Pregnancy in Israel. Everybody is an Expert.

It’s a weird thing, when the average Israeli sees a mother or pregnant woman in Israel, all boundaries go out the window.  Suddenly, everyone is your mother-in-law.  They have a right to comment on how you feed, clothe and take care of your current child, and they ask you questions about your pregnancy as if they know you.  The comments on childcare can get a bit annoying (er, who are you??) but the interest in pregnancy is quite endearing.  At least people care.  And, following the jewish way, they love to give advice.  Everyone asks what month I am in, how am I coping with the heat, or more worryingly, that I look like I don’t have much time left.  The funniest comment I have had is “When is he coming?” said by random man at the park.  “Um, what makes you think its a boy?” I reply. “I am very intutive” he tells me. Ok.  “I’ll let you know!” 

In general, israelis are absolutely shocked when they ask me what I am having and I tell them “a sabra.”  Here, everyone knows what’s inside, and they even tell you the name they have chosen.  It seems surprises are regarded as a bit old-fashioned.  “But how will you cope?” they ask me.  “Not such a problem” I tell them, “they all wear white for the first few weeks of life so what difference does it make?!” Anyway, so far almost everyone (including random men on the bus) have confidently informed me I am having a boy.  Luckily boys are much easier to bring up in Israel as nobody has carpet so it’s a lot easier to deal with a small person weeing all over your house.

The weather has cooled down, thankfully, and today even went below 30 celcius.  It’s possible to go out without feeling like I am about to pass out.  The country seems to be coping a bit better, over about 33 degrees and the buses and buildings struggle, things move slowly and even the israelis find it difficult.

Our shipment is still in storage, and everyday we pay more money whilst our stuff melts in the heat.  We are hoping Bump 2 wont make an appearance until after we move in to our new home.  True, newborn babies are very unlikely to notice whether or not they have a matching nursery and all their personal items arranged neatly in drawers (thought it’s amazing how many first time mothers seem to think they do), they generally just want milk and cuddles, but still, it would be nice for us to have a home to store it in.