It feels like a lifetime has passed since I turned 30 last summer. I now have a laughing, loving, drooling bundle of joy that I adore more than I could have ever imagined. My dream job turned out to be less than a dream, and my company turned out to have less than interest in the community I was representing than expected. I have a new apartment in a new city and a new lease on life, plus as of today, I’m a whole year older. Geez that’s a lot of change right?

But still, I’ve always believed that everything in life happens for a reason and what’s going to be will be. Whether it’s  my Catholic upbringing or the unyielding faith that was instilled in me as a child, I took every change in stride. Maybe it was the hormones too though because I was surprisingly calm when I got the call two days postpartum letting me know that my community publication was on the chopping block. Yeah, kind of crazy week altogether.

After everything though, waking up today next to my baby girl could not have been more perfect. I can’t imagine a better way to wake up on my 31st birthday. Her morning conversations and long winded giggles are a constant reminder of just how beautiful life can be, and spending the day with her was just the cherry on top of my non-dairy cake.

Maybe it’s the babe or maybe it’s the age, but I have never been more focused or sure of what matters to me or where I want to be. So happy birthday to me, 31 – bring it on.