I halfway understood
The other night, we were channel-surfing, trying to find something to watch that wasn’t Adult Swim or the Kardashians [our preferences vary a little].
Tom left it on HBO for a second, to see what was on, and on the screen was an image of a pregnant woman, undressed, looking at herself in the mirror.
Immediately, I thought about how radiant she looked.. beautiful skin with an amazing full belly… and then I noticed that she was sobbing.
Half of me thought, “Why are you crying? You are absolutely gorgeous.”
Half of me kind of understood [even though the only pregnancy sobbing I’ve done has been of the happiness variety.. or the salad variety].
Of course, I have no idea what the context of the show was –maybe she was crying for a totally unrelated reason? Or maybe her pregnancy was brought on by horrifying or unfortunate circumstances? I have no idea- but it definitely made me think about my own emotions towards my changing and growing body.
I’ve mentioned this briefly before, but I wasn’t quite sure how I’d react to the physical changes pregnancy. I’ve lost a significant amount of weight in the past through healthy eating and exercise, and since then have worked to maintain and improve my muscle density and fitness abilities. Fitness is something I’ve always enjoyed, and the physical benefits are just an added bonus. When I got pregnant, I knew change was on the way and have been happy to roll with it, adjust my workouts as necessary and bask in the happiness that we’re creating a little life.
I’m thankful everyday for the little baby growing in my belly, and everything I’ve experienced I’ve also expected. There would be no way that this could happen and I could keep my pre-pregnancy physical appearance- something I fully understand, relish in the changes, and also accept the fact that it’s temporary.
That’s not to say that it isn’t weird to look in the mirror and see someone you don’t recognize.
I’m in love with my growing belly… especially since I can feel her dance, kick, and playfully bat against my hand. The fuller breasts and thick, long hair are an added bonus, but along with it, I have some stretch marks, wider hips, a fuller face and noticeable muscle definition lost in my back and arms. My jeans still fit me –with a hair tie and Belly Band- but that’s pretty much where it ends on the clothes front.
Even so, most of the time, I feel amazing. I attribute a lot of this to my husband, who makes me feel beautiful everyday. Last night before bed, he kissed me and told me I was his perfect love, and after a day of kind of feeling kind of blah, his words made me forget about it.
The only thing that I think could help me to feel better about the fact that my clothes officially look awkward would be to invest in some maternity pieces. I’ve been fighting it for so long, but it’s time. As much as I like my lulu –the only clothes that still look *right* on me- I think that it would be the final push to kind of feel like myself again.
The clothes thing reminds me of the time when I first started to lose weight in college to get to a healthy weight… I was in the in-between phase, none of my clothes fit, but I wasn’t about to invest in a new wardrobe. I made it work, and that’s what I plan to do now.
In the meantime, I’m going to continue and enjoy the ride, all of the necessary changes that go along with it, and count down the days until our little family is officially bigger. I’m starting to fully understand that all of the things I wondered about before being pregnant (stretch marks! saggy boobs! having to lose weight) seem so petty. Changes are already there with more on the way, I’m more in love with my husband than ever before [which I didn’t think was possible], and once we have our baby girl here (who will hopefully be healthy and happy), it will be such a small price to pay.
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You were watching Boardwalk Empire… you should check the show out. It is REALLY good! 🙂
that’s what it was? do you know what she was crying??
Yes, she was crying because the man that got her pregnant (he is married) would not let her leave the house and she was missing her old parting ways being locked up in a house by herself all day.
wow.. that sounds intense
Yeah, the show is very deep. The man that got her pregnant is super crazy.
he sounds like it. i’d be crying too… pregnant or not. what a creeper
Such a good show! She was a show girl and was given a script by an old friend. Upset she couldn’t take the part. And her baby-daddy is CRAAAAZY!
You have such a good attitude about the appearance thing. 🙂 I know it can be hard though. If it helps, when you posted the pic of yourself yesterday I thought, “how do her arms still look so amazing?!”
