Summer Maternity Style: Third Trimester Shopping & Styling Tips

Every pregnant woman is different--if you learn anything here, may it be that one tidbit of information--so what works for this pregnant woman might not work for you. However, this little lady of mine has turned into a lowrider, and I have become a hotbox breathing fire onto my shivering husband in the dead of night. What do these things signify? They signify that I neither want to wear anything that touches/constricts my lower abdomen nor do I want to wear thicker fabric. Thus, I do not wish to wear pants nor do I wish to wear shorts, not even the maternity variety. If you find yourself in this boat by the end of your pregnancy, I have some suggestions for you. By the way, not one of the dresses/skirts I am donning in this collage is from the maternity section. Only the navy shirt in the last picture is.

Third Trimester Shopping Tips:
Tip 1 --> Shop secondhand or sales:

• Even though we plan to have more than one kid, it seemed unreasonable to spend more on maternity clothes than I would on non-maternity clothes. If you have the piggy bank for it, then have at it. 
• I found most of my maternity stuff from either the sale sections (or promotional deals) of Motherhood Maternity, promotional deals at GAP/Old Navy, or browsing through thredUP's maternity section. I did keep one maternity shirt from one of my Stitch Fix boxes, and that was because I knew it would fit me postpartum and be nursing friendly.

Tip 2 --> Shop non-maternity (reasonably)

• I read all of these blogs in the beginning of pregnancy that said never buy maternity jeans and provided all of these tips for doing so. Well, that was not in the cards for me. The first things I grew out of were pants, and I had to buy maternity jeans. I tried the rubberband trick; I failed at it. I tried the belly bands and those just felt like rubberbands that never stayed in place; I hated fighting with them to go pee. I tried demi-panel jeans, and they ended up feeling too restricting. I tried inset panel jeans (sold at Gap and Old Navy), and those were great in the beginning. I also bought full-panel jeans, and I liked them best. Those fit, but now in the third trimester I want nothing touching my abdomen. I fold down the panel of my full panel shorts/leggings, and it works just fine for the moment.
• Dresses, unlike pants, are easier to find in the non-maternity section. Make sure you buy stretchy cotton fabrics that have a lot of give! Old Navy is the best place to find these kinds of dresses. 
• You might have to size up for some dresses/skirts and not others. I had to size up for shorter dresses (like the orange one in the collage) so that it fit in the third trimester when my belly shortened the dress' length. 
• As for maxi dresses, I stayed my pre-pregnancy size because I didn't worry about length, and I chose stretchy fabrics that would still fit over my growing chest and belly. 

Tip 3 --> Do periodic pare downs of your wardrobe

• It might fit you one week and not the next. When that happens, do a little inventory: do you even want this item post-pregnancy (don't be fooled by pregnancy hormones here)? If you never even really wore this item to start with, put it in a "maybe" pile that you reevaluate after pregnancy.  
• If you definitely want to keep it postpartum, then just hang it in a different section/the back of your closet. Keep everything that fits you right now located together to make getting dressed easier. Goodness knows just trying to put your foot into underwear at this point is a struggle. Let's not complicate matters by struggling to find something to struggle into. 
• Currently, I have a thredUP bag sitting on the floor of my closet that is collecting items I don't think I will want postpartum. I decided I would reevaluate after she's here to decide if I think these items still fit my lifestyle/body.

Tip 4 --> Realize that you might have to change your style...a bit

• I was staunch anti-leggings before pregnancy. Before I felt like Regina George in Mean Girls who can wear only sweatpants. I still maintain that one's butt must remain covered while wearing leggings, but I will actually wear them in public now. This belly gave me little choice in the matter.

Tip 5 --> Consider postpartum wear now:

• I have already started searching for nursing bras (if that's what you choose to do!), so I took advantage of a promotion at Motherhood Maternity and bought four nursing nightgowns that I can even wear now. They actually fooled my mom into thinking they were real dresses, so I can wear them if unannounced (or announced) company comes to visit without feeling like a slob. Not that anyone would really judge me...harshly. 
• I am starting to section things off in my closet that I think will work for nursing/early motherhood because goodness knows I need to make my life as easy as possible in those beginning months. 
• I started a new Pinterest board called "Easy Mom Style" for things I think I would wear postpartum that still suit my style without letting me get into a yoga pants rut. (Some women rock the yoga pants trend beautifully; I do not belong to that talented group of women. Plus, I'd rather find a reeeeally comfortable pair of jeans instead.)
• I won't buy anything for postpartum that is not easy to clean. Babies poop, puke, and ooze all sorts of bodily fluids. Donning dry-clean-only clothes sounds like a terrible combination to me. 
• I am looking for looser, forgiving tops because I know nothing goes back to exactly the way it was.  

