Finding the Words

When you see someone who seems to be round with child, you might want to think before you speak. First off, are you SURE she is pregnant? Beyond a shadow of a doubt? It could be the end of a beautiful friendship. There are things said to me that are music to my ears...such as...
You look beautiful! You look gorgeous! You look splendid! You look great! You are glowing! You are so tiny! That outfit is perfect for you! Pregnancy looks good on you! Of course you aren't fat, you're pregnant!(thank you, Patrick)
Now I have had things said to me that are not what I consider NICE...such as...
Waddle, Waddle, Waddle. You are huge! You look like you're gonna pop! You must be due soon.(said in the 5th month) You are getting fat! You are as big as a house! You are retaining water aren't you? You can kiss sleep goodbye! When are you due?(said weeks after you have had the baby)
How about when you are holding down a job and working right up until the baby is born... What? You're still here? When are you gonna pop that kid out? I can't believe you are still here!(said every single day for 3 weeks) You look soooooo ready! You look uncomfortable. Wow...4 days overdue!
I won't even go into everyone else's BIRTHING HORROR STORIES that they feel compelled to unload all over you-especially when it's your first baby.
The sweetest thing ever said to me when I was pregnant came from one of my students. He said, "How are you two doing today?" I completely choked up and then hugged him.