I thought the same thing!
SAME!!!!
aww thank you <3
I was nervous when I became pregnant too. Now my baby girl is 3 weeks old and I look at my body, which has shrink a decent amount already, but still has linea Negra and looser skin) and marvel at what it created and grew. What a blessing to be able to grow a life! 🙂
amen!
congrats on your baby girl <3
reading your birth stories now 🙂
I was the same–really nervous about gaining weight and losing fitness. But at 2 months since the birth of my daughter, the linea negra has almost completely disappeared and I am about 6 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight (thank you, breastfeeding!). My belly is still a lot softer than it ever has been and even though I have a few stretch marks left, most have faded away. I’m proud that I was able to carry my daughter and continue to feed her with my body–it’s an amazing thing!
I tried to put off buying maternity clothes but once I bought things that fit me, I felt so much better and a lot more confident.
You are so wonderful Gina. Reading your blog the last few months makes me even more excited about getting pregnant!! It oozes from you how wonderful of parents both of you will be!!
I also think pregnant women are gorgeous!! I get excited about being pregnant and hopefully feeling the glow!! 🙂
I must be hormonal because reading that just made me tear up! It’s so wonderful you and the pilot found each other – I love that you say he still makes you feel beautiful.
It’s also very refreshing to know you’re so accepting and realistic about your body changing. I’ve always wanted kids (someday), but since overcoming some restrictive eating/exercising habits it’s made me wonder how I’d cope in that situation too.
thank you- i’m a lucky girl to have him
when the time comes, you’ll probably pleasantly surprise yourself. i find that i’m so happy that nothing else really matters 🙂
xoxo
Thank you for this post!! I’m 9 weeks today and officially sporting the “blump”. My bloat bump. I haven’t been able to workout because of morning sickness and vegetables/healthy food only make things worse. When I got pregnant I thought for sure I would continue to workout and eat healthy. I get frustrated and discouraged that thats not happening. The moment we saw the bean on the ultrasound it made it all worth it but there are definitely days I struggle. Hoping 2nd tri brings back some normalcy!! 😉
it will.. i felt so nauseous and uncomfortable during the first trimester compared to the second. at the time, i didn’t think it was so bad, but then i got to the second tri and realized that i felt SO much better
congrats to you on your little one!! isn’t hearing the heartbeat the best thing ever?
This was so beautiful! Tom sounds like the most amazing guy, and I think that makes all the difference when you’re going through big milestones in your life, it is so important to have someone incredible by your side!
i’m so thankful he isn’t deployed this year. doing all of this without him would have been extremely challenging… he’s been amazing
Beautiful post as always, Gina 🙂 I’m not pregnant and yet you always still manage to make me so emotional when you write about these things 😛
<3
I’m going to have to come back and reread these when I get pregnant for some moral support 🙂
Make sure you post a fashion post if you do go buy maternity clothes! (Target actually usually has super cute stuff at reasonable prices since you won’t be needing them much longer!) PS- I can’t wait for the 28 week post!! 😀
did you buy any maternity clothes, or are you able to get by because you can wear a lot of lululemon to work + at home? if so i am amazed and a little jealous! i am 15 weeks and already completely embracing the maternity clothes! maybe it’s b/c i tended to wear fitted things or because i’m only 5’1″, but it’s really the only option for me already unless i want to be terribly uncomfortable all day [i tried the bands and they work, but things never laid completely flat and it bugged me!]. i feel like there’s this pressure to hold off but once i gave in last week i felt so much better!
i haven’t bought any maternity clothes.. i’ve been relying on dresses -which it’s getting too cold for now- and skinny jeans with flowy tanks to go out, lulu at work and at home.
i definitely need to give it and pick up some maternity tops
Freecycle on yahoo is a great place to get free maternity clothes, since you don’t wear them all that long woman are always giving them away. Plus what ever you don’t use you can just re post back on freecycle. I have not been pregnant but I have crohn’s and my stomach gets bloated and reg jeans just don’t fit right when I’m flaring bad so I got some maternity pants and they work great and are more comfortable. If you plan on having more then one then its worth it to invest in some that you can reuse.
