Yup, that's just the way it is. The original chain is 101 links, which means there's a half link in there somewhere, wide on one end narrow on the other. Some manufacturers still have these available.
If it's a good chain it shouldn't stretch too far and you should have plenty of time before you run out of adjustment, if you ever do. If you change the front sprocket from 17T to 18T that would also help take up some of the slack.
Scott