enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

twenty-eight.

Today

Today I am 28.

Today I am writing this post from bed – on the actual day the post goes live. I wanted it to reflect the moment. This moment.

Today I am surrounded by boxes. Our house is packed up and waiting to move. I am packed up and waiting to move.

Today I am dealing with hoopla surrounding the Escrow closing. I have realized closing on a house is much like joining the circus only with less organization (on their part) and more hoops to jump through (on my part).

Today I will remind myself over and over to focus on the big picture. This hassle, these delays and this mess are so small compared to the final result. Someday, I'll look back and if not laugh, at least smile and shake my head.

Today I know we'll get there.

Today I felt baby girl roll around. I felt her kick. I felt her dance to a beat I cannot yet hear. Per usual, I teared up. It's overwhelming to feel so much love for something so tiny and for someone I have yet to know.

Today I will go to the doctor for my final appointment before we move. We'll see the baby and check her growth. My mom is with me and so today she'll see her first grandbaby and her first real ultrasound. That's pretty cool.

Today I will talk with Paul via FaceTime. This is birthday #2 in a row we've been separated by deployment. That's hard. So hard. But seeing him and hearing him makes it better. Today is another day we have to take one a time.

Today I am celebrating a birthday. I am happy to be reaching this age. I am tired and overwhelmed, but I am so looking forward to a new year. I am so looking forward to what is next.

Today I am 28.

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133 responses to “twenty-eight.”

  1. Debie Grace Avatar
    Debie Grace

    Happy birthday, Elise! Wishing you all the best in life. I wish you’ll continue to inspire us with your awesome ideas. Also, I am happy for you and your baby and Paul. Take care always 😉

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  2. elizabeth Avatar
    elizabeth

    happiest of birthdays, elise! it must be so crazy right now, especially on a birthday, but you project so much calm it’s really inspiring. hope it’s an awesome day, and the start of the best year yet! 🙂

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  3. melissa Avatar
    melissa

    Happy Sweet 28th Elise!
    Sounds like it’s off to a great start!

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  4. royela Avatar
    royela

    Happy birthday, Elise! 28 was my most favorite year and I am sure it will be just as spectacular for you: New year, new house, new baby!

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  5. Julia Avatar
    Julia

    Happy birthday! And congrats on the house. It is quite a circus. Buying our first house about a year and a half ago was enough to make me never want to do it again.

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  6. Ashley Marie Avatar
    Ashley Marie

    Happy Birthday Elise!
    Lately, a lot of you posts have been making me tear up. I am a cryer, I admit it, but something about the last few weeks posts are just so beautiful and raw.
    Also, I am excited for your mom! I thin it is a special kind of magic that she gets to see baby girl on her girl’s birthday.

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  7. Little Miss Joey Avatar
    Little Miss Joey

    Happy birthday, Elise.
    Have a lovely day with all the good things (and in spite of the hurdles…)
    🙂

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  8. Hillary Avatar
    Hillary

    Happy birthday Elise! I read your blog (and Krissy’s) with breakfast every morning, and its cool to see that you just posted this one 🙂 I hope you have a fantastic day – You deserve it!

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  9. Samantha Lee Avatar
    Samantha Lee

    Happy happy birthday! Keep your chin up and stay positive! It will all be more than worth it in the end! Have a special day!

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  10. Armalite Avatar
    Armalite

    Happy birthday to the most cheerful and inspiring person I “know”. Your 29th year is gonna rock so much 🙂

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  11. Debby S Avatar
    Debby S

    Happy birthday. Enjoying the journey is the most fun.

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  12. Jo Avatar
    Jo

    Happy birthday and hope the scan goes well. Hope you have a long chat with Paul and it makes ur birthday special. We all love you too
    Jo xxx

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  13. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    Happy Birthday Elise. All the best.

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  14. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    Another great post. You’re on a roll! Happy birthday, Elise!

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  15. sc Avatar
    sc

    happiest birthday elise!! xo

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  16. JC Avatar
    JC

    Very best wishes to you today and always, Elise!!
    wishing you a year full of beautiful moments and lasting memories!

