Yesterday, in a fit of sciatic rage, I went to my local 24 Hour not-quite-looking-the-part-at-this-point Fitness to
After a minute of two of soaking (on the top step, I'm not that terrible of a mother), I was approached by a charming, elderly Vietnamese man who interrupted his Tai Chi routine in the middle of the tub to swim over and interpret for his broadly smiling wife who was perched next to me, staring at my stomach.
'My wife, she say you have baby soon...is soon?'I love being touched by strangers.
Damn I hope so.
More excited Vietnamese chatter.
'My wife want you know, you eat nothing but pork, green onions and carrots for one month. One month after give birth. And no BEEF.' (more excited chattering) 'No beef for 3 month, three month you no eat beef or drink cold water, yes?'
Um, yes.
'And no eat anything sour. No lemons, no oranges, no sour. And no ice cream'
Fat chance there.
'And keep legs closed for one month, sit with legs closed, you need heal. You rest and rub salt water on teeth and keep legs close together' (graphic demonstration on the wife's part ensues)
Not too sure about the possible double meaning of that last one...
Our happy exchange ended with much vigorous belly rubbing, patting, smiling and assurances of 'you have boy...you have good BOY in here, happy boy!'
But hey, they were friendly, enthusiastic about my impending birth and motherhood, and did not once use the words 'pop,' 'go soon,' 'explode' or 'fully cooked.'
At least not in english.
p.s. love you Sarah, but still totally pregnant...perhaps more laps are in order.
Oh my gosh, I loved this!! I'm a first time commenter (I think) and every day I check back to see if you've had that baby yet. We'll just hope for tomorrow..or tonite..or better yet, right now! Good luck
ReplyDelete:) thank you!
DeleteThat was a very funny, yet touching conversation! I’m sure that the old man is very fond of you. How was your pregnancy by the way? I read that you are undergoing chiropractic care. I also underwent chiropractic care when I was pregnant. I hesitated at first, but on my next two visits, I felt a bit lighter and my back pains were relieved. My chiropractor was amazing! I have continued seeing him for my neck pains and alignment.
ReplyDeleteThat was some advice! It is good that even total strangers share wonderful insights on pregnancy. However, in this day and age, pregnant women have a lot of trusted professionals that can help them have a safe pregnancy and delivery, like OB Gynes and chiropractic care providers.
ReplyDeleteHaha. Your conversation with that charming, elderly Vietnamese man is quite hilarious, Jenny! Anyhow, going through chiropractic care during pregnancy is totally safe. It helps to align the spine so that your baby will move into its proper position. And through that, you will have a safe and quick delivery.
ReplyDelete