Wednesday, June 20, 2012

THE Bump @ 17 weeks

The funny thing about pictures is that yes, they're great for capturing memories, but... they also capture reality. So while I love photo documentation, when the pictures are focused on my stomach...well, I'm having a bit of a hard time with it.

Reality is - I'm at the (visually) awkward stage of the pregnancy, or at least I feel that way. The stage where people do double takes...where they break eye contact to glance swiftly down at your belly (stopping along the way to ogle your buxom bosom) thinking you don't notice, the stage where you can see the questions looming in the eye of strangers passing by... Is she...? Maybe she's just....

Yes, I'm pregnant. Yes, I am very aware of that fact. Yes, I'm very happy about it.. BUT all those things don't mean you automatically come to terms with... THE BUMP.

I've always been a "big girl." Tall, athletic, broad-shouldered, big-boned, Amazon-ish even... and I've always been proud of it. I've also had to work really hard at keeping my weight down - post water polo life, at least - and I know for most females, in general, weight maintenance can be an issue. So when the belly starts growing, and people feel like they can talk freely about it ("ohhh, let me see!" "Oh, sure enough, you're definitely showing!"), touch it, stare at it... this big girl is going to have a bit of a complex.

And while I'm doing my best to "get over it," and to embrace the bump and the miracle of baby McD growing inside me, all you people are just going to have to "deal with it," and with me -while I come to terms with MY beautiful baby belly.




9 comments:

Cassie said...

You look gorgeous! A perfect beginning bump :)

Bethany Raelene said...

You are SO gorgeous Sis! And I'm not just saying that because I'm your sister and I have to say it. Honest. I love love love LOVE this picture of you! I'm crying. Again. You are stunning and I am so excited to see that BELLY! And holla for being an amazon! ;-)

Lyle and Jill said...

You are beautiful with your baby bump belly. Love the picture.

chelsea said...

every BODY is different! be proud of that bump! you're gorgeous ;)

Danica said...

Mari you look amazing and always have, and this outfit is really really cute! =)

Amy said...

You look great! You are growing a little life and that is awesome and amazing! It's still okay to keep your personal space personal!

Guests as of 5/3/10 said...

Aww. I love to see baby bump pictures for some reason....it's such an awesome miracle every time so enjoy your beautiful bump! You look so purty:)).
Mckerrow clan

Shana said...

You look wonderful!! Although I totally get what you are talking about, and man do people feel free to let you know what they think of how big etc you are getting!! I was just telling Joe that I am officially at the complete spectacle stage! When I'm at the store I can literally see people trying not to stare and after I pass they then feel free!! (It doesn't help that I usually have three kids in tow! :) I try to just enjoy the big belly because it is the one time that my belly is perfect, and so is yours!! :)

Unknown said...

I feel your pain Mari! It wasn't until I was about 6 or 7 months along that I stopped looking just chubby and started really looking pregnant. I walked around doing the "pregnancy waddle" and rubbing my stomach all the time to make it "obvious". Looking back, it probably just made me look like I had just eaten the Tour of Italy...You look beautiful and healthy!