The Waddle
By Bronwyn in 
I can’t exactly remember when I was first diagnosed with the waddle. I think I was possibly about eight months pregnant. I couldn’t understand why one of my male colleagues was making strange penguin movents as he approached me. I thought that maybe we were playing charades, I had to guess what he was and I was just didn’t know. Then it clicked- he was imitating me. I was insulted. I definitely did not walk like that, I walked normally!
Later, I happened to see my myself as I was walking toward a reflective glass door. I couldn’t deny it, there was a definate waddle and after that there were penguins everywhere. Many people thought they were the first to do the penguin, I didn’t shoot them down- shame, they didn’t know. Then there were those who really stayed in character and would be the penguin every time I saw them. Around these people I would catch myself slowing and really concentrating on walking normally. This really helped…ok, I admit- it really didn’t.
I thought this part of my pregnant persona would leave once I had my baby. Due to my emergency exit being used and the ceasar wound being tender, I found waddling was the most confortable way to walk in those first weeks (about four). I wondered if I would ever get back to my regular walking self but be reassured, I did.
The question I have though is: was Charlie Chapman imitating a penguin when he walked or a pregnant lady?