I pulled up in the church parking lot tonight to attend an enrichment. Another girl pulled up at the same time, so we walked inside together. “How are you feeling?” I can’t help but notice that she used the same wording that everyone seems to use now that I’m pregnant. It’s no longer “How are you doing?” but it’s “How are you feeling?” Even though people use this wording all the time now, I still hesitate for a second, wondering if she’s asking how I'm in relation to my physical well being in relation to the pregnancy or how I’m feeling as a unique human being who has feelings. Even though the answer is the same both ways, I still wish I knew exactly what I was answering.
At the enrichment, I sat among other pregnant women and/or new moms in the middle of the classroom learning how to crochet, and I had to laugh at the whole scene. I don’t know that I would want someone to judge me based solely on that image. And while it was nice to be around other pregnant women who I could relate to, it was also a reminder that I have entered a world where it is totally accepted to talk about all bodily functions in relation to the pregnancy. And when I stand up to leave with my pathetic crocheted chain in hand, I have to do a little dance to shimmy my pants up which is a common occurrence because it’s official—I can’t button up my pants anymore.
After enrichment I drove over to JB’s to visit Lance (he's manager there) and to bring him the car. Now comes the best part—one of the servers, who I would consider an acquaintance, stopped as she walked by to give my tummy a nice pat. Um…awkward? “Oh wow that’s nice and tight there, isn’t it?” I didn’t quite know what to say to that, so I just smiled and nodded my head. Sure yeah whatever you say…
14 comments:
Sorry this sounds like a rant about being pregnant. I'm just exploring all the different aspects of pregnancy that I never thought of before. They're not necessarily good or bad. Just take it as it is.
Leanna, that is so great. I love your honesty. I can imagine how WEIRD that would be to have anyone--no matter what condition you're in--to come up and start feeling your stomach. I remember my cousin having that pet peeve because she said, "It's still my stomach, no matter what's inside." Funny, funny. I'm glad you'd share the inside scoop on being pregnant. Love you :)
It may be just me, but when other people start talking about the actually labor of their child it scares the living anything out of me. They tell about 10 hours of labor or the nurse who wouldn't give them their epidural in time or the time that their water broke in Walmart. Ugh. It gives me the shivers.
Um, I just realized that my response was so not an encouraging comment. Sorry! I'm sure things will go great Leanna! No fear!
People pat my belly all the time. I don't see what the big deal is.
I have a confession to make. I think I've been a belly patter before. No, I KNOW I've been a belly patter before, and I'm not really sure why I've patted pregnant bellies. I think that it's kind of like saying, "oh--look--there's a baby in there. yay!" My sister once told me to stop patting her stomach when she was pregnant with her second child. I haven't done it since.
I'm sure I'll get used to the whole tummy patting thing eventually. Maybe it wouldn't have been so weird if it were someone I was actually friends with.
Oh and my husband has taken to calling me Prego. I guess it's a better nickname than my pregnant friend whose husband calls her Chub-Chub.
One more thing--we find out if Baby is a boy or a girl on Monday! I'll be sure to post after we find out.
Chub-chub eh? Kind of sounds like an Ewok name. Sorry I've had Star Wars on the mind lately :P.
I don't think you ever get used to the belly-patting thing. At least I haven't yet. In one of my classes last semester a girl who I barely knew asked, "Can I feel your belly?" Then she bent down until her nose was a few inches from my belly and started to poke it with her index finger. What do you say when someone does that? Every day after that this girl would say hi to my baby when I walked into class - I guess they bonded.
Is this Emily Martin? Good to hear from you, if it is.
People like to touch pregnant bellies because they are Buddha Bellies, imparting good luck to all who rub them.
I actually have a secret strategy to avoid unwanted belly rubs, which has worked 100 percent so far.
Don't look like a cute pregnant woman. People are much more likely to rub the belly of a friendly-looking pregnant woman in cute pregnant clothes. So if you look grumpy...maybe wear a sweatshirt so people are a little unsure as to whether you're pregnant or just chubby.
Good advice, Anona.
Emily, you're so kind. I would have said "Back off, Toad, or I'll put that index finger where you won't ever see it again."
And, Julie, childbirth SHOULD scare you. Be very scared, but you won't die. It's sort of like every great miracle you pass through. It's a chance to see God's hand.
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