Unsolicited Advice

As my due date nears, the number of charming emails from my mother increases. What is this obsession with the baby having white skin? It's a generational (and Asian) thing I suppose, but I find it unnerving nonetheless.

When you go to check up, did the doctor tell you the baby's head already turn downward? It is always 1 month before the delivery day?

Dear Sylvia, Keep us informed. By the way, you need to buy a good carriage for the baby to get around.

Try to eat avocado twice a week, like making a sandwich.

How come the weather is so cold in Denver in August? 

Make sure, make sure you wash your hands before you eat after you use your laptop or computer because laptop has lots of chemicals that is harmful. It is not too late to do it. On the whole, always wash your hands before you eat or handle food.

Dear Sylvia, Just read an article about pregnancy. It said that breast feeding is very good for the baby and the mother. Make sure you eat beef, chicken to maintain nutrition. i hope you drinks lots of milk. chinese people believe drinking milk so the baby has good skin and white skin.  

The article about talking to and gently feel the stomach means talking to the baby to prevent the baby from become a quiet baby. If constantly become worried, angry and anxious, the baby will become a anxious baby. It will deeply affect the baby. Try always become cheerful and happy, the baby will become a happy one.

Take walks under the mild sun will help mood changes. Yoga is good. Try to avoid radiation, copy machine is not good either. grow a cactus plant at home or office can take some radiation away. Keep your head and body some distance away from the computer and not too close. Do not miss taking folic acid. eat apples, spinach, banana, eggs etc are good. Make sure you eat a balance meal everyday and rest when you are tired. Stay happy and cheerful are utmost important.

Sylvia, I am worried. Why do you not write or call? Is anything alright? You hardly call at all?

Sylvia, Take everything easy. do not lift stuff even small luggage. Wear sneakers to protect your feet. DO NOT GO SWIMMING or ride bicycles etc. Bring a light jacket in case the weather change cooler at night or morning or the restaurant' s air conditioner. That way you can catch cold. You cannot get sick. BRING YOUR PILLS FOR THE PREGNANCY. Write it down in case you forget. In Santorini, the roads are quite narrow and steep.

Some Greek people do not like Americans so avoid some areas. Go to bed early to get rest plus not safe to stay out. You can always go back after the baby is born. Right now take things easy for your safety and the baby. Lock door at night in hotels. Be alert. Do not wear too revealing clothes. Please write every two days to let us know you and Jason's well being. Write when you get there. 

Make sure you keep drinking milk and eating eggs (egg yolks is good for the brain). Milk can make the baby white skin and good skin. Calcium (pork bone soup) can give baby strong bones etc.

Do not have bad temper or get emotional. Everything will affect the baby.

But perhaps the most amazing piece of advice I received over the phone last week. My mother--MY mother--said the following to me, with nary a trace of awareness or irony in her voice: "Don't be a Tiger Mom. It's not good."

Sigh.