The Truth Is…
{{Shirt: Madewell (old) // {{Lace Shirt & Jeans: Motherhood Maternity // {{Belt: Target
The Truth Is…
The Truth Is… I did not put Lilly back in my belly. These pictures were taken at 41 weeks – they were the last outfit photos I got while pregnant.
The Truth Is… I’m posting these pictures because I didn’t want this post to be without pictures. I don’t like posts without pictures. I lose focus. I’m ADD.
The Truth Is… I actually kind of cringe looking at them. I was just so huge and so uncomfortable and so swollen. I know it came with the territory, but it’s painful to look at.
The Truth Is… I pray that I’m going to one day like my body again and feel like a human again. Getting pregnant and carrying a human baby to term really takes it’s toll on a female’s body. I know it will all get better with time, but the truth is, it’s tough right now.
The Truth Is… I have stretch marks now. I was SO excited because I literally went the ENTIRE pregnancy without stretch marks. And then BAM. I hit 40 weeks and all of a sudden all of the stretch marks I never got the previous 40 weeks decided to show up. They aren’t HORRIBLE, but they’re there and I hate them.
The Truth Is… getting dressed post-partum has been WAY harder than getting dressed at 41 weeks pregnant. I’m in this weird middle area… like my pre-pregnancy clothes (even most of my tops) aren’t even CLOSE to fitting (and FORGET about my pre-pregnancy pants). And my maternity clothes are falling off of me. I have a few dresses that fit, but they make nursing SUPER difficult. So, yoga pants and nursing tanks have been my uniform for the past three weeks. As a fashion blogger and lover, this makes me sad. I am trying trying trying to get better and get dressed more often, but it’s hard. I’m just being honest.
The Truth Is… I have already lost 35 pounds so far, but I’ve got at least another 35-40 I’d like to lose. I can’t wait till I can start working out again!
The Truth Is… my cupcake obsession has not let up post-partum. And I’m okay with it. Except for the fact that my dog, Audrey, ate one of my cupcakes last night. Not okay, dog.
The Truth Is… I realize my cupcake obsession will need to change if I want to lose that remaining 35-40 pounds.
The Truth Is… I may or may not be showering every other day right now. And dry shampoo is my new best friend. It’s totes fine.
The Truth Is… I feel like this post has felt kind of serious in tone. I feel like I should tell a joke, make a fart noise, or talk about the weather. …Nah.
The Truth Is… I am now obsessed with HGTV. Seriously. Since I’m basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for my kid now, I have to distract myself somehow. And those distractions have come in the form of watching HGTV all day. House Hunters Renovation, Hawaii Life, and You Live in What? are among my favorite shows. I feel like such an old person now.
The Truth Is… I want to know what truths you have to share. Leave them in the comments below…
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The Truth Is… Happy Birthday, GroopDealz! Oh how I want all the things and all the deals. ALL THE THINGS! ALL THE DEALS!
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I also would like to share what I consider was probably the best advice anyone ever gave me about being a new mom. One of my coworkers told me that the moment would come where I’d feel horrible because of the lack of sleep, the constant feedings and diaper changes and feeling down about my body. She told me that when that moment happened to take a deep breath and repeat to myself, “The days are long but the years are short.”
Those first newborn weeks are so so difficult at times but that little quote really put everything into perspective for me. I reminded myself that some day I’d miss those sweet newborn moments and it helped me to really savor the moment. Believe me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they grow. My daughter is almost 2.5 years old now and I just can’t believe how quickly it happened. And I must admit, now that she’s growing so independent each day, I often do miss those sweet newborn moments.
you are so right!! i am already wishing time would stop! she’s growing so fast.
The truth is I just recently found your blog and I LOVED the video of your pregnancy announcement. By far, one of the cutest and most creative videos I’ve seen in a while. Had to share it with all my friends. As for the post partum issues, I feel your “pain.” It’s very frustrating and you really feel like you’ll never get back to the way you were. Just an FYI (I hope you don’t mind my honesty) you may not be able to get back into ALL your pre-pregnancy clothes simply because the body changes. I don’t know what it is. I actually weigh slightly less now than I did pre-pregnancy (it took a while so don’t get discouraged!) & yet some of my clothes still don’t fit. It’s like my body’s structure changed. Slightly bigger boobs (not complaining) & bum and wider hips. It’s just weird. But it’s really not as terrible as it might sound. I like the way most clothing fits me now. Plus I have my 2 year old daughter always cheering for me and telling me, “Mommy you soooo beautiful! Sooo pretty! Soooo fancy!”
That makes EVERYTHING worth it. 🙂
It’s only been 3 weeks. Yoga pants and such are the best. Comfort is key. If you’re able to keep breastfeeding and the pounds will continue to melt off. Don’t even worry about working out til you’re 6-8 weeks post partum minimum. Labor and delivery (whether vag or c) is a huge trauma. Take it easy and enjoy these moments. The newborn phase passes sooo quickly and I regret maybe not enjoying it to the max because I was so worried about the weight.
thank you so much, wanda! this comment seriously made my day. you are so sweet.
