9 pounds.

I gained 9 pounds between my last two prenatal appointments, about 18 days. But I had not gained anything in the month prior, so it balances out. I am not worried about it, I am working on a big baby, I will admit that. Bigger is healthier. The part that bothers me is that it is getting noticeably harder for me to carry the weight. I really feel it. My feet hurt. I can hardly roll over in bed. My back is starting to hurt and my feet are swollen at night. So, I guess I am officially in the final weeks. I have 6 more weeks to go. The interesting part it that I AM 100% OK WITH IT, but perfect strangers think my size is a problem.

I was telling my family today how ironic it is that if a woman has a low birth weight baby, she is often “blamed” for something she did. Its probably a silent type of blame, few people would actually say it to the new mother. But the implication is that somehow the mom made it happen. There are, of course, real things that a mother does or fails to do, that can cause poor birth weight, but alot of babies are just born early or small, thru no one’s fault. On the flip side, if you have a healthy pregnancy and gain a good amount of weight, taking things full term, and having a healthy sized 7-9 lb baby…chances are that multiple times throughout your pregnancy someone told you that you were too big. People say

• “I can’t believe you haven’t had that baby yet!”
• “Look at you, your as big as a house!”
• “Whoa! You’re taking that eating for 2 thing seriously , aren’t you?”
• “Are you sure its not twins?” (really funny to a parent who has already had twins. hardyharhar.)

What’s the option here people? How do these comments help? Do you want me to “diet” and have a 4 lb anemic baby? Should I join you in your weight obsession or will you just admit that you are jealous that I can eat whatever I want? There are so many other things we could make small talk about, things that still have to do with the baby. Why does conversation always have to go to the weight? Would you say “boy, that’s quite a hump back you are getting there” to an elderly woman? Would you say “I bet you are saving a ton of money on shampoo” to a balding man?

I have a friend at work who is 29 weeks pregnant. When I see her, about every week or so, I often say “Ohhh! Look at you!” But its because she is starting to fill out and I am happy for her. To me, the bigger the better. I am proud of her (and me) for our rotundness.

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