Pregnancy and Weight Gain ...

Warning:  This is going to be a sewious post.  Except I just said "sewious".  Okay for real, from this point on, all seriousness ensues.  I wanted to "chat" about one part of pregnancy that has been hard for me thus far and I feel is only going to get worse.  The weight gain.  Now granted, I'm not doing as much of my part as I could be.  I'm not working out every day, eating only veggies and grilled chicken salads (mainly because both those things still make me want to vom JUST a wittle bit, shoot - we're being serious Kate don't say wittle) and truthfully drinking as much water as I should be.  However, I'm not chowing down on Chick Fil-A, McDonald's and Sonic on a daily basis EITHER.  And thus the pounds are a-packin'.  As they should be.  I'm PREGNANT.  And everyone says "Embrace looking pregnant" and "It's a beautiful time" and "Pregnancy is adorable" which are all true however, telling that to someone who has dealt with weight her whole life (I was heavy during late elementary school and into junior high getting teased to the point of making me consider horrible alternatives in the place of living life) and the mental and emotional toll that takes on a person and the lifetime of work it takes to deal with those issues, isn't something that's easily absorbed.  Don't get me wrong, the belly, I like.  The belly, I LOVE.  I DO think that's adorable.  The fat arms, face, cankles, thalves (calves that not only morph into ankles but morph into thighs as well) and all around balloon-like quality that the rest of my body is taking on I don'tsomuch love.  I love the REASON for it, but I don't love what I see in pictures.  Not to mention the fact that I'm constantly sweating (because it's 100+ degrees daily and I'm carrying around extra weight and puffiness) which always makes a lady feel sexy and dainty.  NOTSOMUCH.  And I'm really just being honest here.  I don't know if anyone else can relate, but it's not easy "watching yourself" gain weight and being okay with it.  It doesn't help when you have friends that weight less at 20 weeks than you did BEFORE you got pregnant.  Now don't worry, heaven knows there is no way I will DIET when I'm pregnant or deprive my baby of ANYTHING while he's growing inside of me, but I can't say that I'm not chomping at the bits to get on a treadmill and start training for another half marathon as soon as my little guy gets here and the doc gives me the go-ahead.  I was thinking about this the other day in the car when one of my favorite songs came on the radio.  If you haven't heard it (and you're a woman) you have to go at least listen to it on iTunes or look the video up on youtube.  It's called "The Real Me" by Natalie Grant.  Natalie Grant had an eating disorder much of her life, so she really sings from a place where I think most of us women can relate.  Feeling inadequate and self conscious of our bodies and uncomfortable in our own skin.  In fact, instead of suggesting you go watch it on youtube, I'll post the video that includes the lyrics here ...

How thankful I am that the Lord sees the real me.  And has entrusted me and my body enough to carry His beautiful creation that he has blessed me and my Mister with, our sweet little boy.  And hopefully this met some of you where you are today.  Remember, HE sees the real you.  LOVE to all of you, my sweet readers!!!