As I've mentioned, I've been weathering the pregnancy pretty well. Well enough that one fellow pregger I see often probably wants to kill me, based on her incredulity when I insist that I still feel good. The one thing that's really taken a hit is my ability to concentrate. Like, I can't. At all.
Let's take today as an example. I was proud of myself for remembering that there is a retirement party this afternoon for one of Connery's former teachers at his old childcare facility. I was doubly proud of myself for remembering this in time to bake something to bring with me. My pride vanished when I realized that the brownies I had just baked were smothered on top with peanut butter--an absolute no-no at that childcare due to one of its charge's severe peanut allergy. Sure, I could still bring them, but I'd have to invite people back to the mini-van to actually have a bite, like some kind of pusher. (Pssst, wanna go back to my van? Duncan Hines, man. The good shit. It'll rock your world.)
I remember this happening with Connery toward the last month or so as well. Luckily, working in the Czech Republic, I was required to go on maternity leave a full six weeks before my due date (being an American, I fudged it to four weeks, but still). That meant only a week or so of my sitting at a hellfire hot desk in Zizkov, trying valiantly to concentrate on the finer points of European integration and non-native English and Central Asian dictators before I could say my goodbyes and go be flaky in the privacy of my own home. This time, I'm planning--in the great spirit of America--to work up until I actually go into labor, possibly through the first few hours, assuming it's not too messy or loud. (See "Loudest woman ever gives birth at Bulovka Hospital" for an idea of how likely that is.) Here in the land of no maternity leave, it's what one does.
In the meantime, I'm trying to keep myself on task. Lists help. The Internet decidedly does not. Deadlines help. Understanding editors and bosses do not. (Why are you all so nice?) In a clear act of desperation, I resurrected my Palm Pilot this morning. Of course I haven't had the concentration necessary to do anything more than charge and sync it, but it's the thought that counts, right?
Don't bother answering that. I'm already thinking about something else.