36-week-update with a 35-week-photo. Yes, I am bigger now. No, it's not twins, yes, my due date is right, shut up, SHUT UP!
The ever-returning conversation at the library counter:
Person comes up to check out books. As we greet each other, the glance jumps from my face to my midsection. Silence. I proceed with typing and swiping while the patron gets antsy, he/she taps the desk, switches the weight from one foot to the other, the glance firmly on my belly. I can feel it coming. It's right there on the tip of their tongue. Come on, let it out. You know you want to, you have to. Just do it. DO IT!
- Sooo, when are you due? (Aaaah, finally, there it is.)
- March.
- Woow, that's still a ways away. (Shocked glance, still firmly on my belly.) Are you sure?
- Uh-huh. ("Whaa, whaa, I'm 8 months pregnant?! No, no, when did this happen?!")
- Looks to me like you could go any minute!
- (Silence. Tensing up of fists.)
- So, do you know what you're having?
- A boy.
- Is it your first?
- No, I have a daughter.
(And now the million-dollar-comment, the single most original and appreciative one, because you know, who would want TWO of each?!)
- Oh, so that'll be great then! You'll have one of each!
- Yeah. (Makes shooting noises while pointing finger in shape of gun. Not really. Wishes she could.)
- Well, good luck then!
- Thank you. You're all set, here's your receipt. (Silently wishes him/her immediate and incurable baldness. Not really. Still wishes she could.)
In that picture, from the chest up you look normal and then there is belly. My last pregnancy, I looked totally stay-puft from top to bottom.
People are so annoying and predictable.
You know, in some ways, the "large" comments I almost found as compliments because in my mind, I saw it a reassurance I was carrying a healthy baby. Hmm, on the other hand, I would never make such a comment ever to anyone else...
I've never responded to a blog before, but I related to your situation so much that I had to say something! I gave birth to my third child in December, and can't tell you how many people told me how "big" I was! I would correct them, and remind them that it was the BABY who was exactly as big as he should be, and that the BABY would be coming out soon and then silently add, "not like the 20 pounds of beer belly you've got up front." Petty, yes. Sinful, probably. But what a relief!
Your photo is beautiful and brave. In a couple of months, when you're more removed from the discomfort and other people's stupidity, the photo will be amazing to you.
Also, I hear you on the "one of each" comments. I just a son...after having a son and daughter already. Pure bafflement on the face of many when I announced my pregnancy. "But...you've got one of each already, right?" Grrrrr!
Grace and peace...
Your photo is beautiful and brave. In a couple of months, when you're more removed from the discomfort and other people's stupidity, the photo will be amazing to you.
Jeannine,
You should read Dinka's post entitled The Flap, you'll love it.
Miss Pansy~
You were so right about Dinka's "The Flap!" One aspect of pregnancy I have come to look forward to is having (temporarily) taut skin on my stomach again! Maybe women keep it a secret because it's more likely than a scary labor story to frighten other women away from childbearing. Labor lasts but for a day. "The Flap" lasts a lifetime!
Oh Dinka, you're so cute! You look great in that shot. March is coming quickly!