My body will never be the same after having a baby. And I’m totally fine with that. It doesn’t mean that I’m fine with not getting in shape or being strong, however. We have to be strong and healthy so we can be there as best as we can for our little ones. Not to mention they watch everything we do, so we need to set a good example.

My stomach may never be as toned, and with the ab separation that still seems to be creating a weird hanging pouch when I do a plank, I can confidently say that it’ll never be the same again.

So let’s celebrate our changing bodies mommas! I wouldn’t have this new body if it weren’t for my baby girl, and I would rather have her a million times over than have a firmer stomach. It almost sounds silly to think about the things that were once so important to us before we became moms. I don’t want acceptance of my “mom bod” to be an excuse for complacency though. Everyday I get to work on gaining my strength back and being an example to my daughter on what good disciplines look like.

So moms, let’s encourage each other to embrace the “mom-strong” body we now have. Whether it looks like stretch marks and loose skin or wider hips that force us to size up in pants, we all have in common the strength that moms share. And for adoptive moms out there facing infertility struggles, this post is not meant to trigger negative emotions about what your body didn’t do for you, but instead celebrate the life that’s in your home and the love that you can shower your littles with because you are also incredibly strong.