unexpectantly expecting

While many of you know about our little "secret," we figured it was time to write an official blog post announcing the news that has stirred up our lives and hearts. David and I are adding another Deal to the family (and I'm not referring to a puppy)!

the name tags we made for the big reveal

Over two weeks ago, I decided to buy a cheap pregnancy test to rid my mind of the sneaking suspicion that I might be pregnant.  I took the test in our hotel in Abilene while David was at work and went to fix some lunch while I nervously awaited the results.  Thinking for sure it would be negative, I headed back into the bathroom, turned over the plastic applicator, and nearly had a heart attack when I saw the little purple plus sign.  My first reaction was to sink to floor and cry because I was so overwhelmed with a myriad of conflicting emotions.

I had always thought for our first baby, I would tell David the news in a very fun and creative way.  Unfortunately, due to my shock, I called David crying and told him to get to the hotel as soon as he could.  Thinking something was terribly wrong, he asked me what in the world had happened.  Despite my tears, I managed to tell him that I had bought a test.  Pause. And that it was positive. To my relief, he told me it was wonderful news and began reminding me what an exciting miracle we had just stumbled upon.  Now don't get me wrong, I have had baby fever since before we were married and have wanted to be a mom since I was a little girl; however, we had hoped to wait until next year so we could go to Africa together in January, enjoy a family cruise in May, and also get settled in our new home.  Not to mention, David would be heading off to survival training for a month while I stayed with my family in Colorado.  But as I have learned over the years, God is in control and works all things together for good for those who love Him.  We are parents now...whether or not we are ready for it or prepared by any means.

I had a blood test taken the following day to confirm the pregnancy and was informed I was 4 weeks along.  David and I then decided we would tell our families in person when we drove to Colorado that weekend before taking our honeymoon.  We made name tags for everyone (Uncle Josh, Aunt Mikayla, Grandma, etc.) and passed them out when we arrived, mentioning that we may all need name tags since it had been awhile since our last visit.  Watching their faces as they quickly processed the subtle hint was priceless.  The next day, we met David's sister, brother-in-law, and mom for dinner and passed out some more name tags.  We also skyped with our dads and my grandparents to share the news.  We told everyone to try to keep it quiet because we wanted to wait a few more weeks before making it public, but as to be expected, no one, not even David and I, could keep a secret of this magnitude.  Figuring out the right time to tell people about a new baby is challenging, but we came to the conclusion that no matter what happened with this pregnancy, we wanted the support and prayers of our friends and family.

I am currently approaching 7 weeks and have already been plagued by some morning sickness which hit during the end of our vacation in the Bahamas.  David and I went to my first prenatal appointment last week before he left for Washington.  An ultrasound is supposed to be scheduled sometime in the next couple weeks.  My goal is to blog lots during the pregnancy, and of course, after our little one is born. 

the size of baby deal

a teaser for my next blog post :)