Let me back up... I am 37 weeks pregnant with my 4th child and getting fairly used to the comments on my largeness from strangers. Truly the comments from my friends and family don't bother me at all- I am in fact quite large and I know my friends and family love me and are marveling along with me about my belly of epic proportions (to steal a quote from a dear friend). I get big when I'm pregnant- my belly sticks really far out in front of me and I'm pretty sure I look like I"m defying gravity and will just topple over at any moment (wait, that wouldn't be defying gravity, would it? whatever..). Anyway, I get large. As much as I try to eat healthy foods, exercise (I waddled on the elliptical machine for 30 minutes at the Y this morning!), I just get big- that's how my body works. And I truly have always loved being pregnant. I love watching the little miracle grow inside me. I love feeling/seeing her move. I love the excitement leading up to the birth etc. Granted, this time a round it has taken a little more of a toll on my 36 year old body- I have aches and pains in really strange places, I'm not having trouble breathing but I can barely walk, my 11 year old makes fun of me etc etc. But I love it, I love it all!
The other day, I was at the dentist (who also happens to be one of the best uncles in the world) and baby girl was moving around so much that he could see my belly contorting out of the corner of his eye while he worked on my teeth. And just the other day, I had this classic cuddling moment with the current baby of our family who loves to feel her baby sister move...
So much to be thankful for as we prepare for our newest family member!
Again though, let me back up. I think I lied up there when I said, I love it all. Let me tell you what I do not love. I do not love the comments from complete strangers that are just plain mean. Tell me, would you walk up to a large or obese person and comment on their size. I think not. Then why in the world do people feel it is their duty to comment on the size of pregnant women?? Lie and tell them they're beautiful, ask if they're excited about the new baby, but for heavens sakes DO NOT TELL THEM THEY ARE HUGE!
Here are some examples of things random strangers have said to me recently:
"WHEN are you due? You're really big!"
"You have 6 weeks to go! There's NO WAY you'll make it- you're so large!"
"Have you been THAT BIG with all of your babies?"
"It MUST be twins and they are coming any day!"
OH, and here's a good one... An elderly man approached me at the car repair place and I see him looking at my belly so I brace myself for the comment. And what does he say? "Honey, why you got so many gray hairs?" Sure, knock her while she's down! Don't bother commenting on the obvious huge belly- go for the overall appearance slam and insult the one thing she is trying to keep looking normal! anyway...
And the list goes on and on. But the classic, beat all, end all comment came this morning. There I was at Target, minding my own business looking for some clothes for the girls. Feeling pretty good about myself actually as I had just worked out for 45 minutes at the Y and was still mobile. Anyway, minding my own business and I hear a voice behind me.... "GUUUURRRLLL!" I glanced back and there was a very large woman (not pregnant, just large) behind me. She had her cell phone to her ear so I went about my business thinking she was talking on the phone. Then again, "guuurrrllll!". I glanced again and this time heard her say into the phone, "I'm talking to this really big pregnant lady, just a minute" (great, here we go). I nodded at her and smiled and she starts again, "Guuurrrl, puhlease tell me that baby is coming any day"
Me: "I'm due in 3 weeks. Not far to go!" (notice my attempt to be pleasant?)
Random stranger: " Well, you must be havin twins, naw, triplets!"
Me: "No maam, one baby. It's my fourth" (attempt to turn around and continue with shopping)
Random stranger: (to me)"Gurl, you HUUUGE! You must always be HUGE if you look that way when you're pregnant. You always huge??" (into phone) "this girl be HUGE!"
Me: Didn't say anything else- didn't know what to say. Took the opportunity of her speaking into her phone to bolt before I said something I would very much regret. Something along the lines of, "Did your momma not teach you any manners?" or "LAdy, you are HUUUGE too and I"m pretty sure you don't have the excuse of being 37 weeks pregnant! Are YOU always HUGE?"
I mean seriously? Manners people! I started out so well today with my workout and what did I do?? Came home and ate two cappuncino muffins! (thanks dear friend Kellie for reminding me of that fabulous recipe!)
So, here I am in all of my pregnant glory, and yes, I am huge. But I am happy to be huge and sooner than later will be holding this little bundle on the outside! And before you ask, no, I don't even have big babies! The largest so far has been 7 lbs 4 oz- what do you think- will this one be the biggest yet? (don't worry if you're reading this you're most likely not a random stranger so I won't mind your comment....)
