buon compleanno!

yesterday

i became one year closer to thirty

i know this because 

most of my friends and family 

so graciously reminded me

honestly

i am not scared of thirty

well not that scared

but 

i digress

my first birthday in italy

and 

i was a genius

and 

scheduled 

a fasting blood draw 

the next day

that would be today, folks.

so

how do you celebrate

when you are having a blood draw twelve hours later?

honestly, like you would if you weren't having your blood drawn!

i am a bad patient

yesterday

as i celebrated my first birthday 

away from family and friends

i was never more 

thankful

and 

grateful

for 

{the captain and chase}

me and the captain last night!

they made the day

feel

like a normal

birthday

because 

the captain 

knew of my blood draw

she brought over an ice cream cake the night before

my birthday

her theory:

we celebrate jesus's birthday the night before 

his actual birthday

so we can celebrate yours!

however

kenneth's work schedule

interfered with this celebration

mission first!

so 

we had two cakes last night

my healthy angel food cake

and 

the delicious ice cream cake

the gifts 

were abundant 

and i'm not trying to sound spoiled

just truly thankful 

for the love 

family 

and 

friends 

i have in my life

my 

{daddy}

sent me a box

with two great books 

yes folks

i got {pioneer woman's} new book!!!

the captian and chase 

made me these lovely cards

notice the ladybugs?? 

i did 

they made my heart smile

and 

a gift card for a spa day

this is something i am going to take full advantage of!

i won a free putter!

yes i play golf!

disclaimer: 

i had no idea they were going to take my picture

i was dressed in multiple layers

headed to the gym

please ignore the way i look. 

just look at the putter.

and

i got to talk to many of my family 

which this always makes my day

but

honestly the highlight 

of my calling home

was skyping

with my dear friend becca

and seeing her 

newborn son 

for the first time

i 'witnessed' the birth 

via facebook,

text messages,

and 

phone calls

but 

to see the little bean

it was amazing!!

to sum up my birthday

it consisted of 

friends

family

babies

food

cake

wine

and 

an italian man singing happy birthday to me

a very happy birthday

indeed.