I had suspected I was pregnant for about a week before my next anticipated period. I thought maybe I was just crazy or I was making too much of nothing - I told myself every line in the book to prepare myself that Aunt Flo was coming on Saturday just as planned. The closer I got to Saturday, the more I knew that she wasn't coming this month. I guess the Lord has blessed me with a predictable body (pre-pregnancy that is) and my monthly indicators weren't happening. That Friday night about 9:30 p.m., I told Barry we had to go to the store to get pregnancy tests. I wanted to test on Saturday morning - I couldn't wait any longer and I didn't want to test on a day that I had to go to work or church right after- regardless of the outcome. He reluctantly took me to the store- telling me I probably wasn't pregnant and that I was making symptoms up out of thin air (not to be a jerk; really just to keep me outta the clouds). So there we are- what test do we get? On brand? Off brand? Pack of 2? Pack of 3? Buy out the store? All the while thinking that these were awfully outrageous prices for a stick that I was going to cover in urine. I'm contemplating this decision like Barry would contemplate what kind of car to buy, except he's standing there wanting to punch me in the face for taking so long - After all, we were near 'feminine things.' So finally I choose some and check out.
Saturday Morning. At this point in our marriage, I could count on one hand how many times I had ever been awake before Barry - this day was one of those days. I woke up thinking "Oh my gosh, is it already Saturday? This is it. The moment of truth. Am I crazy? Is there a baby in there? I'm scared. What if I'm disappointed? What if Barry is disappointed? What if one of us is relieved and the other disappointed? What if I don't pee on it right and I get the opposite outcome of what I am? OH MY GOSH ALICIA JUST GET OUT OF BED AND PEE ON IT ALREADY." So I got up, Barry awoke because of the creaky box spring and just laid there. I went in the bathroom and I had everything ready- the directions open and laid out, the test, the stopwatch- I was ready. Well then I couldn't get the stinkin test open. They seal them in these foil package things I swear NASA invented for spacesuits. Not to mention it's morning, my fingers weren't strong yet (like when you can't squeeze the shampoo bottle in the morning cause your hands aren't awake enough - or maybe that's just me). So I take the test to Barry with my best pitiful face on. He laughs at me and opens it. So I go back in, do the deed, and then.......wait. That's right- the longest 2 minutes of my life. So I laid the directions over it so I don't peek at the window. Barry gets up and we brush our teeth - I decided that would make the time go by faster. I bet my teeth have never been brushed so good than that morning. Two minutes are up. Barry stands by the counter and waits. I pick up the test and see that positive sign. My jaw drops. I put my hand over my mouth and show the test to Barry. His eyes get real wide. He looks at me and says "What the h*#^ does that mean?!" I had to do my best to not channel my inner Bill Engvall and say 'here's your sign.' So I respond "Positive! Pro baby!" To which Barry responds "Take another one." Unfortunately for him, I used all my goods on that first one so he was going to have to wait a few hours for round two.
We had zero plans for that Saturday. We mostly sat on the couch staring into space, trying to let it sink in. I took the 2nd test a few hours later. I left the room without saying anything and when I came back, I peeked my head around the corner and I'm not sure what face I made but Barry said "it was positive wasn't it" to which I nodded, and he replied "Ok, here we go." The rest of that day felt like a week. We just couldn't believe it. Barry went out and got some sparkling grape juice and we toasted that night. I wanted to call everyone I knew. I'm so glad I didn't. Barry and I experienced something so cool over the next few weeks of being the only ones that knew (though apparently others had their suspicions). It was so neat to share such a huge secret with my best friend and no one else. I love that we found out together. I love that I didn't have to share that shocking moment alone. I love that he knew right when I did - after all - we're a team.
Enjoy these pictures from that chilly, life changing, March morning.
*Baking Time: 24 Weeks
*MIA: Clear skin
*Cravings: Sweet Tea
*Aversions: Hamburger Helper
*Worst symptom: Acne/Swollen feet
*Lessons Learned: Drink more water.
