Dear Genetics,
Thank you! I kept wondering when you were going to reveal the tell-tale pregnancy sign of stretch marks, so I was pleasantly surprised when the doctor said I was lucky not to have any. I suppose he meant that if I didn't have any by 28 weeks then I likely wouldn't have any at all. We'll see about that, but so far I am quite thankful that you have spared me that symptom of pregnancy.
I suppose you are also to thank for the continuing flatness if my belly button. I'm perfectly content seeing that it looks like a cantaloupe rind, and is not protruding like some mysterious appendage.
If the monkey turns out to be a girl, I'll be sure that she also shows appreciation for the benefits you give her, especially when she tries to blame other things on you...
Thanks again for the little things,
Allyn
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
November 5, 2013
Dear Shanghai Commuters,
Apparently at first glance I still don't look like I'm pregnant. Could it be that I'm not wearing an apron dress, or that I don't come waddling along like a farmyard duck? Well, the fact remains that I am indeed six months pregnant, and therefore would like to enjoy that nicely designated seat for "pregnant, elderly, or handicapped" passengers on the metro.
As I boarded the Line 10 metro at the zoo station heading east into the city I was not the least bit surprised to see that it was very crowded with several hundred of you on your way to work. The first two stops only brought on more people, but finally at the third stop there was a mass exodus and a subsequent rush to fill the empty seats. Naturally I was a bit slow and did not get to claim a seat right away. I hope you don't mind, young woman with your iPhone in one hand and fake LV bag in the other, that I thrust my belly into your face to let you know that I'd really appreciate sitting down. Thanks for not making a stink and just letting me take your seat.
Of course the rush hour crowd only worsened on Line 2 downtown at the final station on the Puxi side, heading over to Lujiazui in Pudong. So Mr. Tall-Chinese-Man-Listening-to-His-Music I hope you weren't too bothered when I squeezed in at the last minute, and squished myself right up next to you. Maybe you didn't even notice that my little monkey had a bout of hiccups, that it wasn't my phone ringer on vibrate or indigestion that you felt rumbling against your own torso.
And by the way commuters, have you noticed that even a 6-month pregnant woman is still capable of walking up the stairs to exit the station? Do you think you might consider walking off that extra chicken leg or pork dumpling by heading up the stairs instead of cramming onto the escalator like a bunch of sardines? Just a suggestion.
Apparently in the past people were much more polite, respecting their elders, giving way to others, helping out little old ladies or bulbous pregnant ones. I'm not saying that everyone is just a jerk, but where's the common courtesy? At least I can count on the immigration officers to invite me to the VIP line. Too bad the modern culture seems to be one of "me first" everywhere I turn. Be on the lookout for pregnant passengers and offer them a seat, would ya?
Thanks,
One exhausted mama on the metro
Apparently at first glance I still don't look like I'm pregnant. Could it be that I'm not wearing an apron dress, or that I don't come waddling along like a farmyard duck? Well, the fact remains that I am indeed six months pregnant, and therefore would like to enjoy that nicely designated seat for "pregnant, elderly, or handicapped" passengers on the metro.
As I boarded the Line 10 metro at the zoo station heading east into the city I was not the least bit surprised to see that it was very crowded with several hundred of you on your way to work. The first two stops only brought on more people, but finally at the third stop there was a mass exodus and a subsequent rush to fill the empty seats. Naturally I was a bit slow and did not get to claim a seat right away. I hope you don't mind, young woman with your iPhone in one hand and fake LV bag in the other, that I thrust my belly into your face to let you know that I'd really appreciate sitting down. Thanks for not making a stink and just letting me take your seat.
Of course the rush hour crowd only worsened on Line 2 downtown at the final station on the Puxi side, heading over to Lujiazui in Pudong. So Mr. Tall-Chinese-Man-Listening-to-His-Music I hope you weren't too bothered when I squeezed in at the last minute, and squished myself right up next to you. Maybe you didn't even notice that my little monkey had a bout of hiccups, that it wasn't my phone ringer on vibrate or indigestion that you felt rumbling against your own torso.
And by the way commuters, have you noticed that even a 6-month pregnant woman is still capable of walking up the stairs to exit the station? Do you think you might consider walking off that extra chicken leg or pork dumpling by heading up the stairs instead of cramming onto the escalator like a bunch of sardines? Just a suggestion.
