An Amazing Journey: Ch. 10 -- Breaking the News About This Page:

[Jennifer Marx]

Breaking the News to Allie

With amniocentesis results in hand, we flew to New Jersey for a long weekend with Allie. We booked two nights at the Sheraton Parsippany, a family-friendly hotel that resembles a big castle. While we expected to tell Allie on Saturday, it worked out best that we tell her Friday night instead. So after picking her up from ice skating practice, we headed straight for the hotel, dropped off our bags, and went down to the hotel restaurant for dinner. I carried with me a wrapped package, which Allie was intensely curious about.

About halfway through dinner, Dave and I glanced at one another conspiratorially and decided the time had come to make our little announcement. After some preamble, I handed the package to Allie. She ripped it open (trying to guess what it was the entire time) and pulled out the first item: a white teddy bear wearing a T-shirt that reads: “I’m Going to Be a Big Sister!” As I recall, her immediate response was to give the teddy bear a hug. Then she took a closer look at its little T-shirt, reading the message out loud. She got it right away, proclaiming, “You’re going to have a baby!” Then she asked, “Are you adopting?” I pointed to my belly and said something like, “No, there’s a baby growing in here.” (Allie is adopted, hence the adoption question.) It was instantly clear, however, that Allie thought this was good news. I was very relieved! I’ve been worrying that it would upset her.

In addition to the teddy bear, the package contained an Allie-sized t-shirt with the same message on the front, and “I”ve got big news!” on the back. Allie told us she planned to wear it to school on Monday! After that gift, we filled her in on her little brother’s due date and name, and she asked plenty of questions. All in all, it was a very successful announcement.

The rest of the weekend we spent together, and Allie continued to ask questions. She asked about the middle name several times, and I informed her we were still working on it. She had several ideas, so we’re toying with the idea of choosing two middle names for Alexander — one that Dave would choose and one that Allie would choose. I like this idea quite a bit, as I was the one who suggested Alexander (that being the name I always wanted to call a child). Plus, if Alexander decides he doesn’t really like that name, he’ll have two alternatives to use instead!

During this weekend we also had the chance to see Dave’s parents and other family members. I cannot describe the overwhelmingly warm feelings I received from his entire family. When I arrived at his parent’s house on Friday, they were right there to shower me with hugs and kisses. I felt enveloped in their affection and joy, and exceedingly special. It’s a moment I will never forget.

We also visited with his cousins in Atlantic City, who marveled over the ultrasound images. And on Sunday night, we went out to dinner with his aunt and uncle, as well as his parents. His aunt and uncle had been kept in the dark about our little announcement, so when I arrived at the restaurant I tried my best to suck in my tummy (not an easy thing to do at this point) and not turn to reveal my profile. It worked, and no one suspected anything. Dave broke the news once the entrees arrived. Wow, we’re they floored! I think his aunt even cried, and she couldn’t stop saying “Oh my god.” We talked about very little else during dinner, and everyone seemed very happy with our news.

Driving back from the restaurant on Sunday evening, I began to notice little “thumpings” from my belly. I’d noticed them before, but very slight and sporadic. I began to think that this could be the long-awaited “quickening” (the first detectable movements of the baby). And sure enough, on Monday during the plane ride home, I felt them again. I’ve felt them off and on since then, and I’m becoming more convinced that these are, in fact, baby movements.

[Princess Charming]

I actually have tears in my eyes! Congratulations. I always feel surrounded by old friends here and am very happy for your family!

Stephanie

[Teddysmom]

I just read chapters 1-10 and all I can say is . Jennifer, I really think we need a happy/crying smilie for this forum. LOL!!

[boBºoº]

Congratulations Jennifer and Dave,

I am so happy for you two. Thank You for sharing your adventure. I can't wait to see Alexander in December.

Happy Planning, boBºoº

What great news! Congratulations guys!

[Goofy'sGal]

I am soooo happy for you all! Yes, I had tears in my eyes through all the chapters too!! Very best wishes and congratulations to you both with a special congratulations to Big Sister-to-be Allie!!

<font color="red">Congratulations! I am so happy for you and Dave! </font>

[figment52]

I am sitting here at the office with tears of joy in my eyes. Thi s is wonderful news. I am so happy for you all.

Sandy

[MrsTink]

As an woman who's thinking about having a baby of her own soon, and has had fears about exactly what you went through, your story was not only wonderful, tear-inspiring, and fantastic (congrats to the four of you), but inspiring to myself. You are a brave, strong woman, with a wonderful family. Not that you didn't know all this. Congrats again

[LoisMilw]

Jennifer and Dave,
Congratulations on the news! My husband and I are going through the infertility treatments right now and this gives me such hope that we will also be blessed with a child. Thanks for your inspiring story and continued Good Luck!

Wow! Jennifer - what a lovely chronologue of your pregnancy. Thank you for sharing so much with such grace. Our best wishes and prayers are with you for a healthy Baby Alexander. Sandie B

Congratulations Dave and Jennifer! Thanks for sharing your story and as soon as I can stop crying I'll say a special prayer for your family!

[LuckyPup]

Jennifer--

You and Dave are amazing!! Congratulations on your little one!!! You are so brave!!

[FanOfMickey]

Congrats Jennifer and Dave!!!

[Martha]

Congratulations to all!