Well, hello there, little creature.

It's real! It really happened.

We saw and heard a heartbeat last week, and it was such a beautiful sound.  Oddly, I didn't cry, which would surprise most people who know me, as I usually cry at the drop of a hat. Hallmark commercials do me in every time. And Sarah McLachlan REALLY needs to stop narrating those animal cruelty ads. Seriously - waterfalls every time.  But alas, no tears for the heartbeat; I think I was just overwhelmed with awe.

This little blob is now affectionately known as 89Q. Symptom-wise, I feel great, just REALLY tired. Like Rip Van Winkle style. I really think I could sleep for years, so don't be surprised if I wake up looking like Blanche from the Golden Girls. I even nodded off in class the other day while my students were watching a video clip. Oops.  I am still a nervous wreck over everything, and I Google any ache and pain, but so far, so good. The doctor estimates that there is only a 5% chance of miscarriage at this point. Or, as I like to think, a 95 % chance that I will get to meet 89Q in April.  Staying positive.

reason to leap

The locusts are singing their song again, reminding us all that summer is coming to an end. And with the end of summer comes change and challenge. 118 names to learn. Papers to grade. Kids to inspire. And of course, the return of the alarm clock. It's been off for three months, just the way I like it. 

Some wake-ups are easier than others. If you've ever left before dawn for a vacation, or had a first day of school, you know exactly what I mean. See, when you have something to look forward to, waking up is a breeze. 

So it's no wonder that I've been springing out of bed for the past two weeks. I have something to look forward to, something I've wanted for a very, very long time. 

I am pregnant. 

We aren't really telling people yet; it's still very early.  I know we're not out of the woods, but being in the woods by yourself is lonely. Very lonely. So I'm inviting you in. (If you know me in real life and you read this blog, shhhhhh.)

 After wanting this for so long, we're over the moon, but we are both very nervous. Nervous and anxious. Excited. Terrified. Blessed. Thankful. Apprehensive. Unbelieving. Awe-struck. Scared. The list goes on and on. 

I know that sometime in the near future, I may not be leaping out of bed.  But today, my friends, I am. Today, I am pregnant.