Last night I had a major case of the hiccups. I felt like a little kid, and it got to the point I was laughing about it quite a bit. I was sitting on the couch with nothing to do but listen to my hiccups (hubby was programming the new universal remote… bo-ring…), so I started to play on the couch like I used to when I was a kid. I sat up on my feet and leaned my head back until I was leaning way over the back of the couch. I got my hands to the ground, but I couldn’t quite manage to kick my feet over. I wanted to end up standing behind the couch. I found my way back up to sitting, and sat there laughing for a while. It was such fun, and woke up my muscle memory from childhood! Of course I had to do it again.

Eventually – after a few tries – I found my way over the back of the couch and made it to my feet. It was like I was a kid again – flipping over the couch, laughing, and just entertaining myself when there’s nothing better to do. So I did it a few more times. No way am I old, right?!

Well, this morning, I came out from my bedroom – a little more stiff-in-the-back than usual – and saw empty suitcases all over the living room floor from our trip to the Midwest last week. I decided by golly, it’s time to put these things away. They belong in the attic, so up I went. And as I twisted to put one of the suitcases in it’s place, my back began to yell at me. Bummer.

So that got me thinking. Am I really half-way to 70?  Maybe I am in the mathematical sense, but I’m certainly not “old.” I’m convinced my back is yelling at me because it was a little worn out after all of the back-couch-walkovers and crazy tricks yesterday. After all the fun I had, I’ve decided to do more of that fun stuff and just get my body used to it again. I won’t back down! I’m a kid at heart anyway. I’d say a reminder to stay fun and playful is an awesome birthday gift! Happy Birthday, Me!

What have you done to make you feel like a kid again? Type your comment below!

You might recognize this cute face; I used to get a whole lot of personality from her, but things have changed. I love this expression – it’s very natural, and what I see in her. But it’s not so easy to get the variety and the exuberance that exploded from her as a toddler. We’ve reached the frozen grin stage. I knew it would come – and it will come to your family if it hasn’t already! It wouldn’t bother me much, except that it means she’s a big kid now!!! NOOOO!!!! I think one of my challenges for April will be to get a big expression from her and post it for all to see.

What I love so much about my job is that I’m going through the stages of parenting myself. I really relate to my clients because I know what it’s all about. I understand the joy and the frustrations. Most of all, I understand what a precious thing it is to capture that beautiful essence that we see in our children every day.