A couple months ago, a guy I know at church put his hand on his belly, while looking at mine, and asked, “So when’s the big day?”
Knowing what he meant, I innocently responded with “What do you mean?” and let him stumble around until he passed off that he was asking about Denton’s first birthday.
A few weeks ago, someone I haven’t seen in a while queried, “So how are you feeling?”
“Just fine,” I answered. “Why?”
Startled, she replied hurriedly and in a very small voice, “oh. no reason.”
(In case you haven’t noticed, people always ask the pregnant people how they are feeling, and ask regular people how they are doing.)
Yesterday the librarian flat-out asked me when I’m due. And she wasn’t talking about my books.
NEWS FLASH, PEOPLE: I. am. NOT. Pregnant.
As a matter of fact, I weigh only 3 1/2 pounds more than I did when I got pregnant with Aviana, almost 8 years and four babies ago.
As I’m whining about all this, my ever helpful husband reminds me that muscle weighs more than fat.
Pregnant pause. (pun intended)
“Thank you, dear.”
It is true though. I had to order the largest size offered of bridesmaid dresses for my brother’s wedding because of my waist measurement. Unless I consciously suck in my tummy or wear a corset (where could I find a corset, incidentally?) I look about five months pregnant. Discouraging.
I’m going back to the gym–made it three times this week. I’m switching up the workout with crossfit. I’m still not eating (much) sugar and I’m still off soda. I’m drinking lots of water. And I’m trying not to develop a complex about this or get too worked up about it.
So if you see me, please don’t ask me about expecting. Anything.
Thank you, my fragile ego appreciates it.
Oh my word, am I in the same boat as you! I'm in my sis-in-law's wedding Aug. 6 and the dresses are made for early 20-something, never-had-3-kids-skinny, complete with extremely high heels! I am the biggest girl on the "team" and the dress shop had to order an extra size up because my boobs apparently didn't fall in the same category as my poochy tummy…but, hey, that was 3 months ago when I got fitted. Maybe I've lost some weight! 🙂
Oh my word, am I in the same boat as you! I'm in my sis-in-law's wedding Aug. 6 and the dresses are made for early 20-something, never-had-3-kids-skinny, complete with extremely high heels! I am the biggest girl on the "team" and the dress shop had to order an extra size up because my boobs apparently didn't fall in the same category as my poochy tummy…but, hey, that was 3 months ago when I got fitted. Maybe I've lost some weight! 🙂
oh, I'm so sorry! I just started weight watchers this week. I'm only on kiddo #2, but I'm 25 lbs over where I was when I got pregnant with my first.
Uggh…so sorry you had to experience this. I am sure you look great and seriously, who doesn't have a bit of a belly after 4 kids.
If it makes you feel any better, I am 11 weeks pregnant and my mom was absolutely convinced that I was having twins because I am "so huge." (I have only gained 2 lbs.)
Good luck with your workouts!
Geez chick – give yourself a HUGE break..you have had 4 kids in 8yrs. Your waist is longing to find its way home – and it will. I have just switched to crossfit in the last two months. One word: AWESOME. And if you want to work out at home while your gorgeous sprogs hang out with you …. try this website – do not be put off by the insanely beautiful and cut instructress -she is wonderfully down to earth and unassuming…go check out http://www.bodyrocktv.com.
Let me know what you think…if you like I can share my fav home workouts with you. 20minutes of blood, sweat, tears and occasional vomiting. 😉 Sounds great eh?
I guess it's better than being nine months pregnant and people not noticing! And you've got four beautiful babies to show for it!
Teresa
I pray you have much success in your work ahead!
It's hard to accept our new bodies after baby(s). Mine has gone through it a lot, as well. I wrote a post about accepting our new bodies:
http://andreamomm.blogspot.com/2011/06/accepting-our-ladylike-bodies.html
I hope no one is rude enough to say anything to you about this again!
God bless
OMG girl, you are soooo not alone! I'm struggling as well, especially with 2 little girls at home and a hubby who farms full time. It is extremely hard to get a workout in. I'm thinking about joining our local YWCA, which offers childcare. Good luck to you!
I've heard Crossfit is wonderful for getting results. Hard work, but great. And when are people going to learn to NOT assume someone is pregnant?!
Oh, I feel your pain! I remember I once wore a dress that I had made myself before I got pregnant with my first. After having my second, I finally lost enough weight, I could fit into the dress again. I was SOOOO excited. And then I found out that someone saw me in it and asked my boss if I was pregnant again.
I do have another 30 lbs to lose before I get to pre-preg weight. But the reality is, even if I do get back to that, my stomach is never going to go back. I'm always going to have the mommy-pooch…and will thus probably always look five months pregnant. Sigh.
Feel your pain! I've been going to the gym and losing some weight…but the shape of my tummy still insists on looking like 5 months pregnant. and people TRY to comfort me by saying, "but it doesn't like like FAT, it looks like a BABY in there." But after 3 big babies, all via C section, I am beginning to feel like it will just never look the same, no matter what I do. Or what I don't eat.
Aside: I also separated my stomach muscles, which creates this odd buldge….. pretty sure that has something to bo with the "bump" look.
I am sorry, but I had to have a little laugh…just a little. I say this because when I am not pregnant, that is where all the fat goes. To my belly, and it's embarrassing. Now that I am expecting again, I feel much better about it. But I am thinking about how to lose weight after the baby comes. 🙂
Jessica,
I know you wrote this post over a month ago, but it is soooo timely for me. At a funeral a while back, I had somebody come up to me and rub my belly and ask me "When are you due?!!?" I couldn't decide whether to go crawl in a hole or give the person my best right hook (; (The worst part was I had left home thinking how great I was looking!)
I am (slowly) losing weight now, but my belly seems to be staying exactly the same. Glad to know I'm not the only one. As always, your blog rocks!