Apparently in the past people were much more polite, respecting their elders, giving way to others, helping out little old ladies or bulbous pregnant ones. I'm not saying that everyone is just a jerk, but where's the common courtesy? At least I can count on the immigration officers to invite me to the VIP line. Too bad the modern culture seems to be one of "me first" everywhere I turn. Be on the lookout for pregnant passengers and offer them a seat, would ya?
Thanks,
One exhausted mama on the metro
Thursday, October 31, 2013
October 28, 2013
Dear Victoria,
You've been so good to me for several months, and now you're just trying to kill me. Pilates has been such a fantastic way to stay healthy and in good shape, starting long before this pregnancy, and I know the benefits are still paying off and will continue to help me once the baby is born. However, did I mention you're killing me? When my arms are twitching and shaking I cannot possibly be bothered to think about your instructions: "hug your baby in" or "keep inner thighs strong" or "maintain shoulder blades down." All I'm thinking is how incredibly slowly you count backwards, and how I might just collapse before we get to "one."
This doesn't mean I'm not taking any more classes with you, or that I'm going to whine and complain to you. I'm just saying that you know all my weak spots and manage to work them like hell much to my temporary discomfort. The best is that I can never actually get angry at you because you're just so darn sweet all the while that you're torturing me. I admit I was a little worried when you said you like this phase of my pregnancy because you can still make me work hard, and I'll be relieved when we get to the part where you ease up a little bit.
Regardless of my whimpering and complaining I certainly appreciate your knowledge and expertise, and your dedication to keeping my body fit and ready to birth this baby in a few more months. I'm sure I'll be pretty excited to get back into the pilates studio after a few weeks with the newborn!
With inhalations and exhalations,
Allyn
You've been so good to me for several months, and now you're just trying to kill me. Pilates has been such a fantastic way to stay healthy and in good shape, starting long before this pregnancy, and I know the benefits are still paying off and will continue to help me once the baby is born. However, did I mention you're killing me? When my arms are twitching and shaking I cannot possibly be bothered to think about your instructions: "hug your baby in" or "keep inner thighs strong" or "maintain shoulder blades down." All I'm thinking is how incredibly slowly you count backwards, and how I might just collapse before we get to "one."
This doesn't mean I'm not taking any more classes with you, or that I'm going to whine and complain to you. I'm just saying that you know all my weak spots and manage to work them like hell much to my temporary discomfort. The best is that I can never actually get angry at you because you're just so darn sweet all the while that you're torturing me. I admit I was a little worried when you said you like this phase of my pregnancy because you can still make me work hard, and I'll be relieved when we get to the part where you ease up a little bit.
Regardless of my whimpering and complaining I certainly appreciate your knowledge and expertise, and your dedication to keeping my body fit and ready to birth this baby in a few more months. I'm sure I'll be pretty excited to get back into the pilates studio after a few weeks with the newborn!
With inhalations and exhalations,
Allyn
Monday, October 14, 2013
October 14, 2013
Dear Monkey,
Yes, like it or not, that is the nickname your dad and I are giving you for now, simply because we don't know if you're a boy or a girl. We think monkeys are incredibly cute, and your dad even got you a beautiful collection of eight Curious George stories to start your library. We've already starting reading to you, but I know you'll like the stories even more when you can see the illustrations, and then even more when you can ask us questions or tell us your favorite parts.
Thank you very much for finally moving over a little bit. I'm sure you were perfectly comfy, all snuggled up under my rib, but you were getting to be a real pain in my side! I also don't understand why you've spent all your time over on the right when there's a perfectly good womb spread out across my belly for you. Believe me, you want to use up all the spare space before it's all gone and you have nowhere to go but down and out.
I do like that you seem very active throughout the day, and if you're active at night it's not enough to wake me up. Your dad hasn't been patient enough to feel you, although you do have a sneaky way of quieting down as soon as he puts his hand on my belly. Does his big hand scare you? Or is it more like a big soft blanket that makes you calm right down? Oh well, I know it won't be long before the world can see your movements under my belly, so your dad will have no problem feeling any kicks, bumps, wiggles, or squirms. Keep it up - I like it.
And congratulations on another successful trip, this time to London and Istanbul. Thanks for letting me roam all around London to see Buckingham Palace, the Tate Britain, the V&A Museum, and the Natural History Museum, and to go shopping at Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, and all along Kensington Road. I'm not sure if the music at The Book of Mormon scared you or excited you, but you definitely heard it! I'm glad we convinced the flight attendant that you wouldn't prevent me from performing the required tasks in the event of an emergency so we still got to sit in the exit row and stretch out on the way to Istanbul.
