Breaking The News

Though this was definitely no surprise pregnancy, I still took my time before buying the test. After almost a year, the excitement of buying a test tends to wear off and becomes the source of stress, always expecting the negative. At first I snuck around the store, made sure no one was in the aisle, quickly grabbed a test and hid it under my purse until checkout. The element of surprise was a huge deal for me so I didn't want anyone to see me buying it. Well, not this fateful June night. I knew it was time to test so I went in very calmly, bought the test, and stared at it for a few minutes when I got home. Finally, I did my business and pretended to occupy my thoughts in the kitchen. Of course I didn't wait the full suggested wait time, but it was clear as day: 2 pink lines. I started to shake immediately and then tried to come up with a way to tell Eric. Fifteen minutes later, he came downstairs, only for a dinner break in between Call of Duty matches. I started handing him all things he requested from the store that night; razors, deodorant, toothpaste, postive pregnancy test. I had to say it twice because in true Eric fashion he was talking over me. His reaction?   He says, "No Shit?". Wow, thanks for that. Having been in this position before and only having disappointment, we wouldn't let ourselves get too excited. But, as the weeks went on, it started to build and we started to talk about it a little more.

Ten weeks later, and a Laxton family party approaching, we decided since everyone was together, now was the time to tell his family. We actually didn't even decide for sure until a few minutes before Eric walked into the dining room, where his whole family stood and told them the news. Of course there was lots of screaming and hugging to follow. Everyone was very excited and had lots of questions which we were more than happy to answer. We were just thrilled to be able to talk about it amongst other people. Our nephew TJ (10 years old), who I've dubbed the 'baby-whisperer' was so excited, he immediately started talking to my belly. I didn't have the heart to tell him it was just the fat he was talking to!

Two weeks later, after being stressed out about having the perfect situation to tell my parents, the moment was upon us. I made up an excuse to come over on a Saturday, the night before a family party for my mom's bday. After dinner, I grabbed a box of Fannie May candy and told them I got it free at the mall earlier that day. Only when they opened it, no candy was to be found. Just a box full of baby pacifiers. (the baby's original due date was Valentine's Day, hence the box of chocolates). It took a few seconds for a reaction and when it finally came, it came in the form of tears from my mom who jumped up starting hugging us. From my dad came a look of shock and a red face. Ever my protector, his concern was first for me and wanting to make sure I was ok. Seconds later, he was up and hugging us as well. After a few hours of baby talk, and the news finally settling in, this tired pregnant chick had to go home and go to bed. It was a lot of excitement for one day.

I was pleased with myself to have pulled off that surprise. All this time, that was my main goal. I wanted a genuine, shocked reaction, and that is exactly what I got. It was one of those moments I'd spent my entire life thinking about and I couldn't ask for anything more.