My Contribution to Global Warning

I am obviously pregnant. On top of that 90% of the time I am gallivanting around with 2 toddlers. People have comments- some appreciated, others are a bit bizarre. But yesterday, I got one- a strong one- that had never even crossed my mind as a possibility. At my gym, they often times have boutique clothing set up to suck you in to doing a little shopping before you are on your way. You know, you're feeling good about yourself after a hard workout, feel like you just conquered the world, and therefore would look good in anything. Not to mention, you're covered in sweat, taking out the need to even try the clothes on. Well, my big-belly self still has to stop and look every time I pass, even though I'm not exactly their targeted clientele. Yesterday, the owner and I were chatting and she was telling me how I could cut the elastic off this $60 shirt and turn it into a maternity shirt. That should have clued me into her reasoning processes because I am no longer a teenager and am sure as heck not about to bring scissors to an item I just spent 60 bucks on. 12 years ago, maybe. Today- not a chance. Well she comments on me being pregnant and somehow the conversation leads me to telling her that I still want one more after this one. That's when her head flips up in what I first took as shock. I know, 4 kids can seem like a lot. But I'm wrong. Her reaction was not shock, but disgust. "What about global warming? You have got to stop." This was not a suggestion, rather a strong demand. I'm admittedly not very sensitive to the subject of global warming and simply stated, "I think the earth will be able to handle my four kids. We'll be fine. They'll be contributors, not just takers." I mean, really, how was I supposed to respond to that type of comment? Caught me off guard. I've never had to defend my having kids to global warming. I guess this only proves how environmentally disrespectful I am. But I can sleep at night and I'll tell you why. I recycle my Coke cans and water bottles. Most of the time.