An Impromptu Baby Blessing

On Monday my blog turned one year old! I've decided to celebrate by actually posting something for the first time in almost two months. And just so I don't get too carried away, my post is already two days late.

I love it when I'm reminded of a funny situation I haven't thought of in a long time. So today, I have for you this little gem, which I recalled last week when I met a friend for lunch in Westlake, the area of Austin where I used to work.

If you're not familiar with Austin, first, shame on you and second, you should know that Westlake is a more uppity part of the city. It's a great area, although lacking some of the more eclectic people who give Austin its flair.

This particular day in the spring of 2008, I had left work a little early to go to a doctor's check-up on my pregnancy. On the way, I ran a quick errand in a shopping center in Westlake. When I came out of the shop and headed for my car, I found myself walking toward a woman on the breezeway. A woman who looked pretty out-of-place, not that I fit like a glove.

I'm about 20 feet away from her when she loudly declares, "Girrrrrlll! You 'bout to have that baby!!"

"Um, I hope not. I still have about two months left."

"You better get over here so I can bless your baby."

Hesitate. Hesitate. Panic.

I was very ill-prepared for this particular encounter. The Drag=perfect spot to expect a baby blessing. South Congress=equally appropriate. Westlake=not many baby blessings happenin' in Westlake. But seeing as how I was still walking toward her to get to my car, I had no choice but to go with it and found myself tummy to stranger's hand in the middle of a good 'ol fashioned Westlake baby blessing.

With her unfamiliar hand rubbing my stomach, she proceeds, "You havin a boy, right?" Apparently in addition to being a Baby Blesser she's also a self-proclaimed Psychic, yet not a very good one.

"Well I hope you have two blessings because I'm actually having twins."

Insert second hand rubbing abdomen.

"Oh praise Jesus!" and lots of other similar phrases while we stood, uncomfortably, hands to stomach in front of several little crowded boutiques.

I was totally fine with my friends and family touching my pregnant stomach. It was slightly awkward when an acquaintance reached for a rub. But the complete stranger in the middle of a crowded shopping center takes the cake.

The woman relishes in the utter-perfection of me simultaneously expecting a boy AND a girl for longer than necessary. Then the blessing ended with the woman asking me if I could give her a ride to the bus stop. I'm sure the appropriate response when someone blesses your unborn children is to take her anywhere she wants to go. Mine was not that. I explained how I was running late (especially after stopping for a quick tummy rub). Honestly I was also a little confused because there was a bus stop just across the street from the shopping center, within walking distance, which led me to think she was not interested in the bus stop but might be trying to kidnap me and my babies she was so enthralled with instead. Maybe it was just the protective mothering already kicking in. So I pointed out the close bus stop, gave her a little bit of cash for a ticket, thanked her for the blessings and wished her well. Don't judge me.

This is where I try to make this story have some sort of significance. But really I've got nothing. Except two very blessed babies. And a fun memory of that spot in Westlake.