This is the body I had before babies. I was quite a bit thinner, my boobs were perkier, my butt was bubblier, it was nice. Now I look more like a commerical for "Mom jeans" (anybody remember those?)
This is me now, a "number that shall not be named" heavier. I have stretch marks, after two children my body is different. This has been something I've really struggled with. When my husband and I got married I finally had my body down to it's ideal weight. I looked great. Then on our honeymoon I got pregnant and everything very quickly changed. Some women's bodies bounce right back, mine did not.
It was hard to accept this new person. I realize that I can force time in for exercise and I can drink more water in place of soda. My diet is fairly healthy. I'm trying to implement those things in my life. I think having a healthy body is important. However I also think it's necessary to accept this body. Accept that after two children I'm not going to look the same.
Having children I want to teach them not only to have body peace but also that it's okay for women to have "Mom Body's". That "real women" come in many shapes and sizes but the fake airbrushed look of tv and magazines is just that- it's fake. I want my sons to see that their Dad still loves me and adores me with my "Mom Body" and that I still look at myself with confidence- even though my shape has changed. I want my daughter to see confidence, not a Mom constantly ragging on herself. I don't want to pass down my insecurites or poor body image to my kids. They need to see me love myself as well as their Dad love myself- to show them how to treat themselves and their future partners.
I try to remind myself of the "Goddess" shape. Whenever I think of a "Goddess" symbol I think of round belly and "Motherhood shape". This shape for many cultures represents beauty, fertility, and womanhood. I can excude that confidence knowing that I can represent womanhood and motherhood beautifully in this shape.
This isn't to shame any other size, you can excude that kind of womanly glory in any shape. This is how it is for me- this is MY body peace. We all have to find that peace for ourselves.
For some, it might be remembering that God designed us to be this way and this shape is a reflection of that beautiful design. We are made to create life and these changes represent that miracle. For others it might be the sacredness of getting to bare our children. A road that isn't always an easy one, but we've earned this body because of the journey it took to get here. The journey to become Mother's at all.
http://www.people.com/article/jennifer-garner-baby-bump-ellen-degeneres
Speaking of Mommyhood, i'll be posting Elenas birth story soon! I can't wait to tell you all about it, there's certainly some great funny, scary, and totally joyful moments to share with you!