So I was at an event this weekend – one where I knew just a
handful of people, but tried my very best to be sociable and meet new folks and make small talk. Generally speaking, I find it easy to talk with other
mommies, as there is obvious common ground, experiences to compare, and advice
to be shared.
At this event, my daughter quickly made friends with a three
year old girl, so it seemed appropriate that I talk with the little girl’s mom.
The mommy was very warm, and sweet, and even went so far as to share her
daughter’s snacks with Emmy.
After a bit of talking, the mommy and I started to share
birth stories. She shared that her daughter had been born prematurely, but she
was able to avoid a c-section and birth her baby naturally. I then shared with
her that although I had hoped to birth my children naturally, I ended up having
a c-section both times.
The mommy said she thought I was lucky for avoiding natural
birth, and for some reason said that having a c-section probably helped my
stomach look better than someone who had given birth naturally. I laughed and
told her my stomach was hardly a thing of beauty, especially given the
c-section scar that lives right below my beloved “pooch”.
“Oh, yeah,” she said, “but you can just get that fixed. I
think that’s what everyone is doing these days, you know? Having a few babies
and then just getting the surgery to get it all fixed so you look even better
than your friends who don’t have kids.”
I think I responded by saying, “oh, ” and kind of laughing.
Is that what EVERYONE is doing these days? Popping out a few
babies and then getting cosmetic surgery to erase any evidence that their body
gave birth?
Granted, the crowd at this event was definitely a different
and much wealthier crowd than the one I generally hang with, and this mommy's idea of "everyone," is probably very different from mine. It was a crowd of
beautiful mamas with designer clothes and super-expensive bags and even pricier
shoes. It was a crowd of families that have gigantic homes or beautiful New York City apartments and nannies and lots
of all the best things in life. And maybe it was also a crowd of folks who REALLY
don’t want to look like they’ve ever given birth.
I am not here to cast stones, or to judge the affluent crowd.
Everyone I met seemed very kind and very smart, and I think they work really hard
to support their lifestyles. I am totally envious of their beautiful wardrobes,
their homes, and their cars. But I tell you, I am NOT envious of the pressure
that comes with the sense of needing to keep up with what “everyone is doing.”
When I got home from the event, and took a shower that
evening, I looked in the mirror, and saw the smiley face scar situated below my
belly. I won’t lie and tell you I think my belly is beautiful. It’s NOT
beautiful. But it is a daily reminder of the two most important moments in my
life. I am so proud of what this body has been through, and I can certainly live
with my “battle wounds.”
Emmy points to my “boo boo” all the time and asks if it is getting
better. I always tell her it’s ok, my “mommy smile” doesn’t hurt me, but it
will probably really never go away completely.
And honestly, I really hope it won’t.
Such a beautiful piece. I love this - it's so very you in my head, my darling.
ReplyDeleteI had a silly thought about it when I was reading it though, let's tattoo some dots on your belly for eyes for the smile ;) One for each of your munchkins!
thank you, love. can we make it temporary tatoos? if so, i'm all in. :)
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