Third Trimester Styling Tips:
Tip 1 --> Belt, necklace, or sleeveless completer piece

• Belt it -- it was not until my belly turned into a shelf in the third trimester that I could actually wear a belt below my bust and have it stay there all day. Oh, it has no problem staying there now. 
• Necklace -- Sometimes a belt looks weird (tried one with the blue/white maxi skirt in the collage...EW), so I opt for a fun necklace. 
• Sleeveless completer piece -- It is far too hot for a utility vest, but that gauzy, black, sleeveless number I have on in the middle picture? Perfection. I have some short sleeved cardigans that also work well. Also, the floral button up in the far left picture of the collage worked that way for awhile. However, I will have to tie it above my belly now if I want it to work, or I can just wear it open and unbuttoned. I have turned several button ups into "cardigans" for now.

Tip 2 --> Practice not washing your hair every day

• After Vincenza arrives, I doubt I will want to nor have much time to do a lot with my hair. Since third-trimester fatigue has struck, I figured I would try out low-maintenance hairstyles. Here are a few that work for my finer, curly hair:
• Curly--I just use a curling iron for a few pieces that act unruly. This style takes less than 5 minutes. 
• Bangs up and curly--If my bangs are not cooperating that morning, then I clip them back.
• Updo--I cannot frenchbraid (need to learn), but I can twist like a pro. My go-to style is similar to this one.
• Straight hair...for days on end--If I straighten my hair, I can go like four or five days without washing it. Of course, I have to put in the initial 20 minutes to dry it on day one, but I guess it works out in the end. 
• Rock a headband--Most headbands fall off of my head because it's shaped weirdly. This headband does not. My sewing machine is in a corner of the storage room I cannot reach with my belly in the way, so I have not had a chance to try making some of my own headbands. I'll let you know how that goes...or doesn't.
• Shower at night--I hear this works well after the baby comes, and it worked really well when I was teaching because it meant less maintenance in the morning. 
• I pinned these hairstyles to try. (I should try them now....)

Look 1: Button up + maxi + headband

• Button up: The Limited (size XS, would wear open when the belly grew too large for buttoning)
• Maxi dress: Old Navy (size XS, not maternity, bought in a stretchy cotton fabric)
• Headband: Target

Look 2: Patterned maxi + curly hair

• Patterned maxi dress: Apt 9 via Kohl's (size XS, not maternity, very stretchy fabric)

Look 3: Sleeveless cardigan + striped maxi + updo

• Sleeveless cardigan: Apt 9 via Kohl's (size S, not maternity)
• Striped maxi dress: Merona via Target (size XS, not maternity, stretchy fabric)

Look 4: Sized-up dress + belt + shorter necklace + pinned back hair

• Orange dress: Old Navy swing dress (size M, not maternity, bought even larger for length) 
• Belt: Francesca's (old)
• Necklace: J.Crew Factory (old)
• Gold sandals: Aerosoles

Look 5: Maternity shirt + long necklace + maxi skirt + straight hair

• Shirt: Old Navy maternity (size XS)
• Necklace: Sonoma (I think) via Kohl's
• Maxi skirt: Paper Moon for Stitch Fix (size S, not maternity, very stretchy and so soft)

There you have it. Some tips and some inspiration (I hope). Let me know if you want any other tips/suggestions/inspiration. 

35 Weeks

The Outfit:

Dress: Old Navy, non-maternity (I was an XS before pregnancy; I went with a medium in this dress so that it would be long enough to cover my belly. I'm sure it'll still fit without a big belly in there.  Even with this belly, I still wear an XS in their maxi dresses.)

Belt (old): Francesca's

Sandals: Aerosoles (they are really comfortable and have padding!)

