Children are almost too honest. As are swimsuits apparently.

Tuesday night my husband surprised us all with an early end to his school and work day! We had an enjoyable light dinner and then decided to squeeze (at least I had to) into our swimsuits and head over to the pool. In my deepest of hopes, I prayed that no one would be there to witness my incredibly embarrassing array of love handles and porcelain, cellulite filled columns I call legs. To my relief there was a lovely grandmother there with her three adorable grandchildren. The two girls were probably 7 and 10 years old, while her grandson was around 5. My thoughts were, "Oh, thank heavens. This family won't even notice me here."

How wrong I was.

As my husband and 2-year-old son jumped, splashed and played happily, I sat contently on the side with my 3-month-old slowly dipping his toes in the water, when I heard one girl whisper all too loudly, "Her with the baby!" I looked up expecting someone to comment on my adorably chubby baby boy, but the hand gestures along with the repetitive use of the word "fat" made me realize they were talking about the not-so-adorably chubby me. Ouch. Her grandma reprimanded her and they grabbed there bags and soon left.

If a child can openly and honestly notice my problem, then it's apparent that I need to admit to myself that I have the problem. No more excuses. No more saying, "I just had a baby," "I'm breastfeeding," or "I've been on vacation." I need to do it today! And tomorrow! And every day after that! That is how the change occurs and how it stays. It's how I find the energy, and the physical ability, to keep up with my happy boys. And it's going to happen today.

Many thanks to my sister-in-law Bethany for her inspiring words and willingness to help me along this journey. And when we do see one another again I know that we can both say, "You look FABULOUS!" This is only the beginning of a wonderful journey.