Jen's Pregnancy Blog

I’ve told people over the years that, having been born with this body, I get to study human behavior in ways that most people don’t get to. I believe that anyone with a physical or obvious difference can learn a lot about people just by being alert and mindful of the people around them. It’s something I do almost unconsciously any more. I love looking at life that way. I’ve always loved learning and this allows me to continue learning throughout my life.

Well, this pregnancy has brought all of that thought process to a new place. I am amazed at how many different reactions I’ve gotten from friends, family, and just acquaintances about my pregnancy. The reactions have ranged from outright joy & excitement to concern & question.

I have run into people who are not sure how to react. I think people can’t picture a woman who is 3 feet 2 inches tall being pregnant or giving birth. Some weren’t initially sure if this pregnancy was intended. We hadn’t told a lot of people outside our immediate circle of friends that we were trying. So, for many people, this news has been a bit shocking. However, most people get over the shock fairly quickly.

I have also run into an oddity. A few people have edged to this, but I have one person in my life (who will remain anonymous) who is being rather over-protective and is trying to smother me. I want to make it clear that it is not necessarily conscious or intentional on their part. Anyway, this has got to be my biggest pet peeve. Being born with this body, it’s something I’ve had to fight all of my life. People, because of my size, want to baby me. On some level, I understand that our human brains are wired this way; we judge someone’s age and capacities based on size. So in some ways it is natural for people to feel a bit protective of me. However, there are some people who cannot keep that urge in check, even when they know me well and know that I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I continue to struggle with dealing with this particular individual because I don’t want to offend this person, but I can get annoyed with this kind of behavior fairly easily.

Some members of my family and a few friends have concerns about my ability to stay well during the pregnancy. They are justifiably concerned. I can understand that. Some women in my place could be annoyed, but I look at it as a sign of how much they love me.

Then there are the majority of my friends & family. Most are almost more excited than I am! Maybe that’s because they don’t have to wake up with Baby at 2am! No, I’m kidding. Many are excited to watch my stomach grow. A friend & co-worker of mine wants to set up a pool to guess how big my tummy will get! I think that’s hilarious.

We have gotten lots of offers to help, which Brian & I are both so grateful for. We will need help, both in preparing for Baby and once Baby is here.