Friday, March 16, 2007

Last (?) Visit to the Lab

Today's scheduled exciting event (aside from my nth freaking trip to the secu this afternoon, God help me) was my 9th month bloodwork in the morning. I had a lady who was very good with the needle, so it's possible I may not end up looking like an abused wife/heroin addict after this visit. I like this lab...they always give me cookies and cocoa before I leave. She said, "Oh, your baby has definitely dropped -- I think it will happen this weekend." I've learned not to get my hopes up; we'll see. I'm not sure my baby is in any hurry to leave, although she is moving around less and less. She's still moving, but the movements are smaller and I feel as if I'm going to explode at any moment. Given the stares I sometimes get in public, I reckon I look that way, too.

One other thing that has been nice is that absolute strangers will come up and have a nice (for the most part) conversation with me. I'm going to generalize and say that most women with grandchildren under the age of 7 will automatically gravitate towards me and ask a couple of questions before starting to talk about their own loves of their lives. This morning's proud grandmother had a very positive experience in the U.S. and it so happens her grandson, who is already demonstrating signs of being a math genius, has his second birthday today and is celebrating with a visit to Disneyworld. I love it when these kinds of things happen.

Another thing that is somewhat weird but nice is that men are usually very, very, very gallant towards me. Now, keep in mind I cannot see my ankles, I am more often than not wearing some type of non-black polyester pregnancy smock, and my butt looks huge. Add to that the fact that a lot of my baby-fine, annoyingly wavy in the wrong places hair fell out during the first two trimesters and is now growing back in, leading to an either overall nimbus- or horns-of-the-devil effect, depending on the day's humidity and how tight my ponytail is. It is not a good thing. Plus, I can no longer wear contact lenses and my glasses frames are only emphasizing the pudginess of my face. Let's just say that I don't exactly exude sex appeal. However, the men here have a way of treating me in a rather chivalrous manner that is not at all unpleasant. They seem to turn on the charm for a pregnant woman...I'm not sure why (okay, logically I know it's purely based on pity), but I appreciate the thoughtfulness. It's not in any kind of sketchy, icky way, either.

One notable exception was in the park on Sunday, when some weird man in a tracksuit came up to my husband and more or less had an "Oh, your life will be all over soon, mac" one-sided conversation. Thanks for the encouragement, dude. I wanted to push him into the lake, grab an oar from a rowboat and whack him with it.

6 comments:

Papadesdeux said...

I enjoyed reading your (and reliving my) experiences. Chuckle. Ah, livin' the good life in France.

Good luck this weekend! You have so much to look forward to. No really, I mean the good stuff. :))

Christopher Stogdill said...

I think men have an ingrained sense of chivalry....plus it makes us feel better.

angela said...

Keeping my fingers crossed for you it happens this weekend.
The grandmother in supermarket thing? Just wait till you've got baby along. Everyone including 7 year old boys will tell you how to bring him up!
Angela

Pardon My French said...

Papadelesdeux -- Thanks for the encouragement! I need it. Unfortunately, I'm still not sure if it's going to happen or not anytime soon. I had that famed burst of energy a week or so ago (now the wrecked again) and now I don't feel so hot. But I don't think it's labor. I think.

Face -- Yeah, it does make me feel better...silly, I know, but I really imagine myself looking like the Staypuft (whatever) marshmallow guy from Ghostbusters and it's not a good feeling.

Angela -- Thank you! I've heard stories about that as well...about how strangers will come up to your babies and take the pacifiers right out of their mouths. At least I've been forewarned...

Erica said...

It's so funny the bit about the weird man in the park!! Good luck with the imminent birth, I wish you all the best!

Anonymous said...

See, I do read your blog! Certainly sounds as if she is ready to make her grand entrance soon. Have I mentioned how excited I am? Wish I could be there with you. Sending lots of love your way... K