Pregnancy Update

Mommy Blog - I figured I would write a quick update on how things were going with this pregnancy because so many of you have asked lately. Thanks for the concern & always checking up on me.

We will be 22 weeks along this Wednesday. Our last appointment (just 2 weeks ago) proved to be a good one with nothing unusal to report - baby size is good, blood tests good, past the half way point, and mommy weight gain good (although people always want to know how much you have gained). Funny story for you about weight gain questions...

First of all, to set the record straight, I am at the same point with weight gain as I was with Thomas 2 years ago. I gained a total of 28 lbs with him when I had gone into labor - Drs like you to gain between 25-35 lbs total for a pregnancy. So... I feel like I'm doing pretty good. Granted, last pregnancy I was constantly taking Booker and Ziggy for walks so exercise was good. This time around, I don't go on nearly as many dog walks, but I think I make up for it with chasing a soon-to-be 2-year old... lots of exercise there! OK - back to the story. Most of you all know that I teach high school. Most people would never guess that teenage boys (specifically my 12th graders) would be so curious about my pregnancy. Compared with my freshman boys who won't even acknowledge that I'm pregnant because its probably "dirty and disgusting" to think about it, let alone look at my bulging tummy - my 12th grade boys are entirely different. One day, walking into class after the tardy bell had rung, one of my male students turns to me and says, "So, Ms. Heck, how much weight HAVE you gained anyway?" He said what? Yes, he really did. Now mind you, I have a great relationship with all of my seniors, but really? So, without laughing aloud and trying to keep a very serious face, I say, "I KNOW you did not just ask a pregnant woman that. Her OB doctor sometimes doesn't even feel comfortable asking that question." The student proceeds to say (with confidence), "But Ms. Heck, I thought I could ask this of you because you are the type of woman who is secure in her body type regardless of how big you are getting and besides, you have always encouraged us to ask questions in class." Silence. Yes, he really did say this. I responded with, "None-ya" (meaning none of your business) and moved the class on to the topic of class that day. Gheezz, teenage boys. And to think, I'm only at the half way point of my pregnancy. Lord help me.

We have been brainstorming names recently. One night, we decided to each make a list of names that we each liked. Once we were done, we swapped lists and could cross off any name that we didn't like on each others name list. Sounds simple and I thought it would be a great way to get the creative "name juices" flowing, right? When we traded lists, I saw a few names on his list that I just couldn't stand (probably from former students I was trying to forget about), so I scratched them out. But I certainly left a few names on there that I was willing to work with and compromise on. Well... he handed back my name list and had proceeded to scratch out all but 1 name - ALL BUT 1 name? How do you do that? Are you telling me that all the names I have been daydreaming about for years to name my future baby girl all suck? Thanks. He left me one stink'in name. Of course it turns out we coupled it with another name and we are trying it and seeing if we like it. I like it. Brian likes it. And here is the deal breaker - Thomas can say the name already. I don't want to give it away just yet - but I think it is beautiful. We will keep you posted.

Anyway - hope that is enough of an update for you. More to follow - I promise!