Dear Postpartum Belly

It’s not that I hadn’t heard of you,

but you weren’t on my radar

during your formation

nor even the first few months

following your debut.

It wasn’t until that diaper change

where I spotted the missing pacifier

and began making my way over—

on hands and knees—to fetch it

that we had our official introduction.

You see, one look at you

in that full-length mirror

caused me to freeze;

yet there you were,

an upside down jello mold

gyrating about to a silent tune,

completely unaware of my discovery

for what seemed like hours

until your slowing jiggle

finally

became

still.

Your performance did not yield applause,

but before I could even form a tear,

two chubby legs entered the reflection,

stealing the show from behind you.

As time passes,

you’re not as noticeable

(especially now that the high-waist look is in).

But, according to our now two babies,

you still make the best pillow.