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

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