I'm also glad that you enjoyed all the feta cheese, kabob, eggplant, olives, and other amazingly delicious food in Istanbul. I'm really sorry the weather was so yucky that I had to keep you all covered up, but I think you were just fine. It's still warm enough back home in Shanghai that my snug skirts and thin tops show you off well enough.
Your dad is out of town for work this week, so when we talk on the phone I'll be sure to get him on FaceTime or at least turn on the speaker. Luckily he's going to Korea and Japan, so there's a good chance he'll find another adorable book or cute little toy to add to your collection. You are already soooo spoiled; I feel bad for your future little brother or sister. By the time you grow up you probably won't realize how good you had it as the first child. I'll try and remind you when you complain about chores, your ruined toys, or the cry baby you have to put up with.
Lots of love,
Mama
Yes, like it or not, that is the nickname your dad and I are giving you for now, simply because we don't know if you're a boy or a girl. We think monkeys are incredibly cute, and your dad even got you a beautiful collection of eight Curious George stories to start your library. We've already starting reading to you, but I know you'll like the stories even more when you can see the illustrations, and then even more when you can ask us questions or tell us your favorite parts.
Thank you very much for finally moving over a little bit. I'm sure you were perfectly comfy, all snuggled up under my rib, but you were getting to be a real pain in my side! I also don't understand why you've spent all your time over on the right when there's a perfectly good womb spread out across my belly for you. Believe me, you want to use up all the spare space before it's all gone and you have nowhere to go but down and out.
I do like that you seem very active throughout the day, and if you're active at night it's not enough to wake me up. Your dad hasn't been patient enough to feel you, although you do have a sneaky way of quieting down as soon as he puts his hand on my belly. Does his big hand scare you? Or is it more like a big soft blanket that makes you calm right down? Oh well, I know it won't be long before the world can see your movements under my belly, so your dad will have no problem feeling any kicks, bumps, wiggles, or squirms. Keep it up - I like it.
And congratulations on another successful trip, this time to London and Istanbul. Thanks for letting me roam all around London to see Buckingham Palace, the Tate Britain, the V&A Museum, and the Natural History Museum, and to go shopping at Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, and all along Kensington Road. I'm not sure if the music at The Book of Mormon scared you or excited you, but you definitely heard it! I'm glad we convinced the flight attendant that you wouldn't prevent me from performing the required tasks in the event of an emergency so we still got to sit in the exit row and stretch out on the way to Istanbul.
I'm also glad that you enjoyed all the feta cheese, kabob, eggplant, olives, and other amazingly delicious food in Istanbul. I'm really sorry the weather was so yucky that I had to keep you all covered up, but I think you were just fine. It's still warm enough back home in Shanghai that my snug skirts and thin tops show you off well enough.
Your dad is out of town for work this week, so when we talk on the phone I'll be sure to get him on FaceTime or at least turn on the speaker. Luckily he's going to Korea and Japan, so there's a good chance he'll find another adorable book or cute little toy to add to your collection. You are already soooo spoiled; I feel bad for your future little brother or sister. By the time you grow up you probably won't realize how good you had it as the first child. I'll try and remind you when you complain about chores, your ruined toys, or the cry baby you have to put up with.
Lots of love,
Mama
Monday, September 9, 2013
September 9, 2013
Dear Baby,
It's probably still a good thing that to the casual observer you look like just a food belly, if you're even noticed at all. The only reason I say it's a good thing is that in China people are generally extremely protective and over-cautious around pregnant women.
For example, the worst thing any woman can do is tell a Chinese woman that she's pregnant, and then jump up and down to show her excitement. That sort of action will most certainly be met with shock, worry, and eventually scorn for potentially harming the dear baby. I've already experienced this myself on several occasions. I guess it's not helpful that I sometimes literally jump for joy.
I've also been scolded by our school cleaners for scampering too quickly down the stairs, and just today I got completely redirected up the stairs to avoid walking along a just-mopped hallway, which apparently safe enough for my non-pregnant co-workes. Such concern is unheard of in most other places, and the fact that these people don't even speak the same language as me makes it even more touching that they care so much.
So back to my original point. Today I went for a little walk/jog around the neighborhood and I'm glad I didn't have to worry about any stranger wagging their finger at me or giving me sideways glances, thinking I'm a terrible mother for damaging my poor unborn child. Eventually I might have to wear a t-shirt that says "Yes, I'm pregnant, and this won't hurt my baby." Of course that will be written in Chinese.
