And another milestone passed…I'm 34 today. I think I'm at the beginning of that time where birthdays start to blend together a bit, and it will probably stay that way until I hit another decade. I'm also waiting for that dread of birthday feeling to start. Most folks I know who have hit it have either seen 30 as cause for jubilation or depression, and as with most things, I found myself on a middle path about it—it was definitely a marker into full adulthood, but not a lot more. Maybe 40 will end up being the big one for me.

One thing is definitely cool this year, and that's getting to spend the birthday with my family. It's the first time in nine years we've all been in the same place. Even though we probably won't all be getting together at the same time, it's nice to feel the vibe so close, especially with all the joy already surrounding Danielle's birth. I'll finally have someone in the family to do joint birthdays with!