Game of Stromes

Oh baby

I sit in the passenger seat of my brothers car, tapping my leg anxiously, staring out the window to see the dark- cloudy Chicago sky. I have the black envelope in my hand waiting to be mailed to Toronto, Canada.

"Hey love! How was the appointment?" Steph answers as she picks up my FaceTime call.
"Auston couldn't FaceTime today at this appointment but Dylan came with" I turn my camera slightly to the left showing him waving at her. "But other than that, it was great. I didn't look at the ultrasounds and I told her to put them in the envelope for you... along with the gender."
Her face lights up and her smile gets bigger, "oh my goodness I cannot wait til it comes!"
"Im putting it in the mailbox now" I flip my camera around to show her.
"I'm definitely not going to tell Mitch or anyone I promise. Just me and me only will know until the party. It's going to be so much fun. I have to get back to work, but if you need anything let me know."
"I will, love you. Let me know when the envelope gets to you safe and sound!"

It's been tiring traveling back and forth from Toronto to Chicago but it's all worth it. It's been a few weeks since I've been with Auston and all I could think about is the possibility of me moving in with him. I know I want to, and need to soon, but I can't say I'm not scared- because I am. I never lived with anyone besides my roommates in college and my own family so it would be another big change.
Last night, I think I finally made a decision to move in with him beginning of next year which is only a month and a half away. I talked to Dylan about it and he agrees that would be the best idea although he was looking forward to this season with me but he understands.

*5 weeks later*

Instagram: @paytonstrome

2.4K likes 736 likes
"I am so excited to announce that I'm going to be a BOY MOM! 4 more months to go 💙 I cannot wait to meet you baby M.
Thank you to everyone who was able to come to the gender reveal today, we cannot express how thankful we are for each and everyone who's been by Auston and I's side through this pregnancy."

@austonmatthews "I love you both so much, I'm ready to start this journey and can't wait to see what life has in store for us in the future."
@stephlachance "thank you for letting me be the keeper of the gender. It was such an honor getting to throw this reveal for you and everyone else. I am so happy for you both. I love that little man so much already."
> "we love you too Auntie Steph. We appreciate you so much for doing this! It was such an amazing day, couldn't have envisioned it any better. He's already so spoiled."
@willnylander "congratulations Pay, I'm so happy for you and Auston. You guys are going to be the best young hip coolest parents there is"
@ryanstrome "my little sis is having a little baby... still not processed. Can't wait to meet you little man.
@dylanstrome "#1 draft pick of 2040"
@matthewstrome "love you guys, but we all know who the favorite uncle is going to be."
@mitchmarner "Baby Mitch?? Congrats on having sex! Just let's hope he doesn't turn out to be like it's dad."
> @austonmatthews "Never that name haha shut up Marner. I hope he takes after his mom too, she's amazing."

This gender reveal was a fairytale, just how I would've imagined it, but even better. I had most of my family and friends there except Dylan and Ryan due to their hockey schedules. Austons family and my side of the family all got to meet each other and they clicked very well. It felt like they've known each other for 20 years. This pregnancy was obviously unconventional, but stuff happens out of order and they weren't mad about any of it at all, they were very happy about getting a grand-baby.
I was super nervous at first due to me not even meeting half of his family like his cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends from back home. It was also very weird because I'm 5 months along not knowing them.