Surprises

Here is the latest picture of the newest member of our family, due to arrive in about a month or so. I had placenta previa at my 19 week scan and we had to have another this week to see if it resolved itself (it did). Even with just about a month to six weeks to go, this is a fat baby. I usually have big babies, so this wasn't a surprise, but no one ever said my others were big before I gave birth. This one may break all family records. We'll see.

Related to the little one pictured above, I would like to share one of the nicest things that has ever happened to me. A little background info first. This has been a hard pregnancy. I've had the usual unrelenting nausea, tiredness, aches and pains that have accompanied all of my pregnancies. What has been the hardest for me has been the reactions of many to this pregnancy. Let's just say many people weren't as thrilled that we were expecting baby #5. Some family members have yet to ask one question about how this baby is doing, how my appointments with the midwife have gone, etc. Some have even made snide comments such as "If you get so sick when you're pregnant, I would think you would stop getting pregnant." I find myself making excuses by saying things like, "It's not like we were planning this." and then I get mad because even if she wasn't planned, it doesn't mean we're not anymore excited about her arrival. So needless to say, I've been feeling a bit down about the whole thing.

Well today I felt the baby and I were truly appreciated. My neighbor threw me a surprise baby shower and I was so surprised. For one thing, I have never had a surprise party for anything so that was a first. Then there were people there I wouldn't have expected in a hundred years. She had me thinking were going to a surprise 50th birthday party for her husband. I had even ran out to get rolls to contribute and I made him a funny t-shirt. I had no clue. I thought her husband looked much younger than 50, but other than that I really had no idea. Unfortunately 10 minutes before we were to go over to the party I glanced out the window and saw someone I recognized from church. Since we worship about 27 miles from our house, I was surprised to see her get out of the car that had just parked. I just thought, "She must know our neighbors, too" but then upon a second look, I saw two others with her and then it hit me that something was going on. I said to my husband, "Is this really a birthday party or is this for me?" He just sheepishly looked at me, but my son was smiling from ear to ear. I just burst out crying and spent the next 10 minutes trying to compose myself.

At this point we headed over and brought the rolls and the t-shirt because I didn't want them to know I knew something was up, but once we got inside and I saw people I wasn't expecting, I started to cry all over again. It was such a wonderful party and it was so nice to be surrounded by people that were not only happy for us, but took time out of their busy Saturdays to celebrate the arrival of another gift to our family. I still can't stop thinking about it. It was truly one of the nicest, most wonderful things that has ever been done for me. Just goes to show you that life is full of surprises!