What is it about being pregnant that complete strangers feel they can violate all social rules? This week alone I have had people comment on my weight, eating habits, general appearance, and invade my personal space. Over the course of this pregnancy and the last one, I have gotten used to the occassional sarcastic comment, but last night was out of control! Chad and I were on a date, and I had dressed up so I was feeling pretty cute. After dinner, we stopped by the mall because I had painted in my wedding ring and it needed to be cleaned. While we were in the jewelry store, I was looking around, and the saleswoman struck up the usual conversation with me, "When are you due? etc." Only this time the conversation took an abrupt turn after I told her that I was having boy. Her repsonse, "Oh, that's why you look like hell!" (No exaggeration. Those were her exact words.) At that point, I looked up stunned, and looked at Chad to figure out what my response was supposed to be. We both just laughed because really, what else can you say? She then went on to say that I looked swollen and tired and that it would probably get a lot worse. After getting my rings back, we left and stopped in at Bath and Body Works where a woman stroked my belly with both hands for an awkwardly long time. By the time we left mall, I felt violated on so many levels. Fortunately, Chad and I just had a good laugh about the whole thing once we got in the car. To be honest, the woman described how I've been feeling lately-- bloated and tired, so there is some truth to what she said. Still, I can't get over how freely people make harsh comments. . . It is a strange reality of pregnancy.
Chad and I have been married 7 years today. I am so thankful for our marriage and continue to fall in love with him in new ways. . .through joys, hardships, parenting, prayer and laughter!
Jul 15, 2007
Posted by Summer at 4:28 PM
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10 comments:
I am speechless and can't believe another woman would say that to you! She must not of ever been pregnant and also not in JULY!!!!! Summer, you are beautiful and you must not listen to such idiotic comments. I was about 4-5 months pregnant with G and the p.e. teacher at my school went on and on for a month that I was having triplets. Some people!
Congratulations on your anniversary! I'm glad we've had the opportunity to know you guys as a couple - you've blessed our lives!
I seriously think people see a pregnant woman and become stupid. I have no idea why. They feel like they have to say something and it's usually something ridiculous. Oh well, at least we have an entire list of things we know NOT to say to other pregnant women!
so...do you have any stretch marks yet?
HA..jk.
seriously, you look great! in fact, seeing you pregnant makes me want to be prego again. zach says no.
i think i might go to that jewelry store and ask a certain someone when she is due with her baby. : )
I'm not there yet, but I'm sure by the time I'm about 30 weeks, my horrible stories will start! That's just crazy. You know with my first, people loved to tell me their horrible birth stories. I felt like saying "you know I can't turn back now right?" Some people!! And Happy Anniversary to you and Chad.
Happy Anniversary my beautiful friend! And I'm with Courtney. I love that line that people see a pregnant woman and become stupid. :) The other day a pregnant lady saw me and asked how far along I was. I responded "18 weeks" and her jaw hit the ground. Her stomach was pooching less than mine was (although she was in a t-shirt and I was in a non-maternity stretchy shirt) and she goes, "WHOA! I'm 23 weeks and they have me on a DIET! I've actually LOST 4 pounds over the past month!" And I'm like you, I was feeling pretty good about myself until that moment. I pray I'm never one of the stupid people. :) Love you---
You are a precious pregnant woman. Pierson is one blessed little boy.
It cracks me up what people think they can say. You need to get a shirt that says, "I am pregnant, but all normal rules of society apply." I'll make a list of things you can say back like, "What's your excuse for looking like that?". I'm glad you have a sense of humor about it, and you really do look great!
Shelly gave me the cutest maternity dress for my birthday and ther VERY first time I wore it a friend's mom said the most horrible thing. She asked if I was having twins and when I said no she actually said I should go back to the doctor and have them double check! I was only 14 weeks pregnant!! Why does it seem that only women make such horrible comments?
Hey Summer! I love reading your blog and staying up-to-date with your sweet family! Congrats on baby Pierson. You, Chad, and Ava must be SO thrilled!
As for the pregnant people comments, as if it's not bad enough that I'm stuck in the hospital, I was talking to someone the other day and mentioned that luckily I hadn't swelled that badly yet. She said, "Oh no, you have." AWESOME! The best part is that I haven't seen her in several months. People are so cool.
Y'all take care!
Laura Blackstock
I pulled out a photo from your wedding to show a prospective bride and looked on the back and realized it was the actual date of your wedding...Happy Anniversary! You have always been one of my very favorite brides! AND, from one of your "older" friends, let me tell you that for years, people, ESPECIALLY women, have felt they can say anything, especially to a pregnant woman. It's almost like a "rude gene" rears it's ugly head when someone hears the word Pregnant. I have always felt that pregnant women are so beautiful, really. Even during Christine's recent difficult time, I thought she always looked beautiful (of course, I am her mother). You are a precious, and beautiful, woman of God ALL of the time. You are especially blessed to be pregnant. I agree with Kate...maybe yall should carry some shirts with those sayings in your consignment store!
Hugs - M
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