Well, I must be pregnant.

As if I didn't already know I'm pregnant, I've had two events confirm that other people also know it. Two weeks ago a lady on the street saw the Husband and me walking along. She stopped us with, "Young lady... Are you pregnant?" Imagine my surprise! Even people I see on a daily/weekly basis are hesitant to ask me this question. Actually, they don't ask me. Anyway, I said yes, after all, it's a bit late to look bewildered and/or lie. The shape of my belly is just too clear even if the size isn't that big yet. She then asked if this was the daddy, and again I smiled and said yes. Then she said, "You can tell if he's gonna be a good father by how he takes care of you now. Does he take good care of you?" I was happy to tell her that he indeed does take very good care of me. She then smiled and waved and continued on her way. :) Yesterday I went to the Stash (only decent yarn store around). As I was checking out, the lady showed me the new baby afghan she had just finished and said she highly recommended it and told me the basic pattern. It was a lovely thick blanket and only took her a week to make. And so I told her about my most recent project and how long it's taking since it's 24 stitches by 250 stitches and I have to make about 16 strips. She made the appropriate noises of appreciation over how much time that's going to take and said that's why she doesn't usually do baby afghans. Then she asked me if I knew what I was having. Yep. There's no hiding it now.

Well, there's no hiding it from women. My advisor, however, has yet to ask and doesn't seem to notice. Trust me, he'd say something if he had any clue. That's going to be a nice conversation. I can just hear it now: Are you pregnant? Yes. Are you dropping out of grad school? No. But babies take so much time and energy. Can you handle the pressure? If women can have a family and a career, I don't see why I can't. Especially with my husband and mother actively involved. *Head shake in resignation and disappointment as he determines resolutely that the strain will one day be too much and I that I'll quit to stay home to spend all day gazing adoringly at my baby while my brain turns quickly to mush.* Seriously, you'd think it was 1907. He was similarly amazed that a former student of his, RH, didn't quit to "get a real job" after his wife had twins (children 2 and 3 for them). The fact that RH worked even harder and finished in a year impressed him no end. Why is it that people expect the worst of you and when you fail to follow through on their unreasonable fears they then brag about you like they had anything to do with it? Ok. Rant over. For now.

The afghan is going well. I haven't had time to work on it for the past 5 days. We've been visiting friends and getting ready to go home. I've also been working extra hours on my research while at home since I have some things I want to make sure I can do on my own before I leave the font of all knowledge and rely solely on my advisor of assistance. (Oops, sorry. That jab slid right in there.) Now, since the Husband had to return home (yes without me) to prepare for his conference (for which he will have already departed when I return home in two days), and since I will not be staying at the apartment with the Unreasonable One, I will have time to knit in peace. I'm house/dog sitting for a friend. She and her family left yesterday for Disneyland and they get back on Saturday after I have gone to the airport, so it was very convenient. She knows I love dogs and that I needed the peace.

I can't wait to go home. I can sleep in my own bed. Mama can cook for me and we can chat in person, not on the phone. Mama and I can shop for baby things and plan out some of the baby crafts we'll be doing. I can have my dogs around me. I can work with Murphy to help ease his separation anxiety and get his room ready for crating him while we're gone during the day. I can get ready for TAing my tutorials and help sessions. I can nest. I can get ready for the Fall, my favorite season. I can put away all my wedding gifts and send my wedding dress off for preserving. Mama and I can pick out the new china cabinet. I can set up the new craft/sewing space. I can finish the late birthday present for a dear friend. The list goes on. And on.

OH! I didn't mention that I bought a bunch of patterns of baby knits! They are too adorable. They're Dale of Norway/Dalegarn pattern books. *Swoon* Okay, need proof? These will be on the needles by the end of September:

NOTE TO SELF: It is important to remember that I have responsibilities to fulfill and that my family and friends will want to see/talk to me sometimes.

Not all the patterns will work, though. Like this one:
After all, I don't think Baby J would much appreciate wearing a dress, no matter how gorgeous or how sweet it would be of me or his Nana to spend all that time knitting it for him. Those photos would likely end up missing one day. ;)