Keepin' it real

If you need to feel a little better about yourself today, you've come to the right place. Every now and then (or more), I think it's good for all of us that I give you a good dose of reality around here (humility for me, humor for you).

So I'm going to show you my legs in all their roadmap glory.

But first I'm going to remind you of what my legs looked like last pregnancy. Remember these lovelies?

 I gained 9 pounds in one week toward the end of my pregnancy and my doctor was like, "Girl, that just doesn't happen unless you're retaining some crazy amounts of water." And I was like, "Yeah. Tell me about it."

So that was fun.

This time--gratefully--I've had no swelling. Can I get an hallelujah? I'm gaining weight like a regular pregnant person, am able to squat down, wear normal maternity pants, see my ankles and knees, and sit Indian style (excuse me: "criss-cross apple sauce"--whatever). It's divine.

Almost.

This time (bless the precious baby girl inside me) my veins have decided they're tired and have had enough and are going to explode everywhere. I've spent the summer in maxi dresses and workout pants so that the general public doesn't think I've been abused. Don't believe me? Here ya go:

Told you you'd feel better about yourself. (I'm having one of those "Am I actually going to hit 'publish' when I'm done writing this?" moments. Sheesh, those pictures are awful.)

ANYway, I know you have questions so let me address them:

• No, my legs will not always look that way; lot of those spider veins will go away after I have the baby. At least that's what I've been told.
• No, my legs will never look normal again without some serious vein specialist help. 
• Yes, they are painful. But not nearly as uncomfortable as being swollen. Seriously, I'd take this anytime over that again.
• Yes, those really are my legs. Ask Phil. I made him do the photo shoot so I could share my lovely lady legs with all of you. 

So, there you have it. The self-sacrifice starts long before the babe ever enters the world, but it's worth it. And lest you think I'm posting this to gripe and get sympathy, please know that I'm not. I just think it's real and ugly and beautiful and oh-so-much-better than last time and I wanted you to know just how human I am--right down to my insecurities about turning into a Smurf one vein at a time.

And for those who are wanting an updated preggy pic, this one's for you (35 weeks):