Day 22 - What my belly looks like

If you're wondering how most of my time is spent - it is like this. Sitting holding little M while he sleeps, nurses or wriggles around.

Oh and I look around at chaos in my house that I currently am not tending to because I am sitting here holding M. I remember when Elba was little was the time I came up with 10 million projects, but then didn't do any of them because I was holding her.

I started my day with a chat with Jacqui (wellness with jacqui) - I love our conversations and think that they are pretty valuable for moms. We used to record some of our discussions - see them on Youtube - and maybe will again in future, but not right now.

We discussed late pregnancy, birth, post-partum, toddler feels and showing up as the parents we want to be, and of course - 2 kids. The discussion was a reminder for me that who we surround ourselves with matters. I've been thinking for a few days I need a mindset shift (I mentioned it in earlier blogs) and I loved that a chat with Jacqui was uplifting, connecting (not pretending all is good, but also not being a victim or complaining) and also - I was inspired to reflect more on the mindset shift I want to make... I haven't quite settled on it yet. When I do - I will share.

But what I know is that I will not wish away this time. I will not dread the days or just aim to make it through them. I do not want to be annoyed at my beautiful children for simply being children or needing me. I will not complain or be in a victim state for a phase of life that - yes, is not easy. But it is literally the most meaningful phase of life for me, my marriage, and my children.

Now given that I know what I will not do - I am going to ponder what I do want to do. What is the wording I want. Maybe like a phrase that I can use to remind myself... hmmm. I will figure it out.

I love the NVC (nonviolent communication) thing - "You can't do a don't".

So, while it is helpful to know what I don't want to do... I need to focus on what I do want.

Lunch

This morning Ian and Elba went to the market to get some broth making supplies (pork feet & other bones). As part of a care package - we were given market vouchers (how lovely?!) - so Ian got me some butter chicken and naan (we typically don't eat take out or spend money on eating out as part of how we choose to live from health and finances perspective. It is rare for us to eat out - we prefer home cooked meals where we sourced the ingredients So, this was a nice "treat").

I ate in the room, because I spent large chunks of the day alone with M. Ian & Elba went out for some fun activities.

I was able to catch up on blogs and also start editing my first PP Youtube video.

And a friend brought over the drink below - which is perfect because we have run out of sweet snacks (no more date balls) and I am craving something chocolate-ty.

For breastfeeding (I learnt this the hard way last time) I need to have constant sweet snacks. That is what I crave. And since I want them to be healthy - I do typically make them. It is on the to do list for tomorrow. For today I am having this lovely chocolate drink.

So grateful for the people in our lives who have done so much for us and given us such life enriching and helpful things in this time!

If you're ever wondering if you should do something for a family who just had a baby or a family who has a sick kid - yes. Do whatever. But just do something. Because it is so appreciated.

Organizing our lives & home

Things are moving slowish in this area, BUT they are moving! See here - a completely clear dry rack! This like never happens.

And see here - a pie dish turned into a fruit bowl, because until now our fruit just stood around on the counter.

The new audible we're listening to is helping us into action! These actions were Ian.

Self care time & what my belly looks like

Do not scroll if seeing real body parts are something that will gross you out.

Here is a photo of Ian doing potty with M and Elba "helping".

Little M fell asleep and Elba said she needed more time to play downstairs before bath. So, Ian stayed downstairs with the babies while I bathed.

A new experience for me - I haven't bathed alone in the room since M was born. I even had time after bath to moisturize - using Simply Pure & Natural Grassfed Grass Finished Tallow with Organic Jojoba. This moisturizer is part of my most pure personal care package for moms and babies.

I like using whipped tallow because it spreads easily but is also so lovely for the skin. I haven't done it much - but time to moisturize my belly that is still shrinking back with stretched skin.

Image of me lying flat ...

Belly is still very wobbly and squishy, with stretched skin. Some new stretch marks? (Interesting because I didn't get any in my first pregnancy. I am not usually prone to stretch marks). And also so many new moles / pigmentation from pregnancy (this did happen last time as well).

The skin definitely needs some attention - hence the moisturizer.

Sharing because we often see beautiful bellies with babies in, but bellies where babies came out look a little different to before. And will go through changes as we recover, rest and then eventually get strong.

In a society that spends a lot of time focused on what we look like I want to share that my belly is a beautiful representation of having grown and birth two kids. How amazing. The new spots, marks, extra squish and new lines - what a privilege to have grown my babies. I don't know what it will look like over time. Last time it went flat again, but the skin remained slightly stretched / loose. Maybe if I moisturize and maybe my increased health efforts this time will show up as my skin being more elastic. We will see.

But ... this precious boy is worth all the changes my body went through and will go through.

Concluding remarks

To conclude day 22 - how wild is Calgary weather?

We are discussing how to make the most of the final few not cold days before the cold comes again (we have had nearly 3 weeks of warmer weather).

And that is Day 22 - thanks for being here. Comments are welcome below.