From my dad's girlfriend yesterday, "your ankle is really swollen. What does your doctor say about that?" Lady, I'm 37+4 and chase after a toddler all day, of course I'm swollen. The funny part is, I'm actually not even that swollen.
She also told me not to worry about having two kids because babies sleep all the time (what about the 2 year old?) and asked how dialated I am - in front of my dad. I think my dad cringed but I couldn't look at him.
Yesterday, DH and I went to this little italian grocery store. DH has been there quite a few times, but always on his own. So we're paying, and the cashier tells me 'Wow, you must be getting close! Your belly changed so much since the last time I saw you!' I've NEVER seen this girl in my life, no clue who she is. I just smiled, because I didn't see the point in making her feel uncomfortable. As we get out, I turn towards DH and asked him about the pregnant girlfriend he's been taking to the italian store. He replies 'Oh no, she's not pregnant, I can't afford two pregnant ladies!'
I was at a work event on Friday night and one of our guests (who wears hearing aids) asked if I was drinking water because I was "working" or I was just choosing not to drink. I said "I'm drinking water because I'm pregnant, so not really by choice". Well, he heard "Not by choice" and thought I meant my pregnancy because later that night he asked me about what I said. I had to convince him that this pregnancy was indeed wanted and planned and that I do occasionally have a small glass of wine at home. Well then he got very protective of LO and said "Not too much or too often, you have to protect that miracle." I just smiled and told him not to worry. You gotta love the grandmas and grandpas out there, even if they're not yours.
I had a student just ask me if I was going to get any bigger. I told him yes because I have over a month left so he says "you look like you have a melon farm under there". That one seriously made me laugh so hard!
I am now at the point where I cannot go anywhere...I mean anywhere outside my home, without a comment from some random person. If there is one thing I have learned people LOOOOOOVE to comment on pregnancy and pregnant women, its like they literally cannot stop themselves like word vomit. The good , bad and ugly.
At the nail salon yesterday, I was sitting at the nail drying station across from a woman and her 4-5 year old daughter. The woman asked how far along I was, and we made small talk about how pedicures are lifesavers at this stage when you can't reach your toes, etc. Then, the little girl jumped in and asked whether I was having a boy or a girl. When I told her I was having a boy, she said, "Eww! I wish you were having a girl. Boys are gross, and they smell funny!" Her mother turned about 10 shades of red and kept apologizing as she scolded the girl for being rude. I was trying not to laugh because I knew the mom wanted her to take the scolding seriously, but it was really hard when the girl kept saying, "But, mommy, they do smell funny." LOL
I worked with some classes at the school library that I don't usually see, and this is a conversation I had with three first graders in the checkout line:
Little Girl: Are you having a baby? Me: Yes I am! (Little Girl grins hugely) Little Boy 1: My mom is having a baby too! Me: That's so exciting! Are you going to read to the baby? Little Boy 2 (before Boy 1 can respond): I have a HAMSTER!!
I went into a little shop the other day that's owned by this super friendly family. They aren't 100% on their English skills. As I walk up to the register the wife gets this super crazed-with-excitement look on her face and asks "Whatchu got in there? Baby?!" I said "Yep, that's a baby." "Is baby . . . um . . . Is Boy or is girl?!" "It's a girl" "Oh how nice! I have two girl. Husband not so happy about that before but now it's all ok. Girl two very small but she big now so that ok too. Yours not so small." Hmmm . . . Are you calling me fat lady?! lol She's sweet though so I just agreed (I am waddling everywhere and very obviously about to pop.)
My FIL said to me, while literally just standing around..."your back looks sore"....well yep pretty much that's what happens when you have 30lbs of extra weight most of which is in your belly yanking you forward. Good observation! Then proceeded to ask if I've had BH yet...I'm just waiting for him to ask if I'm dilated next! Just wish he wouldn't ask. My own parents don't even ask!!!
Getting to the elevator today after my ultrasound appointment today the people in the elevator said they'd hold it for me if I promised I wouldn't have my baby in it. I literally stared and said 'I think it's safe to say I won't be having my baby in the next 60 seconds'. Ugh.
Went to Burgerville last night for dinner and ordered a chocolate milkshake. There was a guy behind the counter prepping a giant tray of strawberries for their seasonal strawberry shake, and said, "You sure you don't want the strawberry shake?" I told him I just love chocolate shakes too much, so he grabs the biggest strawberry, rinses it off and hands it to me, and says, "For the baby." I wanted to give him a hug!! And it was the best strawberry ever.
