Monday, October 08, 2007

Pop Goes the Belly

I am e-x-p-l-o-d-i-n-g.

Seriously. I feel as if when I am sitting, the growth of my stomach is on par with one of those accelerated images of a flower growing that we used to have to watch in science class. And, hard to believe since it's only been about 16 months since I had Avery, but I'd forgotten the "gut checks" everyone does. Eying the belly before they even make eye contact with me, to gauge how much I've grown. I suppose this means I'll quickly pass the-fat-chick-at-the-bar stage and go directly to, "Oh dear god when are you due?"

"April."

"Really? But you are so big."

Awkward silence.

"Not to say you don't look great..." followed by a pained look down at my belly.

Please don't misunderstand, I am beyond thrilled that I have a life growing inside of me. I know that I am blessed, that said, there's still an inevitable terror as you realize that your body is once again going to defy the laws of science and extend in ways that are nothing short of jaw dropping.

Notice in this picture the look on my face in the mirror. I just hadn't realized the torpedoesque nature of my profile.

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20 comments:

Kelly O said...

That is a beautiful and HILARIOUS picture. The expression on your face makes it. I can so relate and am glad to be done with the baby-making for a while. (I really mean forever, but saying "never" is just asking for trouble.)

S said...

So glad to see that gorgeous photo again.

Anonymous said...

I am at week 32, the OB today swears I measure 32, but I swear I am bigger.

Colleen @AMadisonMom said...

Love the photo!!! Especially the "OH MY GOD IS THAT REALLY ME" expression. I remember looking just like that in the mirror!

dawn224 said...

Hee hee! (and no stretch marks! lucky girl!)

BetteJo said...

Gorgeous - even in your underpanties!

Lisa Wheeler Milton said...

What a great shot. It makes me wish we'd had a digital camera way back when.

You look beautiful.

painted maypole said...

that is a great shot. I wish I had pictures of my pregnant belly. I have not a one. It was not an easy time, and I am usually the photo taker in my home.

flutter said...

That is so cute, you look so genuinely surprised

Cheryl said...

Terrific belly, by the way.

Christine said...

i think you look beautiful! but i know what you mean about being astounded and a bit scared at what the body does when you're pregnant!

TSintheC said...

That.is.priceless.

Momma Bean said...

Beautiful! I couldn't help but notice the trusted bottle of Tums on the dresser in the background. It made me laugh out loud.

Kelly said...

Oh the belly! So lovely and terrifying and proof positive of how miraculous our bodies are: that we can continue to grow and grow and grow without splitting open (though that's damn near what it feels like, sometimes!).

Janet said...

That is a fantastic shot!

It is surreal, isn' t it? I still can't reconcile belly pictures of me in the last trimester, with me now. I do prefer that "rock hard teeming with life" look to the aftermath, a highway of stretch marks and seemingly irreversible saggy skin.

Girlplustwo said...

whoa. i LOVE that shot.

TheButterfly2 said...

You look beautiful! What a pretty bump! But you're right...that is a big bump for being due in April! Wow. The rest of you is still super tiny though....maybe you're having twins?

Tuesday Girl said...

You look gorgeous. I am due in March and I am disgusted about how big I am!

Amanda said...

Ok, we gotta nip something in the bud here lest you misunderstand, this photo was taken the first week of May 2006, about a week before I had Avery. I am, blessedly not yet this big, though I am sure I will be eventually. I am due in April.

Chaotic Joy said...

You were (and I am sure still are) the most GORGEOUS pregnant woman. And this picture with the mirror. Too cool.