A Piece of Me is Missing

WARNING: Bare belly pics ahead! Don't say I didn't warn you!

A part of me is missing and has been since yesterday afternoon. I finally broke down and removed it. What you ask? My belly button ring. (sheds tear)

Why is this such a big deal? I have no idea. But it was so much harder than I thought. I got it pierced in 1998-yes, 11 years ago! I was 18 at the time (almost 19) and it was my "rebellious" thing I did I guess you could say. The funny thing? I remember when I got it thinking "I'll take it out by the time I'm 21-I'll be too old to have one by then." Flash forward 11 years when I'm 30 and I still had it in! Funny how that happens.

A few times over the years, it got infected. Nothing serious, but enough where I was in tears over the thought of having to remove it. It never got that bad thankfully and I always kept it in.

I don't know why I care so much about it-it's not like I show it off or anything-I never bare my stomach-even a bikini is pushing it at times-but it has become a part of me I guess. Over the years you just get used to having it there and being aware of it and feeling it.

When I found out I was pregnant, I knew it may have to come out. I've heard that leaving it in as long as you can helps not stretch the scar out or make it worse than it is. I was hoping I could keep it in until the end. My doctor didn't say much about it in the beginning, but at my appt. 2 weeks ago mentioned it would need to be out "soon". I had an appt yesterday so decided that before I went in, I would take it out.

I haven't seen my belly completely bare in 11 years and it feels weird. All day today when I would rub my stomach or put my hand there to feel the baby, I would notice something was missing. Not that I used to play with the ring or anything, but like I said, you're just aware of it there. And now it's not. So now I'm aware of that. It's a little sad to me-like the title says, a piece of me feels like it's gone. Will I put it back in? I don't know. Are Moms "trashy" if they have one?! I'm anxious to see if the hole closes up at all. I would think it would be like an earring and not close, but who knows. I guess I'll find out eventually.

Oh, and the other thing I'm losing? My belly button-my nice innie I have is slowly turning inside out. Another reason the ring had to come out I think.

So, in honor of losing a piece of me, I decided to take a few pics of my newly bare belly...and hopefully it stays stretch mark free as it is now!