The hostess at the restaurant asked me when I was due. “End of June,” I told her. “And you?”
She looked at me blankly, and for a split second I thought: oh, no, I swore I would never ask that question again, and I just did, and she’s not, and I really put my foot in it. But it must have been the noise of the place that caused a time-delay, for then she smiled brightly and confirmed “In July!” It’s her first, and she’s very excited. I can understand. It’s not my first, and I’m still excited.
*******
At the fabric store on Saturday, standing in the cutting line, I used my belly as a table to hold my bolts – backing for two quilts. The young woman behind me said, “Oh, you’re having a baby!”
Why, yes, I am.
She then showed me all the cute fabric she was buying for her mother to make something for her sister’s new baby. I do not want to see this cute fabric. I am trying very hard to get my own projects finished, and I keep finding new ones. A few weeks ago, I made a sling. The last few days, I’ve been helping Katie with her quilt and making water bottle carriers for my kids using scrap fabric. They don’t cost a dime – and they only take about 30-45 minutes to do. Each. Times 6 kids. Plus others that I make for friends.
Cute baby fabric? No, I’m not looking.
*******
I went to the post office three times last week. The last time was Friday, late. There was a line like it was Christmas time. I have no idea why.
A woman ahead of me asked me when I was due. “End of June,” I said. “I have quite a way to go.” I just look huge, I thought to myself.
“You seem to have dropped a bit,” she said. Compared to? I wondered if my small town is even smaller than I thought…or maybe I’m being stalked. But I guess this is just pregnant-stranger small talk. I don’t drop until delivery day/hour/minute. My babies like to squish my lungs as long as possible.
“I’ll bet you can’t wait,” said another woman.
“Actually, I have a lot to do in the next month,” I said. “I hope the baby stays put for now.”
“Are you nesting?” asked the first woman.
“No, just getting ready to move.” I really had not intended to discuss my life at the post office. Oh, well, pregnant bellies attract much attention and discussion. At least they didn’t try to rub it.
Saved by the packages.
Reit This Way 
See that, you should make sure to ALWAYS have something in your hands. I always hated when people thought it was OK to touch my belly. If they were not my husband, kids, or obstetrician, I was not all about the hands-on.
We live in a small southern town(we are transplants). With my last pregnancy the lady who checks the cards at the entrance to Sam's Club told me as I walked in,”Baby girl, You done dropped.” Maybe she recognized me from previous visits, not sure. I am due at the end of June with my current pregnancy and no one has said a word to me. I must be giving off some negative waves this time around.
lol i'll never understand how people feel that a pregnant woman is license to make all sorts of otherwise inappropriate comments about her size and anatomical positions to complete strangers. i mostly find it funny, but sometimes (as in, YOURE HUGE! or, are you SURE its not twins) i want to kick people in the shins :-p
and i 3rd the “at least noone is touching your belly” sentiment!
I must have a “back off” vibe, as no one ever touched my belly without being family or close friends.
Anyway, I am sure you look fabulous. I was hoping there was a photo to go with this post 😉
Oh, this post!! WOW! I could have written it, but with sadly way less wit.
I am so jealous Kris knows you in real life. Praying for your move, your growing family, and feeling somewhat cool I know Kris, who knows how cool you are…and your belly too. HA!
Blessings!