Student Involvement.

This past summer, when I knew I was pregnant before starting school, I worried how my crop of new students would handle this little added information about their new teacher. I worried that they'd think of me as weak or hormonally crazed or something. I expected lots of whispers behind my back or jokes about how "she's just being that strict because she's pregnant and hormonal," etc.

However, I've been pleasantly wrong! I teach five classes of Seniors all day, and they have really surprised me with how involved they want to be in the pregnancy (within boundaries, of course). For example, a week or so before we went in to find out whether we'd be having a baby boy or girl, I put a chart up on the board in my classroom allowing each class to vote and choose.

It was sooooo funny to hear them analyze what they knew of my pregnancy and utilize all the 'old wives tales' before making their decisions. They'd make me stand up and turn sideways to see if I was 'carrying high or low.' They wanted to know all of my cravings (peaches, Lemon Berry slushes from Sonic, mustard pretzels, California Club from Jason's Deli, Cappuccino Chunky Chocolate frozen yogurt from Braum's), and then they'd try and figure out if I had more of a sweet tooth (indicating a girl baby, apparently) or a salty craving (boy?). The most ridiculous "test" they wanted to run on me was to have me lay in the middle of the floor, and then a few of them would dangle their car keys over my belly until the keys started to turn in left or right circles!!! Ha! I, most obviously, did NOT partake in this little test, but they were cracking me up with their attempted 'diagnoses.'

(20 Weeks)

Another strange phenomenon that has been taking place in my classes is the abundance of unsolicited yet highly appreciated snacks that keep appearing on my desk. I think the kids believe I'm going to whither away since I've told them I'm against the "eating for two means eating DOUBLE your regular intake" mentality. I think they're worried about the baby not getting enough nutrition....so their solution? Snacks. They've brought me cans of fruit juice, Cheeze It's, Twinkies, BBQ Baked Lays, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Starbucks coffee, and a few random packages of candy. Apparently, it slipped their minds that these snacks aren't too healthy, but I have to smile whenever I come in and find more offerings on my desk, usually signed "To Baby Kern, From 5th hour" or whichever class it happens to be from that day. So sweet...in their high schooler-y, can't show too much emotion, gotta keep my cool-factor way. I'll take it...the snacks and the kindness. :)

I think the students have also caught on to another trend: one day, one of my girls asked me how far along I was. At the time, I was about 4 months, and she replied by saying, "You are SO TINY, Mrs. Kern!" I replied by sarcastically saying, "And you are SO GETTING AN 'A' in here, Kate!" Now, I get loooots of 'you're so tiny's in hopes of grade improvement. Not happening, but it IS nice to hear over and over....especially as I'm starting to appear NOT so tiny as each week passes. Ha!

Also, most interesting name suggestions from students thus far: Sapphire and Appolonia. Yep.

And, finally, these little goodies have made their way into my home, my purse, my desk, my life:

Dang. Thought I could avoid it. NOPE! Bring on the heartburn, Baby!

Big Belly in the Big Apple.

For the fourth time, my mom, sister and I ventured off to the great New York City. We love our girl's trips, and NYC seems to be our favorite place. We shopped 5th Avenue, explored Central Park and Riverside Park, ate at a few cute cafes in the Upper West Side, took the bus to Battery Park and Lincoln Center, saw two Broadway shows (Mary Poppins and Phantom of the Opera) and Bill Cosby at Avery Fisher Hall, and did lots and lots of talking. I love these girls.

A few pictures from the trip (I can't figure out why it underlines the text sometimes. Weird.):

The big reveal (it's a GIRL!!!) in the NYC airport.

Cafe Lalo, our favorite Upper West Side eatery.

5th Avenue.

Always stop in at Tiffany's on 5th!

Can't beat Central Park in the fall.

Clever, I know.

NYC library on 5th Avenue.

My sis and I in Central Park.

Atop a turret atop a castle atop Central Park. See the skyline back there? Love it.

But I love these two (three....!) even more.

My girls.

Pink.

It's a girl!!!

Although I had zero "feelings" one way or another regarding our baby's gender, I must say that we are quite pleased with the outcome. Especially Russell. He was permanently wrapped around this little girl's finger the moment the nurse said, "Well, here's Daddy's little girl!" He lost it. I think he secretly wanted a girl all along, and I can tell you in full honesty that I can't picture a better man to raise a little girl.

