Image isn't everything... is it?

So I will have to be honest... I am really not enjoying pregnancy as much as I thought I would the second go around. I mean don't get me wrong I am treasuring every moment I just am really down about my body image in general.

Last time even though I gained a whopping 55lbs ( yes that's right and I managed to lose it all too ) I didn't really seem to care, I just didn't really care for the way I felt, or the heartburn I had. This time it is totally different. I feel like my body has just given up or at least decided to turn against me.

My face looks like I am going through puberty, stretch marks, random hair, ummm where did that cellulite come from... new found oiliness, heartburn, hip problems and where is that pregnancy glow that all these people talk about it. I have been pregnant two times now and still have not had it!!!!!

I just wonder since women ( in general in my opinion ) sacrifice soo much of their time, efforts, body why is it that we cant get just a little help along the way. I mean in reality once this little man gets here I am really not going to care what I look like when I glance in the mirror because I will be totally focused and in love with him ( not to mention I wont have a moment to do so anyhow) but I just wish I could get up one morning with out a new pimple or something that needs to be plucked ( TMI).

Let's face it- we women have it way rougher than men. I mean we cant even go to the supermarket and checkout with all of our produce and goods in tow without seeing some airbrushed model/actress on the cover a magazine looking like a million bucks- in a bikini none the less... and to top it off... MEN ARE THE MOST VISUAL CREATURES ON THE PLANET!!!!!

I mean what happened to the Jessica oh I don't know three years ago. Where did her body, skin, appearance in general go... even my own 92 year old grandmother commented yesterday " that I didn't quite look like myself" I think that was a kind way of her to say... ummm you've gained some weight...lol God love her! At least she wasn't as blunt as she usually is.

I just keep telling myself... just 17 weeks or less and this will be over and hopefully these lbs will shed as fast as they did last time, and the blemishes will clear up... As for the stretch marks... oh well I guess they are hanging around for the long haul.

But am I the only one who feels like their body has turned against them- when they are making the ultimate sacrifice? Its just slightly ... no very depressing...