Clothes make the (pregnant) woman

These days I get quite a few comments about the way I look - something new for me.  I have never been a person to really focus on looks, so it still catches me by surprise when someone comments on my pregnancy by the way I look. 

At first, I thought it was the clothes: wear something tight, and people think you are big.  Wear something loose, and people think you are small.  "You're about to pop!" or "I think you're going to have a preemie." [actual words from a Quizno's employee] 

Then in the same day, people told me that I looked only 5 months pregnant, and that my bun was just about done.  So now I think it's just the individual perceptions of people, and it has nothing to do with the actual way that I look.  The midwives don't say things like that :)

All that being said, I really don't mind the comments that much (except maybe the "preemie" comment), they just catch me by surprise.  And I'm such a sincere person most of the time I can't just say something back without answering the questions! It's a true weakness.  I've really got to take advantage this last month when people ask me the trifecta of pregnancy questions, and always in this order:
- When are you due? / How far along are you?
- Do you know what it is? / Are you finding out what it is?
- Do you have a name?
- (And sometimes) Are you excited? 

I might start telling people I just found out I'm pregnant.  I can see it now: "How far along are you?"  "Oh, I'm not sure; I just found out last week.  I'm sure the doctors will tell me soon."

"Do you know what it is?"  They tell me she's a human, but I'm not so certain."

"Do you have a name?"  "Do you?" [okay, that's a little snippy]

"Are you excited?" "Sure, what's not to love about losing 20 lbs at once?"

The trifecta of questions is really making me rethink the way I talk to pregnant women.  The questions are good, and mostly innocent, but they don't lead to much deeper discussion.  It's a number and a couple of yes or no answers.  So here's my plan - to ask women more open-ended questions:

"How are you feeling about the pregnancy these days?"
"Are you planning alot, or just going with the flow of things?"
"How do you feel about the medical care you've gotten?"
"Wow, you are looking really good."

And we're moving right along!  I'm 35 weeks, and the end is in sight.  I've had only slight symptoms of indigestion and numb hands at night, but otherwise I feel great.  I drink loads of water and try to eat balanced meals. I still walk the dog every morning.  I've tried to start washing all the baby clothes, linens, and diapers -- luckily they are all very small. 

Oh, the matching of teensie socks.  At least 2 were stuck in pillowcases; haven't lost any otherwise!

Lots of little girl clothes!  Sorted and almost all washed.  Thanks SO much to all our friends and family who have been generous in their giving.  Our little girl will be well-clothed.