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  17. amy tangerine Avatar
    amy tangerine

    may it be the best year yet sweetie!! you had me tearing up about your sweet bundle of joy dancing around.

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  18. jodi Avatar
    jodi

    happy, happy birthday! wishing you all the best.

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  19. Jennifer Taylor Avatar
    Jennifer Taylor

    Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day and a wonderful year, which will undoubtedly be memorable with your little bundle of joy arriving.

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  20. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Wishing you a Happy Birthday! I am sure it will be with what you have planned 🙂

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  21. ~Michelle Avatar
    ~Michelle

    I was wondering what happened when I came to your blog and saw the same post as yesterday.
    It’s silly but I was worried about you. “This is not like Elise” I thought. Where is she? In the hospital??? Did something happen? OMG IS SHE LYING DEAD IN A DITCH SOMEWHERE!?!?!?!
    Anyway I think it is lovely you did a live post on the day.
    I am moving next Friday. Sadly I have no one to help me pack so of course it is not done. This weekend Le Sigh.
    Hi Elise’s Mom!!!

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  22. ~Michelle Avatar
    ~Michelle

    PS. And happy birthday!

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  23. JillT Avatar
    JillT

    Being a mom of an adult daughter, I’m focusing more on what a blessed day mom will have. Just spending my daughter’s birthday with her would be so special. But this day will be over the top when she meets Sweet Baby Girl Cripe. I am tearing up just thinking about it. Love to you three on your special day together and huge Happy Birthday love to YOU!

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  24. Kiki Avatar
    Kiki

    Happy Birthday, Elise! I can’t imagine being away from someone I love (even though I’m single), but I’m glad you have Facetime to see one another. 🙂 You are such a strong lady, and I love hearing all about Baby Cripe!
    Oh, and your wedding(?) rings are so pretty. Love them.

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  25. Ffion Avatar
    Ffion

    Happy Birthday Elise!
    And good luck with your doctor’s appointment! I’m sure everything’ll be great!

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  26. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Happy Birthday Elise! Here’s to enjoying the adventure that you were choosen for! Hugs to you!

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  27. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    Happy Birthday!

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  28. Angie Avatar
    Angie

    Oh and there’s so much, much more to motherhood that you’re going to enjoy…
    I’m gad you’re savoring the moment. It’s so worth it.
    Happy Birthday.

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  29. lindsay Avatar
    lindsay

    happy birthday to you! keep your head up – you are making memories along this great adventure called life. enjoy your ultrasound today – what a sweet way to spend your birthday! & it’s even more special that your mom is joining you.

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  30. Deb @ PaperTurtle Avatar
    Deb @ PaperTurtle

    First, Happy Birthday, Elise!!! Second, I collect heart-shaped-rocks so I LOVE your photo. And last but not least, thank you! I often wonder if you have any idea what an inspiration you are to so many people. My daughter and I have followed your blog for a few years now, and we are both continually inspired by your organization, goal setting, and positive attitude. I know it’s not always easy, but the side you CHOOSE to show on your blog is one of strength and hope and tenacity. My daughter is 24 now, and I still remember the emotions of feeling her move inside of me – it’s something you will never forget!
    So, a very happy birthday to you, dear one. I’m wishing you love and laughter today, and a sweet time with your mom! She must be so very proud of you! xo

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  31. Melissa Sharp Avatar
    Melissa Sharp

    I was another one worried about you when there wasn’t a post first thing this morning! YOU are my first stop in my morning latte routine.
    Happy birthday, Elise!!
    Closing on a house is one of the most frustrating things. There is always a delay. And then another. And then another. Why is this? It makes no sense to me. They must deliberately wait until the last day to even look at the paperwork. Ridiculous. It’s been 7 years since our escrow and I still shake me head when I think about it. You’ve got the right attitude about it. 😉

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  32. Lindsay Avatar
    Lindsay

    Happy Birthday!!! I was thinking about you this morning when I had to say goodbye to my husband for the weekend. I’m sad he will be gone for only a few days + can’t imagine what you are going through. You have such a great outlook. Just wanted to let you know 🙂

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  33. SK Unger Avatar
    SK Unger

    Happy Birthday Elise! Wishing you blessings and strength with all that is happening in your life. I also moved, sold a place, bought a house and had my first baby at 28! Blessings and awesomeness on your day!

