My boys have always been very social people. Whenever they’re around other kids, they’re quick to recruit at least one new kid in their pack, And though these friendships don’t last beyond that particular experience, it makes me proud that they like to include other children. I take no credit for this.

Today, their friendliness paid off in an unexpected way. I took the boys to one of those gigantic indoor play structures that puts McDonald-land to shame. They have a nice menu and pretty good food too, so it’s not difficult to spend four or more hours there each time we visit. Before I was able to get myself settled in, the boys had found their new friend. I was a little surprised they found anyone since they were the only school-age kids there, but they didn’t seem to feel that making friends with a four year old boy was unusual.

After a few hours of playing with their new friend, his mother approached us and asked if we would all like to have some pizza. Since I had planned on ordering a pizza for the three of us anyway, I figured we could all split one. I found out later that my boys’ new friend was the son of the owner of the place. Needless to say, the pizza was on her as a thanks to the boys for keeping her son entertained while she worked.

You know you’re a geek when you hear the letters “A.I.” and think of artificial intelligence instead of American Idol.

When the boys were about four years old, we started talking about having another baby. It was the first time I felt like I could handle another child because honestly, these two boys are a lot of work. As they neared school age, we decided to wait until they were in school to get serious about trying to conceive again. When they were in half-day Kindergarten, we decided to wait until they were in first grade. When they were in first grade, we decided to wait for one more year while I completed my BFA. Shortly after they started second grade and just before I received my degree, we were ready to get down to business. But then I got strep throat, and it lasted 10 weeks, and it brought on other problems, and it took nearly a year to get healthy again.

Whew.

Basically, we’ve been talking about having another baby for four years. To an outsider, it probably seems like we’re not having much luck. But in reality, it’s just been timing. Now I’m 36, and feeling a little old. I’ve decided to give it one good effort before making the call that the old grey mare just ain’t what she used to be, if you know what I mean. So let’s-get-serious attempt #1? A success.

Anyone who knows me knows I can’t keep a secret, but I feel a little weird announcing a 2 week old pregnancy. I have a lot of fear this time that I didn’t experience with my first pregnancy, maybe because of my age. This time feels fragile.

So my celebration is hesitant. I dug out my old baby books and I called my mom, but I’m trying to be level-headed about the rest. And that’s not easy for an impatient person like me.