My coworkers are sneaky, manipulative, and altogether wonderful! Over the last few weeks they have been collecting money to buy Doug and I a congratulatory present. I knew this happens in the school, but wasn't expecting it this soon. Nor was I expecting what occurred at 9:00am.

Judy and I were serving breakfast, as it was our turn for the "payday Friday" feast. The entire staff was there because we have today as a "work" day with no kids. Over comes Val with a Burger King crown, plops it on my head, and tells me to sit down at the table. I was presented with a beautifully decorated cake saying "Congratulations New Mom." THEN comes Joe, Gordon, and Mark (3 big guys) with presents, presents, and more presents. Yes, I got teary-eyed.

We received the CAR SEAT, the PACK-N-PLAY with TENT COVER, the BABY MONITOR, the FEEDING SEAT, and the UMBRELLA STROLLER. Almost $350 worth of items off our baby list. All from the donations of the staff. And Judy laughed... "why do you think the decorations are blue?" They had planned it for weeks.

I am still in awe. And now I'm getting teary again, and must go calculate semester grades.