The four of us cozied up in a booth at the pizza joint, our little ones napping peacefully in their infant carriers nearby. We enjoyed sodas and slices when one mom casually asked, “When will my body feel normal again?” We all nodded, each of us secretly hoping for the answer. An experienced mom with a toddler chimed in, “Don’t expect your body to bounce back for at least a year.”
A collective sigh of relief filled the air. “A year sounds reasonable. No rush to shed the weight, just take it easy,” I reassured myself back then. It seems laughable now, as nearly six years and another baby later, my body is still a far cry from “normal.”
Just yesterday, I found myself in the shallow end of the pool, pretending to have a tea party with my son. It’s easy to get distracted by the bodies around me during pool days, leading to self-critical thoughts. “How did she lose her baby weight so quickly?” My mind wandered as I noticed a woman in a black bikini, effortlessly chasing her little one at the water’s edge. My son interrupted my thoughts, handing me a teacup filled with pool water.
The next day, I stepped on the scale, and the number reflected my lifestyle as depicted on my Instagram: vibrant rainbow pancakes, oversized donuts, and picnic spreads of sandwiches paired with craft beer. Yet it didn’t show that I took up running in April, now clocking in over three miles several times a week. My family even embarked on a 12-mile bike ride recently. Just a few weeks ago, when grandma took the kids, my husband and I enjoyed a two-hour stroll hand in hand.
I need to cling to these fitness victories, especially as I face the temptation of letting the scale and my clothing sizes dictate my self-worth this season. Bathing suit season can bring about thoughts of body shapes, skin stretches, and size labels in shorts. However, it doesn’t have to be a time of worry. Summer should be a celebration of our bodies and the strength we possess to run with fellow moms, bike down new trails, stroll with our partners, play tag with our kids, or dive underwater.
When we fixate on the bodies of others, we miss out on precious family moments. We overlook the joy in crafting the perfect sandcastle, savoring imaginary tea parties, or relishing the thrill of our kids riding on our backs as we plunge into the water. Our children will cherish the memories of our playful afternoons, not the size of the swimsuit we wore. They won’t recall our stretch marks but will remember the laughter we shared while making silly faces underwater. If our bodies have changed, it matters little to them; they simply want to experience our love when we hold them close, creating whirlpools in the water.
What truly matters is not how long it takes to return to “normal.” Their perception of “normal” is far more forgiving. My new “normal” embraces both strength and softness. While I may not have shed the baby weight, I’ve gained confidence, joy, and perspective. My kids will hold onto the fun moments we created together this summer, not the weight I haven’t lost.
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Summary
The author reflects on her journey post-pregnancy, discussing the pressures of body image, the joys of motherhood, and the importance of cherishing family memories over societal expectations regarding weight. Embracing a new normal, she highlights personal growth, confidence, and the unforgettable experiences shared with her children.