Dear Elsie Jane,

Today is my half birthday. It's really meaningless, but it's fun to say. Today, I am 30 and one half years old. When I was in college, I had a friend whose birthday was today and we would always ruin each other's birthdays for each other by saying, "Hey, it's my half birthday, too!"

I think the idea of the half birthday started in my family to celebrate Aunt Julie's birthday, which was in October. Since all the rest of us had summer birthdays, when we would visit family and celebrate together, Julie started getting to celebrate hers early with the extended family. I didn't actually start thinking about my half birthday until was in college and met the aforementioned friend.

I know that was a random thought for today, so let me tell you that I hope you are able to celebrate even the littlest occasions with your friends and family when you are older.

I love you.

Besos,
Mom