March 4, 2011, started out like many other birthdays of mine since I began working in the world of college athletics. You see, I have the misfortune of almost always working very long hours on my 'big day' because it seemingly always falls on or around conference basketball tournament time. This particular year was the Friday before the semifinals of the SAC basketball tournament in Hickory, N.C., so it was set up day at the arena and the teams would be participating in shoot arounds most of the day. I had arranged to take the staff to a nice dinner that evening to thank them for their efforts surrounding the tournament thus far and also to have a small celebration for my birthday. Joanna would be driving up in the afternoon to join us for dinner and hang out with us during the games on Saturday and Sunday.
That morning as I was getting ready to leave the house, I had a very overwhelming feeling that my mom was wishing me a happy birthday. For those of you that don't know, my mom passed away from congestive heart failure when I was 17. I have had those sensations before, but this one was strong enough I actually had to sit down for a moment to gather myself. Needless to say, it was a nice way to start the day.
After several hours of loading the van, driving to Hickory, unloading the van and setting things up, I got to the hotel about 5:30 and Joanna was waiting for me with a very special birthday gift. It was a baby jumper that said, "I Love My Daddy" and a home pregnancy test that was positive. Obviously, it was the best birthday present I had ever received and I hugged Joanna so hard I was afraid I hurt her! Maybe it was my mom joining in the hug that made it seem that way!
The hard part was we had to go to dinner that night and act like nothing was different because we obviously could not tell anyone since she was only a few weeks pregnant. One more thing that made me feel like my mom was around was when Joanna told me the appointment with the obstetrician was on April 13 - my mom's birthday!!
Anyway, since March 4 our lives have been centered on getting ready for the baby's arrival. I have had the idea to start this blog for the past few months and, for various reasons, am just now getting around to starting to do it. Feel free to provide comments and feedback, but please keep them PG rated!! I'll be back soon with another entry.
With a PG standard attached, I am at a loss for words. :) This is great. What a memorable way to begin a journey that gets better with each passing day. I can imagine while you were getting ready to drive to the tournament, Jo was probably about to burst wanting to tell you before you left! We're looking forward to following y'all through this exciting time.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Pat! I stumbled across your new blog through Facebook, and I'm so glad I did! Can't wait to continue to read about your growing family. As a fellow blogger, myself, it's fun to see other families chronicle their experiences for others to read. And your son/daughter will love reading it someday!
ReplyDeleteHope all continues to go well!
Amy (at UNC)