I've always been very self aware and self conscious about my body and my size, especially during pregnancy. I use to be completely embarrassed by the way that I look and by the ways that pregnancy and birthing a child have changed my body. I allowed people to say hurtful and hateful things to me, people whose words meant the most to me. I let those words and opinions dig into my shell and find their way into my softest and most vulnerable places, until they eventually started to break me down. I've been trying my best to toughen up my armor. It's been really hard but I won't stop trying to see the beauty in myself. I shouldn't have to defend myself against hurtful words, opinions or people.... Unfortunately people suck, so I do. I've been making myself take weekly bump pictures (something I despise doing) so that I can see from an outside perspective how my body is changing. I can honestly say that I am glad that I have been doing this. My body is far from perfect. It's flawed in many ways. My boobs are saggy and have stretch marks, my stomach is covered in stretchmarks, my butt is full of cellulite, my thighs are flabby and huge, and I've got plenty of hips.... But you know what, I'm beginning to think that it's okay. My body is also powerful, beautiful and nurturing. It's helped me carry, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glow.android.nurture">nurture</a>, and birth two beautiful children! As I watch and feel the changes with this pregnancy, I can't help but to feel pretty proud of myself and mighty thankful. Sure I'll have more stretch marks, my tummy will be bigger and my boobs might burst, but I am growing a tiny human inside of me. In a little over 17 weeks me and my imperfect body will experience the most amazing thing and that's giving birth to this perfect tiny person!

To all of you momma's and future mommas, be proud of your body and yourself. Own it! You're a strong and beautiful woman! You are awesome! Every time you look in that mirror and feel down about yourself, or let the haters get to you, look right back at your reflection and remind yourself of how wonderful you are! Remind yourself of the awesome and amazing changes that your body has gone through or is going through in order to bring a life, a perfectly, sweet, tiny, little person into this world. Rather you did/do it naturally, medicated, or C-section, you ma'am are a rockstar!!!!