I Know Russ's Secret...

because it's actually mine, or should I say mine and Eugene's.

(If you don't read Russ's blog, you can check out the entry and the resulting comments here.)

Eugene and I will be bringing about the apocalypse next year, so start planning now. That's right: we're expecting our first child in June.

To answer a few questions you might have:

So far, the baby and I are doing fine. I've had nausea (not just in the morning) and heartburn, but they haven't been too bad. At least I've been able to eat. I've been tired too, which is part of the reason I haven't done much writing or editing lately. I officially enter the second trimester on Wednesday, so hopefully I'll get some energy back. We've seen the baby on ultrasound and heard the heartbeat, which is reassuring.

Yes, we plan to find out what we're having, but we probably won't announce the sex until the child is born. I personally know of a couple of cases where the ultrasound was wrong, so I'd like to be absolutely sure. Besides, I'm thinking of a unisex theme for the nursery anyway.

I've started looking at names, but we really haven't discussed them yet. It's tough figuring out a name with a strong meaning that flows well with our last name. Hopefully we'll decide on something before we leave the hospital.

As for living arrangements, the plan is to start building a house next year, but it won't be done until September (assuming everything stays on schedule). It'll be tough having a baby in our cramped apartment, but as long as we get out of here before the baby becomes mobile, I think we can manage. How I'll manage work and child-rearing is a different story, but it has to be done too.

Finally, we'd appreciate any good thoughts you could send our way. The doctor says I don't look my age, but that doesn't help me in the egg department, and my hypothyroidism can be a problem if it's not handled properly. Eugene and I just want to have a healthy baby next June.