One of my great pre-mommy fears with pregnancy is stretch marks. I have been dousing myself in vitamin E lotion and collagen rich (supposedly) cocoa butter lotion since just about day one. My doctor even mentioned to me that it was mostly genetic, and since my mom had practically no stretch marks, I would probably be in the clear. He lied.
Last night, while rubbing lotion on my expanding tummy I remarked to Adam how funny it was that I "only have this one mark, right here---how odd!" The mark I was referring to is a deep, half-moon shape just to the left of my belly button. One noticeable mark? I'll take it. And then I noticed Adam...nodding. It was that "ummmm, yes...." face. "Do I have more?" I asked, and all he would say is "You look great! Stop worrying!" Momentarily appeased I resumed my night time routine. but as I exited the bathroom I caught a glimpse of myself in the full-length mirror on the door. A mirror I've been avoiding because I know how big I am thank-you-very-much! The lower part of my stomach, the part I can't see at all without the aid of a mirror is stretch mark city. *Sigh* I know it was probably hopeless to begin with, but I couldn't help feeling sad and kind of unattractive, especially with three months to go! I think the saddest part though is that it hadn't occurred to me that I literally can't see half my belly.
My husband made a valiant effort though, ignoring my requests for truth these last few weeks. After my discovery last night he gave me a squeeze and a kiss for consolation and added, "It was kind of cute that you thought you only had the one spot." So, here's to Adam, who kept my denial going strong, and to my lotions whom continue to be my false security even though the proof is in the purple.
