Spreading the news...

It's been really fun to announce that we are expecting. I thought I'd share with you some of the reactions from different quarters...

Jeff's family: We told them at Thanksgiving. Jeff brought up the topic of what everyone was thankful for, and then said, "This is what we are thankful for this year," and pulled out our ultrasound photos. I'm so glad I have so many sisters-in-law that can give me good advice!

Jeff's parents are on a mission in California, so we'd put together a little announcement on a website and had them access it on their computer. His mom's reaction? "Oh, I can't wait to go shopping!" His dad said, "Let us know when we can share the news because we can't wait to shout it from the rooftops." We are happy they will be home before the baby is born.

My class: I told my class that I had a secret for them, and told them that I was pregnant when we returned from Christmas break. They all started screaming and clapping. Three of my boys got in a huddle in the middle of the room and started yelling, "We're going to be uncles, we're going to be uncles!!!" I don't think it works quite that way. They have been SO excited to find out what we are having and have had some heated class debates out at recess about the gender of my baby. They've also been extremely eager to offer name suggestions.

A couple of other things I just wanted to remember:

• I was having to eat pretty regularly in order to fight nausea, which often meant eating in front of my class. I explained it to them and they were very understanding. One day, I was having to eat right before lunch and one of my boys said, "I wish you didn't have to eat in front of us." About 5 other students immediately jumped to my defense saying, "She has to! She has a baby and the baby has to eat!" The first student responded with, "I know, I know. I'm just hungry, too!"
• They asked me if I was having twins. I assured them that there was only one baby in there, but that Mr. Goold and I would have kind of liked to have twins. One boy, with twin little sisters, said, "Trust me, Mrs. Goold, you want them to come one at a time!"
• One of my boys has a very difficult home life and has had some behavior problems throughout the year. However, we've developed a bond and he does try very hard to please. A few days ago, he came up and gave me the biggest hug and said, "You're the best teacher ever!" Then, he squatted down, put his arms around my middle, laid his head right on my stomach and said, "And your baby will be the best baby ever, too!"

My family: We actually told my family first, but I wanted to save this video for last. My family had NO idea that we were thinking about expanding our family. We were out at dinner when they were here for Thanksgiving and I told them that we should take a family picture. Jeff was taking it and had it set to video instead!

I really love my parents' non-reaction at first, my brothers' dropped jaws, the awkward high-five across the table with my dad, and my giddiness-with-excitment at spilling the news for the first time.

On another note, my brother decided to spread the news on Facebook about 30 seconds after this clip ends...but that is a whole other story. Little brothers are awesome.