Sunday, July 17, 2022- 27 weeks

I felt horrible after the baby shower in Texas last weekend when I hid in the bathroom as everyone was leaving, crying. Sheldon was so sweet, checking on me and suggesting we go out, just the two of us. Then he surprised me when we got home with the trip to San Francisco for a few days. I tried explaining babymoons to him at the airport Wednesday after work; he was baffled there was a word for what we were doing.

San Francisco was exactly what we both needed. Sheldon was insistent on doing what I wanted. I chose the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience and wanted to see the painted ladies. He was thrilled when I suggested going to Alcatraz. I knew he would be. This trip needed to be something both of us would enjoy and it was. As we were boarding the plane yesterday afternoon, Sheldon mentioned we should do this sort of trip more often. I don't know how that will work after the baby is born, but we'll figure it out.

Raj has taken charge of our California baby shower with our friends and my parents. He's setting it up in our backyard, insisting Sheldon and I remain inside until he's ready for us to see what he's done with the yard. "Okay," I hear his voice call out from the kitchen. "Everyone should be here soon, but you can come out now to see everything."

"Sheldon," I poke my head into the sunroom, where Sheldon has been occupying himself with his whiteboards. "Let's go outside." He recaps the marker in his hand and follows me to the kitchen where Raj is waiting for us.

"I tried to not go too over the top. If it's too much, I have a little time to change it." Raj opened the backdoor, revealing his morning's efforts. Bunches of pastel-colored balloons have been tied to each post of the pergola under which he arranged a table, I'm assuming for the gifts, with streamers billowing off the front. Honestly, it was much more subdued than I was expecting given his excitement when we agreed to let him organize the afternoon.

I turn around to face our friend, "This is perfect," Opening my arms to hug him, I continue, "Thank you for doing this. I can't wait for everyone to get here."

We break our embrace and I notice Raj is smirking. "It would have been better if I knew if you were having a boy or a girl. I did get something in case you want to turn this into a gender reveal party." Sheldon and I watch him walk across the yard and retrieve a box from under the table. He opens it, revealing two large tubes. "They're poppers. One pink and one blue. Pick the one you need and pop it when everyone is here."

"Thank you, but no," Sheldon answers for both of us. "We've decided to keep the sex of our child to ourselves. We will tell everyone after he or she is born." I appreciate Sheldon's answer, but it's not completely true.

"Well, they're here if you change your mind."

Our friends are scattered throughout our backyard, enjoying the snacks Raj prepared. To my surprise, my mother has been keeping to herself most of the day. I've noticed her talking with Penny and Bernadette at different times, while my father was drawn to Howard, I suspect they've been talking about magic tricks because my father asked where he could find a small towel at one point. The kids were cracking up not long after that. He's beyond elated to be a grandfather and I can't wait to see him with my son.

We're opening gifts when the topic of our child's sex comes up again. Sheldon and I have been alternating opening gifts; it's Sheldon's turn when he pulls two outfits from a gift bag. The first is a pink and purple dress with rainbows and unicorns. The second is a onesie covered with what appear to be small superhero logos. "That's from me and Michael. Do you like it?" Halley's voice calls out. "Mommy said you wouldn't tell her if the baby is a boy or girl, so she let us pick something for both."

"I tried explaining gender-neutral clothes to her, but she was insistent on picking that dress. I've got the receipt so you can exchange it if you aren't going to be needing a dress anytime soon. Or you could just tell us now what you're having," Bernadette shares the same smirk that was plastered across Raj's face a few hours ago.

"Again, no one except for us and Amy's doctor know if the baby is a boy or a girl," Sheldon interjects, attempting to end the conversation.

From the back of the group comes my father's voice, "I know what they're having." Oh god, he did hear me in the hospital after his heart attack. It's been nearly two months and he hasn't said anything about it. I thought he was asleep and hadn't heard me. I glare at him, hoping he reads my expression, which I'm hoping is conveying that he not say another word.

"Larry?" My mother's voice booms above the chatter my father's comment has set off. "You know if we're having a granddaughter or grandson and haven't told me?"

"Amy, you told him?" Sheldon's face softens with concern. I can tell he is hurt that I told my dad without telling him. For the record, we didn't decide we weren't telling anyone what we're having until after we left the hospital that evening. The topic had been broached, but we hadn't confirmed what we were going to do.

I stand from my chair next to the gift table. "I'm sorry. As you all know, my dad was in the hospital two months ago. Sheldon and I were walking out of my doctor's appointment where we learned what the baby is when my mom called, telling us to get to the hospital. My dad had just come out of his procedure; I wasn't even sure if he heard me when I was talking to him. The doctor said everything went well and was optimistic, but I wanted him to know, just in case."

My mother approaches and I brace for whatever is coming. She opens her arms, pulling me into them. I'm confused until she whispers in my ear, "It's okay, Amy. I'm glad he knows. He deserves to know. I won't pester him or you about it."

"Thanks, Mom," I mumble in return as her arms let go of me.

The fact that my dad knows isn't brought up the rest of the afternoon while we finish opening gifts. Our friends got us some really thoughtful gifts that will be put to good use in a matter of months. There isn't one thing that stands out as being my favorite until Penny and Bernadette approach with Bernadette holding an envelope in her hands. "We got you something," she holds it out to me. I accept the small item, slipping my finger under the flap to open it.

I'm reading the writing on the card when Penny explains, "We know how hard being a new mom can be. And you're doing it with Sheldon. Bernie and I were talking and we want to do something for you after the baby is born and you're comfortable leaving him or her for a few hours. This is a gift card for you to get a mani and pedi."

"This is really sweet. Thanks, guys," I pull my two best friends into a hug.

"She did something similar for me after Ava was born. We thought you would like it, too. Think of it as a little tradition for the existing moms to do with the new mom."

Giving them another squeeze, I reply, "You two will be my first phone call when I'm okay leaving the baby home with Sheldon for a little while."