Giraffe necklace (old): J. Crew Factory  

How far along? 35 weeks...we're really coming into the home stretch

Size: We went for a growth sonogram (worrywart mom alert) on July 10th when I was a little over 33 weeks. She measured at about 4lbs. 14oz. which surprises just about everyone because they want to know where I "put the baby." It calmed my fears induced (pun intended) by everyone trying to tell me I was too small. The midwife assured me that I am just one of those women who "tucks a baby in well." Overall, I have gained a little over 20 pounds. I texted this picture to my mom, and she said, "How is it possible that you already look bigger than you did on Sunday?" Thanks, Mom. Your granddaughter is packing on the pounds in there.

Nursery: Almost finished. We just need a chair, and I'd like to have more art and pictures hanging on the wall. Granted, she won't sleep in there right away because we have this awesome bassinet for her beginning weeks/months, but what are we really going to accomplish once she arrives?

Maternity Clothes: In terms of shorts or pants, absolutely! I even bought four nursing nightgowns from Motherhood Maternity (on sale, of course) to test drive them before she's born. They are SO comfortable, have built in bras, and will be perfect for when company comes because I can look put together without actually putting on real clothes or an actual bra. If ninjas were clothes, they'd be these nightgowns. My mom even thought they were actual dresses. However, I have gotten away with a lot of non-maternity dresses. I stick with very stretchy cotton and have had a lot of luck at Kohl's and Old Navy.

Stretch Marks: Not yet, but my body cannot be trusted not to sneak up on me with this one.

Sleep: HAHAHA. Sleep laughs at me. If needing to use the bathroom for the fifth time does not wake me, back pain wakes me. If back pain doesn't wake me, hot flashes from Hell wake me. If hot flashes do not wake me, this sweet child of mine decides it is time for us to rise and face the day at 4:00 in the morning. I love her so much already that I just roll with it. If a spontaneous nap comes later to relieve me, then so be it. If not, then let the delirium ensue.

Celebrations: This week is my dad's birthday, my sister-in-law's birthday, and the last week of my summer graduate course. This weekend, I'm also attending a grad party and a 1-year-old's birthday party. I think there's a lot of cause for celebration around these parts.

Cravings: Crabs (good thing I live in Maryland), ALL THINGS cheese (Pirate's Booty, cheese sticks, grilled cheese, pizza), and watermelon yogurt. So, it looks like my body is telling me to pack in the calcium and protein. 

Symptoms: I am keeping them somewhat at bay with my weekly visits to the chiropractor and acupuncturist, but my sinuses are really giving me trouble. Holy bloody noses, Batman. The humidifier and neti pot make a huge difference. 

Movement: She is active just like her daddy. She especially loves mealtime. She almost never stops moving, but as uncomfortable as heels trying to make an escape through my gall bladder incisions, toes curling under my rib cage, a mysterious body part sinking into my round ligament, and a head headbutting my lady parts, it reassures me that she is doing okay in there. I might cry out in pain, but I can handle that pain as long as she just stays healthy. I keep telling her that's her only job right now. Happy and healthy.

Belly Button: It came out to play. It's not cute. It's like that neighborhood kid who licks chalk off the sidewalk, so you don't answer the door when he knocks. It doesn't matter though because he finds you anyway. It really emerges when I laugh hysterically, which my husband strives to make happen on a daily basis. In the beginning, I put a band aid over it, but that caused a rash that lasted for about a week. I'd rather have an outie than a rash.

Feeling: Excited and worried--The thought of meeting her on the outside excites me more than anything ever has, but worry always nags at the back (okay, probably the front) of my mind that something will go wrong. I am good about preventing the worry from becoming stress, however. Honestly, I can handle all of the discomfort and pain if she just comes out healthy and happy. I don't care about agonizing labor, horrible postpartum symptoms, or any of my medical stuff as long as this kid comes out with a clean bill of health. I know labor and delivery is NO picnic in the park, and I just don't care. I am feeling such overwhelming love and concern for this kid that those things have yet to nag at me, which is probably because I have already had two car accidents, 8 root canals, gall bladder removal, appendix removal, tonsils and adenoids removal, sinus surgery, and impacted wisdom teeth removal. Clearly, I am no stranger to pain and none of that pain led to the survival of another human being, which makes this pain the most worthwhile. 

