She was pregnant with her first child, and every day felt like a long time as she waited for the baby to be born. Her husband, 37-year-old Tommy, a freelance financial consultant, was excited, too. They planned and prepared for the baby’s arrival. Their home in Yellowbridge, New Jersey, had been transformed into a baby-friendly space.

Although Tommy was curious, Lauren had decided early on that she didn’t want to know the baby’s gender. She believed in the magic of surprises, and as long as their little one was healthy, that mattered to her.

As the days passed, Lauren focused on making their home feel warm and loving in preparation for the new arrival. She filled their home with pink decorations because she thought they were welcoming a baby girl.

Lauren was busy getting ready for their baby shower when Tommy went without telling her anything. He had a secret mission. Tommy went to the doctor without Lauren knowing. He learned the truth and was shocked but happy because they would have a healthy baby. Tommy came back home and helped Lauren get ready for the baby. It took him a lot of effort not to tell anyone. That day started like any other. Lauren woke up at 7 am and had a long, cold shower. But by the time she had finished, Tommy was gone. This was strange because he would usually still be in bed. But then, she saw something by the front door. Under the key rack, next to the front door, there was a small table. That’s where she saw the small piece of folded paper. 

With slightly sweaty palms, she grabbed the piece of paper and unfolded it. But she was not prepared for what she would find.

She looked upset when she read the message: “I need some time to myself. I’m going out. Call me if you need anything. Love you.”This worried Lauren because her husband had been acting strange for a while. Then came the day when Lauren’s water broke, and labor started suddenly. With Tommy’s help, they left home, feeling nervous but excited.

When Lauren’s water broke, the excitement turned into panic. Despite the pain, Lauren felt a surge of anticipation. After months of preparation, their baby was finally on the way. She couldn’t wait to hold their child, marvel at their tiny fingers and toes, and experience the overwhelming rush of love every parent talked about.

The nurses gave their newborn baby to Lauren, wrapped tightly in a blanket. Tommy encouraged Lauren to unwrap the baby so she could see it. Lauren looked down at the baby, feeling very happy. But as she began to unwrap the blanket, she started to feel confused. Under the blankets, Lauren saw a white jumper with a strange message on it. It said, “Do I look like a boy?” Lauren felt her breath catch in her throat. She looked up at Tommy, her mind reeling with disbelief. The room seemed to hold its breath as the realization dawned on her. Tommy had known all along — they were having a boy.

But before Tommy could say anything, the door opened, and their family came into the room, looking happy. “Surprise!” they said together, laughing.

And suddenly, it all made sense. Tommy had known all along, going to the doctor to satisfy his curiosity while keeping the secret from Lauren. And now, with their loved ones around, they were happy about this.

Lauren laughed and cried with happiness. She loved the man who had planned this special moment. As she looked at their baby boy, she knew that their journey as parents was beginning. Lauren realized that the nursery, which was decorated in pink, would need to be changed. Most of their friends had also bought gifts and toys for girls, but Lauren didn’t mind. Her son would learn from both worlds.

But at that moment, with all the love and laughter around her, she knew that no matter what colors they chose, they would love their son more than anything. And so, their journey as parents began, filled with surprises, laughter, and lots of love.