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  34. elizafitz Avatar
    elizafitz

    Happy birthday, Elise! 28 is a great age to be 🙂

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  35. Lourdes Avatar
    Lourdes

    Have a wonderful, magical day!

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  36. roberta Avatar
    roberta

    happy birthday! tomorrow i’m 39! i love all the moments you share and i hope this year brings many more happy moments 🙂

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  37. jessica o'brien | jessohbee Avatar
    jessica o’brien | jessohbee

    happiest, happiest birthday!!! xo

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  38. Evi Avatar
    Evi

    Happy Birthday Elise !!
    28!!! nice !! i’ll turn 28 in 19 days !!
    I follow your blog since 2 or so years and I don’t know we were born the same year !!! Nice ^^
    I wish you a very nice year with your baby, this new (YOUR) home & Paul !!
    Take care
    (and sorry for my bad language… I’m french and don’t have a perfect english !!)

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  39. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    Wishing you the happiest birthday!! xo

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  40. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    Cheers to 28! Time to start a new year in San Diego! Take your time with the move and feel the support from us in blogland 🙂

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  41. Jessie Avatar
    Jessie

    Hi Elise,
    Today I’m checking on your blog…like every day. I’m usually quite and don’t write comments…
    Today is your birthday and that’s why I think I really have to leave a comment this time…because it feels like I have known you for some time now.
    Today I want to send you some birthday wishes from Germany. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. :o)
    Today you’re 28.
    Cheers
    Jessie

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  42. a Avatar
    a

    Elise,
    Happiest of happy to you on your birthday!! (:
    P.S. You said: “Today I felt baby girl roll around. I felt her kick. I felt her dance to a beat I cannot yet hear.” <—Baby girl must be wishing her mama a Happy Birthday! (:

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  43. Pidgen Avatar
    Pidgen

    I woke up this morning with no new post from you … and then I thought, “Oh, that’s ok, I know Elise has something cool planned!” Awesome post! I teared up! Happy Birthday.
    I stil can’t get over that you’re 2 1/2 years younger than me – man, you’re are living such a full and exciting life!

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  44. Sarah Stäbler Avatar
    Sarah Stäbler

    Happy birthday, Elise! I’m sure your year will be filled with lots of wonderful things!

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  45. tate Avatar
    tate

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! what an amazing day you have ahead of you! so glad your mom is there to share it with!
    on a side not can I just say the house buying process is addicting, as much as it sucks while you do it, it seems like a week later I always want to start all over agian… its a good pain 🙂

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  46. Martina Avatar
    Martina

    Hi Elise, I found your blog through reading A Beautiful Mess and I was immediately hooked. I went all the back to your very first post and I’ve read all the way up to today! Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and best of luck with such an exciting (and stressful) time of you life 🙂

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  47. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    That is what I thought too! Best part? It was midnight! She was the first to wish me happy bday. 🙂

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  48. Carole Avatar
    Carole

    Happy Birthday, Elise. May you continue to enjoy the beauty of the rose, despite its thorns. 🙂

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  49. amanda fair Avatar
    amanda fair

    Happy, Happy Birthday!
    I totally understand on the house thing – I work as a loan processor at a Mortgage Broker’s office – have for a long time and I am constantly amazed at the hoops that we have to make people jump through. There seem to be more and more every day. BUT – soon you’ll be in your house and every single hoop will have been worth it. I can’t wait to see how you decorate!
    I hope you enjoy your day with your Mom!

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  50. Maggie Avatar
    Maggie

    Elise – happy birthday! I have enjoyed following along with you and your adventures over the last 5-6? years. I have read your blog so faithfully because you share many of the same emotions as me as well as hobbies, etc. I was pregnant with my first baby when I was 28 and it was one that I longed for before getting to that point. Your sentiments made me go back and read how I was feeling at that time. Now I am 29 and already have 2 baby girls (!!), turning 30 in a month. Anyway, the littlest is stirring now….have a great day!! – Maggie

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