26

We are celebrating a little birthday this weekend in the Phelps house, and it just so happens to be mine! My birthday is on Valentine's Day, and personally, I've always really loved that. Growing up in school, we always had class parties on our birthday. When it came to the point in our lives where Valentine's Day doubled as "Singles Awareness Day", it never affected us because we got to celebrate our birthday regardless. I say "our" since I have a twin sister who also happens to be celebrating a little birthday this weekend. Funny how that works out. Anyway, we love having a birthday on Valentine's Day!
This year I will be 26 years old, and that's just a tad scary and ridiculous to me. I'm not sure when I grew up to this person who is closer to 30 than she is 20, but I'm working on figuring it out. It is a little crazy to me that I am entering my late twenties, but each age and stage of life brings so many new blessings. 
26 is a little tough because I was supposed to celebrate with a 7.5 month baby bump. I was supposed to become a mother at 26, but in reality, I became a mother at 25, and I know that. Honestly, I look at my life and where I am now, and I am so extremely grateful. Through the ups and the downs, it's been a beautiful life, and I can't wait to see what is in store for year 26. 
Since being a grown up means foregoing the class Valentine's Day parties, I am pretty tickled that my birthday falls on a weekend this year! I am looking forward to spending it with my little family and in spirit with my twin and family. I also look forward to eating all the things. Let's face it, when it's your birthday, it's acceptable to eat until your little heart is content. Thank you Lord for a birthday on a day centered around chocolate. Winning. If you need me, I'll look something like this:

Special shoutout to this best friend, soul mate, and partner in crime of mine. It wouldn't be my birthday if I didn't get to share it with you. Thank you for being one of the greatest blessings of my life. Cheers to 26 years of having the same face and many more to come!

I came home last night to this little display. That husband is a keeper. He learned long ago that the way to my heart is through my stomach. Well done, hubs. Well done.