That's how news spreads in high school. Specifically, I'm talking about news of my pregnancy. I haven't openly told my classes, but I think most of my students know by now. My students' reactions have been such a blessing; that might sound redundant, especially since I've been blessed by so many friends and family who are sharing in our joy, but I never realized my students would be this excited for me.
For instance, after hearing the news, many of my former students responded by giving me a big hug while also screaming "Congratulations!". Others have told me, "baby shower!" Many of them have asked what we're having, as well as what names we've selected. And of course, my current students want to know when I'm having the baby and whether or not I'll be finishing the school year. It's just really touching that they're so happy for us.
Most amusing, though, has been when they've "drawn" the news out of me. Here are just a few instances:
1. Most of my students start with, "Mrs. C, I heard a rumor...." To which I simply smile, and say, "Yes?" Since most are still a bit reluctant to ask (they usually stammer a response to my question), I grin and nod my head in the midst of their stammering. :)
2. After the obligatory, "I heard a rumor", one of my students told me recently that she and some friends had been talking about how "Mrs. C. looks kinda funny. She's not skinny anymore." Apparently that's when she heard the "rumor". Ha!!
3. Aimee, Alex, and Noelle stopped by my room the first week of school to say "hi" (or so I thought). Before leaving, Alex gave me a hug good-bye. When I saw Aimee and Noelle Monday, I learned the real reason for the visit. Apparently they "heard a rumor", and were trying to discreetly check it out. Alex said he could find out by giving me a hug. Guess that didn't exactly work, since Aimee and Noelle had to ask me Monday. (Before Aimee even asked, I knew she would, especially since she kept looking at my stomach! Her question? "So, do you have any kids?" She already knew the answer to this question, but I humored her anyway. "No, but I have one on the way.")
4. And then there are those who have probably heard the rumor, but aren't as tactful in their approach. In class the other day, Julia raised her hand and asked, "Mrs. C, please don't get upset with me, but are you, you know? Expecting?" while pantomiming a pregnant belly.
I thank the Lord for these blessings. Really. I, like anyone, like to hear that I've connected with my "clients", and I don't always get that as a teacher. But when my students are so very excited by this news, well, then I know that I've succeeded in this profession.
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Enjoy it. Even though I wasn' the one pregnant (of course), it was a great feeling to have my students happy for me during Julie's pregnancy and happy for me when I became a first-time dad. Many still comment on the blog or places like Facebook with "I remember when she was born..." - they have that connection to me since I was their teacher during Sophia's birth year. Plus, I did get a chance to talk about her in the classroom a couple other years after her birth, too.
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