Is That a Pumpkin in Your Belly or are You Just Happy to See Me?

Halloween 2003 – This photo was taken 8 weeks before I delivered my first 10 pound baby (9 pounds, 13 ounces to be exact). Yes, my belly is bigger than the pumpkin.

staceypumpkin2.jpg

Next week I am going to blog about how I went from this photo to recently becoming a lifetime member at Weight Watchers (meaning I’m now at my goal weight). I won’t be sharing the fastest or quickest ways to lose weight, but what I consider the best way to lose weight.

I’ll also be writing about the realities moms have to face with their post pregnancy bodies (internal and external changes).

Wiggly belly skin, weak pelvic floors, exhausted bladders, and more impact how we can practice the art of life balance.  

Here’s to a happy and safe Halloween!

By Stacey Hoffer

Stacey Hoffer is an ICF-certified mental health and emotional wellness coach, ancient feminine wisdom mentor, and upcoming author, who is powerful guide for cultivating deep inner peace. With a client list that includes Fortune 500 companies, the NFL, and women from all over the world, Stacey seamlessly blends evidence-based practices with ancient wisdom to deliver unparalleled transformations. Known for her comforting approach, Stacey helps her clients navigate life’s inevitable challenges while reconnecting to their inner strength and calm. Her work goes beyond surface solutions — she offers practical tools and soul-deep insights that empower individuals to live in alignment with their authentic selves. Stacey’s passion lies in guiding her clients back to their truest selves. Her message is clear: inner peace isn’t just attainable — it’s the foundation for a more joyful, empowered life. And it's a conscious, intentional, life long practice. Stacey believes If every person on this planet embodied self love and inner peace, we could achieve world peace.

18 comments

  1. I think pregnant women look adorable 🙂 … Strangely enough, I never thought that about myself…
    I really look forward to reading your upcoming posts! Glad you are touching those topics 🙂
    Happy Halloween!!

  2. I love this photo!

    I agree with Maya that pregnancy is beautiful, but post-pregnancy, there definitely are challenges. Looking forward to reading your take on the subject.

  3. Cute photo. I am interested to hear your take on Weight Watchers. Looking forward to your next series!
    Happy Halloween!

  5. I love the picture – comparing to a pumpkin! Happy Halloween (a day late) to you and your “little pumpkins”…

  6. Very cute photo, Stacey! Look forward to your next post!

  8. Wow Stacey. That was no little pumpkin you gave birth to. Good for you for making a plan, putting it into action, and sticking with it… and now, for sharing about it! Thanks.

    Davinas last blog post..A Ghostly Life Experience

  9. Hi Stacy…

    That photo was too CUTE! Ten Pounds …WOW!

  11. I went to Weight Watchers for two weeks. I topped out at 135 lbs, when I was 21.

    I stay at about 125 at 5’3″ but would love to be 115. Dang that Halloween candy and pre-Halloween pastry.

    Congrats on your success with WW. And your pumpkin belly was BIG, but gorgeous.

    Jannies last blog post..What should I call this one?

  12. @Maya – I still can’t believe how big my belly was!

    @Vered – Post-pregnancy challenges aren’t talked about enough.

    @Stacey Shipman – Weight Watchers has been my only hope for successful weight loss. More next week!

    @Annette – Too Cute? I think you mean too big! : )

    @Lance – Happy Halloween to you and your family too.

    @BC – Thanks. I’m looking forward to writing more about this topic.

    @Hip Mom’s Guide – Wiggly doesn’t even begin to describe the movement of this baby.

    @Davina – It’s been a long journey to learn and appreciate my post-pregnancy body.

    @Diane – Yeah. I was so large that people used to think I was pregnant w/ triplets.

    @MizFit – You are one of my inspirations to start my next series of posts.

    @Jannie – The Halloween candy won’t stop chanting my name. I think I’m going to have my husband lock in a box somewhere so I’m not tempted anymore.

  13. Stacey

    So glad to see another pregnant woman who looks like she swallowed a couple of pumpkins. I was the same. All out front and MASSIVE. Looking forward to your weight loss article, and you look so beautiful in this photo it makes me think maybe I will post one of my pregnancy photos at some time. I was probably the healthiest I’ve ever been when I was pregnant – I took such good care of myself.

    We really do need to rejoice in the changes pregnancy brings. I never understand it when people obsess over how big they’re getting. Isn’t that the point? I can understand if its your butt that keeps growing, not your belly, but if you’re eating well and you’re still enormous, well that’s what the baby needs.

    Kelly

    Kelly@SHE-POWERs last blog post..What is Life Balance & is it Achievable for Everyone?

  14. Hi Stacey!

    I’ve been looking forward to coming back and reading this post since I first saw it a few days ago. I love seeing a picture of you! – and such an interesting one!

    Robins last blog post..How To Find Happiness

  15. @Kelly – Good for you for taking such good care of yourself. Having a baby inside of me really did inspire me to be my best too.

    @Robin – Thanks. Looking back, I miss that big belly kicking and waking me up in the middle of the night.

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