There’s nothing I can do about it. And that’s straight from the mouth of your resident doggie optimist. All I can say is poor dad. There’s nothing he can do about it either, and yet I’d say he’s got it a lot worse than I do. He can’t win either.
Battle baby bump royale has commenced in the Schmidt household. And it isn’t pretty. CORRECTION: the emotions aren’t pretty (that is exactly the kind of comment that would throw dad to the dog house right quick). We all knew it would happen eventually. And at 22 weeks along, I’m honestly kind of surprised it didn’t happen sooner. But now that it’s here? It’s like world war three is happening right there in my mom’s closet.
Nothing fits right, which is uncomfortable, which causes frustration, which causes tension, which causes friction. It’s the snowball of doom. The next thing you know there are tears involved (and not the joyful kind). It’s a bloody awful thing to witness, mostly because I know dad and I both favor the popular opinion that pregnant women and their baby bumps are to be embraced. Not sucked, tucked, and squeezed into all sorts of uncomfortable looking elastic contraptions.
This all came to the surface a few days ago when mom couldn’t figure out what to wear for a Friday night on the town. Like most women (sorry ladies, you know it’s true), it’s not unusual for her to spend a great deal of time picking out the perfect outfit. But I’ve noticed a trend lately that this not only takes longer, but it never seems to end well.
Except for the other night. Sure, it took the usual turn for the worse when mom threw aside the sixth outfit in disgust. But dad handled it like a champ. They left home for a while, and when they returned spirits were lifted and all seemed well again. They came home with a few bags filled with delicious smelling clothes I couldn’t wait to get my paws on.
It didn’t take much. Mom hardly has a whole new wardrobe. But it didn’t take me long to figure out it’s not about the clothes. Or the bags they come in. It’s about the patience. The unconditional love. The excitement of things being restored. I don’t know what dad said to mom on their car ride (since they ditched me at home) but whatever it was sure did the trick. There’s no winning for dad and I in this particular chapter of life. (It’s best for us to just keep our distance from the war zone). But there is peace in believing the words of Saint Augustine. “Patience is the companion of wisdom.”
Wiley's Wisdom 
Wiley, this post made me smile and relive my moments when I had a baby bump twice…almost 4 years apart (18 & 21 years ago, I must add). I can sympathize, empathize and relate! And yes, keep your distance and keep your patience, too! All will be good in the end! 🙂
Hello friend,
I will share your sentiments with mom – sympathy and empathy are going a long way right now. Much better than all that patience of mine I fear. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
Wiley, I’m sure your mom looks pretty to you no matter what she wears! Woooooowooooooooo!
Aw, that’s what I think too. I just wish she’d agree with me sometimes. 😉
The beauty of pregnacy is that the big “tummy ” goes away almost immediately after birth, so I say enjoy the bump, be proud and let it show, just get a couple of baggier clothes…..
I am sure your mum looks great with a bump!
Dear friend,
You’re right. These are my thoughts exactly. Now if only mom would embrace them. 🙂
Love to you,
Wiles
I’m sure you’re right about the patience, Wiles. But I think it’s a little, tiny bit about the new stuff, too. Mom doesn’t have a baby bump (sometimes she has French toast bump), but there’s always a lot of happiness when she buys new stuff.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Dear Cupcake,
Have you been spying on us? Mom never used to like French toast (or pancakes or donuts…) until the last few months. She’s been craving sweets. And I think you’re right about the new things being a source of happiness…in so many ways. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
Wiley you are gathering more and more wisdom every day. Hang in there!
Indeed – I continue to find wisdom in the strangest of places! This time in my mom’s closet! 🙂
There hasn’t been a baby bump here yet but Heather and Mr. K cannot imagine me taking any longer to get ready than I already do! P.S. We are sure you look just fine. Much love, the Scottie Mom.
I didn’t think it was possible either, but indeed – now mom takes even longer to get ready! But I will be sure to pass along your thoughtfulness to her as any and all compliments that fabulous are appreciated even more these days. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
BIG paw hugs for you and your momma especially…I know exactly what she is going through…I LOVE Motherhood Maternity clothes and still wear them ever so often…such cute styles…Wiles, I know you tell her she is beautiful every day…Who can resist your charm?! Every week from here on out will be amazing, especially shock, as her belly will become so big it will make your paws tremble…but BIG is BEAUTIFUL and carrying a miracle like your mom is, makes it all the more joyous!!!! Enjoy the ride little one…It is gonna be a blast!!!! You look back and wish it could have lasted longer…Please enjoy every single second…Becoming a mom was the most wonderful blessing for me…I still stand in awe every day!!!! Love and hugs to your whole fam!!!!
Dearest Trev (and momma),
I shared your words with my mom who definitely needs to hear such things as frequently as possible. Since that world war clothes happened she’s gotten a little more comfortable with herself again. She’s embracing the belly now, instead of hiding it. And I couldn’t be happier to bear witness to the miracle of it all. 😉
Thank you for your words, your friendship and your love,
Wiles
Oh Wiles…that’s what friends are for!!!! So glad to share a smile!!!!
Ah, Wyles, your story brought to mind one from our family. My Mom and Dad didn’t see eye to eye on many things, but she always, ALWAYS, thanked him from the bottom of her heart for this one: My Dad came home to find my Mom crying during her first pregnancy – she was pretty far along. He asked what was wrong and she sobbed out that she had been out shopping and came face to face with her reflection in a shop window… It was the first time she had seen herself, as they only had a small mirror at home and she had been in blissful ignorance. She was shattered at how big she was and maybe deep down fearful his feelings would change. He gave her a hug and holding her, looked her right in the eye, and said: “Oh, Julie, don’t you know you are more beautiful pregnant than any other woman who is not? You are even more beautiful now than when I fell in love with you.”
Dear HuntMode,
Thank you so very much for sharing this story with me. I shared it with my mom and I think I saw her heart smile. This makes my heart smile, so the joy was indeed contagious thanks to you today. Thanks for that.
Wyles
Just came back to me ten fold – thank you, Wyles! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
[…] suppose it was only a matter of time until Battle Baby Bump Royale reared its head again. Except this time, it was worse. A lot worse. This time, it was my mom versus […]
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
There are times in life when it might be the best help just being present.
Happiness can be found in the littlest things, like finding a piece of french toast on your shirt, a pair of shoes that fit, a new colored marker, and friends that have your back no matter what. Pure happiness! Hugs!