Twenty-Six

Today I turn 26. Six months pregnant with baby number two, standing in our kitchen that still smells faintly of the birthday pancakes Marcus made this morning (Sophie ‘helped’ which means there’s flour in places flour should never be).

Twenty-Six

At 21, the pregnancy was a surprise. I remember staring at that test thinking my life was over, then realizing it was actually just beginning. This time we planned it. We talked about timing, about Sophie needing a sibling, about wanting them close in age. We were responsible adults making responsible decisions.

Plans are somehow scarier than surprises. With Sophie, I had no choice but to figure it out as I went. This time I know exactly what’s coming - the sleepless nights, the overwhelming love, the way your heart walks around outside your body. I know how hard it is, which makes the wanting it again feel both brave and completely insane.

Six more weeks until we find out if Sophie gets her wish for a baby brother. Either way, 26 is going to be the year everything changes again. I can’t wait to meet this little person who’s been kicking me awake at 3 AM like they’re already impatient to join this chaotic, beautiful life we’re building.