We’ve all heard about the awkward things that people say and do to pregnant women. At 7-months, I am unquestionably pregnant and everyone from the woman in line at Starbucks to the Italian man attending an education course at my work has compliments, enthusiasm or tips on “how-to” raise a child and wrap-up a healthy pregnancy. I know that the intentions are good. But, it is exhausting and sometimes a true “What the F” experience. Here are my top 5 from this weekend: 5. I’m waiting for my half-decaf, short Flat White at Starbucks. I need it. I have been up since 5:15 to take a hike before setting 2 workshops and helping S and his pal pull a bunch of product. I have been a lovely and an amazing host to 60 trainers and 7 coaches for the last 6 hours and need a re-set to get through the next 3. “How far along are you?” Says a petite woman who can’t be over 34. “7 months.” “Oh! You are so tiny.” This bugs the crap out of me. I am not tiny. I am 5’4” and close to 120 when I am not pregnant. I happen to carry well and have not gained an excessive amounts of weight. I don’t respond. “What I meant to say is that I carried just like you. I have three children and was all belly!” Now I am interested. She looks fantastic and I love knowing that she was looking for what we had in common and not being critical. Turns out she has a 21-year old, 17-year old and 6-year old. She got pregnant at 15 -- I was not far off with her age. 4. Après Barre class at the gym. A few fellow instructors are hanging out and I walk over to say “hi.” “Are you even pregnant? You’re way too small.” This is straight from the mouth of the woman who is known for giving back-handed compliments. “Really? I was at the doctor today. It’s a healthy pregnancy and she is just the right size." “When I was pregnant, I gained 60 pounds.” “That sucks.” “I ate whatever I wanted.” “Cool, we must like different food.” “I think you’re too small.” I am over it. Unless she’s a cycling instructor with a PhD, she needs to shut it. “Seems that as fitness professionals and colleague’s, we should celebrate and support each other and model healthy behavior for the members. Daggers shoot from her eyes and I quickly bail. My words are supported by 2 “High-Five” emoji’s from the other gals. 3. Lunch-break on Sunday, the Italian trainer asks how far along I am. “7 months.” “I have a five-year old. This is the only advice I will give you. Sleep when she sleeps. Seriously. Don’t clean up, watch TV, hang out with your partner. Go to sleep. Do not let her sleep in your room. No matter what you do, do not let her sleep in your room. This will destroy your relationship. Decide who will get up each night and stick to it. Put her on a schedule. Food. Naps. Bedtime. Wake-up. Every day. And stick to it. Feed her how you eat. We let our girl try soda when she was three. She thought it was disgusting. When she was four, she had it at a friend’s house and now loves it because they love it. Eat how you eat. She won’t know the difference.” 2. Apres Barre part two. There is a new woman in class. She’s been there a few times and I have decided she is French. She wears white and usually has a scarf. As I am patiently waiting to put my things away -- she’s in my way. I tap her (she has no idea there is a line behind her) and she quickly moves to let the group get on with their days. Outside, she asks how far along I am. And then proceeds to give me a giant hug and cradle my belly. “Do you know what you’re having?” “Yes. A girl.” “Do you have a name?” “Yes, it’s T –Scottish for “Beautiful.” “That is beautiful! I have never heard that before.” And, she hugs me again. 1. It’s Saturday afternoon. I am at work and now that both workshops are in motion and S is gone, I am using the time to get ahead on work. Since I’ve hosted both groups a few times, there are some repeat attendees. A woman walks in who I have met several times. She is very sweet and engaged to one of the educators. She sees me, looks at my belly and shrieks. Here we go. “Ahhhhhhh. You’re pregnant! Are you excited?! Oh my God. I can’t believe it. You must be so happy!” She goes in for the belly. She’s beaming. And, I am working so I need to be nice. But. Then. She kisses it. My stomach. Three times. I am shocked. Who does that? I can’t even react. Next, she tugs my shirt to see my belly. “There’s a BABY in there! I can’t believe it. You must be so excited!” I pull my shirt down and ask her about her upcoming wedding. It’s the right distraction. I am in shock as she babbles away. There you have it. Not only is my body out of my functional control, it’s apparently up for grabs and out of my social control. Although none of it feels sketchy, it is beyond bizarre. It’s nice to hear other people’s excitement and it’s clear that parents love to share their experience. Since it’s not harmful, I will try to enjoy the attention and tactfully protect my belly!
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I am:A creative thinker/problem solver/hustler. . . future mother. Archives
December 2021
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