You're a mom but do you "own" it?

A recent video of parents “rapping” about their household has been circling Facebook. The message is simple: Kids radically change your life and you should own it.

I’m sure I have talked plenty about all the changes kids bring, but the “owning” it part is new. With a two-and-a-half-year-old and a six-week-old, I am finally getting ahold of this concept.

I don’t stay out late anymore. I always have wet wipes in my purse. I have replaced designer duds for those that wash easily. Unfortunately, I spent a good part of my first child’s infancy struggling to maintain part of my old life. And I missed out on enjoying my new one.

There is so much that goes into parenting that it is easy to wish for the simpler life you had before. When there was nothing to worry about but you and your significant other. The hubby and I still reminisce about those days, but we have realized that — although more complicated — our lives are so much fuller now.

Crumbs, endless laundry, and pajama time at 9 p.m. works perfectly for me. Getting dressed up means I have to put make-up on. Nights out are still fun, and as I said last week, much needed. But things have changed from frequent nights on the town to family time at home. My recent adult-only nights out have shown me one thing, the only thing I am missing out on are my kids.

I am a mom of two. And like I used to with my designer jeans, I am going to own it — in style.

Check out the video that inspired this post. Hilarious.

Too Itsy Bitsy?

I am officially in countdown mode with my due date just 9 short weeks away. Being pregnant, as I am sure you remember, increases your awareness of other pregnant women. Yesterday, we took a "quick" trip to Ikea where I noticed dozens of fellow preggies, of all shape and size, wandering around.

There have been other sightings of pregnant women which I have noticed, and that is in the gossip mags. Yes, I read that smut. If you haven't noticed, many of our favorite gossip magazine have begun to capture the "pregnant styles" and watching "baby bumps" of celebrities. Is this a new things that I am becoming aware of, or has it always been this way. I love a cute pregnant lady. One thing I have not enjoyed so much, are all of the pictures of these pregnant celebs rockin' the bathing suits.

Maybe bathing suits are not the right word choice here. I know it gets hot, and yes, pregnant women enjoy to splash around too. Lord knows I will be doing the same as my last weeks of pregnancy will be in some of the hottest months Southern California sees. I'm talking bikinis and thanks to Tori Spelling, the now famous preggie in a monokini. I would expect someone like myself to appreciate these women, for standing up for those of us with swollen tummies and wearing swimsuits that many non-pregnant woman wouldn't go near. But for some reason, I just think it's inappropriate.

I have thought long and hard to my feelings on this matter to try to pin down exactly what bothers me. I think pregnant women are beautiful and being pregnant is something that we should be proud of. However, I have to say that we just seem to look better covered up. While I appreciate the fact the pregnant Kourtney Kardashian and Tori Spelling do us proud by looking fantastic in skimpy swim wear, I wonder if anyone really wants to see their big bellies. Photos of expecting celebs look much more attractive when wearing a one-piece or a cute, short sundress. And hello, you are mothers. Last time I checked, frolicking in a pool or beach with Stella was no activity fit for an itsy-bitsy bikini.

Do I have it all wrong here?

As I pull on my maternity tankini tight over by 31 week swollen tummy and head out to the beach, I think that most will appreciate the fact that I have chosen to keep the tummy under wraps. I guess in the long run, it doesn't really matter. If they look good and are comfortable sporting the skimpy gear, then more power to them. I just feel like I must be missing something by fostering less than positive feelings about the pictures of the pregnant beach babes.

Is there a line that we draw with what pregnant women should wear much like we do with young girls, or maybe women who are carrying a few extra pounds. Does that "She should not be wearing that" thought count here (we all have those, admit it.) At the end of the day, just like everyone else, they have the right to wear whatever they want but honestly, I am wondering if anyone really wants to see it.

Sexy or not?