This is so adorably sappy….you and Tom are so sweet, and I agree with the above commenters — you are going to be WONDERFUL parents! I hope I can only be so lucky to find a guy like that! 🙂
I am so grateful for this post, Gina! I am two weeks away from welcoming my baby. I have battled with body image in the past and worked very hard to maintain a healthy weight with healthy eating and exercise habits before I got pregnant. For someone so body conscious making sure the weight gain was on track and not too little was the first challenge ( I managed decently, but have been overly concerned with the inability/fatigue of these last few weeks that have forced me to slow way the heck down) but the stretch marks were another story altogether. I cried and cried when the first ones came, to the point where just two weeks ago I was dreading looking at my post-baby body, convinced that I’d never be beautiful again, regardless of my husband’s love and affection and attention to my body through my pregnancy. Then I came across this: http://theshapeofamother.com/blog/my-new-perspective-amy/
And now your post, and I am so, so grateful for the positive outlook that goes beyond the ‘oh but when you hold your baby you will forget everything’ because marks and loose skin are real and exist and you see and touch them and can’t ‘forget’ but you have to weigh the two against each other and truly appreciate what you have. So thank you for the reminders (both to stay healthy and to stay positive)!
I hate that there is so much pressure to look a certain way, moreso even when one is pregnant. I mean, it’s temporary, you have to expect to look bigger and different as another human is growing in you. Ultimately, what clothes fit or not is not going to be important anymore. Over time, you will reach a normal state — may not be exactly the same as before, but if you expect to go through life looking the same, then you’re in for one. People love you for exactly who you are, not what you look like.
Sorry if that sounds harsh, I am just expressing my frustrations with appearances in general. It adds unnecessary pressure when life is so much more than that. That’s why I don’t watch Extra or read tabloids.
i couldn’t agree more. and you’re right, way too much focus is placed on appearance
I was a little concerned about my changing body at first, but then decided to let go of all insecurities and just embrace and enjoy pregnancy to its fullest. I’m so happy to have adapted this mindset as pregnancy has been the best time of my life so far! I love knowing my little girl is snuggled and safe in my belly!
I am 24 weeks along with triplets. My starting weight was 124 and now I am 172 and climbing. I, like you, have lost weight in the past so gaining the weight back was always a scary thought for me. However, after trying to conceive for almost two years, I look at my belly and giggle. I LOVE IT. I am not able to work out and my doctor took my out of work in September since I’m a teacher. I look at the weight that I will have to lose as another challenge, what fun is life without challenges anyway?
I love this post. I think women worry too much about their appearance, especially in regards to pregnancy changes. As if scars, stretch marks, laugh lines, and grey hairs make someone any less beautiful. I think they are all signs of life, and they all have stories. 🙂 I think they make us human, and that it beautiful.
amen, girl
Have you seen the awesome pregnancy series that the daddy blogger from Pacing the Panic Room did of his wife- I think it’s cool and also inspiring for somewhat out of the box pregnancy dressing.
http://pacingthepanicroom.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20belly%20pictures%20series
i loved this! thank you so much for sending it along, and the video was amazing
For me, the differences in my body are a reminder of the AMAZING things it did. In a purely aesthetic sense I don’t like the changes, but given that I GREW TWO PEOPLE and fed them each for a year? I find the memory of this incredibly empowering and that’s what I focus on.
I also think that the way your body “treats” you in pregnancy is largely determined by genes and body type. So as frustrating as it is, you have to accept that so long as you’re eating well, staying active, and gaining a reasonable amount of weight that is all you can control. And from the sounds of things you’re doing an incredible job on that front, so you should be proud!
