Hey, I'm no Buddha!

It seems like everyone; mainly strangers and older ladies want to rub the tummy these days. I get it, I am all belly! Don’t get me wrong; I am thankful that my body hasn’t blended together like one giant marshmallow and that you can tell I am growing a baby in the bump. Please don’t think of me as a touch-me-not. As much as I enjoy the smiles on my tummy rubbers faces, at the end of the day I wish the number of rubs I got was limited to friends and family only. Between the ever growing belly, stretch marks, and the frequent rubs by the end of the day I itch.

I itch badly!
I often scratch myself sore.

So this afternoon I searched for polite ways to tell those tummy rubbers to back off. One website suggests that I keep my hands on my belly when I am in high traffic areas leaving no room for uninvited guest.
So I tried this just a few minutes ago. Talk about awkward. I needed to take the elevator downstairs so that I could put some mail in our outgoing box. Of course once the elevator doors opened I noticed five people inside, all older women. I quickly put both of my hands and the mail I was carrying across my belly bump. It was probably one of the most uncomfortable elevator rides I’ve had yet, but it worked!

Then on my way back upstairs I let my guard down. This time there were two men, and lady about my age inside the elevator. Before I knew it the woman was asking me about my due date, and before I had a chance to put my hands on my belly for protection she went for the rub. I had a delayed reaction and before I could stop it my hands went right on top of her hands. It was very awkward and down right uncomfortable. She probably thinks I am a touch-me-not or a wacko.

***Good News***
Chris and I didn’t hear from Dr. May’s office today. That means I wasn’t leaking proteins and I don’t have the warning signs of preeclampsia. I more than likely just have high blood pressure. We have our next appointment and ultrasound this Friday. We should know more then. Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts.