27.

via Instagram @whitneynewby

 Over my birthday dinner last night, Shawn asked me to list my top three moments from my 26th year.

"That's easy," I said, remembering what a packed year 2012 was for me. "Getting my nursing degree, starting my first hospital job, and having a baby."

"I don't think those are really your favorites," he said confidently. (He knows me too well.)

So I started over.

"Finding out we were having a baby. Spending 9 months with just me and him, talking to him and singing hymns to him. Seeing his face for the first time when you laid him on my chest." As I said those things, tears came to my eyes. Because it's all true. I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but never had a clue how much I would adore being his mom. And those moments last year were too precious for words.

Needless to say, we missed our little guy yesterday as we ventured to Chicago, but we savored the uninterrupted time together, the incredible food, and the sweet friends we saw.

What a blessing to have been given another year. This past year was pretty big. This next year has a lot of potential (and a lot of unspoken hopes and prayers). Thank you for all your sweet birthday messages. Your constant encouragement is such a gift.



PS - It's hard for me to believe that this was my 6th birthday to spend with Shawn! My 21st was before we were dating, and Ilene reminded me of this picture taken during our fun trip to New York that year... Time flies.