I'm 33 and have one happy, spirited little girl named Bryn, birth date 4/29/10.  Since I became a mom, I've watched my career as a high school English teacher atrophy to the point of my accepting that my heart isn't in it like it once was.  I was just too busy, and spending too little time with my daughter. So I went part-time halfway through last school year, and since my employers prefer full-time employees, I was not offered a part-time position for this next school year.  My commute was the pits anyway, so I looked at it as an opportunity to find something closer to home.  And then, four weeks ago, I took a pregnancy test on a whim.  B. F. P.  I was shocked.  I was also on a five week vacation from my home, visiting friends and family across the country (I live in California, they live in Maryland and New York).  During this vacation, I was nauseous and ravenous all at once. On top of that, I was (and still am) exhausted. But over the phone, DH and I made a plan: sell our expensive house in CA (our market is actually good right now) and move to Oregon or Washington so that we can afford for me to stay home (among other reasons).

I finally returned to CA this weekend, and went to the doctor today.  9 weeks pregnant, due 2/26.  And while I'm not upset about the pregnancy, I wouldn't say that I'm happy either.  In moments, I probably am happy.  But my whole life has completely changed, and it's pretty darn terrifying.  But I definitely feel like there is some divine force at work here, even though I'm not very religious at all, and I'm willing to see this through and do my best to be positive.  Anyway, I'm glad I found this place.  I joined an iVillage group when I was pregnant with DD, and it helped me feel a whole lot more comfortable with what was going on.  Right now, I've already gained like 7 lbs (!!) and am so bloated that most of my pants don't fit.  Bullocks.  It is difficult to pick up my daughter, and I'm still just so tired. 

Looking forward to meeting you ladies!  Congrats and best wishes