How I found out I was Pregnant

Cinco de Mayo! What a memorable day this would turn out to be. I had absolutely no idea that I was going to have some of the best and biggest news of my life delivered to me today. To accurately tell this story, I need to go back two or so weeks. I was standing in the family room, asking Paul a question, when he mentioned to me that my body had started to look "different" lately. I thought he was just being a "guy" and paying too much attention to my body, and noticed little things. He asked if the changes he noticed could be a sign that I might be pregnant, and I told him that it was possible, but highly unlikely. Paul asked me if I had any pregnancy tests left around, since during the four years of fertility treatments and trying we had them on hand almost at all times, but alas, I had none. I told him that I would get more on my next trip to the grocery store. That was on a Tuesday or so, and I did not buy any until that next Saturday. Once I was at the store, I decided to buy the cheapest ones I could find, and bough the two for $4.99 pack. I brought them home, and put them in the cabinet above the toilet in my master bathroom, and promptly forgot about it. Throughout the next week, Paul repeatedly asked if I had taken a test, but I had forgotten. Since having my gastric bypass surgery, I often have upset stomach problems with no explanation, so I had no clues of morning sickness. Also, since I don't have regular periods, I had no clues of a missed period. I had no reason to believe that I could possibly be pregnant, since we were told in December that it was In-Vitro Fertilization or adoption only for us to become parents.  

Anyway, back to the story. After repeated reminding from Paul, I still had not taken the test. The time had come for me to fly to San Jose in order to move my friend, Jessica, from San Jose to Vancouver. The plan was for me to fly down on Friday morning, spend the day/night with my parents, then drive Saturday and Sunday with Jessica and her things, up to Vancouver to get her moved in and settled. That morning, my flight was scheduled to leave around 11:15 or so, and I wanted to be to the airport by about 10:15. Paul had to work that day, not only that, but he had to present the material for the Friday meeting. I had decided to go in to the office with him, and in order to save time, he would just take me to the airport after his meeting. We got up, and got ready to leave. As he was in the shower, he asked again if I remembered to take the test. Unfortunately, I had forgotten again, and had already used the toilet that morning. He told me to take it with me, and that I could do it at his office before we left for the airport at around 10.  

I took it with me, not thinking much about it. We had a rental car at the time since mine was in the shop, and I had left the test in the car accidentally. I spent the morning just checking email, chatting with Paul's coworkers, and generally relaxing. At about 9:30, I realized that if I was going to do this test, I needed to do it soon. I went to get it, and realized that I did not have keys to get into the car. I had to interrupt Paul in his meeting to get the keys. I got them from him, got the test out, and went to the restroom. I did what I had to do, and placed the test on the back of the toilet. I proceeded to wash my hands, and fiddled with my hair and face in the mirror, not thinking anything at all.  As I went to reach for the test, getting ready to throw it away and not worry about it, I saw a big + sign. I felt the blood and color drain from my face as I picked it up and studied it. I looked over and over at the small guide printed on the side of the test. I read over and over again, + pregnant, - not pregnant. I saw a + and it took awhile for the reality to start to set in. I instantly began to shake. I looked at the clock, realizing that there were 30 minutes left to Paul's meeting, and I knew there was no way that I could wait that long to talk to him. I felt already like I was going to faint! I went in the hallway, and tried to make eye contact with Paul in the conference room, all while standing in the hallway outside. He was busy talking, but saw me. I must have looked like I had seen a ghost as I motioned for him to come out to talk to me. He apologized to his colleagues, and came out to see me. "Are you okay?" he asked. I could not even speak. I simply held out the test to him, and he looked at it, realizing what it was and what it meant. "Are you sure?" he whispered, dumbfounded. "As far as I can tell, yes!" is all I could get out. He inquired if we were all ok, and Paul told him what was going on. He was very happy for us, and gave us some time.  

Paul did have to finish his meeting, and I was left to ponder the reality of this news for the next half hour. I had no idea how far along I was, when I was due, or if this was really true. We ended up getting another test on the way to the airport, which was also positive. That weekend I was able to tell my parents and siblings, along with a few friends. The next weekend we told all of his family together during mother's day weekend ( Check out the video here).  

This all became even more real at the first ultrasound where I saw not just a blob, but arms, legs, a head, and the heartbeat! It has been the most exciting, shocking blessing from our Heavenly Father to date. We are so excited to become parents, and from now on, I will not waste so much time if Paul has a "feeling" that something is going on. I will test right away!  

Our big surprise is due December 5th, 2006. As of right now, we found out that we are having a baby GIRL! I cannot believe that I am actually going to not only be blessed with finally having a child, but to also have the baby girl I always wanted to love, play dress up with, and just to enjoy getting her hair in bows and all that fun "girly" stuff. No doubt she will probably have daddy wrapped around her finger, and he will have her finger wrapped around a Mac mouse before she even learns to speak in full sentences!  

Take a look at the ultrasound pictures, as more become available. We look forward to meeting our new daughter in December. Any/all prayers are welcome in helping to make sure that we have a healthy, happy baby and easy pregnancy, and also that we can deliver ON TIME, or even a little early? Well, I can hope, can't I?  

Take care! 
Jennifer