I have been feeling really crappy though most of this pregnancy, but this week I got a burst of energy that defied the immobility and exhaustion that have been hallmarks of the last few months. I am finally at full-term, and something kicked into gear. I feel physically better, and I feel motivate to GET S#!$ DONE. And not just in a normal, let's complete a task kind of way. More like a compulsive, tweaking, crystal-meth-fueled way. It's like I look at the house, and every inch needs to be . . .

There are two kinds of women in this world. For some women, being pregnant is this amazing, earthy experience. They get the glow. They feel energized and organic. The look somehow sexier. They fit into their pre-pregnancy jeans before they drive home from the hospital. I have a few friends like this. Case in point: my friend Angela, at the hospital IN LABOR, wearing her high-heels and looking hot.And then there's the rest of us.For some of us, pregnancy feels like having the flu for 9 months. . . .

I am in somewhat of a conundrum. On the one hand, I want to be that mom who is totally laid-back about potty-training. I think that pushing kids to train early is neither developmentally or psychologically appropriate. Plus, potty-training is a pain. So my motto has always been: wait until they are completely ready, and then wait a little more. They will get there. No hurry. On the other hand . . . I really really really really really want India to start preschool with Jafta this summer. I am . . .

If you've been pregnant before, you know what I mean.Early on, you can get away with the rubber band trick, or the low-waist jean. The then tummy expands and it's time for the roll panel.But eventually, you have to surrender and accept the full panel. You've seen the full panel on other pregnant women, and always thought, surely there is another option. Surely there is no reason to wear pants that cover your entire stomach in fabric. But then you get sick of your stomach pushing your jeans down . . .

I did not grow up in an athletic household. We were what you might call an "artsy fartsy" family. I am much more familiar with ballet shoes and chord charts than I am with cleats and shin guards. The whole concept of being a "sports mom" is both intimidating and a little foreign to me. I am quickly learning what this all means for my life (and free time) for the next 18 years.Jafta has been in t-ball for about three weeks, which of course now makes me an expert on how to be a good baseball mom. . . .

I bought The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories years ago, back when I was a grad student and children were just a faint idea in a distant future. I loved this collection of classic stories, and recently as I was going through my books, I rediscovered it and thought it would be great to introduce it to my kids. We have started reading portions of it to the kids at night, and at mealtimes. I could go on and on about this book, and a part of me is tempted to just stop writing . . .

I am 32 weeks today. It's hard to believe I'm so close to meeting my baby girl. Then again, I feel like I have been pregnant forever and cannot believe it's possible I could get any MORE pregnant. I am huge. Really, huge. I get the pleasure of random people telling me that on a daily basis. "Wow, you look ready to pop!" I may pop the next person who tells me that.Today I had an ultrasound, for the sole purpose of determining why I am so HUGE. I am measuring big, but the ultrasound revealed there . . .