Tuesday, May 31, 2011

You'll Forgive Me the Long Absence When You Read My Post

Has it really been more than a month since I posted? I haven't even been that busy! It's not like I had a full-time job and kids to take care of, and yet time has gotten away from me. But one of the perks of actually not writing a new post every week means that I have stuff to actually write about - isn't that great, oh loyal and bored readers?

First off, I have a new job. While it's not a perfect position (say, head of youth services with a great salary and awesome benefits) it IS a step in the right direction and I'm so excited about it. I'm going to be working at the Haysville Public Library doing, well, a bunch of stuff: cataloging, circulation, children's librarian duties, etc. It's not a full-time position with benefits, but I'll be learning about every department, getting ideas to improve things and hopefully presenting those ideas, and well, basically, working in my chosen field. I had kind of despaired at getting the chance here in Kansas, so I'm really excited. And nervous too, of course, since my first day is today. I'm just so glad that my persistence paid off, and it's such a nice library and the people seem nice and friendly.

Second off, and in much bigger news: I'm pregnant! The hubby and I tried to wait to tell the news -okay, I said at first I wanted to wait 13 weeks to tell people - about 9 weeks since we found out right away at 4 weeks - but of course, being me, I couldn't. We waited until after I had my first prenatal appointment and learned that everything was progressing just fine and had a quick ultrasound. Then the fun began honestly, because I got to tell my family and he got to tell his.

I went to my dad and stepmom's first, on the pretense of delivering cans (it only sounds weird if you don't know my dad). I'm tricky like that. I handed over the bag and then followed my dad into the kitchen and said, "by the way, I have something to show you." I handed him the sonogram showing my little MCO (multi-celled organism) and he's all "ARE you?!" Then of course, I got hugs and kisses and congratulations and questions about how far along, and due dates, etc. My stepmom guessed just from hearing our conversation and I got hugs again. I think they're excited about being grandparents.

I called my younger sister next, expecting to get voice mail cause she's insanely busy - but I actually got her in person and asked if she wanted to be an aunt again. I am pretty sure hugs were exchanged over the phone, lol, and of course, she's very excited.

And then I got lucky - I called my sister-in-law, and found out that the rest of my siblings: older brother and sister, along with nieces and nephews - were all together. I asked her if she wanted to be an aunt again, and I swear, there was shocked silence and then she was all - "You're on speakerphone, say that again." Which of course, I did - "I was just wondering if you guys would like to be aunts and uncles again?" The excitement came through the phone in screams and congratulations, and it was so much fun, I wish I'd had a camera. My youngest niece came on and told me I didn't have to buy her a birthday present because the cousin-to-be would be enough (her birthday is right around my due date).

I will say, knowing I can call my big sister or sister-in-law and ask them questions about pregnancy and what I will need when the baby comes, and knowing how excited they are is just awesome. Not having my mom around is hard, but since I have them, I know I'll get good advice and answers to questions. Waiting would have been too hard. So the family all knows the good news.

In answer to other questions:
I'm doing well. Yes, I'm nauseous and tired, but I have trouble sleeping at night (weird dreams, restlessness, etc). Nothing set, but it's usually evening sickness and sometimes I just feel queasy all day. I've been fairly lucky though, so far. No vomiting and I can usually head it off with certain foods. I am having cravings (just ask the hubby!) but it's actually kind of nice because they're for healthy things: fruit, smoothies, spinach, cereal and milk. I'm apparently avoiding sugar - including chocolate, except occasionally and coffee and tea both turn my stomach. I'm also completely off caffeine, so no worries about weird developmental problems from that.

Yes, we're going to find out the sex. We don't care either way, we both have a theory (I think it's a boy) and we'll see who's right at 16-20 weeks. The name is a surprise to all - including us, though we have favorites. But no one will know until the birth.

My due date is January 9, but it could be a New Year's baby or even a Christmas baby. Or of course, it could go later, as most of you know. We'll just see. I'm really hoping NOT to go into labor on Christmas eve or Christmas day, though I suppose if I could guarantee that I wouldn't have to buy anyone gifts for this year..... LOL.