28 weeks

My transition from the 2nd to the 3rd trimester has been somewhat bumpy (ha!).  I feel like my stomach gets bigger every day (that crab claw buffet from our recent trip to SF probably contributed to much of that) and it still surprises me each time I accidentally bump into the edge of the door or the bathroom counter when I lean in to look in the mirror.  Physically I hit a wall where all I wanted to do was sleep for a week and now I find myself having to catch my breath doing simple activities, even just sitting and talking.  My physical limitations are becoming more evident and emotionally I'm rushing to catch up with this pregnancy.  I told myself that I'd enjoy weeks 20-28 of just being pregnant and feeling great and I certainly have because now I have much left on the list to do!  There's a nursery to get ready, classes to attend, plans to make, etc.  I probably should have been more productive when I had more energy! :)

I haven't bought too many maternity clothing items but did recently splurge on this Splendid tank dress.  It's a great basic that I'll be able to dress up or down and the fabric is substantial and comfortable and will grow with me through this last trimester (and then hopefully I can belt it for later wear).  I'll write a post soon on more of my favorite maternity buys and what worked double duty from my closet.  Got to get cracking on some of this other stuff on my list first! ;)

Outfit details

Dress: Splendid Maternity

Necklace: Object and Totem

Shoes: Walmart

Accessorize this

Loving the August sale season and esp excited to have snagged these wishlist lovelies!

 

Clare Vivier messenger

No.6 clogs

Have you gotten anything exciting from the recent sales?

Muji chambray dress

We were in San Francisco a few weeks ago and BK and I were taking the bus to Japantown.  At one of the stops, a bunch of elderly Asian women got on and BK gave up his seat for one of them.  Her friend then proceeded to stand in front at me and gestured at me with her head, making a click-y noise (like you would to a horse) to indicate that I should give her my seat as well (which I did of course--age trumps pregnancy).  I'm still waiting on these so-called pregnancy perks! :)

Outfit details

Dress: Muji

Belt: B-Low

Shoes: Worishofer

Still J Crew-ed out

Although more than half of my wardrobe had to be put away, it's been great figuring out which existing items still work for pregnancy (and makes me suspicious that I've been looking pregnant for the past few years).  This J.Crew dress with a higher waistline works perfectly--it's super comfortable and still work appropriate.

So about pregnancy and body image...I guess I assumed that the weight you gain is directly correlated to how much you eat and what you eat.  Well I've learned that even if you're eating relatively well and staying active, your body is still going to put the weight on where it wants to (your hips, your face, your arms) and that's that.  So formal apologies to all those celebrities I've judged in the past (Jessica Simpson, Kim Kardashian--why is it so much easier to criticize celebrities?) and here's hoping I can be a little kinder to myself as well.  I've always admired my friends and their pregnancy bodies--you're growing a baby, of course you're going to put on some weight--it all makes sense.  But it does feel differently when all these changes happen to you, at a pretty rapid rate, when it seems like you're surrounded by media images of Princess Catherine and Heidi Klum who just have twiggy limbs and a tiny baby bump.  Don't even get me started on the mommy bloggers who are super slim, hanging out in their bikinis before AND after birth. 

I have to remind myself that while it's totally ok to be frustrated about body image and wanting to look fashionable and my best (ok ok at least presentable most days), it's really not terribly interesting to take up a lot of time thinking or worrying about it.  In the grand scheme of things, fashion is a fun part of life, until it gets in the way of more important things (like sleep, the health of the baby, family, friends, my puppies, where my next brownie is coming from, etc.)

Outfit details:

Dress: J.Crew

Necklace: Giles and Brother

Shoes: No.6

Demylee striped dress

Belting seems like a good idea in theory but after lunch, all bets (and belts) are off.  

Outfit details

Dress: Demylee

Belt: Gap

Necklace: Annie Costello Brown

Shoes: No.6

The second trimester

(24 weeks)

Ace and Jig dress, No 6 clogs (which both thankfully still fit!)

How I felt:  Marginally better!  The first night I was able to sleep through the night without a bathroom break felt magical.  I started getting a rounder, firmer belly around 16 weeks and felt the little one’s first kicks around week 19-20 (or it could’ve been indigestion).  Sadly no sign of this mystical pregnancy glow, just feeling chunky.

What I didn’t expect:  Physically how quickly I outgrew all my clothing.  I did a little closet redo at about 20 weeks and packed away more than half my wardrobe.  I totally get that this is all part of the process but it still feels a bit disheartening to not be able to fit in things from just a few weeks ago.  Also, I was sad to discover that I will not in fact be one of those people that only gains weight in their belly.  Hello to a fuller face, rib cage, hips, belly and thighs!

Another unexpected part of pregnancy was deciding when and how to communicate the news to others.  Outwardly it’s a no brainer since it’s good news, but people have their own experiences, feelings, and journeys about pregnancy and parenthood and I wanted to be mindful of that.  As an introvert it was also exhausting to tell people and have the correct expression on my face and be excited when I still felt so unsure.  Telling others meant that it was real, not this nebulous thing in my head.  Huge reality check!

What I avoided:  Still haven’t touched those pregnancy books hidden under my bed!

I never knew: how much unwanted advice and unsolicited comments I would get.   I know it’s obvious but really one should never tell a pregnant woman that her face/belly/hips are looking fuller.  Ever.  Also please do not use "waddle" to ever describe someone other than a penguin.

What helped:  It turned out that telling others, especially those I am close to really helped and I am so thankful for the positive emotional support I've received.  I’m also continuing with acupuncture and began prenatal yoga, which really helps with the creaks and growing pains and also gives me more quiet time.   I’m still chowing down on grapefruit and am so glad it’s summer when lots of berries and peaches are in season!  A good friend lent me the book Bringing Up Bebe which I found really comforting and I’ve really enjoyed reading Cup of Jo’s motherhood around the world series.  More than ever, I’m reminded how important it is to surround myself with positive people and voices, to seek help when needed, and to trust my intuition more soundly.