Previous entry here.
The first time I posted here was 2 years ago. That’s quite scary! Our little ones grow up so fast. I have been viewing this site for three or maybe more years now and I am blown away by the many women who post and say they dislike their body or that they are unappy with themselves now that they have had a child, and while I can understand that (believe me, I do!) it saddens me so much because now that I am older I can truely appreciate what my body has done for me. My body had to grow to make room for a tiny human. And in growing it had to stretch that little bit extra because we can never predict how big our little squirts are going to be. And due to stretching we are given little rivers on our tummy (back, thighs, calves, breasts, etc) that grow as our baby grows. Lets face it, our little ones must get bored staring at their placenta all day! Imagine when the light or sun shines on your tummy and those stretch marks create little patterns for your baby to look at. Babies begin to learn in the womb. Wouldn’t it be nice to know they had something to look at other than their water sack! :)
What I am trying to say is, it took me a long time to realise I was beautiful. Not because of my face or my body, but because I could truely appreciate how lucky I am to have a healthy child who I watch growing every single day. I am blessed. I tell you something, I would MUCH rather have some stupid stretch marks than NOT have my son at all.
There are so many women (and men) who would take all the stretch marks, saggy skin and droopy boobs if it meant they could conceive a child of their own. Unfortunately, in some sense, things dont turn out in that way for everyone.
Biological mother or adoptive mother, either way, you are beautiful, not because of your face or your body, but because you can truely appreciate being a mother.
“Diamonds used to be coal, look young ’cause they’ve got soul. That’s why they’re beautiful.
And my heart used to be cold, ’til your hands laid on my soul. And that’s why you’re beautiful”
I attached some recent pictures of myself and how my body has changed since my last post and the rest are my two wonderful boys :)
~Your Age: 23
~Number of pregnancies and births: 1
~The age of your children, or how far postpartum you are: 3 years and 2 months
Slow down a little, don’t be in a rush. At 23, you certainly are not “older.”
Cmom, we are always getting older! I understand what you are saying Traci, I am also 23 and I feel I am wise beyond my years. I am always told that I am an old soul! I try to look at my body and be thankful for the 2 amazing boys it have me. Usually I am very thankful, someties I dislike the way I look, but I love my boys! I have one angel in heaven watching over me, one of my sons passed away at 19 months, and I have another angel with me here! I would never change that! You look beautiful, and I am so happy you realized how beautiful your body yetlt is!
I totally agree with you! It`s sad that it is so easy for women to feel unhappy by their bodies before, and after childbirth`s (myself included). I can`t imagine that men ever would look at their bodies in the same way if they were the ones that had to give birth. It`s a kind of vulnerability that I can`t see really anything positive about.
CMOM, while I appreciate your comment I am certainly in no hurry to get older, however, it’s a fact. If you had perhaps read my previous entry you would find I was 19 when I fell pregnant. It is now 4 years past. That is 4 years OLDER. And I wasn’t talking about my current age, I was saying in general that I am getting older and as I am getting older I have grown out of that (in the nicest sense) shallow state most young woman live in. I hope this has made you realise I am not silly enough to wish my life away. Thank you for your comment anyway. And thanks everyone else! Your comments are wonderful! You’re all beautiful.
You look great :) Congratulations on a gorgeous family :)
Thanks for posting this, Traci. My husband and I are talking about trying for kids soon, and its nice to see that not everyone ends up hating their bodies at the end! Your attitude is an inspiration, and you look great. Also, your son is adorable!