The three days of Christmas

Dave and I cleverly decided to tell the family we were pregnant by disguising the announcement of our first child as a Christmas gift. Dave created an announcement including a picture of our first sonogram. We hand picked frames for each family and put the announcement in the frame. I then wrapped each in a box with ribbons and bows, and labeled each one for every family. Ha ha, We're so crafty!

In the first of three days we'll spend with various family members, we shared our news with Dave's dad's side of the family. This included Mither & Grandad, Dad (Richard) & Tisha, Dan & Kelley and Mike, Janet, Shannon & Betsy. We waited until after everyone visited and ate lunch. When it seemed everyone was starting on their way out the door, we thought it was a good time to pass out our "gifts". Everyone got together with their respective household members at our suggestion, and then opened the boxes simultaneously while Dave and I waited eagerly for each person to figure out exactly what was in the picture frame. We heard a "that's nice you guys" (as in, "nice picture frame") and a lot of reading aloud of the words in the announcement. I made eye contact with Daniel and he seemed to be the first to get it with wide, surprised eyes. Then Tisha turned around and said, "Are you pregnant?!!" and I answered with a nod and we hugged. Many hugs resumed around the room with a roar of excitement. I could hardly wait for the next two days of announcements.

On the second day of Christmas, or as most would say Christmas Eve, we were invited to brunch at Dan and Kelley's house. Since Dan and Kelley had seen the announcement, they were ordered to keep mum until we could give the specially wrapped boxes to Dave's mom's side of the family. On Christmas Eve, we were joined by Dan, Kelley & Andrew, Dave's mom, Nancy, Gramps & Grandma and Kelley's family. We started out with visiting and eating once again, then Kelley's family left for their next Christmas Eve party. The family then commenced to opening gifts around the tree. Andrew had a great time opening each of his gifts, excited about playing with each one. When our cleverly disguised gifts were to be unwrapped, the order went out that each family should open their gift together and everyone was to open at the same time. Dan seemed to open his gift slowly, to give the others a chance at seeing it first (very nice of you Dan :-)). As in the first day, we heard another "oh that's nice", as in nice frame. Following that remark closely, was one of much animation from Nancy with wide eyes and the question "Are you pregnant?". Everyone stood and hugged as in the day before. Later, Liz came to pick up Andrew and Dave and I shared the news with her as well. She's genuinely excited, as is everyone. So far announcing this way has promised much surprise!

On the third day of Christmas, Christmas day, we were to share our news with my side of the family. Dave and I shared breakfast with Jeff and Leanna first, then we were on our way to my parents house. Leanna needed to make a detour stop and take her kitty, Billy, to the emergency vet because he wasn't feeling well. (Billy is doing much better now.) Then we all met up again with my family, including Mom & Dad, Michael & Amanda and Bill and Lois. With the eight of us all sitting around the room opening gifts, it seemed to take forever. But we eventually got down to our special gifts to hand out to each family household. We asked that everyone open at the same time because they were all the same. As opening began, it seemed like everything was in slow motion and no one could open their gift fast enough. I could see that my parents and my sister weren't opening at the same speed, and I thought that one would surely figure it out before the other. But, as it turned out they figured it out basically at the same time. I caught my sisters eye first and she looked astonished. I think she then floated from her chair over to me to give me a hug. She couldn't really speak out of shock, and I think everyone else was pretty much speechless as well. Mom asked "Are you pregnant?" and then many hugs began. In the meantime, Lindsay, Mat and Jeff (a.k.a. Hector) walked in to the end of our gift giving. They were caught in the surprise and the well wishes, too. I'm so glad you were there to share.
Quote of the night goes to Uncle Bill: "So you've got a baby under construction in there, huh?"

Speaking for myself and Dave, we're so thankful to have such loving, supportive families that make sharing this news so fun and thrilling. It was pure agony waiting to tell everyone, but I have to say it was well worth the wait to see the looks of joy and surprise on each of your faces. We're looking forward to sharing the journey together, and with all of you. Much love, from the three of us!