All Belly!
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From the front, not so scary. Just that telltale roundness on either side.
The hand, properly placed, provides better perspective. There is indeed a baby in there.
From the side? Wow. Apologies if this startles you. Truth be told, it startles me. Because that is a big belly. I think this is why people say it: You are all belly! Because that is all they see when they look at me. My belly.
What does this enormous bump mean? It means one thing: Soon.
And this? This is not a Rorschach ink blot. No. There is no room for interpretation here. This is me in a dramatic, leggy pose. Swollen with life. A portrait of curves. One day, one day soon, I will look back at this in disbelief.
One day, one day far into the future, I will show her. I will say it, You were in there, my girl. And she will giggle, I’m sure. Because it’s kind of silly. And very much surreal.
This post? It’s for you guys. But it’s also for me. Because as modest as I am, as insecure as I am about my evolving form, I want some record. Of what I look like now. Of who I am now. Right now.
And a confession? This is not exactly right now. I snapped these pictures a week or two ago. That’s right, I reckon I’m even a bit bigger now.
(Yikes.)
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Now is the time where you tell me (even if it’s not true) that I look good, amazing even. That I am, in fact, all belly! Or you can avoid discussion of how I look and tell me something else. Did you chronicle your changing body during pregnancy? Did you sport a big belly? Does this post make you scared to get pregnant one day? Does it make you nostalgic for pregnancy? (And, no, I am not having twins and if you ask me if I am sure, I will promptly delete your comment 
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I love these pictures and I do think you look awesome. “swollen with life” you are at a beautiful moment in your life. I took pictures of my pregnancies, I felt so whole. I also kept a journal. This is your journal that you are sharing with us-thank you!
Thanks, Ayala. It’s interesting because for my previous two pregnancies, I steered clear of the camera and didn’t write much of anything down. With this one though, likely because it will be my last, I feel compelled to document it somewhat. And I’m glad I have. This post was a bit of a stretch for me and publishing it made me a bit anxious, but I’m really glad I did it…
You do look all belly though that sideways shot looks as though that cannot stay in there much longer. Seeing this post makes me think I didn’t document my pregnancies (the second one especially) oh well. Can I ask a selfish question? How long will you stop blogging when you have this baby?
Oh my goodness, you really are one big beautiful belly! Look at your teeny legs! One of my biggest fears of pregnancy is having it completely distort my body (yes, it’s shallow)…not that I’m anywhere near ready to have one though.
A million congrats & well wishes for the anticipated babe. Not to mention your humor in the situation, “a rorschach inkblot”? Clever!
Great pictures! You look amazing!!! Seriously! All belly! And I am not just saying that! If I didn’t believe it, I wouldn’t say anything.
This is my first baby and I am 20 weeks! I have gained so much so fast, and EVERYTHING is filling out on me. I am not just belly. A little depressing actually. I feel very vain for saying that. Esp since all I have wanted for 2 years is this baby. Oh well, I just wont be one of those women that is all belly! As long as I have a healthy baby, it will all be ok!
But you look amazing! Tell me your secrets!!!
How amazingly resilient a woman’s body is to be able to grow a new being and then to shrink back after. Incredibly wondrous and truly a miracle.
I think all women look great in their various stages of pregnancy. The best part for me was feeling, and witnessing, the kicks within just days before the birth when the belly was fully ripe!
Oh my goodness, you look awesome! I love the belly, it looks so sweet. You don’t look swollen one bit, just preggers. LOVE it. Your arms look really toned – mine seemed to join the weight-gaining party with my belly.
You look great! Definitely all belly. This made me realize that I don’t have a single photo of this pregnancy yet. Must take belly shots ASAP!
Yes, take photos! Even if they are just for you. I have never been a fan of taking photos at all, let alone belly shots, but I am beginning to realize that it is important to have evidence, relics of who we were during these important times.
You look amazing, gorgeous, full of life … I only have a few pictures of my pregnant belly and I cherish them. It feels so impossible to believe now, so I’m glad for the photographic evidence. Can’t wait for her to arrive! xox
These pictures are so beautiful! You are beautiful!
Thanks so much, Amy
These photos are absolutely beautiful—such a witness to the miracle of pregnancy and having children! You look amazing–all belly and totally beautiful!!!
Love it! You look amazing – all belly, all fantastic. It’s funny how our universe is aligned as I posted my first belly pic today too, although I’m only 6 months along. I can’t imagine being where you are right now (even though this isn’t my 1st baby). I’m not sure how I even managed back then. But you make it look so easy, so I’ll take that and run with it. Or rather, waddle…
You are gorgeous! I so wish I had that confidence in my body when I was having kids.
Aww, you definitely look beautiful! Seeing pregnant women gives me baby fever. A friend just had her baby over the weekend and I’m totally living vicariously through her! It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but I’m very excited for that time in my life — you know, down the road.
