Did I used to look like that?

I know most people swell during their pregnancy- I was lucky enough to never swell in my arms or face. But, my lower half- that's a whole other story.

When I say I was swollen, I mean it. I was the talk of the hospital when the nurses and doctors saw how swollen I was. I was on self-imposed bed rest for the last month+ because it was too painful to walk. I slept on the couch for the last two months, and at the end even that didn't work.

By the time I went to the hospital I had gained 70 pounds- 35 just in the last month!

{Me standing with my legs "together", or as much as was possible}

Ten days after delivery I had lost 60 pounds. Within one more week all my swelling was gone and I lost all 70 pounds, but with it went all of my leg muscles (because I'm pretty sure I didn't have chicken legs before, although it's hard to remember). Note: I do not think people should lose their pregnancy weight this quickly (also note I did not say I had my body back- just my weight). The sudden weight loss has been one of the reasons that I've had a hard recovery, as it has made me extremely weak. Today was the first time I could go up or down the stairs without having to rest afterwards.

{My current look. I may look like I've been in casts for the past few months, but hey, at least I can wear more than just flip flops now}