Reflections on "The Big 3-0"

"If at age 20 you are not a Communist then you have no heart. If at age 30 you are not a Capitalist then you have no brains." (George Bernard Shaw)

First of all, a big thanks to all who wished me a Happy Birthday yesterday - it was indeed the beginning of a new era as I moved from my 20s to the 30s, and I felt very loved an appreciated throughout the day. I can't say that I feel much different today than I did yesterday: I'm still tired from middle-of-the-night feedings, I'm still sore from a gym workout, and - would you believe it! - the sun still rose today (I'm assuming this is the case - it's dreary and overcast here in Nashville today, so I can't actually see the sun...).

I haven't really had much time to stop and reflect on what it means to be 30 (so maybe the title of this post is slightly misleading). And honestly, I don't think it's really going to happen. This wasn't a huge deal for me - life goes on, we get older, we deal with it and enjoy the moments and the people around us. Does my life at 30 look like I thought it would? Heck no! But I'm quite thankful it looks like it does. I have a warm place to call home, a beautiful wife, a new son, and a family that loves me. What more can a man ask for??

Nothing at all... except a nap. Sorry - I'm shutting this down before I REALLY start blabbering and embarrass myself (ask Erin - the number of instances of me talking in my sleep since we've brought Liam home from the hospital has increased dramatically... I'm blaming it on sleep deprivation). If you would have asked me this time last year whether I thought I would be a father before I turned 30, I would have laughed and said, "It's not looking likely, is it?"

Well, fatherhood is here... and it's time to sleep on it.

Comments

[Rose]

I'm glad you don't feel any older.:) (who does on their Birthday?)lol.Hope you get more hours of sleep.:)

[Jen de Jong]

happy belated b-day from one sleep-deprived new parent to another! wow! i can't believe you're 30! seems like it was yesterday when i met you and the guys...where has the time gone????

[bg]

Just wait until you're looking 50 square in the eye and your mind still thinks you can do the things you did when you were in your 20's. You'll really hear from your body then! The soreness from the gym no longer visits - it takes up residence :-) Happy Birthday, it really gets better in spite of it all.

[Carstairs38]

Wow, I haven't checked in for a few weeks, and look at all I missed. Congrats on the birth of your son, happy birthday, and I'll be praying for you.

Mark

[Melanie]

Sleeping on "it" is a good idea when you are a new dad. Fortunately the middle of the night feedings don't last forever. IT's a good thing to remember when you just don't think you can do it another night.
And I firmly believe sleep deprivation is most definitely a factor. :)

Glad you felt loved and appreciated, because you are. :)

[Gina]

Welcome to your 30's, friend :-) Have any advice for those of us who are struggling through the early 20's? (seriously... 20-25 seems more confusing than 13-18 ever did...)

Hope you got some sleep :-)