Swimming

A few weeks ago while I was at the YMCA, a friend of mine suggested that I take a Prenatal aquatics class offered locally for new moms. Since my back has become increasingly more sore, I figured it couldn't hurt to at least inquire about these classes. Afterall, she did share that swimming while pregnant was like heaven on Earth.

I called and the instructor shared that classes are very cheap and then reassured me that the money was well spent as many moms returned during following pregnancies because it was so pleasurable. My next step was to find something to wear while I participated in these classes. I was told specifically not to bring t-shirts and shorts because they were not permitted in the pool.

I proceeded to go up to my bedroom right after I hung up and prove to my cautiously pessimistic husband that I could still fit into my "pre-pregnancy" bathing suit. I don't believe I've ever been more wrong. Hard as it is to believe, I no longer appear as svelte as I did prior to conceiving my beautiful girls. The bathing suit looked absolutely rediculous... the part of it that you could see at least. Most of it was "hiding" in places I don't care to mention. It was decided, I needed to go buy a maternity bathing suit.

So after a few days of getting over the initial shock, I started out in my pursuit of a suit that would suit my growing belly. Long story short, I almost killed a few smarty pants sales ladies that made me either feel like a) It is ludicrous to think a pregnant woman would want to get into a bathing suit -or- b)All pregnant women should be avoided like the plague. I had no luck in any and all retail stores in the area. So I went to the only place left, Motherhood Maternity at the Prime Outlets. These ladies are so wonderful and certainly don't make you feel at all like the crazy person you feel like most of the time. Interestingly enough, this "specialty store" had many 2-piece suits in all sort of styles, made for mommies. Mommies that did not look like me however. I had one brief episode with another "hiding" 2-piece suit and quickly tried on the only one piece they had in stock. This had to be it, it fit but let me tell you, it was NOT hot. One question: Why are designers always trying to put pregnant women in skirts? I honestly believe that the only thing worse than swim suit shopping is swim suit shopping while pregnant with twins. Anyhow...I digress...

Yesterday, I had the most AMAZING experience. I went swimming! It WAS heaven on Earth. It was so amazing to be weightless and be able to move with ease :) I was able to swim and stretch and not feel a thing. That is, however, until I went to get out. I cannot begin to describe the sensation of getting out of the water with an enormous belly that you are not accustomed to. It felt instantly heavy to the point that I contemplated never leaving. I actually thought about calling someone to come and install an indoor pool at our home or figure a way for me to move into the YMCA. I am going tonight to take my first aquatics class. I am so rediculously excited, I can't wait! Swimming has very quickly become my new favorite activity!