Life at 38...

I started my obligatory "it's my birthday" blog post a few days ago. It was lengthy, chronicling the massive and (mostly) amazing changes that I've experienced in my life over the last few years. This was in stark contrast from a conversation that I had at my 25th birthday party, where I told a friend that I didn't think it was likely that I would live to see my 35th birthday. As I approached the end of the post, I re-read it and thought to myself that it sounded repetitive. Nothing wrong with a little reflection, it helps me appreciate how far I've come and the blessings that have been sent my way. But, sometimes I feel like I might spend a little TOO much time looking in that rearview mirror. I also want to look forward at the coming year(s), what will life have in store? 

We just celebrated with Jack as he turned SEVEN months old. Seven! I feel like I've embraced that role of being a dad. Not just a father, but a DAD. How could a man like me, who couldn't even care for himself, be fairly successful at raising and caring for a child? A HAPPY child at that?! He knows he is safe, clothed (very cutely, of course), and well-fed. He has a safe space to develop this cute little personality he is starting to create. Of course, this is all possible because I have an amazing partner in crime with Megan. She is a great mom. She is single-handedly responsible for making sure that the "behind the scenes" things are being handled. His clothes are clean, he has a fresh supply of diapers and wipes, and a substantial stock of milk in the fridge. Jack obviously loves his Momma and loves getting Mom cuddles (even if it includes a random tug on the hair). It would be remiss of me to not acknowledge that we also have a small army of supportive friends and family who are very instrumental in caring for Jack. This lifestyle would not be possible without them, especially his "gaggle of grandmas" that care for him while we work. With him turning seven months old, of COURSE that means we already have a spotlight on his first birthday. October may seem like a stretch away, but it will be here before you know it!

God willing, Megan and I will celebrate our second wedding anniversary. What do we have planned? Who knows. I haven't really thought that far ahead, but I'm sure it will be a special one. Megan and I have been through a lot over the last year. Raising a child and a pug, trying to maintain our sanity at our jobs, and making time for ourselves... it can be a lot. We've managed to do it, however, with minimal "squabbling."

While I may grumble and groan occasionally, I do love my job and am grateful for the experience that I'm getting. If things continue in the direction they are, I will (hopefully) have enough hours to test for my LCSW by this time next year.

So what else is in store? A new house? A growing family? Changes in career paths? Who knows, but I'm excited for it. I'm glad that 25-year-old John was wrong and that I DID make it to my 35th birthday... and beyond. Hell, it looks like I might even make it to 45!