One of the “I wonders” I’ve been struggling with is when to tell the kids about the baby. They’ve already experienced a lot of loss this year, and while they may not have grasped it the same way I did as an adult, they understood more than I expected, and grieved right along with us. Brady and I knew we wanted to tell them soon enough, but we figured that might be around Christmas. Its only one more month. Or maybe, at some point, they’d end up in an ultrasound with us, and then they’d figure it out pretty easily. So we were just waiting for the right time.
This morning, as I got dressed, I realized how unflattering my shirt was. I haven’t lost any weight since losing Jamin, which I think is actually a blessing in disguise, but I’m not as thin as I usually am. This morning, however, looking at my figure from the side, I felt very pudgy. I’m not “showing” at all, but I’m very bloated and loose and I feel icky about my body. Its done a lot of things this year, and its not what it was a year ago, thats for sure. But I rocked the shirt anyway, because who cares? I was just running in for a quick touch up on the shaved side of my hair, so I’d have the cape on most of the time anyway. No big deal.
I enjoyed my appointment, and told my hair girl about our pregnancy. I think we had just found out the last time I saw her, so I hadn’t mentioned it. Today, it was news, and it was fun to talk about. It was a good way to break up the morning.
When I got home, Brady had the kids at the table, eating lunch, and I went to visit with them. I stood at the table between Dekker and Laela and they told me about their morning. A loving neighbour had brought them gifts, and they were all eager to show off. They were very cute and excited to show off their shirts with mouths that opened and closed!
Laela then commented on my shirt. It was pretty bright pink, and she pointed out which shade of pink she liked best. Dekker did the same, and then commented on how soft it was. He rubbed his hand on my paunchy tummy, and then asked “Is this a pregnant shirt?” Thats what I call maternity clothes, for the record. And I pretty much always wear maternity clothes, whether I’m pregnant or not, so I didn’t give it another thought. I told him, yes, its a pregnant shirt.
“Because you’re pregnant?” he asked.
“I don’t know, what do you think?” I asked him.
“Well, your tummy is all round, like there’s a baby in it. Is there?”
Brady and I stared at each other in total disbelief. Not only did Dekker confirm that I was looking extra bloated and pudgy today, but he guessed that I was pregnant!!
So we confirmed that I was, and all three older kids were SO happy for the good news! No more tip toeing around the kids, I guess! They’re far sharper than I gave them credit for!
Way to go, smarties!!