So far....

Once I got pregnant, I was very hesitant to tell ANYONE. DH, of course, in his wonderful, excited way, wanted to shout it from the top of the Chrysler Building. (I almost wonder if this excitement is in part because he was proud of himself, but who knows. ;) ) But slowly, as the weeks go by, as we've had more ultrasounds with strong heartbeats, we've told more and more people. Now, my students have all figured it out (it took my sixth graders longer than I expected to notice my bump!), my coworkers know, it's out there on Facebook, and my extended family and in-laws know. It feels so nice to have people excited for us and praying for us. That was step number one. As the weeks progress, we're starting to think about the bigger questions, mainly, where are we gonna put this bambino or bambina? We've worked out a plan to rearrange DH's office from the second downstairs bedroom to an upstairs room, and he's working on that little by little. I'm in no rush at this point, because I know we have plenty of time. But each week there seems to be a new topic to discuss or a new plan to make. Generous friends are offering to throw a shower, when would I like to have it? We'll (hopefully, if baby is feeling uninhibited!) find out the sex at the end of March, so when will I register for baby stuff? What in the world kind of baby stuff do I actually need from the plethora of 'stuff' that gleams from the fluorescent-light soaked, albeit somewhat breathtaking halls of Babies 'R' Us?? That place is like walking into an alternate universe, a universe in which each product is irresistible. EVERYTHING is precious. EVERYTHING seems useful. (at this point.) Thank GOD I have a knowledgeable sister who has two babies of her own and is willing and unbelievably able to help me with those decisions. These are just the logistical things. I haven't even touched on the emotional things- what in the world kind of mother am I going to be? How will DH handle everything? I wonder how we'll change or grow as a couple once baby arrives? Like I said before, somedays, I get by simply minute by minute, or hour by hour, because it is so easy to be overwhelmed. Thankfully, most of the overwhelming stuff is wonderful, joyful and exciting.