Belly Stripes

Dear Elli,

This morning, you came into the bedroom while I was getting dressed.  And you asked, "Mommy, what are those little stripes on your belly?"

So I told you.  They're marks that ladies get while they're pregnant with a baby.  Because our bellies get so big that our skin stretches tight and makes those little stripes. 

And you know what you did?  You looked at me with wonder and awe.  Because everything about being an adult woman fills you with wonder and awe.  And you took a closer look.  And you were amazed.  You clearly loved my stretch marks.  And I agree.  They're cool.

Remember that.  They're totally cool.  Remember that forever.  Especially when you get your own.  A REALLY long time from now. 

Because some ladies don't know how cool those stripes really are.  Not like you and I know.  They think those stripes are ugly.  Or gross.  Or shameful.  But those ladies are wrong.  Because they forgot what those stripes mean.  That they were earned.  And that they are also a privilege. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not always thrilled with them.  And I'm not so proud that I will ever again rock a bikini at the beach.  But I'm OK with them.  I'm at peace.  Because without them, I wouldn't have you.  And you're worth it.  Totally worth it. 

I really hope you read this letter someday.  And I hope you read it after you have my grandchild.  When you are a Mommy yourself.  And when you look in the mirror and nothing looks the way it used to, I hope you remember.  That when you were a little girl, you looked at me.  You saw my stripes.  And you thought I was perfect. 

I love you.

Mom