Oh, and my linea negra is still faintly here, 11+ months after my second. Honestly, it doesn’t even hit my radar anymore. Evidently it’s unusual that it’s still hanging around this long, but oh well. . . what can I do?
That was Boardwalk Empire, I see someone already explained so I won’t go into detail. But I thought she looks amazing too (although, she was wearing a fake belly, so of course she looked perfect)! I had the same fears about weight etc, but it all came off.. Fast! And the stretch marks are war wounds, reminds me of having a growing beauty in my belly!
I love you, and just know that you are one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. You’ll be an amazing mother, the Pilot an amazing father, and you’ll make the most wonderful family.
Cheeseball, I know…
thank you, lovely <3 i'm lucky to have you as a friend!
love you
Re: maternity clothes. It’s like what they say on What Not to Wear – dress the body you have now. Ill fitting clothes don’t do justice for anybody. Get some clothes that fit and show off that belly – you’ll feel better once you do. Also, I wish somebody would have told me when I was pregnant, that pregnancy doesn’t automatically mean your body will be ruined afterwards. I think I look better now than I did before I got pregnant (minus the bellybutton – that does NOT go back to normal!) Who knew pregnancy would be the best diet ever?! 🙂
You look beautiful, Gina! And I am so glad that you’re more in love now with your hubby than before…and you see him in an new and even better light and see him as a father…whenever you write that sentiment, I always just melt and am so happy for you guys 🙂
Yes, bodies change, but until you’re actually in the moment, I don’t think you can fully understand it and how un-important it seems. Before I got pregnant I was worried to some extent like I’m sure most women are about what will happen to my body and will it go back to the way it was, at all? And then, once I was pregnant, I really didnt even care. I mean, sure, I wanted it to, but it was like the pregnancy hormones or something just kept me in a state of…I don’t really care because I am growing a human and that’s all that matters…type of mentality.
The human body, and the mind and spirit of a woman, are pretty miraculous and I am so happy to hear you’re pretty much a-okay with the changes. 🙂
Totally understand… I”m 10 weeks and I’ve already gained at least 10 lbs. I’m still working out a lot so hopefully that will slow down!! Today at work I saw myself in a reflection and almost recoiled, I didn’t recognize myself either. It’s difficult but will be worth it!
don’t worry about it- i gained a lot of weight in the first trimester and things balanced out after that. everyone is different
I love this post! I know a lot of women are worried about how their bodies will change during and after pregnancy but I think if you can keep things in perspective like you do here, they would feel a lot better about it. I’m not even there yet and I do 😉
Sorry if it’s already been commented on, but I don’t have time to read at the moment, have four things cooking on the stove. I knew exactly what scene you were referring to, Boardwalk Empire, which is a really good show. My partner enjoys it more than I do because there is a lot of historical context and connotations that I don’t “get” because I find history lessons to be a snooze, but it’s a pretty addictive show regardless. Please note: NOT Kardashians addictive lol. She is crying for different reasons, in my opinion, not that she is no longer attractive. Her belly is not going to equal a growing happy family, far from it, so try not to understand too hard. Love your family posts, it’s been so fun watching your adorable belly grow- you look amazing, I guarantee I am not the only one jealous of how darn cute you still look!
I just wanted to say thank you for being a woman in the fitness industry who isn’t so obsessed with it that she totally misses the point of being healthy: your body is better prepared for thing things it is meant to do. Like carry a baby.
Despite years of devotion to personal health and fitness, and despite good health otherwise, it isn’t going to be possible for my body to carry a baby to term. As someone who has ALWAYS wanted to be a mother, this was heartbreaking. When I read Jillian Michaels comment about how she’d never be pregnant because she “couldn’t do that to her body,” I totally lost it- I cried for what felt like hours… and I have to admit… I’m still pretty angry at her for making that statement.
