When I met Ryan I was a size 1 in Hollister jeans...I was skinny...the skinniest I had ever been. I didn't work out...I ate crap but I was still skinny. This is when I felt the best about myself and what I saw in the mirror.
As we settled into our relationship and I become more and more comfortable. By the time we got married almost 2 years later, I had gained nearly 20 pounds. It was right after our wedding when I really started to get uncomfortable in my own skin. The scale was showing numbers I had never seen before and I didn't feel like myself at all.
It was only 4 months after we got married that we found out we were expecting Henry...I was by no means in shape or near my ideal weight and I wasn't about to start working out as I was pretty sick the first 14 weeks or so and by the 2nd tri I just didn't want to.
I gained 40 pounds with that pregnancy...I prayed every day that the scale just stayed under 200 pounds [& it did but it got close].
After I had Henry the weight fell off pretty quickly but my body was totally different and proportioned in ways it never was before & of course I was covered in lovely, deep stretchies- all over my belly, hips and thighs.
When I saw the following picture on a friend's Facebook [thankfully she didn't tag me in it- haha!], I couldn't believe that's what I looked like. It didn't look like me and it wasn't how I wanted to look. I was sick and tired of feeling uncomfortable. I remember staring in the mirror crying because I hated what I saw. I started Weight Watchers...I was going to lose the weight.
When I saw the following picture on a friend's Facebook [thankfully she didn't tag me in it- haha!], I couldn't believe that's what I looked like. It didn't look like me and it wasn't how I wanted to look. I was sick and tired of feeling uncomfortable. I remember staring in the mirror crying because I hated what I saw. I started Weight Watchers...I was going to lose the weight.
Just a week after that picture was taken we found out we were expecting Holden. Crap...no more Weight Watchers. Thankfully I didn't gain nearly as much as I did when I was pregnant with Henry but still gained a healthy amount- I guess not eating White Castle every day can really help with that :)
After Holden was born I was dead set on getting my body back and having a positive self image. I just wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin. I didn't want to be a size 4, just a healthy version of the new me.
The Holden baby weight came off faster than it did with Henry- thank you breast feeding!! & I am making an effort to work out at least 3 times a week & watch the foods I eat- but everyone who knows me knows I just can't resist the deliciousness that is Taco Bell :) I cut my hair, bought a whole new wardrobe, bought tons of Orglamix make-up [be careful, it's addicting] and actually get ready in the morning.
Will I ever be a size 1 again? No. But I can and will be happy in my size 8's with a stomach covered in stretchies. Why? Because I have 2 of the most beautiful boys in the entire world & a husband who tells me I am beautiful every day.
19 comments:
Love this post.
Congrats on reaching your goal, you look awesome!
What an amazing post! And mama you do look good!
Thank you so much for being so honest with this post. I loved it!! & probably one of my favorites of yours. I too, dont feel comfortable in my "mama body" but try to embrace it as best as I can. I am just glad I found someone who can relate. This really touched me!
I love this post. I am feeling super crappy about my body too, it was nice to read this.
You ARE beautiful!!
I predict that those 2 handsome boys are going to be beating up their friends in 15 or so years for saying their mom is hot, lol
Jenny, I can totally relate to watching your body grow into something that makes you completely uncomfortable. Good for you for embracing a new, healthier way of eating and excercising and your new body.
On a somewhat related note, I've always thought you were beautiful. You always seem to be glowing and your smile is contagious, even through pictures.
You look great, trust me. Before I had my son, I did not look half as good as you do NOW. I'd be more than happy to trade bodies with you.
Great post and very honest. =) I was just recently looking back and pictures from when my DH and I first got together - I was 17 and was toned from doing a lifetime of ballet classes.
Now I'm 28, I don't WEIGHT a lot, but I'm flabby and stretchy and feel kinda blah after having my son a year and a half ago. I've just decided I need to DO something to feel better about it - for me. =)
You look awesome and kudos to you for getting yourself motivated to feel good about yourself!
Amen lady! I think you're BEAUTIFUL!
You look amazing! I never once looked at you as a frumpy mom. You carry yourself with a lot of confidence and that makes the most difference. I'm happy for you that you feel comfortable again though :)
I love this post. You look great!
Love your honesty!! You look so great and have two beautiful babies! :)
What an inspiring post! Thanks!
GREAT post! You look fabulous. I love love love how being a mom of two beautiful boys gives you the confidence that you deserve.
It's so easy to get down on ourselves, especially when our bodies change after having babies. You have a great outlook on it, and you look amazing!!
Great post! Thanks for being so honest, I can relate completely. I'm still working on getting to a place where I feel comfortable in my own body again.
And you look great!!
You look FABULOUS! Great work!
I love this post too. It's so real. We all look in the mirror and think those same thoughts. You do look fantastic! But continued good luck hot mama! lisak
Post a Comment