We went to the pool for the first time this summer on Monday. When Mike suggested that we take the kids to the pool, my first thought was I am still not in the shape that I want to be. The baby weight is gone, but I still have about 15 pounds of "getting pregnant" weight that I want to lose, plus I am just not in shape. (I am also ghastly white and could have used a little self tanner to get me started) But I put on my swimsuit, put on a good attitude and took my kids to the pool. And we had fun. And I did not care that I am a few pounds heavier than I would like. And Hannah will not remember that her Mommy had a few extra pounds (or was reflecting light off of her legs!!) Hannah will remember swimming with her Mommy. I may have issues about how I look, but I will not pass them on to my daughter. I do not want Hannah to obsess about her weight, or feel like she can't participate in something because she isn't in the kind of shape she wants to be. Kids aren't born with those insecurities, we teach them. Right now, those thoughts are not on her radar and I do not want to put them there. I am her strongest role model and I will act accordingly. I will not be the Mom that misses out, doesn't participate or makes herself miserable. While I am getting back in shape and back to a healthier weight I am not going to agonize and teach Hannah self loathing. I am going to show her that her Mommy is happy, active and willing to play and participate.