Hearts & Rockets

Remind Me

The Canadian May long weekend was upon us, and my sister's wedding was taking place. Being so busy, I kindly declined the maid of honour position and stood as a bridesmaid while I watched my one and only little sister marry her longest friend, the father of her little boy and her soul mate. Cade was the ring bearer, and Sutton stepped in as flower girl. The wedding was small, just about one hundred people and we had a great time together with our family.

Hunter and I decided on the flight back to Nashville that we would fly his parents to Toronto for Sutton's fourth birthday and to share our pregnancy news with everyone. "What if she got a tee shirt that revealed it or whatever?" I smiled as Hunter squeezed my hand and nodded it. We decided then that we would use Sutton's first present as our announcement. "I was thinking of getting her a bike to open at home when she gets back."

"That's be great Jen." Hunter and I relaxed for the rest of the way home, my mind wandering to places like getting Sutton back on track for preschool, prepping a new nursery and so on. Hunter snapped me out of my daze as we landed and drove home. We got back into our normal routine, and added the juggling of some doctors appointments. Sutton had her preschool classes until the middle of June, and just a few weeks later, we were back in Toronto to celebrate her third birthday. Hunter's parents flew in, and we invited some of my extended family who we usually only saw during Christmas.

"Thank you everyone who came to celebrate with us," Hunter started, "we appreciate being able to spend time with you all." Hunter put his hand on my back and my mom passed Sutton her first present. She helped her hold the bag open as Sutton reached in and pulled out some tissue paper before removing the surprise, a tee shirt that read, 'Promoted to Big Sister November 15th', and in the bottom of the bag was a small framed picture of the 18 week ultrasound. It clicked with everyone and they were so excited, hugging me and Hunter.

"Sutton, you're going to be a big sister," I said crouching down beside her, "there's a baby in mommy's tummy!" When she realized what I meant she started asking lots of questions starting with "how did it get there", and ended with "how will it come out". Embarrassing and awkward questions aside, she had several more gifts to open from our family. We had a small gathering with our bands and close friends when we returned home, and Sutton entered the party in her tee shirt. Once again, hugs and cheers were shared.

"So, wait, Jenna does this mean..." Kyle's voice drifted off as he raised an eyebrow.

I smiled and nodded, "Yes, I was pregnant on tour, technically before the tour even started."

"I had a feeling," he smirked, "congratulations!"

The summer continued on with a few local festivals, Keds events, and we made a public statement on Instagram. We received so many well wishes and positive comments, and as August became September, I was really starting to pop. Hunter and I took some down time as we got Sutton ready for full time kindergarten. We went out and bought unicorn everything - backpack, lunch bag and water bottle.

"You're such a big girl, you're going to have so much fun at school." I sat beside her as Hunter read a book, Dr Suess' Oh the Places You'll Go. It was one of Sutton's favourites. I decided to buy a second copy of this book and have important people like her soccer coaches and preschool teachers sign it, and I will continue to have important people that are a part of her life to sign it, like a life long "year book" and it will be part of her 18th birthday present. Hunter said it was the most adorable idea he's ever heard, and it's definitely something I will do for our second baby.

"The end." Hunter planted a kiss atop Sutton's head and tucked the book back in the shelf. "Sweet dreams baby girl." I kissed her goodnight and we headed over to our bed.

"What a summer," I said, pulling back the duvet, "how is it already September." I shook my head at how fast the year had gone by, and thought about the wonderful things that had happened.

"Before we know it, we are going to have a new little lady or little man join the crew," Hunter rubbed my belly, smiling, "I almost forgot how adorable you looked pregnant."

I felt my cheeks redden a little, "I kinda missed being pregnant. I really love it." I felt a little kick and guided Hunter's hand over to a particular spot. He felt the kick and began singing This Girl. I chimed in and we smiled at the rustle of kicks that stirred inside.

"Another fan of our music." I kissed Hunter before turning out the lights.

"I love you Jenna."

"Love you too Hunt."