The Best Surprise




Henrik Sebastian is 3 today. Wow, we have a three-year-old. That seems unreal. When I think about Henrik, "best surprise of my life" is the phrase that comes to mind.

I can't help but remember that first wave of nausea just four months into our marriage that made me wonder. Haphazardly taking a pregnancy test before I went into work one morning and setting it on the bathroom counter and almost forgetting to look at it before I ran out the door. Then glancing at it, ready to quickly toss it in the trash, because of course it would be negative. Then, seeing that second pink line and muttering something slightly profane under my breath.
I instantly felt so many things....dread, stupid (that I hadn't understood my own fertility), confused (because I really didn't think it should have been possible), wondering what Devin would say, maybe a tad excited that there could really be life inside of me, and then calling my mom because I couldn't think of anything else to do.

It took me awhile to really understand that God is the author of all life and his ways are perfect.

It's too bad I couldn't have seen a flash of the future. Henrik is funny and witty and so smart. He converses beyond his age. He's got a great smile and has such amazing energy for life. He loves physical touch and being with people. This kid makes our days so much brighter. I'm a different person because of our surprise Henrik and I'm so grateful.

I did a little interview with Henrik and of course when I told him we were having some sort of formal conversation he decided to be uncooperative, so this was the best I could do:

Me:How do you feel about turning 3?
Henrik: Good. Can I have my chocolate cake?

Me: What's your favorite food?
Henrik: Carrots.

Me: What's your favorite thing that mommy makes for dinner?
Henrik: Hmmm...I don't know.

Me: Who's your favorite person?
Henrik: Cousins!

Me: Are you excited to turn 3?
Henrik: Yeah! That makes you sad?

Me: Do you love your brother Ira?
Henrik: Yuck. Ira is stinky. I just want to watch my show.

Me: Who would you like to come to your birthday party?
Henrik: Grandma

Me: What's your favorite color?
Henrik: blue

Me: What's your favorite toy?
Henrik: Lofty

Me: Do you like monster trucks or construction vehicles more?
Henrik: Construction vehicles.

Me: What's your favorite construction vehicle?
Henrik: Bulldozer.

Me: What's your daddy's name?
Henrik: Devin.

Me: What's your mommy's name?
Henrik: Emily.

Me: Any other thoughts?
Henrik: I like Miles.

Me: Who is Jesus?
Henrik: Part of the earth.

Me: What does Jesus mean to you?
Henrik: I don't want to answer.

Birthday plans for Henrik didn't quite work out as we hoped. He and Ira both woke up during the night with fevers and congestion, so we'll be laying low. Happy birthday sweet boy, we love you so much!

9 comments:

Heather Hoerr said...

don't you love how 3 year olds talk and process things?! love the comment about Ira. :)

T and M said...

Aww what a sweet boy. I absolutely love interviews with kids!!! Indigo has a bday soon, I am definitely going to have to ask her some questions

sandra said...

Happy birthday to henrik!! I didn't remember it was only 4 months into your married life;)!!! But I totally u see stand your feelings of emotions after you found out. So similar here except it was 6 months. But oh how we wouldn't change it would we!!!

sandra said...

"Understand"

Sara Huber said...

This is really sweet. What a great little guy.

sarah.flyingkites said...

He is seriously ADORABLE!! Love how you described that moment when you discovered you were pregnant.

Linda said...

How well I remember that phone call! I think I laughed. Maybe because it happened to me also :) This is such a testimony of God's goodness! Praising God for the blessing of dear Henrik!

leah said...

oh i loved this. what a surprise he was - love how you walked us through that - i remember that time so well!

happy birthday sweet boy! i miss you!

Daveana said...

Aww!!! Happy Birthday Henrik! What a beautiful and stinking cute surprise.