Patrick Conwell of Nashville, Tennessee had a big surprise for his family this Christmas after being in Afghanistan for nine months.
The soldier decided to make his arrival home from a tour of duty a secret, and made his mother scream with joy when he revealed himself.
Conwell enlisted his brother, Matthew, to help execute his surprise.
A large box sat next to the family's Christmas tree, supposedly containing pink or blue balloons to reveal the gender of the baby Matthew and his wife are expecting.
A YouTube video shows Conwell's parents and sister sitting on the couch, facing the box, while Matthew and his wife stand on either side of the box.
"What do you think [the gender is] going to be?" Matthew asked.
"I don't want to say what I think it's going to be..." his mother began. "I want a girl."
Other family members also weigh in on their predictions, including Matthew, his wife, and toddler daughter.
"But whatever it is, we're going to be thrilled," Conwell's mum added.
When the box was opened, a single green balloon came out. Then, Conwell jumped out.
"Yay!" his father yelled, clapping, while his mother shrieked with joy and ran to hug her son.
Tears were streaming down her face and Conwell's father also hugged him.
"I saw the green [balloon] and I thought like, 'What the heck?'" Conwell's mother admitted, laughing.
Conwell revealed that his brother and daughter-in-law were having another girl.
"I knew it was going to be a girl!" his mother squealed. "Talk about my present."
