For the First Time in Eighteen Years
I'm wearing a bikini.
The last time I wore a bikini, I had only one child. Fast forward eighteen years, I've birthed six children, gained and lost 80 pounds, and I'm back to a bikini. Granted, it's a skirted bikini, so I don't have to shave to Canada, but it's still two pieces. The best part of the entire ensemble is the underwire top - necessary to support the F cups that are no longer where God placed them.
The funny thing is, I didn't think I could wear a two piece; I'd lived in the land of the mom suit for so long. After I'd lost the weight, though, I went shopping one day with my husband, and just couldn't seem to find the right look. Finally, tired of hearing me complain, he grabbed a black two piece and thrust it into my hands. I didn't think it'd fit, and refused to even try it. I still thought of myself as fat.
He was right, and that bikini has seen me through two summers, a trip to Vegas, and hours and hours of laying by the pool with my kids. "Watch this, Mommy! No, wait, that's not it. Watch THIS!"
Wearing a bikini has been a difficult step for me, and an extremely empowering one. If I can get back into a bikini, anyone can. I promise. I'm not perfect, by any means - my tummy is flabby and my legs need sculpting, not to mention my arms. I'm no longer ashamed of myself, and to me, that's worth any amount of belly flab.
This post was written for Parent Bloggers Network as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by BOCA. It was written as part of BOCA’s effort to promote their new “Balanced Living” group. It’s all about eating better and living better, two subjects that are near and dear to my heart.
BEEEEEEEAAAAAAUUUUUUUUTTTTTTIIIFFFFFFFULLLL!!
The suit, the confidence and the pic are all just AWESOME, Carmen.
Posted by: CharmingDriver | June 23, 2008 at 05:22 AM
You look great, girlfriend!!
Posted by: des | June 23, 2008 at 11:35 AM
You look wonderful in your black bikini! You definitely deserve to wear one and show off that great body and achievement.
Posted by: Stacy | June 24, 2008 at 09:47 AM
OMG! How did I miss this? You look terrific! I recently bought a bikini top to wear with my other skirts and shorts. You look better than I do but now I'm rethinking my 'backyard only' policy.
You rock it, Girl!
Posted by: Headless Mom | July 08, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Woo-Hoo! You look fabulous!
Posted by: Brandy | July 09, 2008 at 11:35 PM