A head to toe inventory of how lugging around another human being (twice) changed my body.

Hair: I was one of the lucky ones (sarcasm intended) who experienced post partum hair loss.  My hair loss was limited to the periphery of my face and now, almost 8 months later, I'm sporting hairs about 2 inches in length which stick STRAIGHT OUT from my head no matter what I do.  Maybe somebody I'll look like a Breck girl but it ain't happening any time soon.

Eyes:  I woke up one day in the third trimester of my second pregnancy and BOOM! Dark circles.  Since then I've become an expert in concealer.  I could have done without the new knowledge of cream vs powder and the correct dabbing technique to make me look like I don't belong in Night of the Living Dead.

Arms: Evidently those toned arms I sported pre-kids weren't in it for the long haul.  My arms became squishy after having kids and now I have to actually pay attention to all of those arm exercises.

Stomach:  Other than the fact that my stomach was stretched beyond all imaginable girth which caused changes you can imagine for yourself, I used to have a perfectly round belly button.  It was the cutest little 'O'.  Now, that 'O' looks like an eyelid that's been caught in mid-blink and it looks like it's here to stay.

Thighs: Before kids- no cellulite.  After kids - cellulite.  'Nuf said.

But oh, how these children have changes my body in so many other ways as well.

Heart: My heart now walks around outside of my body playing, laughing, singing and smiling.

Eyes: My eyes watch in amazement as these little beings run and roll around my house and I have to pinch myself that they're mine.

Arms: My arms have held, rocked, and carried these children.

Hands: They might not be the hands of a young girl anymore but these hands have brushed away tears, caressed sleeping faces and held hands in the parking lot to keep a little one safe.

My body has been the warm home needed as my babies grew and developed.  It has provided a loving embrace, a lap on which to hear a story, a nose for Eskimo kisses and arms and legs to carry them when they couldn't do it themselves.

Some days I wish for the body I had in my early 20's but with all I've gained, I'll keep my changed body.

Now I'm off to go kiss some sleeping babies...