Turtle Mode.

So anyone who knows me well knows how much I obsess over organization. (Case in point, my family purchased a virtual buttload of baskets and organizational products for me as shower gifts.) So you may not be surprised to hear that the "nesting" instinct has an exponentially obnoxious effect upon me -- I organize not just the baby's room and things, but anything and everything (and anyone and everyone) that falls into my sphere of influence. It's obnoxious. Avoid me. Really.

Anyway, one of the interesting side effects of this whole nesting thing is how it impacts my socialization. I've noticed this in other pregnant women too, and certainly remember it in myself when I was getting close to having Wilson. That side effect is what I think of as "turtle mode", a time when all focus and energy moves inward in preparation for little baby's arrival, often at the cost of social engagement, even with close family and friends.

I'm not saying I'm going to tuck my head in and not talk to anyone for the next four weeks. But y'all should know that my every waking thought is pretty much dominated by images of plump baby girls and nursing bras and postpartum belly sag and anxiety over when she'll actually arrive and if I bought enough bottles of Desitin and is her coming home outfit the perfect one? (I'm sure I don't need to detail out for you how this is affecting my studies...) It makes it a challenge to be motivated to do much more than daydream and fulfill my basic daily duties.

So if I seem really distracted or disengaged, please don't take it personally. It'll be over soon. I'm just doing what I think that most late-term pregnant people do -- tucking in and making sure our nests are ready for hatchlings!