I officially rejoined Weight Watchers this evening on a whim. I realized I'm not doing too hot on my own and I just can't expect the weight to fall off without action.

I had to sacrifice piano lessons to do it, so that was a bit disappointing. But, in a way, I got my cake and get to eat it too... within points, of course. My piano teacher is gonna let me take lessons every other week instead of every week, so I'm really glad about that.

I'm with you both on the skin issue. I lost some weight before getting pregnant with Olivia, about 30 lbs. So, I figured I had some growing room with that loose skin. Not enough, I suppose, because my skin is VERY different these days. I'm pretty much back to pre-pregnancy weight but my body has shifted in a big way.

My belly button is playing a disappearing act, pretty soon, it will only show its presence by a fold of skin resembling an upside-down "V" - I know, not a pretty thought, but it's the way it is, isn't it?

My stomach hangs considerably lower and I've always had stretch marks, but now, it's stretched with lines, dimples and considerably more wobbly. The breastfeeding boobs are now lower and less perky. And even though I didn't carry Olivia-the-fetus in my lovehandles or armpits, I somehow got stretch marks there as well.

The negative-nicole in me sometimes wonders if I will like this new, thinner body of mine. Negative Nicole wonders, I can't wear low cut J.Lo. pants, so what's the use of losing weight? Then I figure, it's time to grow up and at least come up with GOOD excuses, or none at all and if I wear clothes that fit, I'll look just as good!

Amy, what you said about your face, I feel the same. I don't think I'm cute (go you!) but I recognize me. My face is my old friend. So comforting because it's how I recognize it, it's the same. I sometimes think, will I miss the old me?

When I'm in bed, sometimes I rub my belly. It's so soft and lovely to the touch. Why not as pleasing to the eye? Sometimes I think, surely it looks better with fat in it than hanging down like an apron. Then I collect myself and know that weight loss is for my health and my body image brings me down too much to even consider staying this way in choice.

So... here we go! Funky skin and all.