Telling Audra

4.25.14-4.26.14

      On Saturday, Chris and Audra had agreed to meet us halfway between our houses to catch up and have a meal together. We try to do this about every month or at least every other month, but it had been a while since we'd seen them.
       On Friday, Audra texted me to make sure we were still good to meet, and we chatted about where we would eat and what time. Then, the inevitable text came:

Audra: No baby news for us yet; what about y'all?

        I can tell you, I literally sat there and debated for a good 10 minutes about what to tell her. I had really wanted to tell her and Chris together in person, but at the same time, lying to her when she had outright asked didn't feel right. It felt like I was misleading her and it would make it harder when we told them the next day. I went back and forth about telling and not telling, and then finally decided to be honest and to tell her because maybe this is what she needed. Maybe she needed to know when we weren't in person, so she was free to cry if she needed to and not felt bad about doing so. Again, I would never assume to know the complexities of struggling to get pregnant and watching nearly everyone around you get pregnant, but I know what it is to be waiting and hoping and praying that you would be pregnant. I know a teeny tiny slice of that pain of hearing that someone you love is expecting, and wondering why it couldn't be you, too.

Me: Since you asked- we have news... I really wanted to tell you in person... (I did it as gently as I could over text
Audra: !!!! Yay!!! Don't worry, I'll let Chris be surprised!! I'm just a nosy butt-in-ski!! I am SO happy!!
Me: You are so amazing- I know that part of your heart hurts because I know a small part of that pain. I'm so sorry, but I know that yours will come soon!!!
Audra: I read on the blog where you thought you were and I got to wondering. You are incredibly sensitive and thoughtful, but I assure you my heart is full of joy!
Me: Yes sister you are the reason I haven't written in a while- I wanted to be sure we honored you and Chris and your little one by telling you in person and not via blog/Facebook
Audra: And here I go with the texting... Sorry! But please, I'd rather know ASAP and have that much more time to be excited with you!! How far along?
Me: 11 weeks and 1 day
Audra: Wow! What an incredible blessing! Angels are rejoicing at your faithfulness and hope in our God.

      We went on to talk about seeing each other tomorrow, and I could genuinely feel her happiness through her words. By now, you've got a pretty good idea of how amazing my sister-in-law is, and no, you can't have her.

      The next day when we were able to sit down with Audra and Chris, I kept trying to find the right time to tell him that we were expecting again. Towards the end of the meal, I finally looked at Alex and just came out with it. Chris' first reaction was to look at Audra, which is completely understandable, and then told us congratulations. I know I told them both how sorry I was that their baby wasn't here yet, and I rubbed on Audra's arm as she started to tear up a little bit. After a second, she shook her head and said, "This is not about me! This is about y'all!"
      I know after we left that both Audra and Chris probably sat and talked in the parking lot for a while. I know that they are extremely happy and joyful for us, but I also know that they are aching for their turn to have baby news.

      But just as God has been faithful to us, I know that God will also be faithful to them.