First we told the Dschaak's because we were all home together and we thought it was a perfect opportunity to tell the whole family at one time. I had bought these stuffed animals for Paige and Parker that were recordable and thought I would have Paige talk into the recorder saying she was going to be a big cousin and then take it over to the family and play it for them. When a good opportunity came I took Paige aside for her surprise I had been telling her about all day. I gave her the stuffed animal (a unicorn) and told her that Auntie Tiff had a baby in her belly and I needed her help to surprise Grandma and Grandpa (and the rest of the family). She looked at me and flat out said "no thanks." I said "please I need a special helper to tell them" and she replied "you can just tell them yourself."
So after several minutes of trying to convince her, I finally realized it wasn't going to happen. I had a little moment of panic about what I was going to do now but then asked Paige if she could keep my special secret for a while and I recorded my own voice on Parker's animal (a monkey) and put it in a box to open with the rest of his presents (we were celebrating his 2nd birthday that weekend in Beulah). Paige really didn't say yes or no to if she wouldn't tell but grabbed her stuffed animal and ran into the house. She ran right past everyone; not saying a single word to anyone.
So, Parker's present opening time came after he woke up from his nap and Parker opened all his gifts except the one. The last box, that was unwrapped, had the monkey and a note that said squeeze me in it. Parker was enjoying riding his new bike so Paige helped him to open it. She squeezed the monkey, but no one could hear it and asked what it said. Paige yelled out "It said... Auntie Tiff has a baby in her belly and I'm going to be a big cousin."
So although it wasn't as I planned, it turned out even better with Paige's help!
But she quickly was over the excitement of a new cousin and wanted to get to the next entertainment - breaking the pinata that we had for Parker's birthday party.