This past week, while bouncing my beguiling and beautiful baby boy on my knee, I was asked whether I was expecting. . . another baby. And it wasn’t even a “fat day.” Sigh. Naturally, this delicate inquiry was posed by a man. However, in fairness, perhaps he presumed my current “maternity leave” status from work is not for my bouncing baby since-technically- Caid is no longer a newborn. Though I was quick to rectify the misperception of a Duggar style family planning, this anecdote aptly illustrates the bittersweet expiration of the “I just had a baby” card. Quite ironically, the day after the false assignment of pregnancy incident, Kincaid reached the seven month anniversary of his arrival. Thankfully for his parents with impossible expectations for our children, there are many developmental benchmarks for which to celebrate and scrapbook-commemorate. And yet, I am obliged to confess my resentment towards the tenacious remnants of pregnancy (fastened to my hips) which are apparently invincible against the forces of Elliptical exercise, weight training and Fiber One consumption. Fortunately, Kincaid has delivered more delight and reward than my skinny jeans ever did. His brilliant dimpled smile coupled with the enormity of his sparkling blue eyes is the antidote to despair. His devout affection and palpable adoration for his sister is reflected in his unswerving gaze upon her. His tenor-toned laugh inspires laughter of my own. And to think I feared I could not abide a boy with his trucks and insects and things not pink- I could not adore him more.
So, farewell sweet days of infancy when “I just had a baby” covered a multitude of sins.
6 comments:
Oh I so know how you feel....I always feel like there's those first few weeks (months) of pure bliss the come with the birth of a newborn, then you no longer feel that you can blame things on the new baby...after London was born I was asked on more than on occasion (while carrying her beside me) if I was expecting! Oh well, I'm sure practically every mother can sympathize!
Adorable pictures, Melissa. And I am right there with you... times 2. :) I have gained a little more with each one and I am at last going to try to get it off. It is much harder than I ever expected. But, oh are they worth it!
ok.....clearly this man was in his 90's with failing eye sight because my eyes have seen you and you are simply gorgeous and in no way, shape, or form could you be mistaken for being preggers! I'm not thinking Lily Pulitzer has maternity clothes and one must be quite trim to wear those beautiful dresses.
My kids were so worth it! Although I don't think I will ever give up trying to tackle those many(in my case) unwanted pounds!
Unless this man is really obtuse I have a feeling he won't be asking a women that question any time soon! Can you imagine the conversation with his wife (if he's married) about his question to you?? I actually pity the poor guy.
Thanks for your outrage, empathy and even affirmation ladies. I should really -perhaps- be blogging about the ridiculous questions that men ask...instead, I'll focus my energies on making sure my own son never asks a women if she's pregnant, unless she's practically giving birth.
Seriously who was this man? You look fantastic and in no way, shape or form do you look pregnant! I am nearing the cut-off of the newborn excuse and I plan to use it as much as I can until then. Perhaps Cutter and Caid can take lessons together on what words should never cross their lips in speaking to a woman :)
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