Let me tell you a story: Yesterday in the shower I was trying to shave my legs standing up, which is no easy feat when you have a pregnant belly to contend with. I had already torn through my entire closet, claiming that there was nothing to wear and I should probably just skip work. I rubbed in copious amounts of cocoa butter lotion, which I have to admit I’ve started to despise the scent of, despite the fact that it keeps my skin from itching and I’m hoping that it minimizes the number of stretch marks that I’ll be getting. I put on a little concealer to cover up the pregnancy acne that I’ve been experiencing despite keeping a strictly normal skin routine of washing with gentle soap and moisturizing. It always worked pre-pregnancy! I finally threw on my maternity jeans, a T-shirt and a cute hoody and called it a day.
And then I looked in the mirror. I may not look the same as I did when I was in high school, college, as a newlywed or even what I looked like immediately before becoming pregnant. But what I see in the mirror and how I feel in my body – this is the first time that I can honestly say that I fully respect everything my body does, everything my body is, and everything about how I look. Pregnancy isn’t the thing that defines me or what I look like, but it is the thing showing me what I am physically capable of. And that is beautiful.
I just found out that I’m pregnant and look forward to experiencing all these things…thank you for your posts and keeping the focus on what a beautiful thing this is. I want to always feel beautiful – even when I the ackward “is she pregnant or just chunky?” stage. 🙂
So funny reading this – i can relate – i stopped shaving i only do waxing now soooo much easier you should try it!
What a beautiful post…you are glowing, Heather! 🙂
You looked STUNNING this weekend! It was so nice to finally meet you in person!
Yes, our bodies is capable of amazing things and pregnancy is just the beginning. Enjoy it.
Such a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Heather, that is truly a wonderful post!
Yes, our bodies are beautiful and able to do some pretty miraculous things . Even if we are not pregnant or physically able to conceive we are still blessed with a most precious gift. I just wish more women realized how beautiful they truly are regardless of what is on the outside.
This is such a sweet and TRUE post. I love it.
Beautiful! It just amazed me how my body knew exactly what to do. I’m so excited for you & wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy the ride!
Beautifully written!! Why can’t all women have this same respect for their bodies? Pregnancy makes you realize what your body is truly capable of – something no marathon or weightlifting session can touch!
Lovely post. And you are glowing!
Thanks for sharing – love it!
I started reading Heather’s Dish when you were on the very beginning stages of this journey and now I’m checking back in and I am overwhelmingly excited for you.
At the time I started reading Heather’s Dish, my heart broke for you (I am going through some very tough times along the same lines…. it is so very hard. God is faithful though, I know he is….) and now I am overjoyed to hear this news! 🙂 I pray that some day I will be able to go through my closet and find nothing to wear. Very happy for you two!
That is so nice to read. It’s true. Our bodies are amazing and remarkable and beautiful. It’s so wonderful that you can recognize that in yours and that you’re willing to share it with everyone. Congratulations!
Wow… great post! It’s going to get even more amazing. I think all pregnant women look beautiful 🙂