The Uglies of Postpartum

I have to preface this by saying I love my kids. I do. I hope that's apparent, but just in case...please know that I love them and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Literally.

That being said, there are uglies associated with having kids that, although I swear I would not become fixated on, I have. Well...not fixated, per se, but a little discouraged. (This might get a little grossy-gross for anyone reading this who isn't really into bodily functions.)

Shortly after Leo was born, I was introduced to the girls; new and enormous. Thanks to a couple of weeks for my body to adjust, plus some cabbage leaves (that really does work), plus any variety of bagged and frozen veggies in the freezer, the swelling has gone down. However, I know from experience that the twins are here to stay for a little while, and I just need to come to grips with that. If I were smaller-chested to begin with, I'd probably love it. But I'm not. And I don't. They're huge.

I'd like to think that they have something to do with the 9 pounds I have left to lose...but I am certain they're not responsible for all of them. Ugh. Leo did me a favor and gave me my booty back, but also gave me thicker thighs and wider hips. Truth be told, I am not devastated by that, though...I don't mind too much. My jeans fit...tightly, but they fit. I did put on my 6's the other day. It could be worse. However, 9 pounds? Right at the start to the summer? Nine is uncomfortably close to ten and that is just...not...awesome. Delusionally, I imagined I would get back to my pre-pregnancy weight within a month of Leo's birth. He'll be a month in less than a week, and that is just not happening. For sure.

As if nine months of watching our bodies change and expand isn't enough, we have stretch marks (I have a nice new one right next to my belly button), bleeding, scars, engorged parts, and wet shirts to contend with. Some women even lose some of their hair shortly after childbirth. It doesn't seem fair. The good news is that it all goes away and things go back to normal, which means that quite a few of us choose to do it again...and again. In a few months, I hope that I forgot how all of this went. Chances are, I will, and I'll be asking Adam when he wants to consider #3
(no worries...already decided that it won't be on the table again until Sept. '11).

It does suck a little to deal with the body uncomfortabilities of the postpartum period, but it's all worth it. I know that. Of all of the goings-on of pregnancy, this part is my least favorite. I'm sure it has something to do with the strong, strong desire to be back to normal. My pregnancy went so fast that I really barely remember being pregnant. Weird, isn't it? I feel like I should be back to normal NOW. I know that I just need to remind myself that it won't be like this forever. One day, these kids will be grown and maybe I'll remember waking up with wet t-shirts fondly. In the meantime...sigh...