+ Blessings +
I read someone's journal once, a few months ago, and I read something great. I wish I could remember whose it was, but I read so many (look at my sidebar!) I just don't know. She was saying that she didn't understand why pregnant women minded strangers touching their bellies and commenting on their "delicate" state. To her, she said, it was a blessing that her body's ability to create a life also had the ability to make a complete stranger's morning, make them smile and be happy.

Those words stuck with me, and I am noticing that the more I show, the more I'm finding this. Yes, it's a little unnerving sometimes to walk into a store and have people's eyes immediately dart to my midsection, but it's better than darting to that other area men's eyes tend to dart. :-) And it's almost always followed by a smile, or a twinkle in their eye. Some will ask when I'm due, or ask me how I'm feeling. I don't like being the center of attention, but I try to remind myself that YOU, Baby O., are really the center of attention. And at just 2 pounds and a couple of months before birth, you already have the ability to make a complete stranger smile and be happy, even if it's only for a minute. What an incredible blessing that is, and how wonderful to be able to share this joy that I've had all to myself for the last 6-7 months.

I read a quote today on ipregnancy.com that relates to this whole concept, and I thought I'd share it: "Positive aspects of pregnancy: People will treat you nicer as soon as you start showing. You will get seated faster in restaurants. You have a great excuse to leave parties early (you say you're not feeling good). You will walk down the street and smile just because you know he/she is growing in your belly." - Manon