Sending you good vibes! I’m sure the family can’t wait to meet the little one!
Adorable as ever!
you DO look great–slender legs even under all that belly! i got really big, all belly, like that too with my second (a boy) and the very last shots are crazy. it is good to catalog the miracle unfolding of what our bodies can do.
it does not, however, make me long to do it again soon, tho! i saw a very pregnant mama a few weeks ago and realized how not ready i am to be there again soon. again, yes, just not yet.
to sleeping comfortably again and not feeling 80 years old in the not-too-distant future:)
I’m jealous! No matter how much I exercised, or ate right, I gained weight everywhere. My belly never looked that huge, because the rest of me ballooned out right with it. I see women like you who are all belly, and wish I could have had that, too. Oh well. In the end, I got my healthy babies, and that’s what really matters. But I certainly am not nostalgic to ever do it again!
You’re so tiny, everywhere but the belly, that is!! How did you not gain any weight ANYWHERE else?? haha Lucky you….but yes, you are ALL belly!! Wishing you a healthy, happy baby girl! Yay!
Thanks, Ladan. I have definitely gained in other places, but I appreciate the compliment
Wow Aidan, you really are ALL belly! Otherwise you are tiny! You look amazing!
Aidan, you look great! It’s like all belly– no bloat. When I *eventually* get pregnant I would love to look like that! But since I’m so short, I’ll probably have more of a beached whale look. Lol!
You are so funny. I have zero doubt that you will look fantastic when the time comes
Oh my! That cute little bump that I leaned over to hug you back in November? Well, it has grown a bit!
You look stunning. But more importantly, you sound happy. Perhaps not comfortable (there’s nothing comfortable about it at this point), but you are embracing it and cherishing it in all the right ways. Hugs and kisses to you and all the girls. XOXO
PS – Love the PJ pants!
hot damn, mama.
way to rock it.
i’m pretty short and i was all belly (so no worries to jessica!). the only problem was by the time i was nearing the end of the pregnancy i was so sure i was going to just topple forward due to the uneven distribution. also, it was hell on my back.
and yes–though it terrifies me a little–i am totally feeling nostalgic now.
be well.
Aidan, you are full of life. A gift. I know you cherish this. And you know what? You look awesome. Wishing you plenty of rest and relaxation before the baby comes. xoxo
I am proud of you for doing this. It is amazing to see you like that. To know that there is a precious life inside that you are doing your very best to grow. I shied away from all pictures when I was pregnant. I don’t have cute little legs that make my belly look big. I felt like I was all belly but not in the stunningly beautiful way that you are, dear. I am glad that you are taking a record of this, so that you can giggle with your girl when the time comes. My baby is turning 10 this weekend and doesn’t want to hear the story of that day, but will someday. I have at least one picture that someone snapped of me when I was as big as a house, I do look content and that makes me happy. I wish you a speedy delivery and safe passage for your little girl. Enjoy the day!
Erin
You look phenomenal. Your legs and arms and ass (can I swear on your blog?) are teeny tiny and your belly is adorable. I just got up from the desk to look at my body in a similar pose. All I see is love handles, back fat, and that curse word again — ass, in addition to the super duper large belly
For my first pregnancy, we took pictures in the same pose, same spot, same outfit every few weeks. This time, we take a picture of me whenever we think of it — sometimes on vacation, sometimes outside, sometimes in the apartment, but it’s more like every 2 months, though. It is amazing to see how you grow in 30 something weeks…
I think when we look at ourselves we see something much different than what the world sees. Evidence? I look at you and think you look great! Maybe you should whip up a little blog and post a pic and see what the world sees?
Isn’t it really amazing how we transform though? And how we approach our first pregnancy so much differently than we do our later one(s)?
Soon, my friend. Soon
Wow, you are tiny still even with all the belly! Funny how from the front I never would have guessed it stuck out so far.
Absolutely gorgeous. I love the look of pregnant women and yet have only a handful of pictures of me during my pregnancies.
Despite the physical discomfort, I am sure you will enjoy these last days of pregnancy. The calm before the storm.
You look great! It’s a beautiful belly
No bellies for me, never been pregnant (not my choice), and yes, these late term photos always scare me a bit (omg how come it just doesn’t fall of??? :p ) I do like to think that if I ever were lucky to get pregnant, I’d document it every day.
Ha. Love the comment about how you are confused about how the belly doesn’t just fall off
And makes me smile that you think it lucky to be pregnant… Most men do not seem to think this way!
ADR-
Oh my, these made me laugh. You do indeed look wonderful, and are all belly. You look like Rachel did on Friends, like someone just stuck a pillow under your shirt! I so remember the end of the days, you just can’t believe that your body can stretch and swell like that without permanent consequence.
So soon now!
Gorgeous pictures.
