The Belly Toucher

My first mistake was putting on my old, not maternity, workout pants that I used to wear all the time early in my pregnancy, with no problem. My second mistake was squeezing my 9 months pregnant belly into one of my own t-shirts, pre-pregnancy size medium, instead of opting for one of my husband's extra large alternatives. I thought it would be cute, however I can tell you it was not cute when I found myself constantly pulling the pants up or the shirt down. I just avoided eye contact instead of trying to apologize for unsolicited belly showings. 

My third mistake was taking our two dogs for a walk at a new park, at 9 months pregnant, in the above described outfit. They're good dogs but have poor leash training and there are way too many things to smell at a new park. I married into them and blame my husband for all lack of training. More unsolicited belly showings. Even less chance of an apology for it while trying to control two dogs. 

After dropping the dogs off at home, I ran some errands and ended up at Target to pick up some essentials. While checking out, my cashier asked me something about the obvious baby in my belly, I don't remember what anymore, but then she asked me if he was kicking. My response to her was, "no, not at the moment," and I could do nothing but stand there as she reached a hand out and put it squarely on the side of my belly. Oh, ok. Now I can understand it if I had said that he was moving but I just told you that he was not moving. What would possess you to, uninvited, just reach out and touch my belly?!  Do you want me to touch your belly?

As a general rule, I feel as though I can be a pretty flexible person, if you just ask. I probably would have said ok, had you asked if you could touch my belly, even as a complete stranger. But to just do it on your own without a request or any kind of warning, well, that was my first experience with that. I'll be fine with it if it's also my last. Less than 4 weeks to go. Here's hoping!