OMG, you’ve already lost 35 pounds????? That gives me HOPE!!! Aw my friend, it’s all a process as we know. And I can’t wait to see pictures, I’m sure you look amazing already!
Carly
http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com
thank you so much, carly!! <3
thanks for being truthful with us molly and don’t worry you will loose the weight, of course you know the drill it will came out and when you are feeling frustrated just look at your beautiful daughter the end result of those stretch marks, the uncomfortableness, i know you already know it was ALL worth it
you are so right, meg! thank you so much!
The Truth Is . . . I wish we lived closer miss Molly. It would be nice to be friends again. It’s so nice to see and hear about your updates. Your little girl is beautiful and you guys look like such a happy family. Yay for you Molly Stillman.
i totally wish we lived closer!! i hope you are doing well, girl!
Thank you for your honesty Molly. It’s not easy being a new mom and realizing your body has changed so much. It will get better and you will find your new normal. It just takes time.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
thank you so much, agi!
Congratulations on how far you have already come and I know you are going to crush it!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
thank you so much, kelly!!
I LOVE HGTV! When there’s nothing on TV, there’s always something on HGTV. And I personally think you look beautiful in these photos (and I’m glad you didn’t put Lilly back in your belly, because that would be weird). 🙂
ALWAYS something on HGTV!!! 🙂 thank you so much, niki!!
The truth is… you are beautiful and this is a season. You earned those stretch marks and the bumps and lumps on your body that weren’t there before. The Lord grew a tiny human inside you. He created your and her inmost parts.
I know you know this and I imagine this is a hard season. Yoga pants and nursing camis are a wonderful invention for the “in between”. You are in a season and it may be longer than you prefer.
Hard earned and God-planned beautiful-ness!
you are amazing. thank you so much for always being so encouraging, kristin!
I think it’s amazing that you already lost 35 lbs! You will get there, don’t worry. Thank you for being so honest! 🙂
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
thank you so much, yi-chia!
the truth is the stretch marks will turn into crazy little wrinkle-squiggles. and your stomach will jiggle like santa’s. but after awhile, it becomes kind of hilarious. i have three little stretch marks above where my belly button ring used to be, and now it looks like a dinosaur footprint.
hehe love it. thank you so much, amber!
awe Molly, don’t forget you were growing a beautiful baby, stretch marks are really memory lines 😉
remember that mama’s require special care too, and cupcakes will do the trick 🙂 Remember to stay in those comfortable clothes for as long as you can, everything is a new experience and you’ll figure it out.
thanks for sharing, I’m always entertained and made to smile by your posts 🙂
totally!! thank you so much, justiss!!
Aww I hope things get better for you in the clothing area. But all to bring Lilly into the world. 🙂 At least that aspect is well past worth it. 🙂
thank you so much, dani! totally worth it!!!
Truth is… if you are a Mom, you know exactly what you are going through. I struggled HARD with the 1st couple of months after having our little guy. It seemed like it took forever for me to be able to fit into anything remotely close to normal looking clothes. Once those hips stretched out that was it for a while.
Truth is… I breastfed our little guy too and I did it for 21 months. At 6 months postpartum I was at my pre-pregnancy weight (which was 20lbs overweight for me) and at 11/12 months postpartum I was down that last 20lbs. It’s gonna take time. You might get some help though if you decide to do the Paleo diet. Although I’m not sure it’s approved (don’t know why not) for nursing mothers. Hubby and I’ve been doing it and we love it!
Truth is… that little girl of yours is adorable!! 🙂 Keep up the good work!!
thank you so much, monica!
Thanks for being so honest, Molly! I love that about you. You are doing great to just be taking care of Lilly and I know you are doing so well at that. Your body will take time to recover. You WILL get your body back, and your style back, and your normal life back. It just takes time. Yoga pants and nursing tanks are what these postpartum weeks are for.
The truth is… I am terrified my husband won’t get the job he’s interviewing for on Thursday and my dream of having a family will have to be postponed… I am praying and trusting God (or trying to) that He’s got a plan for us.
thank you so much, laura. i’ll be praying for you and your hubby!!!
I think you look amazing already, and I love that you’re staying positive–you deserve a cupcake every day! Also, I share your HGTV obsession. Only I have no excuse for sitting in front of the TV for eight hours…
aw thank you so much, alyssa! <3
Your body will come back to you. Just give yourself time. You’ve been through so much.
The truth is that my own body is rebelling against me right now and I’m frustrated and impatient with it. But it’s the only one I’ve got.
bisous
Suzanne
totally! thank you so much, suzanne!
That is amazing that you already lost 35 lbs! Be proud of that! And I think cupcakes are totally fine in moderation…it’s important to treat yourself.
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
aw thank you so much, sharon!
