Finally, it was time for the big reveal of our secret. Once we reached the 3 month mark, sorry 12 weeks. We felt comfortable to start sharing the news with our friends and family.
As much as we were waiting to share the news with people who are close to us, it wasn’t straight forward and easy.
Some people got a phone call. Some received the news in person. These reveals where calm and smooth. But in some cases I thought why not have a bit of fun and make the reveal interesting.
One of these scenarios was at my job. Yes, as I told you before, I actually have to work for a living. I knew it might be a bit ahead of its time, but it was something needed. Selfish on my side, but I had to cover my absences for doctor visits, or any other ad-hoc baby related tasks. Also, I wanted to prepare people for my upcoming lengthy paternity leave.
Once I managed to have my managers in the same room, I could already see the slight concern on their faces. He’s going to quit, was the vibe I was getting. So not to disappoint them, I started by stating, I will be leaving. Then paused for a second to see what reaction I will get. Insert meme of Michael Scott screaming: Noooo. Then I continued, leaving on paternity leave later in the year. It was an amazing site to see how quickly the atmosphere changed in the room. Then came the usual questioning, when, how, what, etc. It was fun, and it was done.
Another good reveal was with a close group of friends. They are like our family away from home. We broke the news whilst having a gathering for a festive, holiday dinner. I don’t remember all the exact details, might have had one too many to drink that night. But it was again a good feeling to get it out there and not have to hide things anymore. What I mostly remember is that I had the opening to throw a ultrasound picture of our baby on the table and just say, yeah, this is the gift I’m getting. Hugs, cheers, joy and happiness with a huge conversation piece on the table for the rest of the evening.
Finally, let me also share how the big reveal went down with our parents. It couldn’t have been more opposite even if we’ve planned it. I called my parents over the phone and simultaneously sent them the ultrasound picture. At first when I mentioned, you should check the picture I sent you, I was rejected and told it can’t be that important, we talking now. After insisting, the first thing I hear in the background was my father. Oh my god, is this real, am I looking at this the right way. Then my mother over the phone, I could hear she is crying but the words that she managed to say was, your father is crying. Only thing I could reply was a question. And what are you doing ? Obviously another good reveal.
Then came time to share with my wife’s parents. We included the news in a gift card. Once opened, there was a moment of silence, then her mother said, I knew it. She seemed as confident as if she was the doctor monitoring the pregnancy. A couple of seconds later, her father, with an iron face, looked at her and asked, are you pregnant. The reply was obviously, daaah, didn’t you just hear. With that he murmured, ok, and left the room to have a cigarette. I was just sitting there processing what just happened. Trying to figure out how the news was perceived.
Overall, I can say that everyone was happy for us and it made our lives easier knowing that they all know. No more keeping a secret, no more inquiries about why certain things are not consumed anymore. Full speed ahead and 100% focus on the remaining weeks and months.