I keep waking up around 2AM, just to realize that the reason for my awakening is not painful contractions. This is typically followed by a wave of grumpiness. In attempts to stay positive, here's my list of perks for prolonged pregnancy:

–Quality Time with Scotland: Having left my schedule open, because I feel less than enthusiastic about unnecessary public appearances, and because I feel entitled to a lower level of “productivity,” Scotland and I have enjoyed many lovely play sessions. Yesterday, I watched him as he tried every possible hanging/swinging method on his new swing. He was so thrilled with the attention, and kept asking “What should I try now?” He swung with one foot on the swing, swung just from the chains, swung superman style on his belly, swung straddling the swing like a horse, ran and jumped on the swing. I smiled and cheered and thrilled to see my son so creatively enjoying such a simple outdoor toy. We came home with about 50 books from the library on Tuesday, and have spent long sessions on the couch cuddled up under blankets and pillows, reading. His absolute favorite is Richard Scarrey's “Cars, and Trucks, and Things That Go.” “Look Mom a pickle car! ha, ha ha ha!”

Kind Exchanges with Strangers: Some people hate this part of pregnancy, but I actually enjoy it. Yesterday, at Goodwill (a place where exchanges with strangers is always increased- love that place!) I got a lot of attention about a large galvanized tub I was purchasing. The first guy said “Planning on bobbing for apples?” I didn't hear exactly what he said but because most comments in that tone allude to my pregnancy I responded with something about “Nah, just waiting around. My due date was actually three days ago!” He quickly responded “Oh no, not you, you shouldn't be bobbing for apples!” (Clearily embarrassed that I thought he was referring to my enlarged form.) As I smiled and started to walk away he lovingly affirmed “God knows when you're due!” Another guy in line behind me said “Wow, you look like you're gonna blow!” (Such a refined comment, I know. He followed it up with the assumption that I was planning a killer party for the Super Bowl with my metal tub. “Yeah that thing would hold a whole keg!” His friend pitched in.) When a woman turned around, and was a bit startled by the protruding mound of my stomach, she jumped back a bit, looked at Scotland then my belly and smiled broadly. She gave Tom and I two thumbs up and said “Woohoo! Way to go you guys. I have three!”

Time efficiency: It doesn't take long to decide what to wear in the morning anymore. Considering I have about three outfits to choose from.

Progress through the six seasons of Merlin: Over the past few years, Tom and I have been slowly making our way through the six seasons of Merlin. Our progress has been quickened considerably these past few weeks as too often at night I'm too tired, and this week bummed, to do anything but sit in front of the tube and watch TV spend quality time with my husband. And because I know I'm just going to lay there, unable to sleep for a long time- well, why not watch two episodes tonight?

Quiet Study Time: It turns out 2-4:00AM is a lovely time to study one's scriptures. It's quiet and peaceful and there are no distractions. (Scripture reading, I might add, also proves to be a powerful antidote to the grouchiness that leads one to rise from bed.)

Well, that's all I've got for now folks. Hopefully, I won't have many more days to discover any more!