Say What?

I am amazed at the things total strangers say to pregnant women.  It's like they see a belly and they can't resist the urge to just shout out whatever pops into their heads.  I don't think anyone is trying to be rude; they just see the belly and feel that they are obligated to say something, so they do, and then it gets weird.

I kind of expected the random people giving me predictions on whether the baby was a boy or girl.  I've had several strangers just walk up to me and say "It's a girl! I know because my mom's cousin's doctor said blah blah blah..." or "I hope you're buying a lot of blue because they way you are carrying, that is definitely a boy!"  But I didn't really expect people to argue with me when they asked.  First of all, it's not really any of your business, but second of all, I think that my doctor examining my wee one's private bits on the sonogram is a lot more reliable than whatever theory you have going on.  Last week, the guy giving me a pedicure asked, then just stared at my stomach frowning and shaking his head for a while.  I'm just not sure how to respond.

Then I get weird birth stories from random cashiers.  I think they are trying to be helpful, but I think they could really scare some people with the stuff that they share.  Josh and I were getting a coke last week, and the cashier says, "So, have you decided on whether you will have a c-section or a natural birth?"  I was a little surprised by her question so I just kind of mumbled out that we were going to try to have a natural birth and just see what happens, while wondering why I even felt like I needed to share that information with a total stranger.  She then goes on to tell me how she scrubbed in on a c-section one time and how most people think it will be nice and easy and calm and a great way to bring the baby into the world, but that it's really horrible and traumatic and scary.  Well, thanks for that helpful bit of information.  I'll be praying tonight that I don't have to have a c-section.

I wish I would just tell people what I was thinking.  "Oh my gosh! You're right! This must be a boy.  I'll take back all Vivi's clothes and redecorate the nursery! I guess I better change her name too....." or to the lady who walks up to me and says, "You're pregnant!" I could respond with "No way! I thought it was just the donuts I've been eating lately!"  But I feel like that would be rude.  And heaven forbid I make someone else feel awkward about asking me really personal information.

To be fair, most people are really nice and say sweet things or share nice recommendations, but the crazy ones make for better stories :)


*Just a side note, it's just weird when strangers ask me this stuff.  To my real friends, keep the crazy questions coming ;)