The truth is…it gets better! I was nodding reading your list – have been there! Slowly but surely you will feel like your body is yours again!
thank you so much, amy!!
35 lbs down already?! That is such a great accomplishment. I think you deserve a cupcake or two to celebrate. A couple can’t hurt, right?! (At least that’s what I tell myself 😉 )
thank you so much, lauren!!
The truth is… I’ve been watching episodes of Alias while breastfeeding and dream about being Sydney Bristow in between nighttime feeds 😉
hahaha LOVE IT!
You will get there! Just remember, it took time to gain the weight, and it will take time to take it off.
The same thing happened to me with the stretch marks; I went my entire pregnancy without any and then got them the last couple weeks out of no where.
You will one day be okay with your “new” body, stretch marks and all! 🙂
Amy
Mariposa Medley Jewelry
http://www.mariposamedley.com
totally!! and i know that – i just like to be a little impatient 🙂
Oh how I remember those first few weeks/months post-partum and adjusting to my “new” body. Be patient and gentle with yourself…it will get better! {{HUGS}}
thank you so much, mandy!
You’ve already lost 35lbs?! Such an amazing start! You’ll get there before you know it!
thank you so much, crystal!
Ugh, stretch marks! I feel your pain. My boobs looked like a road map when I was nursing. If it’s any consolation, the stretch marks that I got at the very end of my first pregnancy went away. And, oddly enough, after my second I got really horrible purple stretch marks when I was losing the pregnancy weight. Weeeeird. Those went away, too and never used anything on them (like those things work anyway!!)
haha yeah! my boobs TOTALLY look like a road map! LOL!!!
the truth is that i delivered my baby 8 weeks ago. and i am getting ready to return to work. the truth is that i had to go and buy new works clothes (after accumulating them for YEARS!) bc my normal work clothes do no fit! This is my second child, so i was not expecting this reaction, as everything was fine with my first. But I am learning that being comfortable with it and loving myself anyways (and working out!) is all i can really do right now. Hang in there, it is HARD, for sure, but i know you will be great! 🙂
aww i’m right there with you, lindsay. you are awesome, mama!
Thanks for sharing all your “truths”. I am having a hard time coming up with anything that doesn’t sound cliche to share with you. But sometimes cliches need to be shared because they are true. “This too shall pass” – it will! I remembering hating my post-baby body… ok, maybe some days I still do now, but it does get better! “Enjoy this time because you’ll miss it when its over” – this time when its just you and your firstborn is precious. Embrace being a 24/7 diner to your baby. Enjoy those little moments you two get to share that no one else is a part of. You will treasure those memories later. And on the practical side… don’t be afraid to make a trip to Goodwill and buy a few “transitional” outfits to help you have something other than yoga pants to wear (just when you leave the house). 🙂 God bless!
you’re so right… often cliches are the way we can best explain and express what’s going on! they’re common for a reason!
The truth is…I cried when I was 6 weeks post pardom with my son because I couldn’t fit back into my pre pregnancy clothes. The truth is…I was miserable feeling like an all you can eat buffet. My back hurt sitting in a chair all day and I felt like I had no control of my life anymore. The truth is…these boys are totally worth it and I eventually got me back. My time, my body. It’s hard for sure. Enjoy this precious baby phase and know that it will come. Being a mommy is so wroth everything we go through, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Not at all.
you’re so right, maria. it’s SO worth it. every. single. moment!
bahahahha well eventually you will feel like yourself again, if not BETTER!! also, get used to the dry shampoo sister, before yesterday it had been 6 days since i washed my hair because of lack of time……also 35 pounds?!!! holy smokes superwoman, at the this rate you will be back to your pre-pregnancy size before you know it. Hang in there, can’t wait for our date this afternoon!!!
brooke @ what2wear
LOVED seeing you today!
The truth is that I miss the HGTV watching days. The truth is that I miss snuggling my littles. The truth is that the days are long and the years are short. xo Morgan
awww love this. thank you so much, morgan!
… but the point being is that yes it will take time for everything to heal and get back to normal. The stomach pooch wont go away until your uterus contracts back to its original size. Some stretch marks will stay and some will disappear. As long as you eat healthy, exercise when you can, but most importantly love yourself and you new body… it will all fall back into place eventually
The truth is I felt very unattractive the first 3 months after my son was born. I also had a c-section and became scared my stomach would never look the same… so much so, that I would be up all night searching the Internet to get a better idea of what other mothers have experienced after having a c section. I would even wrap my stomach and bought the belly bandit to make myself feel better. I gained 55lbs during my pregnancy and it took me almost 3 years to lose all of the weight.
thank you so much for reading, katie! wow… our stories are so similar!
The Truth Is… I read this post at 12:54AM because I’m up with a horrendous stomach bug. But I wanted to tell you that you’re doing great, mama. You look great!! (I saw your Instagram earlier.) And everything will fall into place. Love and hugs!! xoxo
aww thank you so much, alexandra! so sorry you’re not feeling well 🙁 🙁