Day #365 - Charlie

**Note: These posts have been written in advance to prepare for the Little Guy’s arrival. He very well could be here by the time this posts, but at the time of writing, he’s still kicking away in my belly, telling me he’s ready for dinner.**

Well, here we are. I picked the first person and let the random number generator do the rest. But I’m picking the last day. Because these were 364 people who have been along for the ride in my first 30 years, and the little guy, well, he’ll undoubtedly be my life for the next 30 years.

Ken and I were married for more than seven years when we decided to have a baby. When the baby boy arrives, we’ll have almost been married for eight and a half years, and known each other for a decade. We have a very happy, healthy, little life. Good jobs, a nice home, great families. This baby is not the case of something missing from our lives, but rather the idea of making something great even greater.

When the pregnancy test turned positive, I was hesitant. We didn’t really celebrate, because we had an early miscarriage earlier in the year. I didn’t want to celebrate until I knew you were real, that you were growing and thriving. I was so scared to lose you. There were a few times there where we thought we were. But you fought and you grew strong. And now we can’t wait to celebrate your arrival.

Neither of us know what this next chapter will be like. I can read parenting books until my eyes are bleary and the night turns to day. I hope baby boy is patient with us because we are figuring this out as we go. We will love him. Unconditionally. And that’s the best we can offer. But it’s a good offer.

I remember when we started talking about having a baby, I asked Ken why he thought we should add another person to the world. He said something like, “I know that I won’t find the cure for cancer or AIDS, and that I might not change the world, but this little person, they could.”

No pressure, right? Don’t worry, little man, we don’t expect you to find the key to ending world hunger. We will be happy if you live a good, productive life and add something to society, even if it’s simply being a friend, a father, a husband. Because really, the 364 people I’ve talked about here – they were all someone, at least to me. And they always will be.

The end.

Comments

[Nancy]

What a beautiful year it has been and what a beautiful way to end it. I'm honored to have been along for part of the ride.

[Heather M.]

beautifully written, laura! i love the last bit your wrote - so true.

"To the world you may be just one person; but to one person you may be the world."

congrats on finishing this amazing project! i've enjoyed reading it.

[MOM]

What a year is right....so many changes, so many wonderful people who have been a part of your life.

But this is not "the end"...it is just the beginning.

L,M

[Kasey Laughlin]

Love it! :) Happy 30th!!!!

[Laura]

Happy Birthday Laura!!!! I have so enjoyed reading your about your 365 people. Little Charlie was the perfect way to begin the next 30 years. Enjoy them as they will most definitely pass by faster than the first 30.

[Molly]

Laura, happy birthday! It was so fun reading this blog...now what am I going to read everyday....I am dying to meet Charlie, he is the cutest "little man" I have ever seen. I am so happy for you and Ken! Love you! -Molly

[tami]

Happy Birthday. Although it wasn't planned to have Charlie here for your birthday I am glad he is to share your special day.

[Jess]

I follow your blog reguarly Laura, and I have to say this is a fantastic idea. Thanks for sharing your stories and your sense of humor. Happy Birthday!

[Melissa]

Oh, I'm practically sobbing at work! Your words are so well written, beautiful and well chosen. I know we've never met, and probably never will, and I've been a follower of your blog for only a short time, but I am SO HAPPY for you and Ken and Charmer and Charlie. It is so wonderful to see someone truly enjoying a very happy life. Happy, happy birthday to you and many happy returns. How exciting that Charlie is there to share it with you! (I had my first baby when I was 30 too!) Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. We eagerly await tales of your adventures with the little man.

[Becky Trump]

Wow.
You are an amazing writer. I know I've said that many times before, but I am amazed.
This is so precious and is just a great concept! 30+ years from now this will be such a gift to have.
So inspiring, my friend.
:)
Hugs and Happy Birthday!

[lauren]

happiest birthday wishes, laura!
may you hold all you could wish for right in your arms, fill your stomach with all it craves and fill your heart with all the love it desires - today and always.
best to you!
*

[LesserlieLou]

Laura, we have never met, but I have read both of your blogs for a long time. I just wanted to write today that I have been completely touched by your 365 days to 30 project. This is quite an accomplishment. It's amazing and wonderful. Such a keepsake for you forever. I have just been so impressed. I want you to know that I think you are going to be a wonderful mother. I'm so happy for you . . . Happy Birthday!

[Steph H]

I hope you make this into a book friend.
Happiest of birthdays to you.

[kah-mei]

This has been the best project ever. So proud of you, and happy for you, Ken, Charmer and Charlie too. Have a happy, happy birthday.
Love you lots.

[Jodie]

Happy Birthday Laura. And thank you for sharing little bits of your life and "those you know" over the past year.

[Barbara]

Thanks for entertaining me for the past school year during my "technology classes". Have a wonderful birthday and congratulations on completing such an awesome project.

[Cameron]

It has been so much fun reading your blog! And what an amazing way to begin a new chapter in your life. I am honor to have been part of it, friend. To one of my oldest and dearest friends, I wish you a very happy 30th birthday with many more to come!

[Carrie]

Thanks for taking the time to do this all year! What a treat it has been to read. Such a cool concept.

And most importantly...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)

[heidi]

What a great 'end' to your year long celebration -- Happy Birthday :)

[sarah]

these posts were AMAZING...
i've read them all, although i'm not sure i've commented before now (i'm bad about that...). i just wanted to say three things:
happy birthday :)
i love this idea SO much. i'll have to try and remember this for a milestone bday someday.
AND...
i love that your first post was your dear pop-pop and your last was his sweet namesake.
so very perfect.

[heather]

This is hands down one of the best blogs I've ever had the priviledge to read. I started something like this on paper several years ago, but with a 6 month old it didn't get very far. You have inspired me to try again. I now have a 4 year old and a 2 month old, so it may be S-L-O-W going, but maybe one a moth for the next 365 months. :-)

Thanks!