Maternity Pictures

I have been buried under mounds of graduate work  and preparing for Vincenza's arrival at the end of next month (or whenever she decides to grace us with her presence on the outside), so only the crickets have kept you company here. Is anyone still coming back? I don't know. Maybe I publish this post just for Vincenza to read when she's older because the internet never dies. Anyway, my lovely and talented sister-in-law took maternity pictures for us this past weekend so that we can celebrate this exciting and nerve-wracking time in our lives.

Session Details:
      Photographer: My sister-in-law, if she ever starts up a company, I'll come back here and link   it up for her.

     Setting: It was HOT, even after 5:00, so we opted for an outdoor option with a quick escape to air conditioning, our backyard. Plus, our backyard is quite serene and makes for a lovely backdrop even if we have to dodge a lot of poop bombs. Also, we took a lot of pictures in front of the wood wall my husband built in the nursery. That wall and the lighting in that room make it an awesome location for pictures! We wanted some magical lighting, and our backyard did a great job providing it :)

       Outfits: Jeff is wearing a pink polo I bought for him on sale at Kohl's recently and a pair of navy shorts from J.Crew Factory I bought for him a year or two ago. Dude seriously needs some new footwear though. As for my outfit, the dress isn't a maternity dress. It's a Lauren Conrad dress I recently bought at Kohl's; it was on sale for $24, and my mom had an additional 30% off. The straps were a bit long for me, so my mom altered them because her talents know no end. Find the dress here, and it's on sale for $24.99 on the site as well. It comes in white, coral, and laurel green.

Get ready for a lot of pictures, folks. Feel free to pin them. Just send people back here, please ;)

In case you needed a good laugh...

This picture is actually a recreation of our favorite engagement picture.

(The last picture in front of the brick wall is what inspired this picture in front of her wood wall.) 

My adorable niece was giving "baby cousin" kisses.

Talking in Your Sleep

When I thought of a title for this post, I started singing this song. Oh, hair bands, your music was as great as your frizzy, voluminous, Marge Simpson hair. Guys, I like this week. I would give it a fist bump if it had hands. 

The other day, Jeff and I had a conversation that went like this:

Jeff: Did you wake up while I was watching Mrs. Doubtfire?

Me: No, you were watching Mrs. Doubtfire!?

Jeff:  Yes, when your favorite part came on and he says "it was a run by fruiting!" you laughed and said, "it never gets old."
One, I did not know I talk in my sleep. Two, my love of Mrs. Doubtfire extends beyond my waking hours. Three, I was telling the truth; that line NEVER gets old. It makes me laugh every time, even in my sleep.

Vincenza has been a somersaulting maniac the past week, and I cannot stop laughing at her antics. She definitely grew over the past week because the kicks are much more forceful and not simply flutters. In fact, she gives an entirely new meaning to "the wave." At this point, people waffle between utter confusion that I am five and a half months along and that I finally "popped." As long as she rocks and rolls on the inside, keeps growing as she should, and comes out happy, I do not care how big or small I look to anyone. Just keep growing and wiggling, little lady. We will have a dance party when you make it to the outside.

The windows for her room finally arrived, so Jeff and my dad can install them when it's nice outside. Maybe this weekend for Jeff's birthday? He will also finish the dogs' den this week, so we can get rid of their crates, move the guest bed to the dogs' current room, and really start working on Vincenza's room.

Yes, I am 22 weeks today, but no bumpdate, just an "I love life and everything about it" post. Also, my dogs are hysterical. See picture one for evidence.

This picture is really about what Roxy is wearing.

The Look:

Dress: Old Navy (not maternity)

Cardigan: Old Navy

Necklace: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Boots: Ralph Lauren via DSW

Stitch Fix #1: Maternity Edition

Okay, I finally tried out Stitch Fix after creating an account an absurdly long time ago. I decided that finding maternity clothes sort of sucks after years of learning how to shop for your shape. It's confusing, and once you think "AHA! I figured it out!" it changes again. I wanted someone else to pick out my clothes for me. My mom has done such a swell job for so many years that I figure someone else deserves a shot at it, too. If you have not yet signed up for Stitch Fix, something that surely places you in the minority, then feel free to do so here. If you do, I receive a $25 referral credit if you feel so inclined to help a pregnant lady out.

Anyway, I took some gorgeous mirror selfies upon which you may feast your hungry eyes.