Anyway, your attitude is always positive and inspiring in general, so I shouldn’t be surprised that you have such a healthy outlook on this subject. But once again, thanks for NOT missing the point of health and fitness 🙂 You have an incredibly lucky little girl!
I love this post Gina.
I’m not pregnant. I never have been and hopefully, won’t be for quite some time. But you do such a beautiful job of conveying everything you feel into words you post. I LOVE reading your family posts.
Your husband is wonderful. I’m so glad he makes you smile even on days you feel totally “blah”. You both are going to be such amazing parents!
thank you, nikki <3 i'm so glad you're enjoying them- i'm really enjoying writing the family posts 🙂
Wow. I really love this post and it hits home for me so much. You do have a gift for words. I often hesitate talking about this and all of the changes I went through, my struggles because I do not want to convey myself as coming across negative in any way (I will endure back chub and muscle loss for Ella any day!) . Bravo to you for conveying positivity. And Pilot is such a doll.
i hesitated about it too, but just decided to get what i was thinking out there.
<3
I think getting some cute maternity clothes will help. I, like you, resisted for a long time, but once I found some stuff that was actually cute (and not matronly) I felt so much better. A couple of key pieces make a huge difference. Plus, you plan on having another bambino at some point, so you’ll get to wear them again someday!
What a beautiful post! I am so happy that you are happy and finding your place amongst the change. It is so funny how uncomfortable with transition we can be. I think you should invest in at least a few nice pieces. You may only wear them for a short time, but it is worth it to feel you best I think.
I love working out, yet gained 60 lbs with my now 3 month old, but LOVED what my body was able to do. Such a blessing. I have no idea what I weigh now (no scale around here), but I wore pre-pregnancy jeans yesterday. I couldn’t believe I fit into them. I think being grateful for what our bodies do during pregnancy is SO important AND being compassionate and kind towards ourselves afterward. My belly is still rounder than ever before, but I am easing back into Pilates and know I’ll be better than I was before – having a baby is the most wonderful thing!
Gina, you DESERVE some awesome comfortable pregnancy clothes! You’re carrying another person, you totally have a right to feel good and look good. Also, I love that you allow your blog to be a forum for discussion about body issues in a productive, safe, and mature fashion. Sometimes I get frustrated by the taboo on TALKING about personal body issues; t’s as if discussing something that we perceive as uncomfortable in our body has, in this you’re-wonderful-the-way-you-are-empowering-female sphere, become a sign of some kind of vanity or weakness. If we didn’t have discomfort and disease, there wouldn’t be issues, and discussing what’s going on with your body, what you’re feeling about your body, can be a map to uncovering what’s going on, physically, emotionally, mentally. Pregnancy is no different, and it’s okay to talk about! 🙂 Anyway go pick up some comfy preggers pants and a really awesome top and kiss your hubby and rub your baby because you deserve it!
I loved this post Gina! So over the moon happy for you and the Pilot. Ditto on loving our men more when we see them with our baby (or doing for the baby)
I was freaked out when I first got preggers at the the changes that were to come but they never bothered me like I thought they would. I loved being a part of creating a miracle so much that it was just so fascinating to watch and be a part of–now after she was born and I was much softer than I’d been in a long time I was like, “ok, let’s work on this” but it wasn’t as frantic as I thought it would be because I was so smitten with my little bundle of love. Things all settle back into their place with time 🙂
Also, I never bought pregnancy jeans and did the rubber band trick up until I delivered. I did however buy some maternity black pants that had the big belly part that came up and covered you under your clothes and I freaking loved them. They fit so well and made me feel cute. And it was just so much fun wear that little belly band thingy too that was part of the pants (reminds me of this: http://www.people.com/people/beyonce_knowles/photos#21054258) I delivered in Jan so wore a lot of sweaters and the pants were a nice change from jeans/workout clothes/dresses, etc.
