34 & 35

Both Allen and I celebrate our birthdays in November. Al turned 34 on the 18th. We made him a huge breakfast, gave him some gifts and sent him off to work (oh the glamour). Addie and I met him for lunch at 5 Guys that day and then we had a fun birthday dinner when he got home. I keep thinking he'll change up what he wants for his birthday dinner but I've made the same meal for about the last 5 years: Chicken Cordon Bleu (homemade), garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli and chocolate eclair cake. It was delish and I love how much he appreciates a home cooked meal. We were also able to go out for his birthday dinner the following weekend on our date. For his birthday this year Allen asked for a new stereo for his car. He really wanted something that could incorporate his iPod into his system. Needless to say, he did his own shopping for his gift this year since this was completely out of my league! He also got some new shoes from my parents and his mom sent him money that we used to go to lunch.

Best dad ever! This pic was the best of the bunch that I took. M was just coming home from dance, Addie was already in her jammies and C was being his normal crazy self!

I turned 35 on the 29th - the day after we got home from our Thanksgiving trip. As with most birthdays at this age, it was filled with normal mom stuff. Running the carpool, getting groceries, doing laundry, unpacking, etc. I did hear from lots of my family/friends that day and was able to go to lunch with several local friends later in the week. My family spoiled me rotten. Allen sent me 35 roses, along with a card listing his top 35 reasons for loving me. It was very sweet. He brought me 25 red roses 10 years ago on my 25th birthday, which was our first birthday together. I love the tradition of it!

He also got me tickets to see Wicked when it comes to ABQ in January (one last hurrah before we have a new baby!) and we went to my favorite fish taco joint for dinner. Al's mom sent me a cute maternity top and my parents bought me a pair of PERFECT lanterns that are currently filled with Christmas balls (I have been looking for the perfect style/size for at least 2 years and finally found exactly what I wanted and they were kind enough to get them for my bday!) It was a great birthday despite being in a bit of denial that I'm officially in my mid thirties. I wasn't having too many issues with it until my OB gave me a packet of information about menopause at my last appointment. ACK!!! Thanks for all the kind birthday wishes (via blog, phone, email, facebook, text, etc.)