats got into, and I had a feeling she had made me breakfast. A few minutes later Owen was opening the door for his sister as she brought in a baking sheet with coffee (with cream) and a chocolate chip pancake with coconut flakes for hair and berries and bananas for my face and ears. It was so sweet.

I was a little suspicious when everyone showed up at our 9am team meeting without their cameras on. But as soon as the last team member signed on, they all came on camera to surprise me with a little zoom birthday party. Everyone had crazy hats and virtual backgrounds that said, “Happy Birthday Jenn!” which was adorable. I felt very loved.

Looking forward to my next sweet birthday.