By the time we reach 40, we have made so many choices in life that this milestone year takes on many different meanings to each and every one of us.

Sadly I’ve seen some of my friend wake up and realize they don’t like the person next to them. I’ve also seen people look around and see they haven’t achieved what they had hoped for at this time.

Happily I’ve also seen people look around and realize they are exactly where they had hoped to be in life.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I had no idea I’d be where I am today, and I am very happy that its turned out this way.

But this year is not without some sad realizations about my life. Like my haggard body.

I’ve spend a lot of time in a boot. First my right ankle for a stress fracture, then my left for a broken toe.

Recently I started wearing this…

There is a tendon on my wrist that pops out so far there is a bump. I was telling my friend Ian about it the other day and he said there is an actual name for it, De Quervain’s Tendinitis, also known as “Mommy Thumb” or “New Mom Syndrome”.

Carrying all these kids around is taking its toll on my body.

The work is very physical at this age. At any given time I could have a fat lip from a baby banging his head against me, or a bump on my head from a flying toy. I always have random bruises I can’t explain.

Lately I’ve been scared to lay on the floor for fear the kids will overtake me.

And sadly, as I grapple with may own fragility, I have a real sense that these little incidents can easily turn into something big that will effect me for months.