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This post is brought to you by CJ Affiliate’s VIP Content Service. Thank you Aerie by American Eagle Outfitters for sponsoring today’s post! While this was a sponsored opportunity by Aerie, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.
(Photos by Alicia Ann Photographers)
I’m sitting at the computer trying to type this post out and all I can think about is the day I had. And how much I wish it was as relaxing as these photos look. Instead, I spent my day arguing with my 3 year old over what toys his little sister can play with, praying the baby would take a nap that lasted longer than 10 minutes (she did, thankfully), attempting to get work done and not succeeding, missing my workout, and failing to start dinner on time for the second of most likely 7 times this week (literally a daily occurrence). This is my life. This is the real stuff. This is what’s going on behind the social media photos.
Becoming a mother of two completely rocked my world. I want to tell you that I’ve handled it with grace, but that wouldn’t be true. I’ve been struggling to accept my new normal even 9 months in. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my quiet time (it’s super rare), the ability to come and go as I please, my super fit body, my daily gym routine, and a restful night’s sleep. I can’t tell you the last time I had any of that. But in the same token, I have a hard time envisioning my old life. I forget what it’s like to be bored. I forget how it feels to not be thinking about these two beautiful tiny humans I created every waking moment of the day (only one of who wanted in on the photo taking). So while I have many days where I’m utterly exhausted and worn out, I know I wouldn’t trade that for my old life in a second.
One thing I really struggled with was accepting my postpartum body. I recently caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and stopped for a minute. I’m usually in too much of a rush to stare at myself in the mirror, and I’m throwing on whatever t-shirt and pair of shorts were thrown on the floor yesterday. That’s mom life right there. But on this particular day I stopped and noticed things sagged a little more in certain places and I had definitely lost the muscle tone I worked so hard for in my arms.
“Oh my god, I have work to do.” I said to my husband.
“What are you talking about? You look fantastic.” He responded.
“You have to say that, you’re my husband.”
“Um, no I don’t. You look more beautiful now than you ever have. I mean it.”
I didn’t understand what my husband saw, but I loved that he didn’t view my new “flaws” as flaws. I’m not sure who actually discounts them as flaws, anyway. Why is it that anything that isn’t toned with 6-pack abs is considered flawed? I’m healthy and in decent shape. I eat well. I exercise when I can, which I’ll admit is not as often as I’d like for my sanity. But ultimately this mom bod is probably going to stay a mom bod, and I have to be okay with that. The truth is, I’m not a model and I don’t have the time to contour and highlight every part of my body to make myself look photoshopped. Even if I did, my kids would wipe it off. It’s also the furthest thing from being “natural.”
Why is society STILL putting pressure on everyone to look perfect? I don’t want my children to grow up in a world that pushes this.
That’s why I’m in love with Aerie and their message to women out there. I’ve worn this brand for quite some time (their bralettes are LIFE), but I recently learned about their #AerieReal movement which made me want to support them even more. Their images are of REAL women. No photoshopping. Because real beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, am I right?
Aerie Harem Pant // Aerie Pullover Sweater // Aerie Halter Boho Bralette // Aerie Dormify Ombre Knit Throw
I encourage you to embrace your beauty today. I want you to look in the mirror and compliment one thing about yourself. Maybe you’re having an amazing hair day. Maybe you love your dimples. Or maybe you think your butt looks awesome! We need to rid ourselves of our negative thinking and focus on the good.
Thank you, Aerie, for empowering women everywhere to be REAL.
(Also, right now all bras and bralettes are $22 at Aerie.com! Valid from August 18th-31st, excluding clearance!)
Lauren, I loved this post!!! You are beautiful and such an amazing mom. Truly an inspiration! xoxo
I’m so glad you posted this. I remember when you posted on Instagram a couple of years ago (after having Landon) a picture of yourself in a sports bra with a caption saying something like: “It’s a lie that your body won’t be the same after having a baby” and then you affirmed in the comments how your body looked so much better after having your son, etc. Some women commented that it was hard for them, someone called herself lazy because she wasn’t there in her ideal body yet. I remember reading this while nursing my 6 month old son, and feeling horrible about myself. I had lost almost all pregnancy weight (probably had a couple of pounds to go), but my body wasn’t the same. I had to work on toning, my breast weren’t great and my abs needed work. I was happy because I thought i looked great, but your post made me feel terrible. I mean, it wasn’t your fault, you didn’t know any better; but I felt it was inconsiderate to so many new mom followers you had.Also, the caption was a little single minded and harsh. I almost unfollowed you but decided to stay. Fast forward two years and I’m truly happy you matured as a women and blogger. I’m happy you are considerate to the women that follow you. I’m happy you are not that person that claims (or care) about having your pre-preggo body back shortly after baby is so important. I’m glad you started to inspire women by not showing your body, but your heart.
I LOVVVVVE this. You’re gorgeous.
I can’t tell you how excited I was to see you partnering with Aerie! I have worked for Aerie for five years. I was so glad that they launched their Aerie Real campaign a few years back. I could not be more proud to work for a company that spreads body positivity to women, especially now that I have a daughter of my own. Not to mention their price points are hard to beat. Thank you for sharing your struggles as a mom. I have definitely been feeling much of those same emotions lately. Figuring out how to balance everything has been such a struggle. I’m not sure there is an answer for it, but somehow you figure it out.
Xoxoxox
Thank you for this post. I found you through twitter and I’m loving your blog. I am a mom of 3 kids ages 7 and under. I miss my gym days too and the past few weeks have been struggling to accept my mom bod. I actually love working out but find that time elusive these days. It’s always encouraging to hear other moms that are in the same place.
I love this so much! It really is totally frustrating that anything that’s not chiseled and skinny is imperfect! Our mom bods are things to celebrate!
Thank you for this.