What are your best qualities?
I think that I am really hard working. I went to work when I was 15 years old, and I’ve always been a go-getter. Even if it was in a class. I was never good at school, but if I was getting a C- I always made sure to pass in order to get to the next step. I’ve always been able to make something happen for myself. When I was 19, I moved in with my boyfriend and my parents were so mad at me and they cut me off with money. I was like, “I am going to prove them wrong and make this work!” And I think now, they have a lot of respect for me because I never asked for help, I just made it work. I’ve just always been able to make things happen for myself.
Do you have any undesirable qualities?
I am pretty stubborn. I feel like when I am in an argument, even halfway through and I realize I am wrong, I won’t want to admit that the other person is right. Especially as a mother, growing up you think your parent is always right, but now that I am a mom I realize they are just people. They are not right! We are all people and just because you’re somebody’s parent doesn’t mean you know what your doing. I hope that when Vera is older and I realize she is right, I can just tell her, “You know what, you’re right! Moms don’t know everything!
What do you love the most about your body?
Before my pregnancy, my breasts. Now, I am just learning to adjust to them changing so much. Like, inflating and deflating, you kinda just have to look in the mirror and laugh!
What about your body are you working on loving more?
My least favorite part of my body has always been my love handles. I remember in middle school, when I'd wear jeans, I would have a muffin top. Now, I just embrace them and wear clothes that are flattering.
When did you first start noticing your stretch marks?
I remember I first starting seeing my stretch marks going from 7th to 8th grade. Thats when my body really starting change. I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted and then I remember not being able to fit into my size 12 jeans! I got stretch marks on my hips, and my inner and outer thighs. I remember being really upset about it and crying. It was hard. And then my body just kind of worked itself through it. You just grow into your body and you have to let yourself grow into your body. Sometimes we’re not ready for those growth spurts to happen. No middle schooler should be on a diet. I am glad that my mom never made a big fuss about it.
Did you have an insecurity that went away or grew from being pregnant?
Going into being pregnant, I feel like I was at my best body I'd ever been at. So, I think just trying to accept the change that was gonna happen. Knowing I was going to have to work really hard to get back to where I was. I feel like before, I was really confident with where I was. Now, I am just trying not to be insecure about what my body is going through. I'm trying to look in the mirror and say, "Wow, you just made a baby. You need to give yourself a break!"