Rodney recently went on a 2 day backpacking excursion with Che and returned with one extremely exhausted dog and HUNDREDS of tick bites. Yes, you read that correctly. He counted over one hundred tiny bites just on one foot. It's pretty nasty looking not to mention very uncomfortable, although it's starting to heal now. We took some photos just for documentation purposes, but I will not share them and gross most of you out in the process ;). Michael thinks he's cursed because each and every time he goes hiking he comes back with several tick bites while others on the same trip get little to none. We're trying to figure out how this is possible, but for now I think he will not go hiking for awhile (atleast not this summer).
Yesterday I had my monthly OB visit and things are looking/sounding great. Dr. Turner hooked up the doppler and we heard Eva's tiny little beating heart. She was really active while I was laying there and at one point she kicked the device while it was on my belly. After asking whether or not I was experiencing any soreness or pain (and responding my that tailbone and sciatic nerve hurt sometimes) Dr. T told me about a free study that Wash U is doing regarding chiropractic work on pregnant women and back pain. You have to be at least 24 weeks pregnant, but she encouraged me to look into it now because by the time I make the appt. and get in to see them I may be at 24 weeks. I am very interested in this study because I did have quite a bit of back and hip soreness with my first pregnancy in the later months. I would love to be more comfortable this time.
I have gotten a few comments from people I know that I'm looking "big" with a certain amount of surprise in their voices. This has been very discouraging to say the least. I'm not sure about you all, but I am self conscious enough about my body and comments like this do not add to any kind of positive self-image (pregnant or not). I decided to ask my OB about it since, heck maybe I am abnormally large or something. She responded with some wonderful words of affirmation. The first thing she said was "don't you know by now to ignore what people say?" She then proceeded to tell me that I'm measuring 21 cm at 21 weeks and that I've gained 11 pounds and I'm halfway through my pregnancy. She said these numbers are perfect and everything is quite normal. We then talked about how there should be books written for people about what not to say to pregnant women such as "Are you having twins?" or "Wow, you've still got 6 weeks left??" We discussed the fact that other women are mostly responsible for such comments and how people shouldn't say anything at all unless it's positive or complimentary. I completely agree. In the meantime if anyone has suggestions for polite responses that would be great, as I'm sure it's just the beginning.
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7 comments:
Ugh. There is never a polite time to tell someone she's "big." Even during pregnancy. I wrote a little PSA about it when I was pregnant.
Rodney is just sweet that's all!
I think Eva and Baby No Name Robertson are meant for each other. He did the same thing...kicked the doppler device right off the spot the doctor was trying to listen in on . :)
Also about the "big" thing. I have had men say..."look at the FAT woman." I get that I am a normally skinny person and that it is probably pretty shocking to see me with a tummy...but COME ON! Use your brain dude! Plus, YOU have about 2 inches between your boobs and your hips, so where else are you going to carry that baby except out. Everybody would tell me how small I was, which was worrisome, because I felt like they were implying that something was not right with the baby. I am glad that everything is going well for you guys so far. Here's to a pain free (emotionally and physically) pregnancy!!! :)
Gina, seriously, you'd have to be blind to believe that there is any validity in people's "big" comments. I'd kill to be as tiny as you (not pregnant!)! I think you look perfect. Throw some sarcasm at those insensitive ones; something like, "thanks, I love being told I'm big. Doesn't every woman?" I'm actually pretty convinced most don't realize they're being hurtful, so I just try to let it roll off, you know? With our hormones at their highest levels, it could be a combo of our over-sensitivity and others' lack of. You look fantastic, and other people can be idiots. End of story.
I agree that there is NEVER an appropriate time to tell a woman she is big. I have thought with both girls that I am at a disadvantage though - being short and all. With Norah I gained 18 pounds - total - and I still looked significantly rounder than other women who gained 10+ more pounds than me.
Sounds to me like you are doing great!!
How about, "THANKS ... so do YOU!" with the best grin you can muster. :) As if it was high school and summer was over.
Girl: Oh my gosh, you look SO TAN!
Gina: THANKS ... so do YOU!
Erin
It is amazing when you're pregnant it's like a neon sign appears on your head that says, "Please tell me all your horror stories of childbirth....& don't forget to comment on how big I look." It is hard to hear repeatedly, but a polite smile and thank you is about all I could ever muster, followed by an eye roll as soon as they weren't looking and a rant to David about it later. There's really no excuse for that behavior.
And on the same topic, my OB told me that I grew bigger or appeared bigger faster with Isaac since he was my 2nd & my abdominal wall muscles had already been stretched out with Micah. Food for thought.
And as for Rodney, he just needs to keep heaping on the compliments in order to counteract the negativity! :) :)
I agree that it's a very hard time for women and their physical sense of self when we're pregnant... I remember just feeling really fat with Rowan especially. However, I was relieved when someone told me I looked pregnant because then at least people knew why I was fat! :)
Easier said than done, I know...but maybe think of it as a bit of a compliment that people are at least saying it to your face that they know that you're pregnant and not just fat...They could just be talking behind your back that they think you've just gained a lot of weight... :)?
Which, by the way, you look fantastic. I'm a little jealous that you have such a beautiful baby bump. I just got round all over--I had as much in back as in front! :)
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