I happened to mention in an email to Yemisi that I had to return to running my gels (electrophoresis at work). She was quite startled that I am using ethidium bromide while pregnant. The folks at my work didn't seem overly concerned about my using it, and I do take care when I am making gels (wearing gloves, holding my breath, etc.), but now I wonder if I should be a bit more worried...

It is very easy for me to become overly worried. Darryl told me not to worry about it and I really hadn't been concerned before. But, if William does turn out to be anything other than perfectly normal, I know I will feel incredibly guilty and think that I am somehow responsible (whether it be the EtBr or me taking Nexium or what if there was lead paint on that dresser I was sanding down?). That is guilt that I don't think I would be able to bear.

I know there is nothing to do except continue to be as vigilant as possible (I will have to keep taking my Nexium), wait, and hope/pray for a very healthy baby.

In other news: I am incredibly achy! I feel like I am 100 years old and have to drag myself to move around anywhere. It was very hard to get out of bed, even though I was uncomfortable in bed too. I'm pretty sure that I will start my maternity leave earlier than "I'm going into labour now!!", which was my original plan. So, right now I am thinking to begin my leave at the start of June. We'll see.