What I've done.

I don't normally do these writing prompts.  But I was intrigued by this one, first, because it's 22 things you have done, and PJ was born on the 22nd, and second, because I think it's a cool thing.

So here goes.

I'm 32 years old and....

1.  I have laughed so hard I've peed in my pants.  Many times.

2.  I have realized that having a shitty childhood has propelled me into ensuring my kids' childhood is fantastic.

3.  I have married my best friend and the love of my life.

4.  I have lost a baby and experienced heartache like nothing I've ever felt before.

5.  I watched my favorite, most loved, best dog I ever had or will have die on my kitchen floor.

6.  I have walked down the beach in Maui holding hands with my husband.

7.  I have given birth to two wonderful children, and now watch two pieces of my heart walk around outside my body.

8.  I have known and continue to know what it is to have true friends.

9.  I've been choked by someone who broke into my bedroom at night.

10.  I have gone to 4 Bears games, all of which they've won (I think that's a sign).

11.  I have seen my husband become a man.  When his father died, he became a man unlike anyway he was before.  He became a rock, a symbol of strength, for his sister, his family.  As much as his heart hurts, I've never been more proud of him.

12.  I have had a child repeatedly vomit all over me and not cared at all, because all I wanted was for him to feel better.

13.  I've cried because I couldn't figure out why my baby girl was so upset when I laid her down.

14.  I've learned that losing someone unexpectedly and suddenly is terribly hard and a horrible loss, but waiting everyday for someone to die, watching them wither away, is much, much harder.

15.  I've discovered that the smile I get from PJ and Maggie when I pick them up from day care is the best part of my day. 

16.  I've seen true love in action. 

17.  I have never worn makeup in my life, except for the plays I was in in high school.

18.  I've learned to make my grandmother's and mom's gravy (spaghetti sauce for you non-Italians) but I've also always known it will NEVER taste as good as theirs.

19.   I have had part of my kidney removed due to kidney stones.  I have an eight inch scar.  Kidney stones are worse than giving birth.  I promise.

20.  I've loved with my whole heart, but I've also hated with my whole soul.

21.  I had the perfect wedding and I wouldn't change anything about it.

22.  I have made a family, out of the love I have for my husband, and he for me, and the love we have for our children.  No matter what else happens in life, I will always have my happinesses.