something to share

an Ellie ipod pic in my favorite post run/walk stretching spot (just before Porter was born)

Just before Porter was born, I came across a few of the sweetest and truest blogs written about new babies and new mommas and being grateful for the evidence of motherhood that our bodies carry after our little ones join the world.  I've felt again and again what a gift it was to find these words and to have this reminder over the past few months, so I wanted to share.

            I've been wondering for weeks now why I feel a little bit sad every time someone compliments me and I think the reason is wrapped up in the common comment, "You don't even look like you had a baby!"  I want to respond, "But I have had a baby!"  I carried her in this meadow of a body for nine months.  She stretched me and rested her sweet head against my ribs.  We listened to each other late at night and tried to learn what the world would offer the two of us.  She moved her little legs when I lay still and in the end she came wailing into the world through the same c-section incision her brother did, and it was sacred.  I am not eager to erase the evidence of that for the sake of looking awesome.

(Go read the rest here)

        I will probably never look or feel quite the same again and that's exactly as it should be. I'm not the same. Bearing children has brought me a wealth of insight and experience I wouldn't trade for the skinniest pair of jeans.

(and read all of this article here )