The Big 3-1

Yesterday was my thirty-first birthday. Many of you already know, I am all about my birthday.  I mention it repeatedly to my students, so much so that by the time the big day comes around my students can say my mantra - "My birthday's November 18th, I like chocolate chip cookies, Three Musketeers, and Kit-Kat bars."  (I told my students they didn't have to come to school on my birthday.  A few of them really thought I was giving them the day off.  Then a few of their classmates pointed out that my birthday was probably on a Saturday or Sunday).  My enthusiasm hasn't really waned in all these years but today certainly felt different.  I am fairly certain it isn't the age, I don't feel terribly old turning 31.  It wasn't the lack of celebration - Nick and I went out to dinner the night before (just us thanks to a visit from my mother-in-law to babysit Lilly) and I had cards and a present waiting for me after sleeping in.  As I've been thinking about it the past 24 hours, I think it is the fact that Nick had to grade organic chemistry exams all day, we went TV shopping (we're entering the world of flat screen TVs people - look out!), and I went to the school play - not much different than a regular weekend day.  (Not that we TV shop every weekend, but the errand running aspect of shopping for a TV).

While Nick and I didn't spend much of the day together, I did share my special day with my little one.  Lilly and I headed to the park to tire her out, get some fresh air, and give Nick time to focus on grading Organic Chemistry exams.  Here are some photos:

That goofy tongue!

Loving the swing!

Driving the purple police car.

Watching cars go by on Vaughn Ave.

Making goofy faces while swinging!

Today I got loads of attention at school, including a batch of chocolate chip cookies from one of my colleagues, tons of birthday greetings from my students, a pumpkin spice bar from one student, a great hand-knit scarf by my friend Katie, and these lovely flowers from the English department.