A baby on the way...how it all began

Let us take you back...
It was the Friday before Christmas that I, Melissa, discovered I was pregnant.
After being married for just about 7 years, we knew (and everyone else in our life apparently!) knew it was time to start trying. We didn't expect it to happen so fast, but that was a good thing! I really didn't want to get Brad's hopes up, so I played it cool and didn't tell Brad at first that I was late for my period, until a whole week later I knew I had to be pregnant. I actually tested on my own while Brad was at work that Friday, not being able to stand the suspense myself and knowing all at once what the outcome would be. I really wanted to surprise him on Christmas day, but once you have that news in your hands in the form of a pregnancy test, there is no waiting! And so, I wrapped it up, in a nice little box, and when Brad came home I announced that I had an early Christmas present for him. He had no idea, and I know it was his favorite gift of all.

Telling our family on Christmas day was equally fun and a little nerve wracking. How we held off divulging such big news for a few days, I have no idea. Brad put on his Greatest Dad t-shirt that somehow he thought was funny to purchase over a year before we even started trying for a child, and at each parent's house, we waited until someone would pick up on it. Brad's dad picked up on it right away! It took a little bit longer at my parent's house for Elena to notice it, only after Brad called attention to the shirt!!! It was tearful at both homes, I think. At least it was at mine. My grandmother was there and didn't quite know what was going on at first but was crying with the rest of us! Too funny. I should add too that our nephew Gabriel did a wonderful job of drawing me ("aunt mia/meowwwww") carrying a baby. It didn't take long for Jerad and Wanda to pick up what was happening. What can I say, they're quick.