One morning last week, I went to wake Remi up while my shirt was tumbling in the dryer (because who has time to iron?). I woke her up wearing my dress pants and a fitted tank. When I get her up, we snuggle in the glider for a few minutes. And she saw my belly under the fitted tank and started sort of pouncing and pressing on a roll of tummy.
She giggled. She did it over and over. It was funny to her.
I cringed. I cringed because I don’t want that tummy roll when I sit down (I don’t want it on my body at all). I cringed because I don’t want her to hate herself like I do some days. I cringed because it wasn’t exactly flattering.
But then I realized, she’s learning from me. I want her to love herself. I’m working on that more and more- having a healthy mindset about myself. I want her to learn acceptance and empowerment come from her mind- not from what anyone else thinks about her.
So I told her that morning all about momma’s tummy. I told her that she used to live in there! She was grown in my tummy and lived there for 9 months. I told her that my tummy is where all my belly laughs come from. I couldn’t laugh without it! I told her that my tummy is where all my yummy food goes- the ice cream and the veggies both. My stomach and other important parts are in my tummy. I told her that I like when I hold her close to my tummy. Feeling her weight when I hold her is so sweet, and I’m glad she is comforted when laying on my tummy.
I asked her where her tummy was and she happily patted her belly. I told her I loved her tummy too!
She won’t remember that conversation, but I do hope she remembers the acceptance and love. I know I will.
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