So one of the owners of my company was in the break room when I was heating up my lunch, and she asked me if I was effaced at all. Um. Can we NOT talk about my cervix?!
On the bright side, some other lady I've never met walked into the building next to me a couple days ago, and said "I know I don't know you, but I'm very excited for you! Motherhood is awesome, and you look great!"
If one more person says "oh! Must be any day now, huh?" or "you look like you're ready to pop!" Sigh. Few more weeks, but thanks for reminding me I'm the size of a house.
@folamij I keep getting this too!! When I tell them how long I have left they are always telling me I won't make it. It really is a confidence builder! Lol
Finally had what qualifies as the most awkward comment of my pregnancy thus far today. My husbands female coworker calls my office today to talk business, and afterwards, asks how I'm feeling, any updates, etc...the usual conversation we have. THEN, she asks me if I've lost my mucus plug yet! Ick, my best friends haven't (and most likely won't) even thrown that one out there yet! Just struck me as kind of odd.
Pascal86
That is the sweetest thing! It's the small things, right?!
On a side note, I've missed out on all the Strange Comments from Strangers, and I think it is because I tote twin 2yr olds around with me. People still say, "Twins?!?!?" or the checker at Target today, "Are they twins or a year apart?" and then, "at least you can tell them apart." (yes, they are my daughters, I can tell them apart. I'm glad you can too). I will happily play the role of ignored pregnant lady!
Mama to Three Girls: Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!
I had this strange comment 2 days ago from a neighbour who hadn't seen me in months. I was walking near her front deck and she came out of her house and said "I didn't recognize you, because you look bigger." Then she asked me doubtfully if I was pregnant. I'm at 35 weeks! Wtf?
I had this strange comment 2 days ago from a neighbour who hadn't seen me in months. I was walking near her front deck and she came out of her house and said "I didn't recognize you, because you look bigger." Then she asked me doubtfully if I was pregnant. I'm at 35 weeks! Wtf?
Barely any of our neighbors have seen me pregnant because I've been inside all winter...then there's going to be a screaming baby very suddenly. I think they're going to be confused!
I got a compliment by an employee at the DMV!!!! I think that's the first time someone has been nice to me at the DMV, let alone share a compliment. I was shocked.
Yesterday I went to a baseball game and we stopped at a super crowded bar across from the stadium before the game (not exactly a lot of fun for a pregnant person.) I was waiting in line for the bathroom and there was a pretty drunk middle aged woman coming out. She warned me that there was no toilet paper left, and then as she squeezed by me she started rubbing my belly and said "I just have to, i'm sorry..." It was weird, but surprisingly less uncomfortable than I thought it would be. It drives me NUTS when people touch my belly, but it was strangely endearing coming from this happy drunk woman lol
I can't count the number of people who have come into my office this week and asked me what I'm having. By the way they have to walk through a minefield of these to get to me:
Ugh, I have another one. My MIL is a great lady but I tend to hear a tone in the things she says sometimes. It might be in my head, but I often feel judged by her. Anyway, earlier today, after she called the baby "her baby," she brought out some pictures of right after she gave birth to DH. I had mentioned to her several months ago that it's not uncommon to wait to bathe the baby for a few hours to even a few days after birth for a number of beneficial reasons. She was appalled by this, and I told her we'd likely wait a couple hours but no longer. Anyway, today she pulls out a picture of DH right when he was born and goes "See? See how gross its going to be?!" I got really defensive. Like first of all, sure, its not pretty, but its natural, its what your baby has been sitting in since the beginning. Big deal. It comes out of your body, what do you expect?! Second, I can get over the gross factor for a little bit if it benefits my baby. And yet she thinks it's ok to keep questioning me on this. I DARE her to say something to me after the baby is born. Most likely she'll be all cleaned up by the time she meets her grandparents, but I almost want to delay it just to see if she has something to say about it!
Ugh, I have another one. My MIL is a great lady but I tend to hear a tone in the things she says sometimes. It might be in my head, but I often feel judged by her. Anyway, earlier today, after she called the baby "her baby," she brought out some pictures of right after she gave birth to DH. I had mentioned to her several months ago that it's not uncommon to wait to bathe the baby for a few hours to even a few days after birth for a number of beneficial reasons. She was appalled by this, and I told her we'd likely wait a couple hours but no longer. Anyway, today she pulls out a picture of DH right when he was born and goes "See? See how gross its going to be?!" I got really defensive. Like first of all, sure, its not pretty, but its natural, its what your baby has been sitting in since the beginning. Big deal. It comes out of your body, what do you expect?! Second, I can get over the gross factor for a little bit if it benefits my baby. And yet she thinks it's ok to keep questioning me on this. I DARE her to say something to me after the baby is born. Most likely she'll be all cleaned up by the time she meets her grandparents, but I almost want to delay it just to see if she has something to say about it!
