Oh, Hey 25

Y’all, today I am 25. That feels SO weird, and I am not gonna lie, this is the first birthday I have ever semi-dreaded.

Side note: I also had to think really hard about how to skip when Hannah told me to skip for this photo. That’s depressing and definitely ages me.

I guess turning 25 makes it official that I am not just a carefree young twenty-something anymore? I am officially knee-deep into being a mid-twenty-something.. gasp! Haha. Maybe it’s because I only have one more year left with double insurance because I am also on my parent’s but only until 26? Maybe it’s because I legit don’t understand what half our students are saying, and they have to explain to me the latest lingo. Dear Lord, I am becoming my mother! Maybe it’s because, straight up, I have had to start using anti-wrinkle cream and stretch mark preventatives… haha. Keeping it real, y’all.

But, whatever the reason- a combination of all of the above- the thought of 25 has been a scary birthday to me.

Well, that is until about 3 months ago…

Up until 3 months ago, I felt like 25 was just bringing another year of some uncertainty, busyness, and saving every dollar possible to put toward a home- all done now with the title “Quarter of a Century” under my belt. And, although 25 will certainly still be this in every regard, it’s also on track to be the most purposeful year I have ever had in my life. As of three months ago, my job title, my goals, my role for the coming year… it’s all changing in year 25 and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The dread I once felt has turned into overwhelming excitement.

I always knew in theory one day I would carry the title “mommy”, but I had no clue when it would happen. I definitely wondered if it would ever click for me and how old I would be when I wanted to become a mom. But, I couldn’t honestly have knit together a more perfect time for Paul and I to become parents than this exact time in life. So much is still unknown, of course every penny still counts, and we have nothing but EVERYTHING to learn about kids and parenting, but on the same token, so many puzzle pieces have worked themselves out over the course of the last year. I truly believe it’s all led to this.

This week we had so many plans change, but now four days later, it’s all shaking out to be perfect. I am honestly just in shock what a difference there is in our plans for life we had last week vs. this week. Life changes, but it’s always good.

Of course it is though, God is moving.

So sure, 25 might bring a whole lot more sleepless nights than college did, a lot more laundry and spit up on my tee shirt I have likely worn three days in a row, and feeling a tad frazzled at [all] times… but I am going to be a mom and I wouldn’t want to welcome a quarter of a century any other way. I am also entering into 25 as a home owner- that’s freaking exciting. The Lord’s hand has been so gracious and sweet to us this past week.

So today, I celebrate 25. And I mean genuinely celebrate it. I feel like more than ever before, more than any other stage of life, I am looking forward to the year to come with anticipation and uncontrollable giddiness. 25, I think you might be my favorite year to date, and I am sorry I ever thought any different.

I kicked off my birthday celebrations yesterday with my first facial ever, and I am sorry to say I haven’t done them more! I will definitely be adding that to my regimen. Today, I am getting a massage and my nails done, letting Paul cook, and starting to pack… because we are moving, and SOON. It’s such a good day, and I am thankful to celebrate with y’all!

xoxo- Han

All photos by Cottonwood Road Photography for The Cake by Hannah

This dress is sold out now, but it’s from Ashley Lemieux and there are a ton of similar options!