Learning to Love (& dress) My Mom-Bod
In the past three years, I have gained eighty pounds and lost about seventy. It's safe to say that it has taken a toll on my body as well as my mind. Although I eat fairly healthy and make it a priority (most weeks) to work out during nap time, there are some things that will never be the same.
Mamas, you know what I'm talking about.
Let's be real. There are stretch marks, loose skin and that last bit of stubborn baby weight that sticks around after the newborn baby haze lifts. I realize now, that I spent a lot of time during my first pregnancy stressing about how my body was changing and how quickly I would "bounce back," instead of reveling in the gift that God had blessed me with. The physical scars of growing and delivering two babies are forever etched on my body, but without them I would be without two of the greatest gifts I've been given. Although it is a daily struggle, I try to remind myself that God has called me to be more than what I look or feel like. My children don't need a self-conscious, body-image obsessed mommy. They need me to confident, spirit-filled and brave. They are always watching, always listening and always imitating. It was truly something that took me by surprise, just like those little toddler eyes I caught watching me in the mirror, as I stared back at my own body in disgust. She deserves more than that. I need to set a higher standard for self-love for them, and for myself.
With all the changes my body has gone through in the last three years, I've had to switch up my wardrobe. Waking up and knowing I can throw something on that is comfortable and makes me feel confident, has made me a happier mom and wife. Even if it means a size or two bigger than before.
Those black jeans have an elastic waistband. You're welcome.
These are my favorite jeans! They are high-waisted and hold in all my baby belly leftovers (wearing a 6/petite for reference and purchased at an outlet).
Sisters, this verse isn't just something we should connect to our new babies, it's about us too.
Let's start acting like it.