Items 1 & 2: Trisha Clover Charm Layering Necklace by Bancroft ($32.00)

and Tait Dress by Skies are Blue ($48.00)

 

Necklace Thoughts: I love this necklace and have actually been looking for one like it because I used to have a similar one and it died on me. I know it will go with a lot of items in my closet. I am not sold on the $32.00 price tag, however.

Necklace Verdict: Possibly keep (I'd love to hear your thoughts.)

Dress Thoughts: When I first pulled out the dress, I fell in love with the colors and the stripes. Plus, the bottom half of the dress is so soft. Have you ever tried putting on a shirt or a top that ultimately fits you, yet it feels a little tight as you are trying to pass your shoulders with the shirt/dress? Well, I encountered that situation with this dress. Since it's not a jersey fabric, it didn't really give as I tried to put it on. I like my fabrics to give a little if no buttons or zippers are involved. I have already gotten stuck in my jacket this school year, which took two teachers and a pair of pliers to remove from me, so I do not need to find myself pregnant and stuck in a $48.00 dress. Also, the sides of the dress are just low enough that my bra shows. No, thank you.

Dress Verdict: Return

 Item #3: Corinna Striped Dolman Top by Market & Spruce ($48.00)

 Top Thoughts: When I saw the pattern, I immediately disliked it despite the stripes. I disliked the marbled gray meets aqua-ish stripes. If the stripes were white or black, I'd like the top much more. The length is great, but WHAT is with the sleeves? I have spindly arms, and the cuff of the shirt strangles my radius and ulna, which is not humerus.

Top Verdict: Return

Item #4: Ernie Pleated Maternity Blouse ($48.00)

 

Top Thoughts: When I pulled this top out of the box, the pattern and the color scheme wooed me immediately. When I first tried it on, I loved the details (cool back, snap buttons in the front, and it did not choke me as I tried to pull it over my head). My bra does not show. I think it looks better from the side when it's belted, and I asked my husband if it "looks like a tent." He assured me that anything I wear "will look like a tent soon enough." Thank you, sweetheart. One concern strikes me: will it turn into a crop top when my belly grows? Also, do I want to keep this or the necklace? I plan to keep one of them but not both.

Top Verdict: Possibly keep (I could really use feedback on this one.)

 Item #5: Fallon Mixed Print Sleeveless Blouse by Brixon Ivy ($44.00)

Top Thoughts: I love the print, the colors, and the length is about right. However, it fought my shoulders/expanding ribcage when I tried to put it on, so that problem is a bit difficult to overlook. Plus, if I had to choose between it and the previous top, I would pick the previous top.

Top Verdict: Return

I could use your help deciding between item #1 (the necklace) and item #4 (the red and white blouse). Since I don't want to lose the $20 styling fee, I want to pick one of them. It helps that I really do like both of them and will wear both of them. However, at their original prices, I cannot justify both. For the record, I was aware that their prices are a bit more than I tend to spend, but I was willing to take a little risk for the experience.

Feel free to help me out!

Managing (some of) the Symptoms of Pregnancy

My go-to line these days during pregnancy is, "I finally have a wonderful reason to feel awful." Honestly, I am no stranger to feeling like a turd on a stick, a sophisticated medical term if I ever did hear one. Anyway, many of my friends who are struggling with medical problems--everything from sinus problems to GI problems--consult me when they feel helpless because they know the medical community and I go way back. Keep in mind that I am not a medical professional, and these are the strategies that work best for me. (I picked up many of the strategies from one of my medical professionals, however.) I feel compelled to admit that, as long as this kid remains healthy, every single uncomfortable symptom is 100% worth it. Truly.

Symptoms:
* Nausea lasted about 12 weeks--I ate whatever sounded good first so that I could stomach the stuff I needed to eat. Luckily, I never vomited, but I did feel sick all.day.long. Some days, I wasn't sure I could peel myself out of bed. I just kept rubbing my stomach and saying, "just stay healthy, kid. Just stay healthy. I can power through this as long as you stay healthy."
What didn't work? Seabands and ginger (actually made me gag)
What did work? Going to bed earlier (sounds weird but it made a big difference going to bed at 8 instead of 10) and vitamin B6 (I used Preggie Drops, but Vitamin water also works. I bought Preggie Drops on Amazon, a bundle of 3 for like $20).

