Growing Up. 23.

23 man. It's great. For some odd reason, I've always had this interpretation of 23 being the turning point into "real" adulthood. Even if it's a small step. I felt a sense of growing up on my actual birthday day. You know when you feel like you're already year older a month before your birthday? Or sometimes it takes months to feel that, yes, you've aged another year. Perhaps I felt like 22 was good to me, but I was ready to take on more responsibility. Now that I think about it, my last year was a platform for change. And turning 22 came with a lot of changes. Moving out of state and away from the college scene, having a more dedicated calling at church, getting pregnant and preparing to be a mother! I was just trying to get used to my very new life. Honestly, I wasn't quite as prepared to go through change a year ago from now. I was ready! Not so much prepared. (Except for having a baby. I wanted that so bad!) But it is different now. I have had my year to ease myself into change, and I was ready to grow up and feel grown up on my birthday. The only other time I have experienced that was probably when I turned 18. I wish I could read back on my feelings about it, but sadly I lost my journal! Someone somewhere is probably reading the rantings of an 18 year old girl of boys and whatnot. Haaaaa. 

With all my talk of "growing up" and "maturity",  I know that I am totally a kid at heart. I am still on the young side and I know that. I don't feel bad for allowing my spontaneity to sick around. But then again...I don't think that will ever change. *wink

So yes, turning 23 was fun. And these is what I woke up to. 

I love Steve's suprises. 

Ta-da! I think turning a year older and feeling different, led me to want to look different too....and I changed my look! I actually love it. I think it really fits me. I didn't tell anyone. It was like a fun secret that I kept to myself for a couple hours until Steve came home. I thought I was so clever to surprise him like that, since he is usually the one to surprise me!  

My self papmering didn't stop there! 

Okay soooo cute. Abby left some treats on my door when I got home from the salon! Valentines day donuts! 

And these are the cards from Wyatt, Weston, and Lola! SO cute! I'm suprised I didn't see "Clumsy Lexi" on Wyatts card. Haha!

When Steve came home from work he ran upstairs to my haircut surprise! I attempted to get his reaction. And he brought me home flowers! Awwwww what a guy!

Family dinner at Qdoba! 

It's SO weird to have a day where I'm the only one celebrating for. I'm missing someone!!!!

I may have started this idea, but Steve came up with the rest. He wanted to take me shopping to get some new clothes! My body is different now after having a baby, and I have had trouble feeling comfortable and happy in my pre-baby clothes. It just makes you feel better when you have clothes that fit you right. I know how much he hates to shop with me, because I'm a browser. I love love shopping! But he was happy and excited to spend some time with me, no matter the activity. He put up a good face at least haha! 

One happy birthday girl. 

Uh oh. He wore out fast. 

And we ended the night with some facetime with the other birthday girl! Kind of horrifying seeing ourselves like this huh Ash. Yeah uh huh, we're real grown up here aren't we :)