March 31, 2006 | Mama Smith
blue skies & changes
Transitioning from 25 to 26. It has been one of the sweetest yet. Not for any exciting reason, fancy gifts or blow-out parties. But simply for the fact I felt loved and cherished by so many folks. What an encouragement it is to know that there will always be one day a year where your phone will ring off the hook, your inbox will be filled to the brim, and your mail for once will offer more than credit card offers, bills and drug store ads. Thank you to everyone for your songs, letters, voices from states away, silly e-cards and for letting me know your love is freely given.
The day was warm and blue. Matthew, B and I hit up our favorite breakfast spot, which is now becoming a birthday tradition. Brighton’s gift to me was giving me free arms to enjoy my meal as he boldly braved a restaurant highchair for the first time, fortressed in by blankets and sweaters. He had his first “meal-out”...a banana served on a porcelain dish, which we mashed and fed to him as we enjoyed our grilled scones and cajun frittata.
As I worked throughout the morning, we were able to escape for a long walk in the sun with coffee and a piece of birthday cake from our local coffee shop. We talked about the summer and our future and our hope of being overseas and were able to spend time talking to Christ about it all as well.
And as well, this birthday was highlighted by it being my last official day in the work world. To be honest, it carried more mixed emotions that I had expected, but overall relief and excitement won out. I came home and scooped up Brighton telling him the good news, “I’m all yours, B!”. He squealed with excitement and wiggled his whole body into mine. He knows. And he whole-heartedly seconds the decision.
Some captured moments of the day (the above shot is from our walk around Mt. Airy)...
He came and conquered that big-boy highchair
The tired Birthday Girl at 7:30am…Good Morning Sunshine, chug down that coffee.
Me and my tee-tiny son. This picture cracks me up. I don’t know why, but maybe because he looks so ridiculously small next to me. Or maybe because it looks like I’m consoling a tiny little old man, not my 7 month old baby.
My new chacos from Mom & Dad trying to get worn in and bonded with their new soulmates. SO much nicer than my old ones. Matthew is horribly jealous :0)
alina said,
Happy Birthday, Amy Claire!
I am so excited for you with this transition to stay home full time! I can imagine how hard it would be, in some ways, to give up the independence of being a working woman and having a place to go to do something different than be a mother and a wife. But it is so obvious that your joy for what you gain being home has won out. Sooooo cool! Love you guys.
Alina
maryanne helms said,
Happy Birthday to you….glad to hear your enjoyed your day. I envy you being able to walk to all those places near your house. Ahhh. There are benefits to city life vs suburban life. I can tell that Brighton is thrilled to have you with him. He just looks so well-loved and happy. You guys are obviously doing a great job as parents.
Love,
Maryanne
Anne Deeb said,
first, happy b-day, a day late.
second, your entries are truely inspiring to look at life through a different lense. this month, april, our church celebrates “cultivate beauty” month where we are encouraged to do exactly what you are doing, to seek beauty in everyday, and to do something different, like take a walk, enjoy a cup of coffe and good conversation, etc. thank you for your inspiration as we kick off “cultivate beauty” month.
Mary Beth said,
Would you believe me if I said I had intentions of surprising you with a birthday card since I actually remembered your birthday after all of these years?! I’m disappointed in myself for not following through, BUT happy bday anyway. I hope that adjusting to the new job goes well. I will call you in a few years (or maybe sooner) to get advice on how to handle that career!!
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