Telling the Bosses

Telling my work that I was pregnant was something that I was not looking forward to. It is not like they are not nice people - they really are. It's just that it's a busy place, I've only been working there since last August and no one working there currently could even remember the last time an employee had been pregnant.

Every Monday morning I host a meeting with all of the staff to update everyone on their schedules and appointments and any announcements. After reading through the lists of clients and computer IT issues, we finally arrived at the point where someone says, "So...anything else?"

Before everyone could grab their things and scurry away, I cleared my throat and said, "Well actually, I do have a little  tiny something." Butts returned to seats and everyone stared at me. I get nervous when I talk about myself in front of people. So this was making my stomach flop and my heart race.

"If you hadn't already guessed, Arna and I are going to have a baby."

Everyone clapped! People smiled and said congratulations. A few said they could already tell.  One of my bosses claims to have a sixth sense about pregnant women. He says he can tell just by looking at them if they're pregnant - even if they're not showing yet.

Coincidentally, another person I work with has a wife who is pregnant and due four days before me. He mentioned this right after I announced my news and it got everyone speculating...was there a snow storm or something a few weeks ago that could be to blame for the surge in fertility?

This of course was awkward and only proceeded to get MORE awkward. Including, I kid you not, various conception stories and one coworker saying she couldn't remember when her son was conceived because, "It happened so often."

I've noticed that the announcement of a pregnancy tends to invite inappropriate conversation. I learn a lot about other womens' vaginas and bodily functions. It's certainly an adjustment. I'm not shy - but I'm slow to warm to people and usually spend a large portion of conversations just listening. Now that I'm visibly pregnant and everyones knows, it means I'm asked all sorts of questions that render my previous approach to socializing impractical.

Another funny thing, is that people tend to stare at my stomach when I'm talking. As a young woman, I have had to deal with lack of eye contact but in favor of a very different curvature. Now it's all belly belly belly.

That's not to say that I mind. I've even invited a few people to touch my stomach when I noticed their eyes lingering on the bump with a look of glee.

The last thing I wanted to share was a link to a website I've enjoyed browsing lately called laybabylay.com . It's filled with inspirations for nursery themes and ideas for decorating. I've always been in to that type of thing (aren't most bloggers?).

Until next time!