It's A...

Yes, those of you who noticed the allusion to a "he" in yesterday's post weren't just seeing things. We've been told to prepare for a little boy to join us this winter. This is the type of news that most find out at the doctor's office. But we prefer to receive it over a nice dinner with a good view.

Someone gave Jason this idea when we were pregnant with Audrey:

Rather than hear the news from our doctor or ultrasound tech, we asked them to write down what we were having and seal it in an envelope. We took the envelope shopping. Yes, shopping. At a children's store we picked out a girl's outfit and a boy's outfit. We handed both outfits, the envelope, and some cash to the sales associate. Then we told her we were leaving the store. We asked her to open the envelope; ring up the corresponding outfit; and gift wrap it, the envelope, and our change in a box that we would come pick up in ten minutes.

And then we took a box out for dinner. Somewhere, between courses and watching the waves come in (I did mention the good view, didn't I? We did this back in Florida for those wondering) we opened the box. Suddenly, the talk shifted from unknowns to concrete ideas: what color we would paint his room; how Audrey would act as the sister to a little brother; and what new activities he might bring into our lives. And, as easy as the unwrapping of a gift, our picture of who this little one (and our growing family) will be came one touch more into focus.