Battle Wounds

One of the things that I like to do is volunteer at my kid’s school. It makes me feel better knowing I am close to them. And I like to think it makes them feel more secure.

This last year, I have, again, had the chance to volunteer in a program called Art Masterpiece. Basically, a volunteer goes into the classroom every other week and explains a piece of artwork to the children. In the past, I have been able to do presentations for my own children’s classrooms. This year, I had a change of pace when I got to present to my two nephews (ages 10 & 5) and niece (age 8).

The other day I was presenting for my last time of the year. The last class was my five year old nephew’s class. It is the best class to teach because no matter what you are trying to talk about you will have someone raise their hand and say something like, “my babysitter has a trampoline” or “my dog barks really loud.” In addition to the ultra important comments they make are the “super-duper-going-to-hug-you-more-than-my-classmate-hugs!”

It’s just plain awesome! I LOVE ending my presentations with that class!

So, I am finished with the last presentation of the year, for the last class of the day (the 5 year olds) and I am walking through a sea of arms hugging my legs and saying goodbye. I am feeling the euphoric pride of being a successful volunteer, patting myself on the back for a job well done, listening to the chorus of “I love you” and “goodbye.” All of a sudden, my "sweet-adorable-have-to-squeeze-him” nephew stands up, points to my very un-pregnant, although aptly padded belly, and announces, “You’re going to have a baby.”

Bubble. Burst.

I quickly crash landed from my self-inflated cloud nine, patted my belly, and responded, “Nope, these are just leftovers.” ("leftovers from 5 children," I said, under my breath)

Happy Mother’s Day!