Fabulous, stylish, sexy, beautiful, skinny legs still! Yes, you look MAHVELOUS darling
I too had a HUGE belly w/ my second one, but so were my ass and thighs! But i had b&w photos taken in the last couple weeks of that pregnancy of my bare belly and breasts. I treasure them greatly and marvel at the miracle of life each time I see them–it didn’t matter how big I was. If you haven’t yet, you should get a shot of your daughters’ and hubby’s hands with yours spread around that wonderful belly–just a close up of all the hands resting and cradling the baby yet to come.
Thanks, TJ. And great rec re: the family shot. I giggle thinking about arranging that one. Organizing anything at all is not our family strong suit
I love big pregnant bellies. I was huge when I was pregnant, but I’m short so did not have your nice legs to hold up that big, big belly. My daughter is pregnant with her second now, and like me, she proudly enjoys and marvels at her big belly, wanting a “pregnant” look rather than a “fat” look.
This post of mine has a one-a-day video of pregnancy which I think is very cool: http://singleagainonlinediary.blogspot.com/2011/01/5-cool-videos-showing-changes-dailyself.html
Good luck with the birth!
WOW! You do look amazing, and you really are “all belly.” I would bet you can still get your regular jeans up to your belly. I could not, and people thought I was all belly. Or maybe in my case they were just being polite?
You look amazing! And you really are all belly. I am quite impressed as this disproves my belief that carrying girls makes your hips wider, boys not really.
Thank you! That explains why so many strangers on the street have been pointing to my belly and shouting “boy”!
I am LOVING the belly shots — that is exactly how I carry — all belly. And by the end I am sticking out like a torpedo & can’t be out in public without people commenting. A perfume sales guy in Macy’s once commented, “yo momma” as I passed him in the store. Bad enough if you are 25 & saying that, but he was my dad’s age. eek. I was rendered speechless, which doesn’t happen often!
Well, I’m guessing that no one’s still wondering if you’re pregnant! I do enjoy your sense of humor. What fun to snap pics of your own belly. It’s almost like a separate entity, and in a way, it is.
And you do look all hot momma. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous photos.
I love you. I love these photos. And the startling photo? Yes, actually, it did startle me. Am I suppose to say that? I think I’m suppose to be polite and talk about how tiny your legs are (they are!) and how sexy you look (you do! and that startles me too!) But I actually kinda shook a little because, girl you are PREGNANT with LIFE! You don’t do anything half way huh? With you it’s YES to everything!
You are adorable.
And I wish, how I wish! I could be there when your babe gets to see those pictures and is startled herself. Cause that is gonna be a LOVELY moment. Thank you for giving that to her. It’s a wonderfully nurturing thing to do. And Beautiful.
Stunning. Gorgeous. Definitely all belly.
I miss that, that feeling of being full of life-giving force. Having baby all enclosed, safe.
Wow. You are a stunning pregnant woman, my dear.
Thank you, Denise
Looking forward to our post-baby wine date!
You are so petite! And yes, all belly! What a beautiful figure.
YOU LOOK ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. To echo everyone above, you most certainly are ALL belly. How are you not falling forward?! How many weeks now, exactly? I know you went early with your first two…but it seems as tho you’ll go any day! Love the photos, I need to start documenting more.
Thanks! No falling forward. Yet, at least
I am coming up on 36 weeks, but delivered the girls at 37 and 38 weeks, so we are counting down 
Start taking some pics. Heard from our mutual and beloved J that you look fantastic!
You are all belly! Big belly but just belly! I had the big belly and the big everything else- size 9.5 feet, fake wedding ring that I bought to replace my real one when it didn’t fit – well the fake one stopped fitting, total kankles… you get the idea. I can only hope and pray to carry as well! Love the pics
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Thanks, Jess. Love that this post prompted you to send your pics along. (Which were great, btw). Never knew about the fake wedding ring!
You look amazing!!! Makes me cross my fingers I look as good as you someday when I am expecting! What are your secrets???
Secrets? Ha. Live your life. Eat. Weigh yourself like an obsessed nut. And surrender a bit. Okay, a lot
Thanks for sharing the pics! I love the belly shots — in fact, I love ALL pregnant bellies. Except my own.
You ARE all belly. And beautiful. So excited for you!!!
Seriously, ALL BELLY! How are you able to stand upright?! That sideways picture did shock me a bit, simply because I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone quite THAT pregnant (yes I know pregnant is a binary state, but you know what I mean). I love that you are taking photos and will show them to her in the future. Maybe when she has a bump of her own
Thanks for sharing your journey with us – I know it must be a bit scary to share something so personal, but I hope it’s rewarding too.
OOh. You’re getting close! So exciting. I hope you’re feeling well.
I truly think that you are beautiful. And I am so excited for you. I am excited for the new life that you are carrying and excited to read about yours (and her) journey – the challenges, the happiness, it is all so exciting. And seeing you and your happiness, the anticipation as your body changes – it makes me feel excited to one day get pregnant myself.