Today we’re talking all about leap year babies–those kiddos with February 29th birthdays.
We get a bonus day this year thanks to Earth taking 365 days, 6 hours and 9 minutes to revolve around the sun!
Our last Leap Day was on Saturday, February 29, 2020. I did not know it at the time but a baby boy had been born that day and he would change my life forever.
On the precipice of a global pandemic, my husband and I were waiting and hopeful in the adoption process. We were not at all prepared (which seems like a good theme for 2020 in general). No baby shower, no baby registry, and no nine months to nest.
However you choose to celebrate the extra day 2024 brings, I hope you make it great! When there are 366 days instead of 365 I will be celebrating my little Leapling.
XO,
Barbara
The call that changed my life
“Basically he will never age,” were some of the first words spoken to us by the social worker as she called from the hospital on Sunday, March 1, 2020. She said, “He will only have a birthday once every four years!”
We had woken up to seven missed phone calls that afternoon. One last long and hard nap was being taken as someone must have known we would need it before a newborn would be placed in our arms.
By the grace of God and a loving mother, we were gifted with our first baby, a Leapling. His brave birth mother named him Cameron and he was received into the world with so much love. We knew he would be exceptional, not only because of his amazing birthday.
When leaplings celebrate
We knew we had to still celebrate his birthday every year but should we celebrate on February 28, March 1 or both? We originally thought for sure March 1 because that is the day we got the call about him. However, when in Disneyland in 2023, we met two other leaplings and asked them. Both said they celebrate on February 28 because their birthday is in February.
I only know one other person who was born on Leap Day. This year she turns 10 (but really 40). She remembers as a child receiving a letter in the mail from whatever agency does calendar planning saying Leap Year would be eliminated within two years due to a change in the solar system. She remembered thinking, “So am I just not going to exist?” When she turned 21 the bars had no clue what day to use as being legal since the registers would not acknowledge the date of birth on her drivers license. She said the best part is having two days of freebies.
To my baby boy
This year you turn one (but really four). I am already having fun teasing you about this. I wish time would slow down just a little. When you turn sixteen I fully plan on saying, “But you’re only four! You can’t drive yet!” You will always be my answered prayer, the face behind so much waiting and longing, a true miracle, the one who first called me mama and taught me that family does not need to be born by blood. You are the son who filled my heart with so much joy and more love than I could have ever imagined possible.
Happy (actual) Birthday my dear sweet Cameron. I love you and I am so glad you are here. We hope you have fun telling people how old you really are every year and we hope technology has come far enough that you have zero issues with a 2/29 birthday.
Local Deals this Leap Day
- Chick-Fil-A (power and mckellips location): Free Entree if you were born on Leap Day. detail here.
- Salad & Go: Free avocado with code LEAPDAY at checkout
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice: $0.96 treats
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Over Easy – The breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant are celebrating ‘leaplings’ with a FREE meal with proof of ID on February 29 to celebrate turning another year older. Restrictions may apply. Offer not valid on alcohol. 13 Arizona locations. https://eatatovereasy.com/
- ASU’s Hayden Library Naturespace is hosting a free class on how to make an Origami Frog
- Rainbow Ryders – Celebrate the extra day this year with extra savings! Rainbow Ryders is offering an exclusive deal for a hot air balloon ride to those celebrating their Leap Day Birthday. For just $145, those born on February 29th can use LEAP24 to score a breathtaking adventure to celebrate their birthday. Leap Day babies can snag this discounted price throughout the month of February, making this the perfect way to celebrate this rare day! In addition to this amazing deal, passengers also have the pleasure of departing from the new Glendale facility where they can enjoy new expanded views of the West Valley! Some exclusions and blackout dates may apply, valid one year from purchase. For more information or to purchase a gift certificate, visit https://rainbowryders.com/gift-certificates/
- Great Wolf Lodge: In 2020 they offered $29 per person stays; as of 2/13 they said they weren’t sure of what promotions they are offering this year
For leapling moms:
The Rosticceria – The Rosticceria will be celebrating Leap Day birthdays with no other than a $2.29 build-your-own milkshake with proof of ID! Come in to celebrate your birthday on February 29 and indulge in interactive build-your-own soft serve gelato shake bar with over 40 toppings offered. From marshmallows to whipped cream and sprinkles, The Rosticceria has every milkshake topping you can dream of to make your birthday a little sweeter.https://therosticceria.com/
The Mexicano – At The Mexicano, come in on February 29 if you are celebrating a birthday and receive a $2.29 build-your-own margarita! Home of the world’s first BYO margarita bar with over 30 craft toppings, you’ll be able to cheers to another year older with the ultimate margarita. Must show proof of ID. Restrictions may apply.https://www.themexicano.com/
Hash Kitchen – The creative a.m. eatery will be celebrating those born on Leap Day with FREE brunch! If you are celebrating a Leap Day birthday, come into any of the seven Hash Kitchen locations across the Valley on February 29 for a free birthday brunch. Promotion does not include alcohol. Restrictions may apply. https://www.hashkitchen.com/
Downtown Chandler is hosting an 80s Theme Bar Leap
