The relativity of everything. Or, I see preg people.

We moved every four years - with one two-year stint in Egypt - when I was growing up.

With all the moving moving moving, we were always packing packing packing. And so, to this day, I cannot pass a sturdy cardboard box without pausing to assess its sturdiness, and how much it might fit.

I seriously will stop on the sidewalk and look it up and down all, "Nice box!"

And Nick will say, "Keep walking."

Once I started working with textiles, I did the same thing with so many random things. I can admire a sturdy pair of rubber gloves. Strong string. Sharp scissors. I've picked up random pieces of flattened metal from the road, because they could make an interesting print design.

It's just where your focus is, you know?

And in a similar vein, before I got pregnant, I never, ever saw pregnant people, people with strollers, people with young children.

And they are EVERYWHERE. They take up whole sidewalks How did I miss them? I see them all over the place now.

And honestly, I think this is why I never censored my foul mouth around kids. Because I didn't see them. Yes, even at the zoo. Duh, I know.

But I just wasn't a kid person. I never had baby lust. I didn't notice their big cheeks, their sweet coos, their adorable outfits, their cutie cute whatevers.

I used to look at people's baby pictures to be polite. Really. And sometimes we single people were not always so polite.

Several years ago, one of our friends tried to tell us a cute story about his now-wife's son, and we were all, "We're single. Do you seriously think we want to hear about potty training? And would you like another beer?"

Now I practically accost strangers on the street to tell them how great my kid is. And I'm pretty sure Nick strikes up conversations with people on the bus just so he can whip out his BlackBerry and share Big J pics.

Honestly.

And now I'm all, nice stroller! Cute diaper bag! Gorgeous baby - do you have any more pictures?