Today, I Rocked a Swimsuit

home insemination Kit

Would anyone notice the stretch marks winding their way across my thighs? Those white lines that tell the story of my body’s ups and downs, the transformation from a high school athlete to someone who now hits the gym a couple of times a month? And what about the cellulite that hangs out between my legs, just waiting to peek out from beneath my swimsuit?

Would they spot my less-than-perfect tummy? I’ve got some definition up top, but let’s not forget the C-section scar and muscle repair that come with it. Would they judge the not-quite-flabby, yet not-so-toned body of a mom who brought new life into the world through surgery?

And then there’s my skin—sunburned and barely tanned, a patchwork of freckles in places that haven’t seen sunlight for ages. Would my friends leave comments about needing more sunscreen?

How about my tattoos? Seven in total, etched on my ribs and back. Would some people see them as a sign of poor judgment, questioning my parenting skills?

Would they recognize the self-doubt that sometimes creeps in when I glance in the mirror? The mom of two who used to crush six-minute miles and didn’t break a sweat doing crunches? Or would they see the fierce mama bear ready to protect her cubs? Would they notice a confident woman who embraces every bit of her body—tattoos, stretch marks, and all?

Today, I wore a bikini to the beach and shared a picture on social media. No one pointed out the stretch marks, cellulite, or tattoos. Instead, they noticed the bright smiles on my kids’ faces and the pure joy radiating from our family photos. That’s what truly matters. I am so proud of the family I’ve built and, even more, of my body. It’s the vessel that nurtured those smiles. This body has endured nearly three decades of sports, scars, and sleepless nights. I may not be a tiger, but I’ve certainly earned every stripe and stretch mark. There’s nothing more beautiful than that.

If you’re interested in more on this topic, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com. Also, if you’re looking to boost fertility, Make a Mom has some great supplements. For more about pregnancy, this resource from WHO is excellent.

In summary, embracing our bodies and celebrating our journeys is what truly matters. Let’s focus on joy, love, and the beauty of family!