Thank You, Nice Grocery Check-Out Lady!

I remember when I first got engaged and started wearing my engagement ring.  I don't wear much jewelry on a regular basis, and up until that point, I hadn't worn any sort of ring in years.  But suddenly, I felt like I was a part of a special "left hand club".  I remember walking to a staff meeting the next day after getting engaged, and admiring my new accessory as it sparkled in the sun, and secretly wondering if anyone else noticed it as I passed.  It's not that it's a big or fancy ring--rather, it's that I had something to distinguish me as being a member of the "engaged community"...and was soon to be a member of the "married community".

Yesterday, I felt like I officially transitioned into the "pregnant community"--at least in the eyes of society.  I stopped to pick up some groceries, and the very nice grocery check-out lady asked when I was expecting.  It was the first time that a total stranger noticed my belly and asked about our pregnancy.  I couldn't help but smile for being recognized as a member of the "pregnancy club".  Just as my engagement ring changed my sense of identity four years ago...my belly is now once again changing my sense of identity as I look forward to being a member of the "mommy community" in the coming months.

Today's blessing was a good Monday in what could be my busiest week of the semester.  I'm really hoping to keep my stress level to a minimum this week, so it feels good to have one day down.