Guess what readers!?

I AM PREGNANT!!!!

That's right! It's official. I can shout it from the roof tops! We will be welcoming our first bundle-of-joy on/around September 7, 2013. Crazy, right!?

The truth is, we have been trying for a few months now. We decided we were ready and have been anxious for a positive pregnancy test ever since. And on Christmas day, I got that!

On Christmas morning, I saw a second pink line. It was faint so I was skeptical and didn't tell anyone. Then, yesterday afternoon, I used one of those fancy digital "pregnant" or "not pregnant" tests. And both said "Pregnant" and another one of the old-fashioned tests had a stronger line. So I guess everyone agrees!

The first person I told, obviously, was Phillip. I took the digital test and cleaned it thoroughly since I am a germ-o-phobe then placed it in his stocking when he wasn't looking. I then told him Santa had one last stocking stuffer to give him. I told him Santa wanted to deliver it Christmas morning, but had to wait until we were at home with our stockings.

"REALLY!?" <-- first="first" p="p" response.="response.">Huge hug in the middle of the living room. <-- p="p" response.="response." second="second">
He then made some calls to get out of working last night so we could tell our families. I went to the store to pick up some props to inform the Longs and Galloways. Then off to Bedford for the shock of a lifetime!

First was the big Longs. They knew I was coming by to pick up some gifts that wouldn't fit the first trip home, but they were surprised to find Phillip with me. We brought in a gift saying that Santa forgot one last gift for them. They opened it. It was a picture frame with spots for baby pictures. As soon as his mom figured it out, she jumped and started crying hysterically (in a good way of course). Phillip's dad instantly came to hug us. What a great response!

Then on to the Galloways. My whole family was going out to dinner anyway, so we decided to tell them beforehand. I mean how many times can you get 8 people together at once, especially with my sister living in San Antonio and my brother's bar-like work schedule? We gave my mom the gift to open. This year she has been particularly blessed with gifts, so we knew she'd be the perfect one to open it since she's been pushed to the edge several times with being overwhelmed with love. She pulled  out a small bottle of baby lotion and said thanks, but looked confused. Then was the small bottle of baby powder. Again, confusion. Then all of a sudden it clicked. She asked, jokingly, if she was getting another grandbaby. I nodded. She threw the gift into my brother's lap and jumped up with tears to give me a hug. Another great reaction. There were tears all around. The rest of the gift was baby shampoo, tiny bunny slippers, and a Baby's First Christmas outfit for next year. I'd say it was successful. From then on, the phones were being used to spread the news.

Heather got us a cute celebratory gift, since she knew right after Phillip knew. I can't keep a secret from her. She got me pickles, baby bottle pops (candy), a disposable camera, Runts (candy), Sour Patch Kids (candy), and Sugar Babies (candy). What a cute idea, right!?

Now we just take it all in. Still in disbelief. I am about 4 weeks along and my first doctor's appointment is January 31st. I know it seems late, but it comes with finding out so early. I'm kind of overwhelmed right now with advice, size comparisons (our baby is the size of a poppy seed right now), what to eat and what not to eat, questions, prenatal vitamins, work questions, and more. A lot to internalize!

I'll keep you posted.

Baby Long

Week: 4

Size: Poppy Seed

Important Developments: Amniotic Sac