So I obviously didn't follow my own advice about the drinking of the fluids, hence a return engagement at 3 a.m. today of the belly activity. After a few too many contractions in an hour for comfort, it was off to Sibley Hospital at 4:30 to get hooked up to monitors and generally inspected. Once again, drinking lots of water calmed things down, and I was released at 8, just in time for my previously scheduled ultrasound, before being sent home to spend the day in bed, water bottle at my side.

Now I know what Braxton Hicks contractions feel like. In a word, not too comfortable. Moral of the story: don't drag yourself in to work if your belly hurts and drink lots of fluid!

Is it wrong to lust after an insanely overpriced Dante Beatrix baby bag? Even if it's less pricey than Kate Spade?

Unlike Star Wars Kid, American Idol hopeful William Hung *wanted* to be on TV. Unlike most of the other talentless auditioners, he had grace. You go, William!

No wonder I'm waddling: According to this morning's ultrasound, the Belly now weighs 4 lbs., 6 oz. If the baby and I gain the typical 1/2 lb. per week from now on, that's another 4 lbs. Yikes. That's 2 more than I weighed when I was born!

Over on TVLand tonight, they're having a four-hour mini-marathon of H.R. Pufnstuf. Now, I don't remember ever watching most of these shows, but I *do* remember one that's part of this festival of '70s children's cheese: "Electro Woman and DynaGirl." This show was one of my top favorites (along with "Battle of the Planets" and "Valley of the Dinosaurs") when I was in second grade. Delon Washo and I used to play "EW & DG" at recess, and we would fight over who got to be whom. Seeing it again for the first time in 25 (!) years, it's clear how minimal the bar is for entertaining 7-year-olds. Because this show is just awful. I don't know which part is worse: the writing, acting, sets, special effects ... well, everything, really. Some nostalgic memories just don't bear close inspection.

Baby shopping find: Onesies, bibs and more with style *and* substance from speesees children's wear shop.

Still haven't picked out any names, although Ken has actually made a list now, so we're a little closer (though we do have 9 weeks left to choose). And no, I'm not telling you what they are. But it's *not* going to be Emily or Jacob.

Belatedly used a spa gift certificate from last year's birthday (thank you, sweetie) for a pre-natal massage this morning. It felt wonderful, but I need about 10 more before all my knots and back pains are gone. I need a weekly visit!

Meanwhile, as I head into the final 2 months, a last batch of maternity shopping has proven necessary. I'm too large for my under-belly waistband pants, so I must succumb at last to the tummy panel style. Sigh. Old Navy to the rescue once again.

30 weeks: Heading into the home stretch now. Increasingly scary and exciting. 3 pounds of baby — no wonder my belly feels so heavy!

Meanwhile, the groundhog says 6 more weeks of winter, no surprise to those of us who have been surviving nearly 2 months of temperatures 20 below average. Icing on the cake — ice storm on the way tonight. Sigh.

Worst Super Bowl halftime show ever. (What is it with Justin Timberlake and nearly naked pop divas anyway?)