In what universe is it appropriate to ask someone, “Were you this big last time you were pregnant?”
Never mind that that idiot comment was outnumbered 10 to 1 by the “You look great!” comments.
And in case you’re wondering: retired female, in the greeting line after church.
Of course I stared at her blankly.
The best, most wicked retort I’ve been able to come up with:
“Were you this rude when you weren’t older than dirt?”
Post your own things-you’d-like-to-say here.
——————
And in yet other pregnancy news (stop reading if you don’t like to hear about body stuff):
I just started my every-two-week visits this time (29 weeks) and the midwife said this is the third visit I’d “spilled some protein” in my pee. This is news to me, since nobody had said anything until today. So it’s either a small enough amount that it didn’t warrant mentioning, or the fact that my blood pressure is always freakishly low gave them a wait-and-see. (100 over 70, normal for me) I don’t have any swelling or any other symptoms of the big P. In fact she didn’t even say the word preeclampsia today, but she did order a 24 hour urine collection. Joy.
They also drew blood today and will again when I come back later this week to see whether there has been any “insult” to the kidneys. Which made me giggle…
“Girl, your kidneys are so retroperitoneal!”
“Oh yeah? So’s your mama!”
She seemed very unconcerned about it but said she felt “honor bound” to look into it. And since I’m coming in every two weeks–well, she was very relaxed about the whole thing. (Easy for her!)
Sigh. I left with a large jug and the clear sense that this kid will not make it to November 30.
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Asides
» I’m looking for some new online reading materials–blogs, zines, whatever. Creative yet accessible, inspiring but not schmaltzy, smart but not impenetrable. Recommendations welcome.
» The latest on SBJ: at one year, he weighs 30.5 pounds (99%), is 32 inches tall (97%) and is 100% cute.
» I have been remiss in posting SBJ’s latest stats: 23 pounds and 27 inches at six months. Yes, I’ve got the big mama biceps.
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crappity, crappity, crap
Okay, I just read the encyclopedia thing.
It sounds like the chances are very low for the under 40, not-first time, unswollen, low blood pressure you!
Phew!
I’m calling it prepreeclampsia.
But just in case I have to go on [hushed and horrified whisper] bedrest, I have already e-mailed the church tech guy to ask when he might have my new laptop, which has been sitting in the box in his house for about a month, up and running. My current one needed to be replaced anyway, but now I think it has caught wind of the fact that I’m about to break up with it and is being very petulant and passive-aggressive. I almost lost an hour’s work on the sermon on Friday, until Mr. RM showed me where the autorecover files are hidden.
Yes, HAL has taken up residence in my little PowerBook.
Ouch! on the comment from “retired female” in greeting line! Some people just don’t get it! You do look beautiful! Most of my inappropriate comments during my pregnancies were from older women who just were not used to the “up frontness” (no pun intended) of being female, clergy and pregnant.
I am sure your blood pressure will stay low…but prayers in that direction just in case!
good luck on avoiding the rest. Too bad about Hal. He gets around.
I would call it PeePeeEclampsia at this point. After all, your blood pressure is normal.
Can you cry on cue?
her comment falls into the “shit happens” category. as long as you don’t let the comment move you into the “life’s a bitch and then you die” camp you’ll be ok.
one of the hardest lessons i’ve never learned is, “when in doubt, say nothing,” so i might have replied “yep, i’m big as a barn and twice as feisty, so don’t get me started here, bessie!”
That woman is always saying inappropriate stuff. You’ve just gotta laugh after a while.
One of the moms in the church said last week, “You may not be able to wear that robe by the end.” But she is the mother of four and it was so clearly a “honey I’ve been there” thing and I didn’t take offense.
Been there, done the big P thing with second child…… ……a detour unappreciated. Re the woman in line at church, I’ve always preferred the blank stare response myself so I’m with you on that one.
The blank stare was perfect. Hopefully somewhere in the back of her wee mind, she saw the look on your face and thought “uh oh”.
Prayers for all to continue well with the pregnancy.
I just got off the phone with the woman who will probably be my doula this time around. She said that trace amounts of protein can show up when you’re not well hydrated. Since my last three appointments have been first thing in the morning, before I’ve really gotten the water bottle going, I’m betting on that hypothesis at the moment. I guess we’ll see.
But that, my friends, is why a good doula is worth her weight in gold.
I’m getting “Do you feel as good as you look?” Which I suppose is meant to be a compliment. Do I think I look particularly good? Not really. Do I feel wonderful all the time? Not really to that either. So I guess the answer is yes–I feel about as semi-blah as I think I look. And have you not noticed I wear the same dress every Sunday? Ah. My contingent of retired folks is really quite happy and trying to be complimentary. I shouldn’t complain.
You, on the other hand, look radiant, I’m sure. And good luck (?what is the appropriate wish here?) on the collection. And the peace of mind it will bring, eventually.
“as semi-blah as I look”—lol
You have inspired me to share a picture of myself! Next post…
“actually, I was bigger…don’t you remember? Or is your senile dementia acting up again?”
Never mind. I made the mistake of going to a yoga class taught by someone who weighed twelve pounds and have to go take some Advil…
You are gorgeous. Praying that it isn’t the P, although I’d envy some bedrest right now…
It looks like I’m just a few weeks ahead of you, although I haven’t seen your size. With my height, there’s nowhere to go but out. I get all kinds of stares, and all kinds of shout-outs from random folks. (One woman across the airport concourse: “Girlfriend, it’s gonna be a girl! 8 pounds and 10 ounces!)
One response: “I cook ‘em up big and juicy!” or “there’s nowhere to go from here but out…” - these aren’t quite as creative. But seeing pregnant women, especially in the pulpit, is still a new thing for most folks.
Here’s hoping your tests turn out well.
:blinks:
“Why thank you! We are so excited about having triplets!”
“Didn’t they tell you? I have a glandular condition.”
“What an amazing comment.”
“Yes, I know. There is a cure. It’s called labor and delivery.”
Or perhaps, my favorite Ann Landers: (except it wouldn’t be politic!)
“Why would you say something like that?”
(hugs)
deb