You see, they've moved my due date up a bit, putting it almost a year to the day that my dad passed away. What an addition to this testimony God is building around me of His faith and renewed hope that THIS little girl represents. She will have a daddy that will cherish her, support her, encourage her and provide a wonderful example of God's love for her. For these reasons, I couldn't be more peaceful about the due date being moved and the fact that this little girl will have such a wonderful father. All in God's timing and plan...as I am constantly learning.

Well, we had SO much fun telling everyone our exciting news, and we told some of our friends by baking cupcakes with color-coded icing inside. When everyone took a big bite, they found out what we were having! What a fun evening of baby talk that ended up being!

The next day, I was off to NYC to meet up with my mom and sister for our fourth Girl's Trip to the Big Apple. I had kept the gender a secret, and I told them I'd wear a color-coded shirt when I met them in the NYC airport. (It looks kind of white in the picture, but the shirt was pink! I promise!) They were so excited! I'll post more pictures of the NYC trip soon.

(Pardon the airplane hair and outfit. That was a looooong day of travel, people!)

Finally, the shopping has begun! I am not a huge fan of pink, but I guess I'm going to have to get over it a little at least. Plus, I couldn't resist these items on the streets of NYC:

It has been such a fun season of this pregnancy. I thought the time would never get here when we could find out the gender of our baby-to-be...and now we know! It seems that time is flying by...and I hear this rapid pace continues on and on.

Here's hoping these moments of joy never slow down.

:)

Out of the Darkness.

Today was a hard day. But today was also a good day.

At 10 o'clock this morning, my sister, husband and I participated in the Out of the Darkness walk in our area. This is a group of people trying the best way they know how to raise awareness about depression and how it can lead to suicide among many different age groups. It was a sobering sight to see so many families of all different walks of life gathered together to remember those they have lost to suicide. We were all so different, yet we had all been through the same loss.

I thought it would be a very depressing and emotionally-draining event, but I was wrong. Of course, there were tears and sad moments as the speakers shared stories of those they'd lost, as we prayed for peace and understanding, as we cheered for a better future. However, the tone of the day was actually one of surprising joy and relaxation. Some of these groups knew each other already, and, as this was our first time participating, we stood and watched as families hugged necks and held hands, supporting each other as only those who've shared a similar loss can do.

We were each given a balloon at the entrance upon which we could write the name of the person lost to our family. My sister and I didn't know what else to put, so we just wrote out "Dad." On some of these balloons were lists of family members and friends, all lost to the tragedy of suicide. I know my loss is my own, but it was quite humbling to see how this has affected so many others.

After a prayer, we all released our balloons. It was completely silent except for the sounds of soft tears. It was quite a moment.

Next, we started out on the three-mile walk around the river area. It was a crisp morning, the sun was shining and the breeze was gentle. I felt such a wave of peace wash over me during those three miles. As simplistic as it may sound, the cool, calm weather was yet another reminder that life will go on. God will make another tomorrow.

As we finished the walk, I noticed another feeling which brought peace to my heart and tears to my eyes. My baby was moving around inside my belly. Softly, gently. Another reminder that our Lord can bring life out of death, peace out of sorrow, hope out of despair.

Today was a hard day. But today was good. So very good.

Fried Fat Ball.

No no, friends, I did not actually order one of the most disgusting items on the menu at the state fair: fried balls of lard on a stick. GROSS. However, on our Spontaneous State Fair Date Night, my husband and I were on a mission for food...and we found what we sought!

First up, hot dogs. He opted for the polish variety, and I wanted mine on a stick wrapped in delicious fried batter and smothered with mustard. Mmmmm, fair corn dogs are the best.

Next, the husband desired a fried brownie...and he found it! Please know that he tried very hard for the perfect brownie-goo placement on his front teeth for this shot. Gotta appreciate the effort. ;)

And....for the grand finale.

After a snack of warm kettle corn, I found my heart's desire. My true love. My once-a-year fetish. My greasy guilty pleasure.

Fried Oreo's.

OH MY GOSH. These things are the best menu item at the fair, and only one little booth provides them. Each year, I have to hunt them down like a hawk, and I will NOT settle for anything less than my glorious fried Oreo's.

Yum. Yummy yum yum.

I'm always grateful when my husband's classes get cancelled...especially when it means Spontaneous State Fair Date Night....

....and fried Oreo's. Either/Or.

;)