One of the little boys in today's class brought me a present for the Bit. He ran up to me, saying, "I know you have a baby today!" I laughed and didn't really understand what he meant until I saw the package in his mom's hand. I thanked him profusely and asked him whether he would like me to open the present then, so he could see it.

"I already know what it is."
"Oh? Can you give me a hint?"
"It's for the baby, and it has duckies on it."

Sure enough, it was a package of little suits with embroidered ducks. I almost burst into tears right then and there. When we later sang "Six Little Ducks," I was still fighting off sniffles. I never expected anything so thoughtful, and I was completely taken off guard by the moment.

I met with Boss-Zilla last week to discuss my "future plans." I continued to maintain that I haven't yet made any permanent decisions about whether or not I intend to return, and she agreed with me ("on a personal level," as she put it) that this was a wise idea. We decided that my maternity leave would begin June 4, the day before my due date, and would last until the beginning of August. I put the suggestion to her that, should I decide not to return full-time as a librarian, I would be happy to continue in my capacity as web designer. She seemed happy to hear that and said she'd discuss that proposal with the board.

That's where we stand. Time here is going by so quickly, and I know that it will be gone in the blink of an eye. Since the day I stood in front of the bathroom sink, staring at the double lines on the pregnancy test, I feel as though I've stepped into a whirlwind, and nothing is showing any signs of slowing. Some women feel as though pregnancy lasts forever; I feel as though it's barely begun. How can it be drawing to an end? How can it be that in a few short weeks I'll no longer be able to feel the kicking of my baby from the other side of my skin? How is it possible that my uterus will soon no longer contain wriggling, squirming life? I just got here! How can the ride be ending so soon?

I have been informed that pregnant women are even more buoyant than our non-gestating counterparts, so I look forward to testing the theorem. Somebody told me that I may even be able to sit cross-legged in deep water and have my shoulders remain above water. The amniotic sac is a top-of-the-line Water Wing, apparently. Anyway, my only goal for the class is that it should help my feet and ankles "deflate," so as long as I'm able to keep at least that part of my body submerged, I'll be satisfied. The swelling, lately, has been getting increasingly more uncomfortable.

After that I have another appointment with Mary Ann. It looks to be a busy night, and I'll likely be near collapse by the time it ends.