Parenting
Go Ahead, Gawk at My Expansive Belly by Mia Thompson
Updated: Jan. 11, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 2, 2015
Not long ago, I was out running some errands when I bumped into an old friend from the parenting circuit, someone I hadn’t seen in ages. Catching up was delightful, and let’s face it, chatting with an adult for a few moments is a refreshing break from the usual chaos. During our conversation, I bent down to pick up a toy my child had dropped. When I straightened up, I noticed it happening—the infamous Belly Gawk.
Now, I’m no stranger to this curious gaze. Having given birth to six children, my body has undergone quite the transformation. Let’s just say my metabolism seems to be on an extended vacation, and I’m carrying more weight than I’d like. I’m fully aware of how I appear, and the combination of these factors does not favor me. Yet, nothing quite prepares you for the good long look people give your belly when they think you’re oblivious.
I can’t fault them for their curiosity, though. After all, I do have a big family, and my youngest is just two and a half. They’re likely trying to determine whether my belly is simply a belly or if there’s yet another little one cooking in there. This particular friend is as kind as they come. I adore her. She hadn’t seen me in a while, and with all the changes I’ve been through, I understand her silent inquiry. She’s a “noticer,” and I’ve been guilty of the Sneaky Belly Gawk myself.
But here’s the thing—it stings a bit, doesn’t it? When I catch someone staring, it dawns on me that I do, in fact, resemble a pregnant woman. Instinctively, I try to suck in my stomach, but let’s be real—my abs have thrown in the towel. The familiar wave of embarrassment washes over me, and I feel almost apologetic for not being more clear. It hits me that this is my new reality, and friends will likely continue to wonder if I’m still in the baby-making business.
I have a complicated relationship with my belly. On one hand, it’s large, jiggly, and a challenge to fit into clothes. I can feel the stares at church or when dining out, with people counting my kids and then landing their gaze on my belly, trying to figure out if we’re done expanding our family.
Yet on the flip side, my belly is remarkable. It has endured so much, even being surgically opened while I was awake to bring two beautiful lives into the world. It has nurtured and carried six children. For this, it deserves accolades, honors, and maybe even a few congressional letters. My big, jiggly belly is my badge of honor, a constant reminder that I’ve brought six incredible individuals into this world, and they are growing into thoughtful, kind-hearted people.
So, I take a breath and let my belly out a little. I express gratitude for the role it played in keeping my babies safe and warm. I forgive it for occasionally spilling over my jeans and complicating my shoelaces. And I vow to give it cozy yoga pants for life.
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In summary, the experience of motherhood transforms not just our lives but our bodies as well. It’s essential to embrace and celebrate our unique journeys, even when they come with a little extra belly.
Keyphrase: Expansive belly
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