why, oh why

Yesterday a vendor came by the lab to sign me up for a service we need.

Normally we have vendors stopping by all the time to tell us about special products or give out samples. They are all salespeople and, as such, always smile and want to chat.

I'm a little mixed on this whole process. On one hand, it's nice to get free samples and hear about things that might make my job easier. On the other hand, it's kind of obnoxious to have people interupting my work at random times to try and sell stuff.

But that's besides the point.

This woman had an appointment and I invited her, so it was all good.

Until she started talking.

Now, like I said before, she's a salesperson. As such I automatically assumed she would possess above average interpersonal skills.

I expect the random stranger to say things that are thoughtless, but honestly figured that someone who talks their way into the wallets of strangers would be more suave.

The first thing this woman says after putting down her bag is, "Oh, when are you due?"

That's fine -- it's obvious I'm pregnant and I love to talk about it!

So I respond, "December 19th"

Then she smiles and says, "Oh! A Saggitarius!"

Apparently astrology is her thing. Oh my.

I'm trying to be nice and keep the conversation going in the direction she pointed us, so I respond with, "Well, maybe. The 19th is right on the line, so if he's a little late he could be whatever comes next." {astrology is not my thing}

To which she then replies,

"That would put his birthday on Dec 20th or later. I always hate to see that. These poor kids have to grow up sharing their birthday with Christmas and that's just a shame."

Crickets.

I'm speechless.

I don't know about you, but I typically save the phrase "I always hate to see that" for things like house fires, domestic abuse, and abandoned puppies.

NOT the birth of a child.

Still trying to be nice, I just smiled and immediately changed the subject to business.

But on the inside I was saying something more like,

"Listen, lady. Do you know how long my husband and I were trying to get pregnant? We certainly weren't going to skip a month just because it might result in a December birthday!! Our little boy will be cherished. Every birthday and holiday will be special because we'll make it special for him. If you can't understand that, then just BE QUIET."

But I didn't say that. Mostly because I was shell-shocked.

But also because I really need what she was selling.

Why can't people think before they speak? Why can't they see how things might sound to the person they are talking to?

I'm more sad than angry now. Mostly because I'm really afraid that what she said is true.

Ever since I learned my due date this is something I worried about. I want the bean to have a special birthday and I feel like I ruined that for him (not that I can control it, but you know). Drew and I will do our best to make it special, but the fact is, Christmas is kind of a big deal and has a way of trumping everything around it.

Despite these fears, I want to let my baby know that whatever day he comes will be much more special to me than any holiday ever could be.

{Sorry, Jesus -- I'm sure you understand}