What a rude comment! I'm not planning on bathing my baby right away either and have been asking people if they want the right away pics or the "cute and clean" pics. Obviously it's kind of nasty but that's why it's just mom and dad looking! Does she really think you won't like your baby as much if you see them right from the womb?
SO and I went to a skate store that we're regulars at and go in at least once a month, if not more (he goes through skateboards the way that I go through a pack of Bobby pins, lol) and the manager, who has been there every time we are, looked at me and said, "Damn! You're really pregnant" to which I replied nicely that we only have a month left until the due date. His response? "Well, I really couldn't tell you were pregnant until now. I thought you were just getting fat" WHAT?! I was so upset but tried to not be a hormonal loon in front of him. Luckily, he realized he was rude and gave us a discount and free grip tape. While it didn't make up for the comment it was still a nice gesture.
@JoMunson Right!? Like I said, after reading many other people's stories about their in-laws, I consider myself very lucky. But she can be weirdly judgmental and this I just do not get! Did she think we thought babies came out clean and fresh? Does she expect me to be like "Wow, you were right, that IS gross, we should have cleaned her off!" I'm really hoping for an uninterrupted first hour of skin to skin time, which is actually standard in my hospital, so the waiting to bathe thing is just a part of that. She doesn't understand why I want the uninterrupted first hour, and after glossing over the benefits a couple times for her, if she brings it up again I'm going to just email her some links and be done with it.
@JoMunson Right!? Like I said, after reading many other people's stories about their in-laws, I consider myself very lucky. But she can be weirdly judgmental and this I just do not get! Did she think we thought babies came out clean and fresh? Does she expect me to be like "Wow, you were right, that IS gross, we should have cleaned her off!" I'm really hoping for an uninterrupted first hour of skin to skin time, which is actually standard in my hospital, so the waiting to bathe thing is just a part of that. She doesn't understand why I want the uninterrupted first hour, and after glossing over the benefits a couple times for her, if she brings it up again I'm going to just email her some links and be done with it.
My response is always "well, sorry I wasn't aware that my vagina was a drive thru car wash".
Anyone else get the rapid fire of questions - due date , boy or girl , name ? It's like woahh!
Every day. And I really hate the name question because we haven't agreed on one yet. And people are like "You don't have a lot of time! You better pick a name!"
Really? I had no idea I needed to name my child. Thanks for the reminder.
Married: May 2012 DS1: May 2016 DS2: Jan 2019 Baby #3 EDD: 6/18/24
Anyone else get the rapid fire of questions - due date , boy or girl , name ? It's like woahh!
Every day. And I really hate the name question because we haven't agreed on one yet. And people are like "You don't have a lot of time! You better pick a name!"
Really? I had no idea I needed to name my child. Thanks for the reminder.
I don't like the name question either! What makes you think, cashier at the burrito place I'm buying lunch, I'd share my unborn child's name with you?
Anyone else get the rapid fire of questions - due date , boy or girl , name ? It's like woahh!
Every day. And I really hate the name question because we haven't agreed on one yet. And people are like "You don't have a lot of time! You better pick a name!"
Really? I had no idea I needed to name my child. Thanks for the reminder.
I don't like the name question either! What makes you think, cashier at the burrito place I'm buying lunch, I'd share my unborn child's name with you?
Yup we have a name and decided not to share until he is born .... And so that warrants " well why?" Ummm how about don't worry about his name or why we have decided to not say!
Jparke2
Just wanted to back you up on your MIL's comments. I certainly don't want to read too much into this and say she's going to try to undermine you as a parent at every decision, but let it go woman! You are kind to tell her why you are choosing not the bathe right away, but you don't owe her an explanation for every decision you make as a parent! DH also thinks it's a little gross that I'm waiting to bathe LO for 12-24hrs, or until I feel like it. If he/she is really vernix-y, I will gently wipe the face, etc. If LO is too gross for you to hold, too bad! more time for me This is so temporary and so not a big deal! You don't have to send any pics out until you are good and ready!
