Monday, May 16, 2011

Living Vicariously Through Photos

On my Private Surrogate Group on Facebook we share pictures of bellies, Intended Parents and surro babies. I love seeing all their photos and of course love to share my own. I especially have a place in my heart for big ol' belly pictures. I think it's because I love being pregnant and I love having a big belly full of babies! Hell- some of the times I've felt the sexiest was when I was pregnant. I really do miss it. A lot of women say they want to get back to their pre-baby body, sure, I do too . . . but you know what I'd like even more than that? A Pregnant Belly! When I see the pictures and read the posts about those that are currently preggo, I get a little jealous.

I think I've said this before but one of the reasons I enjoy being a Surrogate is that I get to be pregnant, have the big belly for a few months and NOT have to raise another child. I totally enjoy being pregnant. I have cherished the 5 times I had "the belly" and even though now I have a flabby, stretchy, C-section apron tummy, I wouldn't change anything. Which brings me to the next Surrogate sharing phenomenon- "getting stitched back together." I have a few friends, some of which were Surrogates, who have visited "Dr. Lookin' Good". I have seen the before and after pictures of the abdominalplasties, Boob Lifts, Boob jobs and I'll admit it- I'm jealous.

So- I'm at a kind of cross-roads. With insurance issues (supposedly) behind me, do I go for one last journey? One final affair with the belly? Make sure I do all the things I forgot to do the last two surro-journeys? Henna on the Belly? Belly Cast? Monthly Belly Art with the kids? OR do I retire from being a Surrogate and make the much needed Tummy Tuck/Boob Lift appointment with the plastic surgeon? OR do I have the best of both world's? Do one last hurrah and then go under the knife . . . right in time for my 20th high school reunion and a few years shy of my 40th birthday? My thirties were for babies and my forties and beyond will be for me. Like Angel said, "Today for you. Tomorrow for me!"

So which is it?

Start the process of dieting, exercising and the much needed Tummy Tuck to regain (or the closest I can come) my College Spring Break body?
Photobucket

Or bring a loving couple a child and a big belly for me?
Photobucket

Decisions, Decisions. I guess I need to really think about it all . . . but you know what they say . . . the third time is a charm.

17 comments:

Andrea said...

omg I thought I was going to see the pictures that we posted today!!!

Kelly, I think your heart has already made up its mind as far as whats next for you. <3

Dalia said...

I'm only on my 2nd surrogacy journey right now but I completely understand what you're feeling. I've told myself I'll do up to 3 journeys and the whole age thing is HUGE factor on whether I'll do that 3rd or...reclaim my body and just be a hot mama ;-P We shall see...

PS: LOVE your blog, thanks for sharing with us :-)

Anonymous said...

I say who cares about the belly! Plastic surgery is completely out of the question for me, EVER. I wouldn't do it, and I could never afford it anyway. I definitely agree on feeling sexy when I was pregnant, and share the twinges of jealousy over women who have gained back that tight flat belly, no matter how they got it. I am so much looking forward to that huge belly again as my surrogacy journey moves forward!

Bethany said...

There should be a poll! Haha!

I am probably biased but I say another journey! Do either of your IP's want sibling projects? Or would you find new IP's? Either way I think another journey is in your future! ;)

Anonymous said...

Better to have the tummy tuck younger than older. I did it in my late 50's and have had issues ever since. Love the look but the scarring and other complications were not good.Younger skin is better skin. Do what you feel in your heart.

momof4 said...

I love our group and I love both belly photos:)

Mickey Blumental said...

It's really your choice, but no matter what, you've provided several people with living miracles and you already look gorgeous (and no reason why not make yourself even more gorgeous).

Anonymous said...

I LOVE YOUR BLOG! I have enjoyed catching up on your story and for someone who is on the other side of the surrogacy coin it has been amazingly insightful! YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN and would totally nominate you for WORLD'S BEST SURRO MOM if ours didn't already have it on lock! LOL

Heidi said...

Only you can decide. Just for the record you are one hot mamma belly or not!

Ashley said...

I think your heart really wants to do a 3rd journey. If it doesn't work out due to insurance issues, you will always know that you went out with a fight. If you don't try, then you may be questioning your decision forever. My idea for myself, if I ever decide to be a surrogate again, is to be a surrogate for a plastic surgeon!! LOL!! Exchange a baby/babies for a little nip and tuck! Best idea yet!!! So kidding =)

Good luck on the decision making. BTW, I miss you and all the surro girls... it's so hard keeping up and in contact without FB =(

Ashley

Sandy said...

I see a 3rd journey in the near future but ultimately the decision is up to you. Good luck in what ever you choose.

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Susan said...

Who are you trying to kid. You know and we know that you will do another journey. Any true surrogate given the opportunity to carry will do so if they find the right couple/person. :)

Michael said...

I say one more time and I'll spring for the tummy tuck! I am just learning about you and think it's awesome what you and other surrogates are doing! My partner and I are in the process of exploring our options and could use all the helpful information out there.

Kelly Enders-Tharp said...

A published comment is like a contract, right
Michael? :) hehe

Queen of the Nerds said...

I have been reading your blog for a long time and I can't imagine you retiring yet!!! I think there is a couple out there that needs someone like you. Do it once more and then go for the tummy tuck!Being a surrogate is something that I have wanted to do for a long time. Reading your blog has helped me make an informed decision about surrogacy. Thanks Kelly!

ashlee said...

I think you should do it!!! If your going to give a gift to someone you should give a gift to someone else and that calls for a tummy tuck !