I found out that this deep-rooted protection of expectant mothers goes back to an ancient legend in Chinese culture. The gist of it was that a village woman who could not get pregnant became insanely jealous of her pregnant neighbor, and as such tried to kill the woman and the baby by pushing her into a well. OK, that's pretty harsh, but nowadays I don't see that as such a common threat; in fact, I think most women are perfectly happy not to be in my position.
So my little baby, I hope you enjoy a bit of bouncing and swaying as I shuffle down the sidewalk because I'm determined to keep jogging as much as I can so it's easier to get back into running after you're born. Get ready because when you're big enough you'll still be tagging along, bundled up in your jogger stroller, soaking up the sights of whatever road I'm on. It's going to be a great ride, just you wait.
Love,
Mama
It's probably still a good thing that to the casual observer you look like just a food belly, if you're even noticed at all. The only reason I say it's a good thing is that in China people are generally extremely protective and over-cautious around pregnant women.
For example, the worst thing any woman can do is tell a Chinese woman that she's pregnant, and then jump up and down to show her excitement. That sort of action will most certainly be met with shock, worry, and eventually scorn for potentially harming the dear baby. I've already experienced this myself on several occasions. I guess it's not helpful that I sometimes literally jump for joy.
I've also been scolded by our school cleaners for scampering too quickly down the stairs, and just today I got completely redirected up the stairs to avoid walking along a just-mopped hallway, which apparently safe enough for my non-pregnant co-workes. Such concern is unheard of in most other places, and the fact that these people don't even speak the same language as me makes it even more touching that they care so much.
So back to my original point. Today I went for a little walk/jog around the neighborhood and I'm glad I didn't have to worry about any stranger wagging their finger at me or giving me sideways glances, thinking I'm a terrible mother for damaging my poor unborn child. Eventually I might have to wear a t-shirt that says "Yes, I'm pregnant, and this won't hurt my baby." Of course that will be written in Chinese.
I found out that this deep-rooted protection of expectant mothers goes back to an ancient legend in Chinese culture. The gist of it was that a village woman who could not get pregnant became insanely jealous of her pregnant neighbor, and as such tried to kill the woman and the baby by pushing her into a well. OK, that's pretty harsh, but nowadays I don't see that as such a common threat; in fact, I think most women are perfectly happy not to be in my position.
So my little baby, I hope you enjoy a bit of bouncing and swaying as I shuffle down the sidewalk because I'm determined to keep jogging as much as I can so it's easier to get back into running after you're born. Get ready because when you're big enough you'll still be tagging along, bundled up in your jogger stroller, soaking up the sights of whatever road I'm on. It's going to be a great ride, just you wait.
Love,
Mama
Saturday, September 7, 2013
September 7, 2013
Dear Stairs,
I never really liked you to begin with, but now I really detest you. How is it that not only do I live in a house where the master bedroom is on the 3rd floor, but now my desk at school is also on the 3rd floor? I suppose I could look at this as a blessing in disguise, this daily exercise that I undertake whether I want to or not. And I suppose these mini-workouts will just get that much more effective as my belly grows and grows. So, as my belly gets bigger, my butt should get firmer? Is that the idea? Hah, we'll see if that's truly the case. No doubt C. will keep me well-informed about the status du jour of my derrière.
Grunting and groaning,
Allyn
I never really liked you to begin with, but now I really detest you. How is it that not only do I live in a house where the master bedroom is on the 3rd floor, but now my desk at school is also on the 3rd floor? I suppose I could look at this as a blessing in disguise, this daily exercise that I undertake whether I want to or not. And I suppose these mini-workouts will just get that much more effective as my belly grows and grows. So, as my belly gets bigger, my butt should get firmer? Is that the idea? Hah, we'll see if that's truly the case. No doubt C. will keep me well-informed about the status du jour of my derrière.
Grunting and groaning,
Allyn
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
July 17, 2013
Dear Baby,
You are so tiny but require so much energy! Is this your way of telling me to get lots of sleep now because when you arrive I won't be getting any at all? If I could make napping a full-time job I'd be rich. At least I really don't have any pressing demands on my schedule, so if I doze off while reading a book or watching a show it's no great loss. I'll try and remember these days when you get me up in the middle of the night for weeks on end. Until then I'll just grab another pillow and "rest my eyes" for a few minutes...