You look AHmazing! xoxo
Thanks for posting this! I’m not ready to have a baby anytime soon but I do fear I’ll have those issues when the time comes! Hopefully when a little one does come, ill be able to refer to your site for fitness adjustments and how to deal with a huge body change! love your site and love your posts…keep em coming!
xoxo
Jessie
http://www.jessieannjames.com/?page_id=12
This is so heartfelt. I really hope that whenever I have kids I am still reading your blog so that I can have this bit of brilliance with me. As someone who has never been OK with her body, a small (yet scary) concern when I get pregnant will be, “What if I did all this work to “fix” my body and now it’s going to change and get bigger.” I think these are natural thoughts. Every person is different and every experience is different. You’re never wrong for having thoughts like these as long as you come at them (and yourself) without judgement. This seems to be something that you are very good at and something that I have every intention of working on.
I think I speak for everyone when I say, I have NO doubt that you will bounce back from pregnancy. You have such a great, knowledgeable attitute of fitness & nutrition, Have no fear girl!
Definitely invest in a few good pieces of maternity wear – especially the ones that will still look good and get you through the post partum days. I love Old Navy Maternity because it’s very affordable, and the fit is pretty good. But a good pair of designer maternity jeans (esp if you plan on another pregnancy later) will really make you feel good 🙂
I’m almost at 37 weeks, and definitely to the point where I don’t even care what I’m wearing – just GET this baby OUT! Or at least let me find a comfortable resting position. But the little things like getting a haircut, mani/pedi, and experimenting with different makeup can also help you to feel more “you” again.
Anyway – you’re doing fabulously, and I marvel daily at your energy!
Tearing up at work….Beautiful post!
Gina, this post totally made me swoon. 🙂 Most days I turn up my nose at the thought of even dating someone and you make me want to get married and have a baby, haha. You guys are doing amazing!
I may be retired from blogging but I am faithful to my faves–happy to be following your progress all these months and can’t wait to “meet” your little girl.
As I always say when I post, Im 2 weeks behind you (26 weeks) so I get what you are going through. I also was really active pre-pregnancy and still active now although I feel like Im not that active given the volume of working out I did pre-pregnancy. I got to a point in my life where I felt really fit and good and then I got pregnant and I have realized that pregnancy is definitely a time where your body is going to change no matter how much you workout and eat right. I still find myself saying to my husband “This shirt makes my stomach look big”. And he says “Yeah, it is supposed to!”. I realize that Im so used to dressing to look ‘skinny’ and to hide issues with my ‘stomach/hips/butt’ that I was not embracing the beauty of being pregnant. I only have about 3 months left and this is the time to embrace it. Come January when the baby is born I can work my butt off in the gym, but for now it is time to enjoy!
This was a beautiful post!
I absolutely love this post and the honesty in it. I have often wondered myself how I will deal with the changes when I am pregnant someday. I only hope that I can do it as elegantly as you.
I’m a regular reader of your blog (<3 it!) and @ 22 weeks pregnant (w/my first – a boy), I can totally relate to this post.
I've always been conscious of my healthy eating/fitness habits and while it's still a struggle at times to get on that scale and see the number creeping up (vs. down or not moving @ all), I'm thankful every day for the life I'm creating with my husband & know it will all be totally worth it in the end. I find myself falling in love with my hubby all over again, in a different way. Just thinking of watching him play and interact with our son makes me smile – big!
I've been reading your blog & taking your advice to make small changes to my fitness routine as well during pregnancy. I've also been slathering on gobs of cocoa butter morning & night, ha! *PS*: My mom told me about the hair tie trick for the pants, and I've been doing it too along with the Bella Band b/c I can't bring myself to buy maternity wear…although I cracked last week & scored some cute maternity tops on clearance @ Target. STILL can't bring myself to get maternity pants though…..oy.
Congrats on the future baby & keep up the amazing blog! We all love reading it! 🙂
I love this post, Gina! You are so relateable (and, uh, I’m not even pregnant? haha) and down-to-earth; your baby girl is lucky to have you as her mama.