*Snot. A lot of it. (the symptom that never ends)--I am not describing this symptom because it's disgusting. I will tell you how I combat it.
What makes it worse? Dairy (WAHHH!), not drinking enough water, not following the "system" that helps
What helps? My "system": Neti pot in the morning, lots of water during the day, and humidifier at night. If I miss any parts of the system, I am wrecked the next day or more. Also, had I not undergone sinus surgery last April, I would feel unbearably miserable right now.

*Hip pain (round ligament/sciatica). This pain started much earlier for me than most women. One, since I am a tiny human, the doctors tell me the shifting of body parts affects me more than it might others. Two, I had previous back problems because of a car accident. Three, felt so sick in the first trimester that I stopped doing yoga, which I need for my back/hip pain.
What makes it worse? Not putting my feet up at some point, wearing crappy shoes (I actually am getting rid of all "bad" shoes and replacing them with better-for-my-feet versions), and sitting too long
What helps? I recently started using the elliptical and stretching again, so I presume that will help. I also started seeing a massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy massages, and I'm going back to yoga when the weather warms up and flu season is gone.

Doctors:
In terms of doctors/medical professionals, I see certified nurse midwives from my OBGYN practice. When my due date gets closer, I'll ask to meet with a few of the doctors. For now, I rotate to the different midwives because who knows if the one I really like will be available the day I go to the hospital? Gotta be prepared for any scenario.

I see a massage therapist through my OBGYN clinic. She specializes in pregnancy massages of all kinds (even ones to induce labor...WHOA). 

I see an acupuncturist whose specialty is actually fertility. He has worked wonders on my headaches and hip pain. I believe in mixing Eastern and Western medicine. Someone in the bunch is bound to get it right. They are all certified doctors, including the acupuncturist, so it never hurts to work with a group of talented medical professionals, especially if insurance covers it. Honestly, much of what they suggest overlaps, so they aren't as different as one might assume.

I am thinking about a doula for our first kid. It should come as no surprise that I love to learn as much as I possibly can. After speaking with one at a Baby Expo, Jeff and I are considering adding this option to our buffet. (No, I will not try for a home birth. Yes, I will ask for an epidural. I appreciate hospitals and what they can offer me. However, if another human can rub my back during the process and coach Jeff and me, then I am open to their presence.) More research required on this front.

And that's all we have time for today, folks. Now, here's the outfit I wore to my nephew's birthday dinner last night (at their house, just family). No, pink is not a subliminal message about the gender of this child, which we find out on Monday.

The Look:

Cardigan: Old Navy

Scarf: Gap via thredUP

Tank: Target 

Jeans: Gap Maternity 

Shoes: Converse via DSW

Sunglasses (gift): LOFT

 

I am aware that 19-week bump is a tiny thing. However, my mom did not know she was pregnant with me until my brother told her that he "prayed to baby Jesus for a little sister." Lo and behold, my brother was prophetic or something. Here I am. 

Ten Things

I thought I'd join the Ten Things bandwagon with Danielle, Kate, and Fran. If you want to know ten things you might not already know about me, then stay a little while.

1. I went skydiving and dragged Jeff with me. I hate sitting in airplanes, but I love jumping out of them. If I had money to spend willy nilly, I'd go again. And again.

2. It took awhile (and a lot of heartbreak) to get pregnant with this kid. Even though I'm 18 weeks along, I keep waiting for someone to drop the bad news bomb on me that I don't get to meet this kid after all. All of the uncomfortable, painful, inconvenient symptoms (hey? Did my organ just move?) are absolutely worth it if I am blessed enough to be this kid's mom.

3. The only food I refuse to eat is fennel. That stuff tastes like black licorice, and I despise it. Generally, I live by the mantra, "if I can eat it, then I will," but I will never consume fennel willingly. Jeff snuck it into my pasta sauce one night, and I almost divorced him.

4. I played the saxophone in elementary school, but I quit when the band teacher made me first chair. I still feel stupid about having made this decision, especially since I was actually really good for a small tot. After all, my parents let me practice in the house, but they made my brother practice outside.

5. I don't like Will Ferrell as an actor. He annoys me. A lot. Surely he is a nice man; I just dislike watching him act.

6. My Mom Mom's eulogy. My Pop Pop's eulogy. Two maid/matron of honor speeches. I wrote them all the day/night before, and I brought the audiences to tears and laughter with my words each time. I guess you could say I write well under pressure. (I assume I cannot follow this same pattern of behavior for the speech I deliver at graduation this year....)

