The Pregnant Belly

I bought a changing pad for little e's room today. When I went to check out, the clerk asked, "Is this for someone's baby registry?"

Clearly the woman had looked at my (relatively) flat belly and concluded that I was purchasing the changing pad for a friend.

I was--hurt.

"This changing pad is for MY baby," I wanted to say. "Not someone else's." But I didn't feel like explaining. If I'd been pregnant, I wouldn't have had to. The woman would have taken one look at my big stomach and rung up the purchase with a smile. Perhaps she would have said, "Ahh, getting the room all ready, huh?" Or, "So, how far along are you?"

Not even once during this adoption journey have I missed being pregnant. I enjoyed carrying my two biological children. But adopting is full of its own unique excitement and I've relished every step of the way (okay, except for the paperwork. And the waiting).

But today, for the very first time, I wanted to be pregnant. I wanted my big belly to announce to the clerk and everyone else that, "This woman is having a baby! Give her a smile. Indulge her by holding open her door. She's bringing a new life into the world."

I'm bringing a new life into my world, too. But no one can tell by looking at me.

So I have a new business plan: adoption bellies. I'll buy up the prosthetics actresses wear to feign pregnancy. Then I'll sell them to adoptive moms for when they go out shopping for baby stuff. Because when people acknowledge your impending mommyhood without you having to say a word it's a nice little thrill.

Okay, I'm too lazy to start a business. Or to figure out where to buy a fake pregnant belly. Next time I buy something for little e, I'll just smile and explain about our adoption. It will be good practice for when little e comes home. Because then we'll get lots of attention. And those formerly pregnant women will get nothing. :-)