Things you don't want to hear as a mum!

Being pregnant has reminded me of all the annoying phrases that people always seem to insist on saying to you. I can't decide if "you're looking so big" is better or worse than "your bump is so small", especially when said to me by different people on the same day - obviously one of you is lying! Being too hot most of the time coupled with pregnancy hormones which seem to make even the smallest issue into a full-blown cry-fest, makes me wonder why people dare speak to me at all some days!

But don't get me wrong, I do usually enjoy the comments I get about the bump, conversations around whether it is a boy or girl, lots of people asking how I'm feeling and making sure I get offered slices of cake before anyone else. However, it has made me remember some of the comments I had about bean1 after she was born, particularly on days when PND combined with severe sleep deprivation made me even angrier than normal. Here are some of my biggest pet peeves:

- Is it a boy?
Seriously, someone once asked me this when she was dressed all in pink. If you really can't tell, say something ambiguous like "what a fab outfit" or "what beautiful eyes" and try to work out the sex in the ensuing conversation
- Hasn't she grown
Well duh!
- Cherish the time while she is still little
Worst thing to say ever. I lived most days hoping to just survive to the next day and I am amazed if anyone really can enjoy those first weeks/months of no sleep/being pooed and sicked on/incessant whingy noises
- Are you planning another one?
This is quite a personal question when you think about it, yet complete strangers feel like they are allowed to ask this

You think I look like a boy?! *facepalm*

I think a lot of people simply panic about what to say, hence the cliches, so here are some of my personal favourites:

- You're doing a great job
- What a gorgeous baby you have
- He/she has your eyes/hair/chin/whatever (always a lovely compliment as our babies are the most beautiful things ever to us!)
- Just follow your own instincts
- It gets easier (a lot of people have said the opposite to me, but I would rather you lie and say it gets better!)

What are your pet peeves? Can you recommend other things you wish people would say or that people have said which really made your day?