Reactions

Reactions

After sharing the news with Greg, we went to my parents’ home.  We all talked for a while about this and that.  Then Greg said, “Aleta gave me an early birthday gift.  Want to know what it was?”

Of course my parents were curious.  Greg smiled, “Aleta is pregnant!”

Stone silence.  Looks of, “Ok, what’s the punch line?”  Still silence.

Greg repeated, “Aleta is pregnant.” 

They looked at us, still silent, as if to say, “Yeah, as if we’re going to fall for that.”

Both Greg and I chimed in again, “No, seriously, we’re pregnant!  Really, we are!”

We had to repeat that in earnest again before the stone silence cracked.

Mom covered her face with her hands and started to cry.  Dad gave us hugs saying, “Congratulations.”

Mom had concerns, just as I did.  We talked about our worries and Mom said, “We’ll be hopeful, but cautious, just like Greg said…. And this time, I know that no matter what happens, Aleta has Greg.”  

It was a sweet feeling… my husband’s support and love would be the strength.  I need to be just as strong for him, because I know he’s worried too. 

We asked my parents what they would like to be called.  Mom said, “Oma, it’s the German word for Grandmother.”  Dad wants to be called Paps.

I wonder if the shock has worn off on my parents… When we were able to share the ultrasound and sound of our baby’s heartbeat, I think that helped… but it might take a little longer for them to feel a breath of relief.  I understand that…

After leaving my parents’ home, we went to Greg’s parents’ home.  He shared the good news the same way.  My Mother-in-law got up, all smiles, hugging and happy.  My Father-in-Law smiled and said Congratulations.

We asked for their prayers.  Greg’s Mom sent me an email later and said that she has “started storming heaven for a safe, full term pregnancy and healthy baby.”  This brought tears to my eyes. 

She also remembered that she had “made novenas to St. Gerard Majella” when she and her husband tried to get pregnant and that she would ask for his intercession on our behalf for our baby.

I believe in prayers and I hope one day our baby knows just how many special prayers were sent for his or her health to be brought into this world.

After telling our parents, we shared the news with our siblings.  We called Madelyn, she was so excited that she screamed and screamed and screamed!  It was great!  She was in the mall parking lot and I thought someone was going to wonder if she was being mugged.  She had me laughing, from her joy!  (When she called her Mom, she started it with a scream as well - what a fantastic response :)

When Greg told his sister's husband, he thought we were joking and his reaction was, "What are you having?"  He thought we were going to tell him that our dog or cat was pregnant.  Lol.

My friend, Kristen, who knew the first day, later wrote to me:

“You just don’t know – I am SO HAPPY!!  I actually have an extra bounce in my step.  You would think I was pregnant the way I’ve been carrying on.  I am so excited – it is such a miracle.  Every weekend – I will light a candle for your baby at church.  Just try to relax as much as you can little momma – yes little momma.  Embrace every moment that you can and do share with me.  I so want to be there for you.”

She’s been great with her enthusiasm and support.  If I am nervous about something, she is researching it right along with me to ease concerns.  Her joy inspires me to remember to be joyful, even if there might be bumps along the road.  (OK, no pun intended.)

Most of my friends and family were surprised, because they knew what the doctor said a year and a half ago about only having a 2 percent chance of getting pregnant.  Joyful surprise was a great reaction.

Now, Kim, she had a different reaction altogether.

Kim called when I was taking a nap.  Greg answered the phone.  The two talked for a little while about stuff going on with Kim’s work.  Greg ended the conversation saying, “I’ll be sure to tell Aleta that you called.  She has news for you too.”

When I called Kim back, I didn’t know that Greg said this to Kim.  I started the conversation with, “Hey, Greg said you called.  What’s going on with work?”  (Keep in mind that I’m currently unemployed and have been looking for work.)

Kim said, “Same old stuff.  Greg said you had news.”

I hesitated, wondering if Greg had already told her.

Kim asked, “So, what did you get?”

Me:  “Uhhh, a baby.”

Kim:  “HOLY   F*(&(*&   S*(&(*&(&!!    THAT’S THE LAST THING I THOUGHT YOU’D SAY!  OMG!  I thought you were going to tell me that you got a job!  I can't believe this!”

I laughed, “Me too, Kim.  Me too.”

She was shocked and happy and shocked.  It was a funny conversation.

Greg and I told all of our siblings.  Then I called Mom and said, “Ok, burn up the phones.”  She did.. calling from coast to coast, quite literally.  We then posted the ultrasound pictures on Facebook and wow.. we were overwhelmed with the wonderful support, love and prayers offered.  It was beautiful.

Community in family and friends is so important and we appreciate it…