Love,
Mama
You are so tiny but require so much energy! Is this your way of telling me to get lots of sleep now because when you arrive I won't be getting any at all? If I could make napping a full-time job I'd be rich. At least I really don't have any pressing demands on my schedule, so if I doze off while reading a book or watching a show it's no great loss. I'll try and remember these days when you get me up in the middle of the night for weeks on end. Until then I'll just grab another pillow and "rest my eyes" for a few minutes...
Love,
Mama
Friday, July 5, 2013
June 29, 2013
Dear Stomach,
What the heck is up with you? Thanks so much for not throwing any serious nausea my way, but what on earth do you want? Are you actually hungry? Do you want just a little bit? Why does mozzarella make you so content, but a simple grilled chicken breast freaks you out? At least I'm back in the US for a while so you can drown yourself in Gatorade and soothe yourself with trail mix and Goldfish crackers. The sooner I get my normal appetite back, the happier everyone will be. So, if it's mac-n-cheese and Wheat Thins you want, just be clear about it and I'll help you out. Cut me some slack here, alright??
Confused,
Allyn
June 14, 2013
Dear Dr. Lieu,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Even if you don't speak English and I don't speak Chinese, no translation is needed for your compassion and care. You have been so patient and diligent through a long process, and your insight and reassurance have been such a positive influence. I always appreciate your conservative yet thorough approach, and I have full trust in your judgement. I'm fortunate to be in such good hands.
Most sincerely,
"Miller"
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Even if you don't speak English and I don't speak Chinese, no translation is needed for your compassion and care. You have been so patient and diligent through a long process, and your insight and reassurance have been such a positive influence. I always appreciate your conservative yet thorough approach, and I have full trust in your judgement. I'm fortunate to be in such good hands.
Most sincerely,
"Miller"
Friday, May 31, 2013
May 31, 2013
Dear Baby,
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I'm pretty organized (ok, that's an understatement) and I really enjoy little techy things that make life easy. For example, your dad sometimes has to pry my iPhone from my hands because I'm always checking in, playing Blitz, uploading to Instagram, or finding a taxi card. I also love all the cool apps on the iPad like Jamie Oliver's cookbook, the magazine stand, IMDB to see what new movies are out, and JetSetter to get ideas for our next vacation. I just downloaded a new app called Sprout. You guessed it: so I can keep track of you, all the doctor visits, stuff to buy, and things to do to get ready for your arrival. Apparently your heart is already beating, at about 100 beats per minute. You're just the size of a pea, you don't have a face or hands yet, and I'm pretty sure you still closely ressemble a pig embryo. How crazy is that? Anyway, I'll be hooked on this new app, but your dad is happy to just read Yahoo! news and beat me in Words.
Lots of love (LOL from your dad),
Mama
May 25, 2013
Dear Baby,
You are going to be world traveller at a very young age. We're already taking you on your first journey: a weekend in Tokyo for a belated birthday celebration. Luckily you don't require any luggage; you're just a microscopic stowaway going along for the ride. Some day your dad and I will show you (and probably bore you) with all of our travel photos and stories, and we're certain that you'll start making your own travel history very soon. You're going to be a passport-toting international traveler long before you can walk, talk, or hold a camera! I hope you enjoy the thrills and wonders of new places as much as we do! Oh, and do us a favor: learn as many different languages as possible so that when we retire you can be our global travel guide.
Love you,
Mama
P.S. - Remember how I said I'd make mistakes along the way? Here's #1: eating loads of sushi all weekend long. Actually, I'm confident there was no risk, and how could I pass up top-notch sushi in Tokyo? Some day you'll understand...
May 21, 2013
Dear Baby,
I've just discovered that you exist. A shiver went through me as I realized my life would no longer be the same with your new life just beginning. My mind knows that you are just a collection of rapidly dividing cells, not larger than the width of a dime, but my soul feels like you contain the beauty of the entire universe. You are indeed a miracle, my miracle, your father's miracle. You can't possibly know how much we already love you, and how curious we already are about you. Your dad even asked, "When do we know how healthy the baby is?" We are going to think about you, worry about you, wonder about you, and learn everything we can about you each and every day. You don't know it, but we are already talking to you and hoping that you'll feel as happy to be our child as we already are being your parents. I promise that we will do our best to take care of you, be there for you, and help you grow into the amazing person you are meant to be; of course we will make mistakes and we hope you'll forgive us. We realize this is just the beginning, and you're still our little secret, but we are thrilled beyond description about you and all the changes coming our way.
All my love,
Mama
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