7. I don't like receiving cards for holidays because I never know exactly what to do with them. I feel guilty throwing them away, and I have never been one to hang them on the fridge/mantel. They confuse me more than they should.

8. I teach English, but I never have a chance to read anything other than students' papers. It saddens me, really. I chose English because I love to read, but my work life resembles Groundhog Day. I just keep reading and rereading the same books every.single.year. I plan to teach Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close to my juniors during fourth quarter just so that I have an excuse to read it.

9. Jeff fixes most of the meals around these parts. I am the planner and researcher of all things (house projects, meal planning, etc.), and he executes my wonderful ideas. I guess you could say I'm the brains, and he's the brawn. Tonight, he fixed this recipe. He said that trying to wrap the ingredients inside the zucchini was NOT easy. However, my stomach would like you to know that the meal tasted delicious. 

10. Every time I buy a watch, the battery dies in record time (pun intended). I remember one time at college, I proudly held up my wrist to my friend Dave and said, "my watches always die, but this one keeps ticking." He responded, "Umm...it's dead." Yeah, that moment confirmed watches' distaste for me. I could replace batteries, but ain't nobody got time for that.

The Look:

Blazer (old): Old Navy

Top (on sale, recent): Francesca's

Pants: Motherhood Maternity

Flats: Steve Madden

The Bump:
18 weeks today  (this picture is from last week; the bump looks a smidge more pronounced this week, or that could be all of the fiber I have eaten in the past three days. Who can be sure?)

Shout Out

I often forget that students follow me into this corner of the internet. Luckily (or not?), I write here pretty much the same way I talk in class with them. (If they did not silently stalk me here, then they would verify the veracity of that statement.) Yesterday, I told you I would not wear white pants so as not to explode one of my student's heads. She tweeted that post before class today and then proceeded to make me laugh so hard my cheeks hurt. Everyone accused her of wearing white pants. She used the enormous pad of post-it notes to demonstrate the difference between the "champagne" color of her pants and the whiteness of the post-it notes. If you're reading this, my dear students, let me tell you and the internet how much you brighten my day.  I look forward to every class period with you all, especially you, fifth period and all of my style twins. 

Also, I would apologize for telling you all about the article I read that claimed farting extends a person's life. However, science is relevant, especially when it's funny and means your parents can "live forever" as I told you. Be sure to sneak your parents some cabbage and broccoli tonight. The next time you see your grandparents, sneak them some cabbage and broccoli, too.

I do, however, apologize to everyone for the UGLY color of my living room walls. The previous owners decided this putrid color would look good...on every wall.  Granted, they made a lot of other "design" choices that leave me feeling puzzled, so I can't be too surprised. Allow yourself to be distracted by the pretty flowers on my dress.

 

The Look:

Dress: PinkBlush Maternity 

Cardigan: Old Navy

Scarf: Made by my momma (of course)

Boots: Steve Madden

 

Trunks up to my favorite animals

Pardon that little tuft of hair that's escaping the rest of my bangs. New hair keeps coming in, so I continually have this awkward phase where I these little sprites of bangs make me look as if I had to remove gum from my hair with scissors. Let's just call them endearing and move on, shall we?

Today is a snow day. Yahoo? At this point, I have resigned myself to the fact we will be celebrating the fourth of July together at school. I kid. Sort of. I guess wearing this elephant scarf yesterday was good luck (depending on how you look at it, of course)? However, the elephants' trunks are not up, and someone from India once told me that elephants with their trunks up are considered good luck. Since I love elephants (I am currently looking at four different elephants in my room--a figurine, a humidifier, and two lamps), I will not argue with such kind words about them. I should probably fact check, but why would I run the risk of disappointing myself?

My other favorite animal? The prairie dog. I find them wildly amusing, especially with those little heads that just pop up periodically. I hand-fed them at a zoo in Arizona several years ago, and it may have completed my life. About six years ago, they were renovating the prairie dog exhibit in Baltimore (near me), and prairie dogs started escaping! They were climbing walls and burrowing out. The zoo workers had to scoop them up with nets and put them back into their habitat. They had one little bugger surrounded, and he decided to make his way back into the habitat instead of subjecting himself to the swarm of zoo workers. I really wish I visited the zoo that day; I may or may not have scooped up a prairie dog to take home in my purse. I would have named it Houdini because who doesn't want an escape artist for a pet? Here's the article (which is hilariously written, by the way).

