You know you're pregnant when...

... you cry when you take out your belly button ring. Not because it hurt. But because I felt like I was saying goodbye to a part of my "youth". Yes. Seriously. That was me about an hour ago.
Ten years ago two of my best friends and I went and got our belly buttons pierced together once we had all turned 18 (since our mothers didn't approve and would only let us once we were "adults"). I have kept in a ring for that long. I think I only bought one or two other rings - and I know the one I took out today has been in for at least 5 years.
It was just getting way to uncomfortable. I feel like my skin is being stretched to the max with this pregnancy, and it was getting to the point where if I touched my belly ring, it was hurting me. So Drew convinced me that it had to go. It never bothered me when I was pregnant with Matthew, and therefore, I kept it in the entire time. Now its gone... probably forever. Some people are telling me that I will probably be able to get put another in once I deliver, but will I want to? Is it appropriate for a 28 year old mother of two to wear one? Long gone are the says of laying out in the sun with my girlfriends, spring break and skimpy clothes.... so what's the point? I doubt if I ever wear a bikini again.... I'm now more of a tankini kind of gal now anyways. Even when I'm not pregnant.
I know its so silly to dwell on this, even for a second.... but getting that belly ring was an important part of me being a young 18 year old... and I did it with my good friends. Friends that I still love dearly, and talk to occasionally, but I haven't seen in years. Maybe it's a reminder of them, and some of the good times we had. (Johanna and Heather - this must mean we need to get together soon. I miss you.)
Either way, it was good while it lasted. And I'm done dwelling on it now... I just hope I don't have a permanent "hole" in my belly button now. Eh....