Mommy-to-be rant

Image by EssjayNZ via Flickr

When I first found out that I was pregnant, a friend of mine told me "Everyone will have advice. Take some. Leave some." Boy, did he hit that nail on the head. It seems there are a lot of opinions on everything from my birth plan to diapering, breast feeding vs. bottle feeding, bedding, schooling - you name it. (From parents and non-parents alike.)

I know they mean well, of course, and I appreciate the concern. I really do. After all, this is our first child. But, I'm also hormonal and stubborn. So is Matt. (Well not hormonal - although I could swear he has PMS sometimes.) Some things we're excited to figure out for ourselves. And anyone who knows us well, knows that we can't be told to do anything. (A trait I hope little Isabel DOESN'T inherit - but I know she will. Ugh.)

There is one group that is particularly starting to annoy me. I affectionately call them the Just Waits. As in, "Just wait until she REALLY starts kicking." "Just wait until you're REALLY big." "Just wait until you're 9 months!" This subgroup is never satisfied with my progress thus far. They're always waiting for the next big thing. Meanwhile, I just want to enjoy every milestone as it comes. I'm well aware that these flutters will turn to jabs. And I know that I am slowly turning into a whale, thanks. But this is my first pregnancy and everything is exciting and new. Don't take that away. Remember it was exciting and new to you too once.

Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive. (It's been known to happen to pregnant chicks.) I think it has more to do with my having been independent for so long. No one has ever weighed in on my big decisions - except maybe my Mom and she can definitely attest to my unyielding nature. So bare with me. I'm not always this bitchy. (Shush, Matt!) We have a little more than 3 months until we become a family. In other words, we have a little more than 3 months until we officially realize we don't know what the hell we're doing. Our outlook may change at that point. So, just do me a solid and save your "I told you so's" until then, ok? :)