Stretch Marks.

One morning last week, I was looking at my belly, which I absolutely adore, and noticed these pink lines.

"Crap. Those are stetch marks."

This is not my first encounter with them though, when I was in high school, Mr. Skinny, who was my boyfriend at the time, got me a job at McDonalds. At first, it was fine, I was still cheering and kept my weight the same (I think). But then I decided my senior year that I didn't want to cheer anymore due to coaching changes, I gained weight once McDonalds food was my meals for probably 5 meals out of the week or so. I'm not sure how much I gained, but I know I gained a good amount, and fast, which resulted in stretch marks on my sides.

I've gotten used to them now, they've never really bothered me, but I've never been that comfortable in my body that I've worn any clothing were they show. My inner thighs have some, too, but who can ever see them? When I was on WW and loosing weight, I did get a little concerned about them, only because I really wanted to wear a bikini at some point and I knew people would see them. I asked other's opinions on the 20's board, but most just said that they didn't let them bother them, and that's the attitude I tried to adopt.

Once I got pregnant, I saw all the worry about stretch marks, but didn't think I would get them because I've gained weight before, and no one in my family got them, and they say that stretch marks are genetic. During winter, I normally put lotion on, but I never really paid much attention to making sure I put enough on my belly every day. It was the last thing on my mind. Well, then I woke up with them. I really think they appeared overnight.

At first, I was really disappointed that I had them. I know what they'll look like in 5+ years since I had them from McDonalds. With our maternity pictures hopefully happening next weekend, I was envisioning this perfect smooth belly for them. I was complaining to my mom, complaining to Mr. Skinny. I even showed them to my brother, who promptly said, "I can't see anything." He's gonna make a good husband someday!

Then I thought about it. Why be disappointed? I'm going to have a daughter, and what would I say to her if she started complaining to me about stretch marks when she's pregnant? Sure I'll sympathize, knowing they won't go away, but I'd tell her to wear them proudly. They're battle scars, a badge of honor to wear and show the world that you grew a human inside of you!

If I ever get to the point where I'm comfortable to wear a bikini, which is a whole other topic in and of itself - should moms wear bikinis - I'll wear my stretch marks with confidence, knowing they they are there for a reason, and show the world that my body can do something incredible.

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Do you have stretch marks?
How do you feel about them?