Coming Around

Of all the girls in my little social circle growing up, I’m the only one who has more than one child.  They’re all driven career women with big plans and goals, and those goals don’t include a half dozen children. 

We’re all still in contact with each other to varying degree.  Some talk weekly; some are only Christmas card friends.  On the rare occasion that we all get to see each other, we laugh and tease each other and fall back into childhood roles.  (I was the nerd, in case you wondered.)

Most of the ribbing I take is over the super-size of my family.  They just don’t understand the life choices that the Computer Guy and I have made. They shake their heads in wonder over the fact that we would want to be so tied down.  I just smile, because I wouldn’t trade places with them for anything.

Then this afternoon, I got a call from one of the girls.  “I’m pregnant,” she told me. “6 1/2 weeks, so our baby will be 2 when the new one arrives.  Everyone else thinks I’m crazy, but I thought you……”

“I’m so thrilled!” I tried not to shriek in excitement. I know her medical history and how hard the first pregnancy was to achieve and carry……I know how worried she is, but I also know her joy.

“I owe you an apology.” She told me. ” I thought you were crazy for wanting so many babies, but I get it now.  The doctor hands you happiness wrapped up in a blanket.”

“Does this mean you’re aiming for six?”

“I’m getting too old for that, but we’ll probably try to get as close as we can.”