When we announced we were pregnant I knew there would be a variety of responses to the news. I knew there would be the concerns from coworkers about what a pregnancy and a baby would do to my brand new career. I knew there would be congratulations from friends and family. And I knew there would be sighs of relief, heartfelt congratulations, and excitement from the people that have prayed for us, listened to our disappointment, and been there for us these last couple years as we have struggled to start out family. I was prepared for these responses. There were some people I couldn’t wait to share the news with, people who are almost as excited for this little guy to make his debut as we are. Amid all the planning to share the news, all the days counted, and all the negative pregnancy tests, I didn’t anticipate one of the responses- the response that we shouldn’t be having this baby because we “hate children”- this reaction has been the hardest to take. Harder than the years of people encouraging us to have children when we were trying and couldn’t, harder than explaining to my boss that yes I did just start, but surprise to everyone we are expecting a baby- this reaction has made me want to scream, but most of all this has made me feel awful for the people sharing this response. If this “journey” to start a family has taught me one thing it is that things aren’t always what they seem on the surface- there may be more than meets the eye for the couple with no child, children spaced apart, one child, and even the family with lots of little ones in a row, but unless you are part of that couple there is no way to know what lies beneath the surface. While it may seem to some that we waited because we didn’t like children, wanted to start our careers, or save up money- trust me this little guy is loved and wanted, and we could not be more excited to meet him in July.
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