Lessons from Strangers

If you have ever been pregnant, or even known anybody that has been pregnant, then you have probably heard that pregnancy warrants unsolicited advice from any and all people you may come across.  From what I hear many women resent it, but I have found it to be an altogether amusing experience!  Maybe it doesn't bother me because nobody told me any truly horrific stories, or maybe because I'm an especially chatty person and have never minded talking with the cashier in every store I go to (because seriously, every cashier wants to talk about it.)  I wish that I had taken a picture with every person that wanted to talk to me about pregnancy and started a blog or Instagram with their advice and/or stories because I have already forgotten some of the wisdom imparted, and how am I supposed to raise my child without their advice?!

Some people are so kind and reassuring.  After all the usual questions like, "When are you due?  What are you having? Is this your first? How are you feeling?" one soft-spoken woman asked me "Are you excited?"  I answered honestly, "We are really excited!  But...also kind of terrified."  She replied with the kindest smile, "Oh, don't be terrified, my parents had 19 children, and we all survived, you'll be just fine!"   Got it. I can do this.

Some people are straight forward.  One young dad at the grocery store told Brad and I as we were checking out, "It's amazing, it really is, but you will never. sleep. again.  Seriously, never.  Sleep as much as you can right now."  Got it. I won't feel guilty for sleeping in anymore.

Some people try to be funny.  One old man walked by, took one look at my very pregnant self, and said in passing, "I give you full permission to deliver those triplets tonight".  I laughed and said, "Hey! What are you trying to say?"  I still had a month to go.  Got it. I'm large and in charge.   

Some people want to tell you their battle stories.  I can't even think of one specific example of this one, there are so many.  "I was in labor for 48 hours and pushed for 3." "My doctor insisted on inducing me early, then I found out later that it was because he was going on a family vacation, not because I needed to be."  "My niece gave birth in the car on the way to the hospital"  I really never minded this either, because I think most people just genuinely want you to know that anything could happen and that maybe something that they experienced could help you.  But I got it.  Labor and delivery is hard but its worth it!

Some people just have to reminisce about their own days of parenthood.  Brad ran in to the grocery store for just a few things, and I was looking at the magazine rack waiting for him at the front of the store.  One man was walking by on his way out of the store, and out of the corner of my eye I saw him stop.  I could tell he was looking at me, so I looked over at him and he just said, with kind of a twinkle in his eye, "I have four sons."  I smiled and said, "Ohhhh We're actually having a son too! It's our first."  Apparently that was just all he could take, because he chuckled and came over at put his arm around me in an awkward side hug and said, "God bless you!  They grow up so fast!"  I asked him how old his boys were, and he said they were all bigger than him.  He smiled and walked out.  I think he may have been slightly intoxicated, but I thought he was sweet nonetheless.  I think I got it.  Enjoy it while it lasts.

Some people are just confusing.  While waiting at the doctor's office a couple of months ago, just sitting and minding my own business, one woman seated across from me said, "I take it this is not your first."  I replied, "No, actually it is."  Embarrassed, she said, "Oh, just disregard that", then quickly started talking to someone else.  What??

I never understood women that gave random advice like, "Don't worry, you won't be pregnant forever".  Um I know that...wierdo.  But these days it feels like I really AM going to pregnant forever, and suddenly I'm grateful that that old woman at Costco stopped to tell me that.  Got it, my babe will be here before I know it.

The only thing that bothers me is people that say, "You're HUGE!" or "You look like you're about to pop!"  It doesn't matter if they preface it with "I'm sorry, I just have to say it.." or "I don't want to be rude but...".  So let me tell you this: Even if she is the size of Violet Beauregarde when she turns into a blueberry, even if she is your sister, or best friend, or a complete stranger, don't ever, ever, ever tell a pregnant woman how huge she is.  Trust me, she knows, and there isn't a dang thing she can do about it!  I would be three times the size I am now if it meant a happy, healthy baby.  This is what I signed up for! I think its miraculous that my body can DO this! Why remind pregnant women that they're huge, or even that they're tiny?  Instead, try reminding them that they're a walking miracle. Got it?

T minus 6 days until D Day. I got this.

(Pictures by Tif Photography.  Taken in November - I was about 30 Weeks.)