Mama to Three Girls: Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!
Anyone else get the rapid fire of questions - due date , boy or girl , name ? It's like woahh!
I hate the name question too... so invasive. I always just pretend we haven't decided yet so I don't have to tell them yes, we know, and no, we aren't going to tell you what it is.
Jparke2
Just wanted to back you up on your MIL's comments. I certainly don't want to read too much into this and say she's going to try to undermine you as a parent at every decision, but let it go woman! You are kind to tell her why you are choosing not the bathe right away, but you don't owe her an explanation for every decision you make as a parent! DH also thinks it's a little gross that I'm waiting to bathe LO for 12-24hrs, or until I feel like it. If he/she is really vernix-y, I will gently wipe the face, etc. If LO is too gross for you to hold, too bad! more time for me This is so temporary and so not a big deal! You don't have to send any pics out until you are good and ready!
Thanks! I do have a little bit of a fear that she will try to undermine me. Or maybe not undermine me but just question or judge some decisions. I'm very type A and a lot of research and thought goes into all the decisions I make, so it can be frustrating to be questioned! Luckily my mom is the opposite of my MIL and supports me in every decision I make, even if it seems odd to her. I'm sure it'll all be fine. I hope haha
Anyone else get the rapid fire of questions - due date , boy or girl , name ? It's like woahh!
I hate the name question too... so invasive. I always just pretend we haven't decided yet so I don't have to tell them yes, we know, and no, we aren't going to tell you what it is.
I just tell people who question why we don't share the name that we don't want other peoples opinion, and people keep their opinion to them selves once baby is here, but get very opinionated before baby arrives. That shuts them up lol
Angel baby June 2013, DD born 22 April 2014, BFP 10 Sept 2015 - Due 22 May 2016
Anyone else get the rapid fire of questions - due date , boy or girl , name ? It's like woahh!
Every day. And I really hate the name question because we haven't agreed on one yet. And people are like "You don't have a lot of time! You better pick a name!"
Really? I had no idea I needed to name my child. Thanks for the reminder.
I don't like the name question either! What makes you think, cashier at the burrito place I'm buying lunch, I'd share my unborn child's name with you?
^^^THIS. The cashier at Target was relentless yesterday! Rapid fire questions followed by "what's her name?" THEN was offended when I didn't want to share! Lady- I don't know you, you're just an acquaintance!
Re: Comments from Strangers Thread
She also told me not to worry about having two kids because babies sleep all the time (what about the 2 year old?) and asked how dialated I am - in front of my dad. I think my dad cringed but I couldn't look at him.
Little Girl: Are you having a baby?
Me: Yes I am!
(Little Girl grins hugely)
Little Boy 1: My mom is having a baby too!
Me: That's so exciting! Are you going to read to the baby?
Little Boy 2 (before Boy 1 can respond): I have a HAMSTER!!
On the bright side, some other lady I've never met walked into the building next to me a couple days ago, and said "I know I don't know you, but I'm very excited for you! Motherhood is awesome, and you look great!"
Thanks Stranger lady, you totally made my day.
On a side note, I've missed out on all the Strange Comments from Strangers, and I think it is because I tote twin 2yr olds around with me. People still say, "Twins?!?!?" or the checker at Target today, "Are they twins or a year apart?" and then, "at least you can tell them apart." (yes, they are my daughters, I can tell them apart. I'm glad you can too). I will happily play the role of ignored pregnant lady!
Mama to Three Girls:
Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor
and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!
Lady at a church function I went to yesterday: "How many weeks left?"
Me: "About 4."
Lady (looking shocked): "You look about 5-6 months along!"
I feel huge, so that was a welcome comment.
My husband after I tell him about this exchange: "5-6 months? Yeah right. Look at that belly!"
BFP #1: 9/12/2015
DD: 6/1/2016
BFP #2: 1/16/2018 MC 2/2/2018
Really? I had no idea I needed to name my child. Thanks for the reminder.
DS1: May 2016
DS2: Jan 2019
Baby #3 EDD: 6/18/24
he is born .... And so that warrants " well why?" Ummm how about don't worry about his name or why we have decided to not say!
DH also thinks it's a little gross that I'm waiting to bathe LO for 12-24hrs, or until I feel like it. If he/she is really vernix-y, I will gently wipe the face, etc. If LO is too gross for you to hold, too bad! more time for me
Mama to Three Girls:
Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor
and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!