The Things She Loved - Corii Liau

Olive learned at her 21st week of pregnancy that the baby growing inside her was drinking several ounces of amniotic fluid a day, and that the baby’s taste buds had developed to the point of being able to taste and differentiate between flavors. In fact, the baby girl would probably really like the things that Olive ate and drank.

“So, for instance, if you want your baby to like broccoli, then eat lots of broccoli,” the RN told Olive.

Olive had had a large chai that morning. Milk, chai tea, sugar, and plenty of cinnamon. She wasn’t sure whether she was eating and drinking things that she had always liked, or if the baby was somehow directing her to eat and drink things that the baby liked.

“The things she loves are blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, yogurt, honey, oranges, nuts, shrimp, carrots, and noodles,” Olive told the RN.

The RN smiled. “That all sounds very healthy. You’re doing well.”

After the appointment, Olive searched the neighborhood surrounds of the hospital for a bearclaw and warm milk with honey. The thought crossed her mind, you are what you love. She held her belly in both hands and felt tears suddenly sting the rims of her eyelids. Despite everything, this girl would be sweet.