Oh - those pregnancy days
I had dinner with a dear friend of mine last night. She’s eight months pregnant and nervous as could be. The truth is she’s going to be a fantastic mom - she’s caring, nurturing and one of the most organized woman I’ve ever known.
No matter how prepared you are, though, becoming a mom is a major transformation. I’m excited to welcome her to the world of choas (although I never said that word out loud) In fact, I was very careful about every word that came out of my mouth. When she asked how long my labor was, I put a positive spin on the 18 HOURS. When she asked how breastfeeding went, I encouraged her to give it her best shot (if she wanted to).
Being with her reminded me of what it was like to be pregnant. There’s no hiding it and every one feels the need to comment. I never minded that part. I loved sharing the news and answering the same questions over and over.
“I’m due in January.”
“Yes, we know it’s a boy.”
“Haven’t decided on a name yet.”
I mean towards the end, I could say the answers in my sleep.
Strangers became rather friendly too. They opened doors, always offered up their seat on a busy train and one woman went as far as to help me pick out comfortable underwear. No word of a lie. She asked what I was looking for in the racks at Marshalls and then she went to work finding me the best pair she could. She didn’t work there.
Another stranger put parenthood in total perspective for me. I was four weeks away from my due date when the crib and dresser were being delievered to our house. I rushed to the door to welcome the moving guy. He smiled at me and asked “the questions.”
“Yup, my husband and I are getting ready for our new roommate.”
The man laughed…at me. “Roommate?” He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Honey, you’re not getting a roomate. Your boss is moving in with you.”
And that my friend…was the most candid advice I ever got.
