Time out

Guess what Sunday was? My birthday. That’s right—the day of my birth. The big 2-7.

The crazy part? I almost forgot about it. It wasn’t until my sweet mom told me to be on the lookout for a package that I even gave it a second thought. I immediately thought she was referring to a present for Braxton. “What did you get him?” I asked. “It’s not for Braxton,” she replied. “Somebody has a birthday coming up.”

Oh yeah! I do. I have been in Babyland for so long that I almost completely forgot about my special day. And that is super against the rules in our house. Birthdays are a very big deal and we like to celebrate them as long and as grand as possible. I could have been milking this thing all week. Can you imagine being able to throw up the “But I’m pregnant” and “It’s my birthday” cards all in the same week. I wouldn’t have had to do a thing.

I was born on December 18, 1984, 7:32 a.m., in only four hours, start to finish (fingers crossed that the timeline is the same in my delivery of Braxton). In honor of that extra special day, let’s take a little time out to reflect on all the things that I have come to love in my time on this Earth. And by reflect, I mean, let’s take one of those fun little “about me” quizzes.

1. Who was the last person you couldn't take your eyes off of?
My baby! I could stare at Braxton’s ultrasound pictures all day long. I can’t wait until he’s really here and in better focus.

2. Have you ever cried during a movie?
Absolutely. Hysterical sobs are my specialty! When haven't I cried during a movie should be the real question.

3. Have you ever danced in the rain?
Not yet. But, in 7th grade I did wash my hair in the rain when my best friend insisted it would make our hair shine. (The funny part is, I think it worked!)

4. What is your favorite sport?
Surfing. I didn't grow up by the ocean but I have been drawn to it since I was a child. I can watch people surf for hours.

5. Is there anything that you've done, that you regret?
Oh, Yes! I try not to think of those moments as regrets but more like learning experiences.

6. Who do you have a crush on?
My husband (and Bradley Cooper!)

7. What are you afraid of?
Spiders. Gross. Spiders, definitely. And Labor!

8. Do you have any children?
I have one little guy on the way!

9. What is your first thought when you wake up in the morning?
“Prenatal vitamins … do not let me forget to take my prenatals.”

10. What is something that would surprise people about you?
I am a huge college football fan—as in the throwing-my-soda-shouting-at-the-refs kind. I went to the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!) where football gets ingrained in your spirit. There’s nothing like game day.

11. Do you play any instruments?
I can play the flute and the baritone! I also have a fiddle but wouldn't quite say that I can play it yet!

12. Who makes you laugh?
My husband makes me laugh every single day. And the hilarious editors at PNMAG! There is never a dull moment if they’re around.

13. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
Nicholas Kristoff, my favorite journalist, I would ask him one million questions.

14. What's your favorite coffee?
I love a good caramel macchiato! It’s the one thing I really miss during pregnancy.

15. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Morning person definitely! I can buzz around all morning but I get grumpy and exhausted by 8 p.m.!

16. What is your favorite book?
I hate this question because I have so many favorites. (As I Lay Dying, The Giver, Mama Day, Leaves of Grass) I will say that there was a book that changed my life when I was little. “Where The Red Fern Grows” was the first book that I couldn't put down. I cried for hours after I read that book. That's the moment I knew books could touch your soul. It was the first moment I knew words would always play a role in my life.

17. Do you have a collection of anything?
Does stationery count? I am out of control when it comes to paper products.

18. What is one word that can transform our lives?
Hope.

19. Have you ever done something adventurous?
I went swimming with sharks in Florida. That was pretty adventurous.

20. What is your favorite song?
Again, too many to list. I will say that right now, I loooove anything by The Band Perry. That band is going to take over Nashville. I'm just sayin'.

21. Do you have any pets?
I have a rambunctious little terrier mix named CiCi! He is so cute but quite frankly, a little crazy.

22. What is your favorite part about life?
The little things. (Saturday morning pancakes, dancing with my husband, dinner with my girlfriends, sunshine, long runs with my iPod, chirping birds, baking, my tea kettle, church on Sundays, reading, little babies)

23. What is something you are excited about in the new year?
I can’t wait to be a mama. I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for Braxton and the fact that he is almost here is exciting and miraculous. I can’t wait to teach him everything about life.

24. Who is your role model?
My mother. She is my light and my whole world. I wouldn't be who I am today without her love and guidance. She is so classy and so brilliant. I admire everything she does. I hope I can be as good of a mom as she is.

25. Are you the same person now that you were when you were five?
Well, I'm taller. No, I think I am absolutely that same little brown-eyed diva. I was a cool five-year-old. I loved nail polish, I talked a lot and I danced around the kitchen. I mostly just wanted to have fun. I think you could say exactly the same of me today.

Lots of love,

Tracy