The News

Without providing TMI (too much information), Shawn and I had tried and failed to conceive a few times...enough said. One morning, I woke up and proceeded to tell Shawn about a very vivid dream I had that night. "Baby, it was so real. I found out I was pregnant and we were so excited! I called Mom and Dad Hill, and they were shouting for joy! I swear it felt so real." Shawn listened sweetly, and then it was quickly off to get ready for work. Of course my mind was consumed the entire week...am I pregnant? am I not? I was tempted to resort to the "flower" trick: pull off the petals and hope the answer you want falls on the last petal. Instead, I snuck to Target and purchased two pregnancy tests. I did not take those tests per counsel from my husband, which in hindsight was sweet because he didn't want me to be disappointed.

FINALLY! Shawn left for a school camping trip in the middle of the week, so I was left alone with Annabelle. Despite the advice from my husband, I just had to put myself out of my misery. The suspense was killing me! I'm sure it was killing my dog too, as I was discussing the whole dilemma with her prior to taking the plunge. She loyally followed me to the upstairs bathroom one day after school, the day after Shawn left. I took the test and placed it on the windowsill. During the whole 30 seconds of wait time, I had a heart to heart with God, just asking him to help me get through this one more time. I peaked around the corner, but my vision wasn't working with me. As I approached the test slowly....huh! PREGNANT! That means pregnant, right? My eyes welled up with tears immediately, and I dropped to my knees by the side of my bed thanking God for answering our prayers! Annabelle received suffocation hugs and kisses, too!

Shawn called me that night from camp, and I couldn't wait to tell him the news (very unromantic, I know) over the phone. He didn't believe me at first...we joke around way too much. Did I mention he "fake proposed" to me several times prior to the real time? Finally, I could hear his smile and joy over the phone, and we giggled, smiled, and laughed together for the remainder of our phone conversation.

And the adventure begins: Thursday, September 17, 2009