enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

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. Michelle Bostinelos Avatar

    Happy Birthday!! I had my first babe at 27! And now I am 35 with 3! Time flies, good for you for trying to soak it in. 28 is good. enjoy it 🙂

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  2. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    Happy Birthday!!

    Like

  3. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    Happy birthday Elise! I’m a new reader to your blog and this is my first comment! Hope you have a great birthday with baby girl!!!

    Like

  4. toni from Avatar

    Happy Birthday Elise. I hope the rest of your escrow goes smoothly. From my experience (two times) as well as everyone else I know, there is always some hoops to jump through and something always goes wrong. Unfortunately I think it is kind of the norm. Once you are in your new home though, it will not matter anymore and the rest will just be history. Congrats again and Happy, Happy Birthday!

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  5. Koko @ Koko Likes Avatar

    PROUD OF YOU! Keep your head up lady

    Like

  6. Yolanda D Avatar

    Thanks for sharing your birthday with us 🙂 It is a special one in many ways. Birthday blessings heaped upon you.

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  7. joanne p Avatar
    joanne p

    Happy birthday!!! I love reading your blog everyday. Thank u for sharing.

    Like

  8. julie Avatar

    Happy Birthday Elise!
    28 is awesome, you will love it.
    The house-buying process is…temporary! It’ll be over soon and you’ll be onto the fun part. 🙂
    J

    Like

  9. JeanD Avatar
    JeanD

    Happy birthday to you. Keep moving forward with that positive attitude 🙂

    Like

  10. Brittany Avatar
    Brittany

    Happy birthday, Elise! I delivered my firstborn just a few months after my 28th birthday. It’s going to be a fantastic year!! Glad your mom is with you. Glad you will be in the SD area; we’ve been here nearly 7 years and love it for family!! Best wishes on the transition!! xo

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  11. simplypearl Avatar

    happy birthday! hope you enjoyed your day with your mom. and welcome to san diego. it will all be worth it!

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  12. cate Avatar
    cate

    Happy birthday Elise! I hope it’s been amazing! Next year will be awesome with the three of you together celebrating! 🙂

    Like

  13. Jaque Avatar

    Happy Birthday, Elise!
    A lovely person as you deserves a wonderful life!

    Like

  14. Janna Avatar
    Janna

    happy happy HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

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  15. Leandra Avatar
    Leandra

    Happy birthday Elise, thinking of you today x

    Like

  16. Amy K Avatar
    Amy K

    Happy belated Birthday Elise! We celebrated my daughter’s 13th birthday yesterday.
    All the best to you on your closing!

    Like

  17. Caroline Avatar

    Happy Birthday Elise, I read this post with my (18 month old) baby girl on my lap as she sings ‘SeeSaw’ to me. Next birthday your baby will be on your lap too, and Paul will be with you both. Such blessings to come.

    Like

  18. Jen Wright Avatar

    Happy Birthday Elise! What a joyous day and the best present ever. There is no greater love but when she arrives you will feel even more love and wonder how can you love someone this much that you just met. It’s the greatest feeling and I’m tickled pink you had this special moment on your special day. I cannot imagine being away from my best friend/love of my life but I’m so thankful you have webcam/FaceTime to see him. Take it easy and enjoy your day as you can. You and your family are always in our prayers. Thank you for sharing this very special and exciting but difficult time in your life and allowing all of us to be a part and be there with you as support. You are truly a blessing and will already are an amazing mommy! Hugs!!!

    Like

  19. Kathy Martin Avatar

    Happy birthday! Enjoy your special day! 🙂

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  20. Marie Avatar

    Happy Birthday Elise! I wish you all the best for the future.

    Like

  21. Paula C. Avatar
    Paula C.

    Happy Birthday Elise!
    I love reading your blog and rooting for you and being excited for your pregnancy! I really admire your strength and ability to focus on the bright side which is something I am learning from you. I turned 28 while pregnant with my first (who is now 15 months old-crazy)and looking back it seemed to make the gap between 27 and 28 feel a lot bigger than it felt at the time. 28 is the year you will become a mother and for that you will never forget it.

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  22. J3SS1C4 Avatar

    Happy Birthday, Elise! I hope you have an amazing day, and that the year ahead is full of wonderful surprises! 🙂

    Like

  23. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    beautifully written, happy birthday.

    Like

  24. Jennifer Kolakowski Avatar
    Jennifer Kolakowski

    I hope it was great Elise!! Happy, happy birthday!
    Jen K.

    Like

  25. Cindee Avatar
    Cindee

    Happy birthday, it was my birthday yesterday too! Love that I share a birthday with such a creative person 🙂

    Like

  26. *Dream Weaver* Avatar

    Happy blessed birthday Elise. Just think on your 29th birthday, you will have a little baby girl and Paul to celebrate with. How awesome is that?
    God bless and Angels watch over you and your loved ones.

    Like

  27. Emily S Avatar
    Emily S

    Happy Birthday, Elise!!!

    Like

  28. Melissa Avatar

    Happy Birthday

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  29. Gabi Avatar

    Happy Birthday, Elise!

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  30. Marissa Avatar

    Happy birthday, Elise!

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  31. sanchone Avatar

    Happy Birthday Elise ! May this year bring you all happiness, small and big joys !

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  32. ester Avatar

    happy birthday!
    I turn 28 on 19th february 😉 I’m sure it is going to be a pretty cool age. Lot of kisses!

    Like

  33. Sabine Avatar

    Happy Birthday, dear Elise. My thoughts are with you and I wish, that everything will go smoothly in the new year for you – the move, the birth. And that it will be one of your happiest years.

    Like

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