The BIG Reveal!

Yesterday was an exciting day!  Kelly and Michael found out the gender of their sweet baby last week and they kept it a secret until the whole family could get together for the big reveal yesterday afternoon!  Though I would have much preferred to be there in person, I'm thankful that through the "magic" of Skype, we were able to be a part of the whole thing.  Michael also had his sister and her family on Skype from Chapel Hill, NC so it truly was a family affair!  

I got anxious waiting yesterday afternoon so I passed the time by making these silly pictures

My guess has been girl all along, and as you know, Kyndall was absolutely SURE it was a "durl" and would not even entertain the idea of it possibly being a boy.  She has been calling this baby "Ole Sally Blue" for many weeks now and constantly talks about how the baby "durl" in Aunt Kelly's tummy has been making Aunt Kelly very sick.  So, despite the overwhelming boy votes by friends on Facebook, Kyndall and I stuck by our guess of GIRL!

Everyone gathered yesterday afternoon at my parents' house and Kelly organized the most creative, fun scavenger hunt for the Grandparents to participate in!  It was really cute!  Each clue that they found was a rhyming riddle on a card with a hint to where the next clue could be found.  I took a few screen shots on the iPad as we were walking around with everyone to find the clues.  They're not very clear, but what I want you to take note of is Kyndall's facial expressions as the pictures progress......

The first clue was opened by Michael's Mom.....

Then my Dad found his clue in the pantry......

Then Michael's Dad had a turn..... (They're talking to Michael's sister via Skype on the phone)

Mom found hers in the laundry room.....

Mom reading her clue.....

Making their way through the house to the final clue.......

Which involved ME!!  What a cool surprise!  Kelly told me to get on my phone and look at Facebook.  When I did, I found this message from her......

So, with that they lifted up Kelly's shirt and we all saw THIS....!!! (Notice Kyndall's face....still looking excited at this point.....)

And then it hit her.....IT'S A BOY!!!!!  Look at that face!!  

Obviously, Kyndall was NOT happy with this news but the rest of us were elated!  Finally, after nothing but girls, our family gets to welcome a baby BOY!  

My Dad and Kelly were sweet to try and cheer Kyndall up but she wasn't having any of it.....Look at that face!  She was crying REAL, legitimate tears!  I couldn't help but laugh!

We got disconnected at one point and while trying to get the connection back, I told Kyndall that she wasn't acting very nice and that she was going to really hurt Aunt Kelly's feelings if she didn't act happy for her.  When we connected with them again, Kyndall very sweetly said through tear filled eyes......"Aunt Kelly....I really love you but I just wanted it to be a durl".  Sweet!

Kelly and Michael had gone out and bought some funny little onesies for the baby and they held them up for us to see.  Again, notice Kyndall's face in these next two shots.  It's as if she's saying "I'm still not ok with this but I'm just gonna shut up and deal with it."  =)

We are SO excited for Kelly and Michael!!!  I'm not sure that any of us have a clue what to do with little boys, but we'll figure it out I suppose!!!  Hurry up, August!  This first-time Aunt is ready to meet my little nephew!!!

As for Kyndall, she seems to be accepting the news a little better as we talk about it more and more.  She'll get over it and I know she will love her little cousin once he comes along!  I even tried explaining to her that this means she gets to reign as princess of the family, as she will still be the only Granddaughter on the Kirkland/Hughes side and the only Great-Granddaughter on the Basford side!  AND.....She gets to keep all of her old clothes, shoes, and toys since none of them can be passed down as I was planning to do!  She is still calling the baby "Sally" but once Kelly and Michael pick out a name and stick with it, we'll work hard on dropping the Sally!!  =)

Here are a few pictures I took on my camera while we were Skyping.  I still prefer the screen shots, but these are funny too!

Congratulations, Kelly and Michael!!!  You are going to make the best parents and I can't wait to meet my sweet little nephew in just a few months!!  We love you and we love baby boy Thomas already!  (Even his bratty older cousin loves him and prays for him every single night!)

Now, let the shopping begin..........!!!!!!!