"And, Charlie, don't forget about what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he ever wanted...

 "...He lived happily ever after."  Roald Dahl

I may be the luckiest mom-to-be on the planet.

I found out this morning that the sabbatical application I put in for the 2012-13 academic year was approved.  It's a  competitive process on my campus with just a handful approved each year.  This means that, after the twins are born in the summer (because it is GOING to happen), I will officially be on leave from teaching and service work (committees, department duties, student advising, student group advising) until August of 2013.  You read that right.  August of 2013. The twins will be about 14 months old give or take.

Could everything possibly come together all at the same time?  I'm afraid to breathe for ruining it all.

I will still be doing research and I have lots of projects that I have to do -- things I officially have to do or they'll take back the partial salary they're giving me for the year.  But, to step out of teaching and service work for a year?  Priceless.  I love teaching, but I'm really burnt out.  And, to do it during the first year of my children's lives?  I don't know how it's possible for it to be more perfect.

After tomorrow's scan goes well (because it will), my DH and I are going to meet with our Dean and figure out if I should change the first semester to maternity leave and then keep the second as an official sabbatical.  That way I wouldn't feel like I was supposed to be getting something done during that first semester -- I'm not sure if the school will care which way we call it.  I think it depends on my accumulated leave balance.  We'll see what we work out.  We'll probably then look at hiring an at-home nanny during the spring semester for several days a week so I can focus on work and get more done.  But, I'd still be home!

I really am just afraid to believe it could all be true.  The application was due the week before I started stims for this cycle.  I couldn't have imagined both of them working out -- I could barely believe either one would have.

It's incredible.  I feel overwhelmed and amazed.

(Yes, you are allowed to hate me.  I understand.  I would totally hate me.)