“Oh my god, that is sooooo exciting!!!” is the most common response, followed by squealing, excited hopping and over zealous hugging. It’s definitely one time in your life when you are made to feel like the only pregnant woman on the planet – and rightly so.
Now, pop out another one.
Grow it a little.
Then stick another bun in your oven.
“We’re having a third!!”
The reaction, for the most part, looks like this.
What is it about anything over two pregnancies that creates this ambivalent reaction? It’s like a reserved happiness with a hint of concern for your mental health all wrapped up with a Sheldon smile.
I have had some interesting responses to the announcement of our family expansion. Some of my personal favourites include:
“Oh, wow – I thought you guys were kinda done..”
How could we be “kinda” done? Yeah no we are almost done, just going try for a turkey this time.
“Jesus, you guys really don’t take a second do you?”
Ah, we do. The four-year-old (with autism) and the one-year-old (with attitude) wash, dress and feed themselves, are learning to drive and always pitch in with the housework. It leaves loads of time for us to just have sex all day and make babies.
“Another one? Ah c’mere ye would want to have yer tubes tied.”
I kid you not. This was actually said. Meant in some kind of warped, harmless fashion. I responded to this reaction in a manner that would bring tears to the baby Jesus’ eyes. And he’d be bawling if I typed exactly what I said here.
Add to that, we very much had an all round ‘less enthused’ reaction this time. Which left me a little flat I have to admit. But then again, it is to be expected. I guess people have grown accustomed to seeing me looking like a coffee addicted, worn out mess and are used to smelling poo in most of the rooms in my house.
But still, just a little squeal would be appreciated?
After all, I am doing that little miraculous task of growing a full human in me, while keeping two mini humans alive and feeding a grown up one. (Who just so happens to be a bottomless pit. Must be from all the ‘trying’).
Yes, I am super sensitive and hormonal. But all the more reason to break out the trumpets and call the City Hall when I announce I am with child!!
Hello?? I am fricking amazing like!
Alright, maybe not. But at least find it within yourself to avoid a mildly apathetic response, sense my excitement and get on board.
To wrap this up on a positive, I also had some truly wonderful reactions – pure happiness, tears of joy, shared excitement. But none of those made me want to bite someone, so they don’t get a blog post. They were appreciated, though.
Heed the warning folks – embrace your inner Hallmark card the next time someone tells you “their news.” Regardless of how many bulletins they have shared!
Trish O’Neill is a coffee loving mother of two, an autism mammy and writer over at Blarneymum – a brilliant, witty parenting blog sharing stories of modern motherhood and family life.