Hi! Just some ideas for ya……Thrift stores generally have excellent maternity sections with clothes in great condition because they are worn for such short periods of time. You could also borrow some from a friend who has maternity clothes but isn’t currently using them and then of course, return the favor with any maternity or transition clothing she may need later. I also think pregnant bellies are adorable and you should totally rock it! DOn’t be afraid to wear fitted shirts, it’s so cute! Winter is the best time to be pregnant because sweaters are really easy (though i don’t know much about sweaters in Arizona :-/) Target and Old Navy actually have some pretty cute maternity stuff as well! Oh and….as far as nursing bras go, you definitely want one to fit properly and if it means that much to you (to me, it did) it’s not *that* much more money to invest in one of the super cute ones that make you feel less like your wearing a granny bra. I mean come on, I’m in my twenties! 😉 http://www.barenecessities.com/catalog.aspx?drv=&nxs=31&sb=BA&size=&vendor=&price=&style=12 Some of them are so cute and they are a lot more supportive than the one I purchased at Motherhood. Have a great day!
1. You are gorgeous, without the bump I wouldn’t think you had gained any weight at all, not that it would matter anyway, pregnancy in all shapes/sizes = beautiful!
2. Scars, stretch marks, grey hair = Aging = Life Experience. Age is a giant privilege, so many people never get to experience it. I’ll keep and take all three if in exchange for more days of life.
3. Keepin it real = awesome.
🙂
Thanks for another great family post. I never thought I would be insecure about my pregnant body…I remember when my ob told me “Now, prepare to gain 25-35 pounds” I joked in my head “What?! I’m going to gain weight?!” Obviously, I knew that was part of the package I also remember (unfortunately) sorta judging other women who expressed their insecurities about their changing bodies, as though they didn’t realize it was going to happen or what the purpose of it all was.
Now, at 21 weeks, I totally get it. When you wrote that you didn’t know how to dress yourself anymore, I related 100%. Like, whose boobs are these?? And I’ve always had super toned arms, so much so that it’s the first thing many people notice about me…it’s like I’m a different person when I look so opposite of how I’ve looked for years.
(Sorry this is getting so long.) My husband recently asked why I was reading your blog again. I had stopped a while back just because I had grown to read too many blogs and did a major paring down to make sure my time was being put to great use…yours originally didn’t make “the cut” simply because we didn’t have enough in common – the eating and fitness habits that work so well for you just didn’t fit into my lifestyle. I was drawn back, though, because despite the differences in our daily routines, I try to be as positive and driven as you are and am also lucky to have a loving and supportive partner through it all. Aren’t these more important commonalities? Even when I’m feeling dumpy or not quite myself in this new body, I am constantly amazed at how beautiful my husband still finds me.
Great post!
I felt like this too when I first found out I was pregnant with #2.
After #1 I worked my butt off to lose over 80 lbs , so knowing I was about to be gaining some back was a bit overwhelming to think about.
I mean, I’d worked HARD to lose that weight, and there I was, about to have to do it all over again.
I look at my body in the mirror and think “that’s not too bad, really” heck, it’s sure better than the first time.
And I am rocking this pregnancy, still working out, eating somewhat mindfully and I feel all in all still pretty good and I’m almost 36 weeks.
But the 27 lbs. I’ve put on so far have definitely taken some getting used to.
And I know I’ll have to do it all over again, but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Because if there’s anything I’ve learned about pregnancy, it’s that it’s ALL WORTH IT. Every last pound, every stretch mark, and every nasty little thing that your body goes through.
This is such a great post. I totally see you as this young woman who is basking in the glow of her pregnancy. You handle it all with so much grace and with ease. You still look gorgeous & happy. I have a HORRIBLE fear of becoming pregnant. I’m 100% confident that I have a very large German man living inside of me and I’ll blow up. This image of me being tired, sick & uncomfortable has made me completely terrified of ever getting pregnant. More power to ya sista!