It’s the Dawsons!

That’s right. I officially turned the big 3-0 on May 9th.  Every year on my birthday people ask me, “Do you feel a year older?”  The answer is always, “No.” But this year, I can honestly say I do feel older…maybe more mature, more responsible…basically, a mom.

Homer and I had agreed early on that we weren’t going to do anything “big” for my 30th since things are a bit busy these days. Plus, I feel somewhat like a bad mom having more than one drink when my infant daughter is at home.   Homer told me we were going out to dinner at Louise’s in downtown Milwaukee. He’d gotten my parents to come down to babysit.  We’d do it up big for my 31st, he said.

So, the entire day I was planning on a 7:30 dinner with my husband. 

We got dressed up (which these days for me means jeans, heels and lipstick), kissed Elliott goodbye, and headed downtown.

We walked into Louise’s.  Homer told the hostess, “Reservation for Dawson,” and she led us into the back dining room.  Then, I heard it…

SURPRISE!

That’s right!  My wonderful husband planned a surprise birthday party for me!  That sneaky, sneaky and amazing guy…

It was perfect. Around 15 of our closest friends–including my close friends Candi and Robbie from Tennessee and Mark and Leslie from Madison. 

It was truly a surprise. And it was wonderful. It was the first time since having Elliott that I felt like my old self…an improved version…but still like my old self. I loved having my friends there.  That night was more special to me than I can tell you. It was exactly what I needed.

And, like I said, it was a successful surprise.

But, I must admit, there were a few things that made me a bit suspicious that something could be going on….

1. Candi  and Robbie were at our house earlier in the day and she said that they got a babysitter for their daughter that night so the two of them could go to dinner.  Hmmmm….could they be meeting us for dinner?

2. Neither Brad nor Erin called to wish me a happy birthday during the day.  Very unlike them. Could we be meeting them at night?

3. Hair and Body Solutions almost gave it away. (Thankfully I wasn’t bright enough to catch on.) Quick story:  That day I received an envelope in the mail from H&BS with a gift card fora spa pedicure. It said, “To Kari,” but didn’t name the sender anywhere.  So, I called HB&S to find out who very kindly sent it to me.  The receptionist remembered taking the call. It was from a friend of mine, she said.  And then she added, “Oh, is it for the party?”  My reply, “Um, no…but it’s my birthday today so it was probably sent for my birthday.”  End of the story–they had no idea who sent it.  But, Homer did. It was my wonderful friend, Sara.  Homer is still not sure why he just didn’t tell me right away that the card was from Sara….

Anyway, it was a great night. After dinner, the majority of us headed to Centanni, the piano bar where my cousin Chad is the head bartender. We had a blast.

But, a few martinis and shots later, it was time to return home to Elliott by midnight.  Ah, life changes when you have a baby….

But what a great birthday. THANK YOU to everyone (especially Homer) who helped make it so special for me.

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