Surprise! JJ is on his way!

I have always wanted to be a mom. While many women desire to be successful working moms I can honestly say 'stay at home mom' has been my numero uno most wanted job since I was a little girl. Maybe it stemmed from my older sister Annie always stealing the mom role when we played house. Or maybe, and most likely, it was because I always loved having my mom around and wanted to be just like her when I grew up. 

One of the best pieces of advice I got when I was engaged to Jeffrey was: Don't wait until you're ready to have kids. You will never feel ready. TRUTH! I kept thinking 'when we are ready have kids' translated to 'in 100 years' haha. Well it came a lot sooner than I expected. Summer of 2014 Jeffrey and I had some neat experiences that helped us realize it was time to start our family. Although I did not feel ready physically, emotionally or mentally I moved forward in faith knowing that this is what we needed to do. 

There is nothing quite like seeing the double lines on a pregnancy test! WHAT?!?! I have a child growing inside of me!!!!!! What a rush of emotions. I immediately felt responsible for the little life within. I wanted to be 100% excited. Yet I was worried: what if the test was wrong, what if it was too early, what if it was a chemical pregnancy, what if I miscarry in a couple of days, what if I am not ready to be a mom? I already felt so much love and concern for my child and wanted the best for them. I mourn with all mothers who suffer miscarriages because as soon as you take that positive pregnancy test you feel a deep connection and great concern for the welfare of your child. I truly believe those little lives starts from the very beginning. I also believe that anyone who has ever lost a child will have a chance to raise them in life after death. These little people have a great impact on our lives from the very start of theirs.

  Jeff recorded this video right after we took the test and you can see the mixture of excitement and worry in my eyes. Please excuse the baby talk, I think I was retreating into a small and innocent place trying to cope with how much my life was changing right before my eyes..... and inside my belly.

I went in for an early ultrasound as I had some curious symptoms. I felt such a wave of relief to see my baby's heart beat. I was pregnant and all was well.

Next step was sharing the news with our families. I LOVE SURPRISES.

I used to call and tell my mom I was just leaving Cedar City whilst on her front porch... hehe.... I did that more than once and it got her several times (or maybe she was just humoring me). 

Jeffrey went along with my insane plans to catch everyone off guard on Christmas with their gifts! We did so with lengthy tales such as "we are giving you all pieces to the same game so you have to open them at the same time"  and " we are recording this to send to Jake on his mission..." haha watch and enjoy the various surprises! Our little dude was spreading so much joy before he was even born!

Powell Family Surprises

If you want a little laugh notice how many times Jeff tries to get my dad to show him the shirt. Haha.

My missionary brother! We didn't tell him until May 2015  a mere 2 months before JJ was due! I
tried to let everyone have their moment with him... but I was just too excited! This was by far the hardest secret I've ever kept. But so worth the surprise!

Hertig Family Surprises

Christmas morning opening presents... you can tell it doesn't really sink in for a second, haha

 My sister in law Heidi was still in highschool when this was filmed.... so that is why Arin has to clarify not SISTER HEIDI haha.