August 19, 2013

Growing Belly


It's bitter sweet to wake up and no longer have a round and pregnant belly. Growing a baby is such a gradual process, feeling flutters give way to flips and then kicks, watching your body change shape and accumulating new aches and pains with the passing months. Then suddenly there is a perfect baby in your arms and that belly is empty. 

With my first pregnancy, I truly mourned the end of carrying my baby. Of course I was thrilled to hold him and look into his eyes, but he came early and I wasn't prepared for the transition to not being pregnant. 

This time, the journey ended with a month of bed-rest, which gave me a chance to prepare for the shift from pregnant to new mama. I've also done this once before, so it's all been far less shocking. Still, I find myself waiting for kicks and feeling a little sad when I remember they aren't coming. Cuddling my baby girl is so much sweeter than a stretched belly button and relentless heartburn, the pregnancy did have to end. I've never handled change with grace, and I'm grateful to have this beautiful pink baby kicking in bed beside me to help make sense of the now hollow belly. 

Goodbye to being pregnant, and hello to being a mama of two.

15 comments:

  1. So beautiful! I love the progression and the light in each one.

    I know exactly what you mean. And nearly two years later, I still remember how it felt to have a human being growing in there. But yes, it is nice to have the baby! :)

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  2. Beautiful. I can relate -- I've felt this way twice. :)

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  3. This is a beautiful post. I miss not have a baby in my belly too, but you're right. It beats heartburn any day. Hands down. Does this mean your family is complete?

    x

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    1. Thank you Kym, and I'll never say never but I think it's very likely we are done having babies. Ask me again in two years though! ;)

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  4. Such a sweet post, Lilly. I so know what you mean. I still miss being pregnant some days! Love the series of belly images.

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  5. I wasn't a fan of being pregnant, but I did adore having my babies! And what a gorgeous set of photos you have to remember it all by!

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  6. My second daughter was born 18 days ago and i spent the last pregnancy months in bed, without having fun with my two-years-old daughter and in a very hot italian summer.... It's too soon for me to miss my belly and everthing pregnancy related but i'm sure that day will come!

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    1. That sounds so challenging Barbara. I know it was hard for me and I wasn't even a full month on bed-rest. It's amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it. Congratulations on you new baby daughter! Hope you are getting more sleep than I am ;)

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  7. I felt the exact same way with both my pregnancies. I love your progressive pictures, though!

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  8. Love these photos, and the last one with your boy. So precious. :)

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  9. This is such a beautiful collection. Maybe it would help to print these out and hang them up. I loved being pregnant for a certain period, but when it was over I couldn't have been happier. I didn't wear the end of pregnancy as beautifully as you did... but your family of 4 is so sweet. I am so happy for you!

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  10. I understand the bittersweetness of it - that's what makes you want to have another one! ;)

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  11. I high appreciate this post. It’s hard to find the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it! would you mind updating your blog with more information...mpc pregnancy

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