If you know Ryan or me very well, you’d know that we’re not the first people to want to hold someone else’s baby at a gathering, or to volunteer for nursery duty at church. I’ve always said that I’m either having zero kids or four, leaning more towards zero. In Haiti, literally everywhere you go, when you see a Haitian you’ve talked to before, they ask you, “Why don’t you have kids,” or “When are you going to have kids?” My typical response is, “I have cats.” And they laugh but continue to press on for more answers.
Sparing you the details, which if you know me well, you know that I am also not good at talking about subjects like this, Ryan and I suspected that we may… possibly … be expecting. After putting if off for a few weeks, we decided to go buy a pregnancy test. Now I didn’t want to get one from the Heartline Maternity Center because I wasn’t ready for ANYONE to know. And I couldn’t go to Delimart, our regular grocery store, because every time we go there, all the cashiers ask us when we will have kids, so they would have FREAKED out! So we found some obscure store and pulled up on our motorcycle.
Ryan, being the gentleman that he is, decided that he needed to stay out and “watch the bike” rather than going in with me on this dreaded trip. Thanks husband 😀 So I go in to the pharmacy and ask for a “bagay pou tcheke si ou ansent” (thing to check if you’re pregnant). After repeating myself a few times, the man said, “Pregnancy test?” I guess I could have just used English. So he gave me one, and I concealed it well in the bag and we zipped home on the moto.
Well, after taking that test, and then going back to the same place and buying another one the next day (from the same man who remembered me), the tests came back POSITIVE! CRAZY!!!! We were (and still are) a bit in shock, but are also super excited. It’s unbelievable to me how neither of us ever really thought we’d have kids, but as soon as we found this out, it was pure joy!
Not really sure what to do next, I called my friend Melissa who has lived in Haiti about half her life and is a nurse/midwife. Her and her husband just moved to the States, however, her husband happened to be back here needing to work a few weeks still. He is an OBGYN, and had a shift at the hospital the next day! She said we could go in for a sonogram. Thank you Lord!
So it would be our first experience in a Haitian hospital, and we had no idea what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised, as it was neat and clean. He met us with a huge smile and congratulations. I got on the exam table and he started the sonogram. At this point I still had doubts that this was actually happening and we were really pregnant. But the first second he started it, he said, “Yep, there it is.” Aaaahhhh! It was crazy. And so cool. There’s actually something in there! And moving around!
So, God willing, Ryan and I will add another member to our family mid-November. I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence, but I am finally convinced that it’s true. We are excited for the next part of this journey, and wanted to share our news with you!
38 responses to “Surprise!”
i am so glad for yall. Cant wait to see and hear more!
Congrats!! the Montgomerys are excited for you! God works in mysterious ways… looking forward to seeing you two again when you get back.
CONGRATULATIONS! How exciting!
OMG, Congrats! Sounds like this was not exactly planned, but is still a happy and welcome surprise! You two seem to me like you’d be amazing parents. So you’ve got one lucky little gal or fellow on the way, or maybe both if it’s twins?! 🙂
I am so HAPPY for you both!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!
I am very happy for both of you! It is a life changing event as you will soon find out. God Bless You and your little one.
Ryan & Melissa
Jonnie and I are so excited for you. You are having another Mission Worker for the Lord. How great is that!!!!! The Lord’s timing is great—rather than one year or so ago. Every blessing to you both for the Giver of Life, our Lord Jesus. Love to you both. David & Jonnie Perry
Seriously, you guys…so awesome. This post just makes me all the more excited for you (and you know I already was pretty excited about this news)! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
Congratulations Ryan and Melissa! Bec just told me on the phone and we’re really excited for you!
“For God so loved Ryan & Melissa – and their sacrifice of Love for Him and His beloved Haiti children – that He gave them – Ryan & Melissa – their first born son (or daughter) – that whenever they look at him/her – they remember their beloved Haiti family.”
{I know this isn’t John 3:16 – but for you the Lord gave you His give of Thanks}
That is fantastic news! So happy for you both. You will be wonderful parents.
I am so happy for both of you! There is nothing like being a parent. God has truly blessed you. Congratulations and best of luck!
Yey. Congrats to you guys. Bonnie and I are very very happy for you.
Congratulations! I remember you talking about not having kids on our short trip. We all thought you were joking haha. Excited for y’all!!
It looks like there are two babies in that sonogram. Better check it again.
Congrats to both of you. You two will make incredible parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gramps
We are so excited for you guys. You will make great parents. Congratulations!!
Melissa and Ryan–
congratulations!! Just remember, a lot of people have done this and it has turned out great.
Congratulations! You will be great great parents!
CONGRATS! Will defs be praying for peace as you take this next part of your journey!
So happy for you both! Congratulations!
Congrats roomie!! How exciting for you both! Hugs! 😉
Fantastic news – and for all your “never thought we’d be parents” stuff – I think that you guys will come up to speed really easily! 🙂
Congrats you guys! What an exciting blessing. 🙂
Melissa – its hard for me to think of someone who is more nurturing, kind hearted and wonderful with kids. You are not only an amazing role model for my children, but will make an amazing mother. Congratulations.
Happy for you and that you are blessed with the news! Great post! Look forward to seeing you soon. Grandma in Minneapolis
Congrats! Kristie and I had our second in December. You will love it. Just need to survive the first six months…
Mike – lol! Good to know 🙂
So excited to hear the news – you two will be wonderful parents! Can’t wait to see you!!
This is awesome, wow, God bless you two and congratulations!!
Congratulations to you both!
Congratulations! Being a parent may be the hardest thing you will ever do, but also the most rewarding. I am pretty sure you will be great parents! Hope all goes well! Sonya & family
Congratulations. That’s one lucky kid. He/she got the first step right by picking the right parents.
Woo Hoo!!! So happy for both of you!!
Ryan & Melissa,
CONGRATS! Psalm 127:3 says that sons (and daughters) are an inheritance from God. We look forward to your blessing!
Brian & Cari – Thanks you guys!!
Hello you three!! Jamie and Paul told us about your precious gift on the way in late June when we were in Colorado. I was ecstatic! Sorry it has taken so long to reply and that I hadn’t been on your blog for a bit!! We have been praying for everything right down to the right doctor, nurses and location etc. We love you Barry and Chris
Chris – Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers! Look forward to the next time we will be able to see you again! God willing, we are hoping to see Paul & Jamie at the end of September.
I would love it if we or at least I could see you then. I will pray that it might work. Love you guys so much, Chris