Welcome!

Last Friday, August 29th, I turned 27. I think that officially puts me in my “late twenties.” On the same day, Michael Jackson turned 50 and John McCain turned 72, so clearly it was a monumental alignment of the stars.

Since a birthday is the ultimate “New Year” and sign of new beginnings, I’ve decided to start this blog to record the simple life I am so lucky to be living. I have been blessed beyond anything I could have ever hoped for. Somehow the angst ridden cynicism I suffered through in the prolonged adolescence of my early twenties has miraculously disappeared over the past couple of years, and things have (shocker!) worked out. I no longer operate under the dangerous and false assumption that life has to be full of reckless adventure, pain, and pathos to be interesting and meaningful. I no longer feel the pressure to go out and find myself. Here I am and my happiness and peace are derived from the small everyday blessings that comprise my daily life.

This past Valentine’s Day was the most important day of my life. My daughter, Katie Mae, was born and she has given me purpose and meaning in a way I could have never imagined. All the clichés and hackneyed phrases about motherhood come nowhere near describing the all-encompassing, unconditional love I now know exists. In a strange way, the birth of my daughter strengthened and solidified the other relationships in my life as well. I never knew how much my own parents loved me until I looked into the eyes of my daughter. While my faith may never again correspond to the rigid structures of my fundamentalist Christian upbringing, looking at the amazing growth and transformation of my daughter has reaffirmed my belief in a higher power out there somewhere, however undefined.

These past six (almost seven!) months have been so amazing and inspiring that the entire 26 years and six months before seem a blur in comparison. Katie Mae changes daily. Sometimes it seems hourly! Flickers of understanding and small gestures of communication and independence send me into raptures!

People warned me that time really starts going fast after you have kids. Of course, I scoffed at the time, but it's so true. Today's experiences are tomorrow's memories. This blog is my attempt to record this wonderful whirlwind and maybe meet some interesting folks along the way.

Welcome!