What do you see?

Hey you with youth on your side, with your flawless figure and your beautiful smile. What do you see when you look at me. Cos I see the looks you give, the pitying smile. The face that says"wow I will never let myself go like that"

You see arms that wobble too much and need to be covered with sleeves. I see two arms that have cradled my newborns. Arms that have hugged a child as he has cried when sick or hurt or just to show love. Arms that have held a friend as her heart was breaking. Arms that held a student tight when they were being neglected and abused. These arms are ok.

You see legs that are stumpy and dont look good in shorts. I see two strong legs that have paced the hallway many a night carrying a crying baby. I see two legs that run to chase a runaway toddler. I see two legs that jump and skip and play with a 4 year old. I see legs that hold children close on their lap. These legs are fine.

You see a stomach that is not flat. It has silvery lines and it wobbles. I see the place where my babies grew. This stomach that swelled to epic proportions as life was formed. I was so so proud of this stomach. This stomach made life! That is the most wondrous thing on earth. This stomach is ok.

You see breasts that are not longer perky, and could never go without a bra. But I see breasts that nourish and feed my baby. My breasts keep him alive. Amazing! He doesnt care what they look like, but gee do they do an awesome job. Almost like a superpower really. The girls are alright ; )

You look at my face and you see the fine lines. The beginnings of wrinkles and the tired eyes. I see lines from a face that has laughed til it cried over funny things people have said and done. Lines that have formed from smiling with such complete joy at the faces of children I never dreamed i would have. I see lines from a face that has cried many tears through loss and hurt and heartbreak. A face that is watching a friend losing her battle with cancer. A face that lost a much wanted child. A face that sat day after day after day beside a humidicrib praying her baby would survive. Each line has been earnt, each line tells a story. Each line says "this woman has lived!"

You look at me with pity, but I am ok. I embrace this body becaue it is mine.It is strong when it needs to be, soft when it needs to be. It tells the story of my life. I have lived and experienced and I would change none of it. Would give none of it back for the body of youth that you have. I am ok. At least for today

Parenting is not a competitive sport

What is it about parenthood that brings out the ultra-competitveness of some people? I dont get it. For some it starts even before their little one makes that grand entrance into the world.

Competitive parent pre-birth

Man I am over this morning sickness, I am 14 weeks it should be easing soon!

14 weeks? Thats nothing I had morning sickness til my baby turned one!

Competitive parent on birth

Wow that labour was really long and tough. was about 34 hours and really intense.

Only 34 hours? I was in labour for 3 years with my baby and then they needed an industrial sized crane to pull him out.

Yeah I had a thrid degree tear, 28 stitches was pretty painful. '

Is that all? I had a 6th degree tear and even needed stitches to my nostrils the tear was that bad. Worst the doctor had ever seen!

Competitive parent on nutrition

We try to limit the amount of sugar our children eat, but realise a treat every now and then wont hurt.

WHAT!!! You actually give them food! We decided thats its safer to eat nothing these days , we even discourage them from inhaling in too much air

Competitive parent on milestones

Littlee Maggie said her first word the other day, so proud of her

Isnt she like 1already? I would be getting her tested if I were you My little Molly stepped out of my vagina reciting shakespeares sonnets

Yay first steps, still a bit shaky but we are on our way.

Well My Bertrand is training for his frst marathon. We thought what better present for his 6 month half birthday than to compete in the bridge to brisbane



Ok, so maybe I am exaggerating...a little, but for some people, every coment you make seems to turn them into a competitive machine. they are always sicker, tireder, better, richer, cleverer , prettier, thinner than you and of course their children are so far beyond yours that you may as well not even bother opening your mouth. I refuse to buy into it. Kids are all so different and will do things when they are ready, not when competive parent decieds they should be ready. I reckon kids should just be allowed to be kids- their beautiful, funny clever little selves who will do things when they are ready. And we love them more than anything in the world- unles syou are a competitiove parent and then you clearly love your child just that bit more than everyone else ; )