Oh, children

I'm a teacher. Have I mentioned that, yet?

I teach 4th grade and other than wife, daughter, sister, and friend I consider teacher to be one of the most important labels of my life. I love what I do (minus making copies and angsty parent emails/letters) and feel way fortunate that I get paid to do what I love.

This year I have the greatest class. They are sweet, funny, generally hardworking superstars and I love them.

Since telling them that I was going to be a mama, they have been even more fantasticly adorable and funny. Allow me to explain via reader's theater.

Cafeteria lady: Hey Mrs. S! I bet you'd like an extra chicken wrap since you're eating for two!
Me: Of course. (Pats 18 week tummy. Aside: I had gained 2 lbs. by this point.) You can see I'm packing it on!
Adorable sweetheart boy: (With total sincerity) Mrs. S., I think you look great. Seriously. I would never guess you were having a baby. That lady was bullying you. Do you want me to go to see the guidance counselor with you so you can talk about it?

Setting: Playground. Recess.
Kiddo: Mrs. S., do you know what your baby will be?
Me: I'm hoping for a person.
Kiddo: That's good. You already have a dog and a cat, right?

(This one I heard secondhand.)
Big brother: So, I heard your teacher is pregnant.
Little brother: Nope, I don't think so.
BB: Yes, she is.
LB: No she isn't, but she will be in March. (Peanut is due 3/26)

Morning Announcements: As a special treat, at Thursday's skating party, some of the teachers are going to have a race.
Kiddo: Mrs. S., are you going to be in the race?
Other kiddo: No! She can't! What if she falls? It could hurt her baby! Please don't do it Mrs. S!

Me: Please take out your materials for SSR. (Swiftly turns to grab read-aloud book and knocks over stool with suddenly inflated baby bump.) Sigh.
Cutie pie: Its okay, Mrs. S. The baby is supposed to get bigger.

I'm so dang lucky to spend the bulk of my day with them.

Gratitude Time
Christmas with J's Mom's side of the family
Watching the Survivor finale with my dad
Getting to meet Miss Anne Elizabeth G. at church
Celebrating Joanna's quarter of a century birthday
Peaceful car ride with Jason to West Mansfield