Monday, April 28, 2008

Interesting Phenomenon

I was warned by friends that I would most likely have bizarre experiences with strangers when pregnant. I have only experienced such interactions in the last two weeks. I think that this is partially due to the fact that 1. I look like I have swallowed a beach ball and 2. Even complete strangers pity me for looking so stinkin' uncomfortable. The following are a couple of interactions that I have experienced in the last 5 days:

While in the mall food court, casually minding my own business and scarfing down my sandwich a homeless man felt it was necessary to inform me that ' You have a bun in the oven!' Hmm... I had not noticed.

While waiting in line at Walmart trying to buy products to beautify my puffy face, the lady behind me grabs my belly and says 'Congratulations! Did you go to the big baby shower in Sidney?' I had to take a long hard look at her face to try and figure out if I knew her from somewhere because she had approached me as if I were a close friend... but nope, nada, never seen the woman in my life. On top of that, she was probably in her mid-40's with a rather poochy belly and I could not decipher whether she was a little pregnant or just chubby and bloated. Was she waiting for me to congratulate her back? I decided to play it safe- smile, nod and say nothing.

Lastly, while in church on Sunday, another random woman turns around in the pew in front of me and squeals "Oh! look at you! You are just bursting with love!" Bursting with love? If by love you mean the giant, squirming child balled up in what feels like a 10lb placenta attached to my abdomen, then yes I am full of 'love.'

So I am pretty much not able to leave my home without constant stares and bizarre interactions. At least once this kid is out the focus will be on her and strangers will not feel compelled to comment on my sad state. So I will carry on for a little while longer and 'burst with love' comforted by the thought that this period will come to and end very soon. I hope....

3 comments:

Marina Baerg said...

That's hilarious! I totally remember a woman in front of me at Zellers a few days before Nate was born... she did a double-take and said "oh my!" and that was it. I hated those double-takes. But don't worry... after the baby's born, you're introduced to a whole new set of weirdos who somehow feel connected to your baby and you just hope they all know to keep their distance.

Tiff said...

ew. that is so gross. People are so weird. I would never even dream of mentioning something to a random pregnant lady...let alone touch one!

Melissa said...

Yeah I was gonna warn you about all of the creepies who feel that it's okay to touch your baby's hands, face and feet. Always keep wipes in your pocket to clean all of the random germs off your baby because sometimes, no matter how hard you try, someone manages to touch your baby. Good luck with Lily! I'm sure you'll be such a wonderful mommy!