I apologize that the lighting leaves a bit to be desired. Jeff argued that the lighting was best here, while I argued for the opposite side, and I think we have another episode of "The Wife Was Right" set to air today.

 

The Look:

Cardigan: Forever 21 (a student remarked, "nice white and gold outfit today," and I laughed pretty hard. Kids are so witty.) 

Scarf: Gift from my sister-in-law :)

Chambray (actually short sleeves): J.Crew Factory

Jeans: Gap maternity 

Flats: Jessica Simpson (these bad boys are old)

Hump Day Bump Day (15 weeks)

Usually, I do not complain about the weather because everyone else does it for me. However, my one complaint about this continual craptastic weather is that it forces me to wear pants more often than dresses (finally found tights that do not cut into my stomach), and the pant struggle is real right now. I have two "nice" pairs for work and a few pairs of jeans; I just cannot jump fully onto the leggings bandwagon, either. Last week, I had to pack up my pant collection so that it did not sadden me every time I tried to locate a cute outfit in my closet. Emotional crisis averted. Mostly. Also, does anyone remember Lampchop's Sing-a-longs? What about "This is the song that never ends. Yes, it goes on and on, my friends?" Anyone? Yeah, well, I think an appropriate word swap would be "winter" for "song."

 

The Look:

Dress: Old Navy (just got it and I love it, especially that it's not maternity AND that it is long enough. Glory hallelujah.)

Cardigan: Old Navy

Scarf: made by Momma

Boots: Franco Sarto

Necklace: I think it's from The Limited

Yes, you might be looking at that bump and saying to yourself, "seriously, she can't wear her regular pants? She calls that a bump?" 

Currently

Wearing: On Monday night, I hunted for stuff that is not maternity but could work during and after pregnancy; Old Navy rarely fails me, so I found two dresses, two shirts, and a pair of jeans. I know my pants situation can be solved only by maternity pants, and I have surrendered to that fact of life. I found a great pair of skinny maternity jeans from Old Navy (bought them with this dress) that actually fit, and I scored them for 30% off. Boom. People keep assuring me that pregnancy makes leggings socially acceptable, but my brain still fights it. However, I will wear jeans every day to work until the weather warms up and feel zero remorse about it. Zero. Today, I also matched two of my students in fifth period.  Another student said, "If ____ and ____ had a baby, it'd be Ms. Wo." Kids say the darndest things.

Reading: I just started reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close because I plan to teach it to my juniors during fourth quarter. I LOVE IT. I have made it four chapters into the novel, and I have fallen in love with the eccentric, adorable, endearing narrator. I know it will bring me to ugly cries, and I am okay with that.

Eating: Virgil's root beer is the bee's knees (I know it qualifies as a drink, not a food, but it bears mentioning here). Also, I want salads, olives, french-style green beans, gluten-free soft pretzels (SO AMAZING) and pink lady apples. I grow terribly, terribly sick of eating the same thing every day, so I mostly crave variety. Those old wives' tales about cravings are a bunch of hogwash for me. Salty is supposed to mean boy and sweet is supposed to mean girl. I crave both.

Feeling: The nausea has abated significantly. However, the one weird, disgusting, persistent symptom is a head full of snot. Not an "I have a cold" snot, but rather "let's see how many times I choke on my own phlegm just because my body cannot possibly stop producing it" snot. I blow my nose so often that the inside of it actually hurts. No Rudolph nose, so at least my face hides the snot. I can actually feel pulling and stretching and cramping, but compared to my monthly visitor? These growing pains are nothing.

Anticipating:  On April 6th, we find out whether this kid is a mini me or a mini Jeff; if we are all lucky, this kid will be a mini me whether it's male or female. I am not sure the world can contend with another ball of energy like Jeff. Okay, I am not sure I can contend with another ball of energy like Jeff. Just tonight, I was lying peacefully on the bed when he came upstairs and started blowing in my face. Earlier, he decided to play the "let's see how loudly and obnoxiously I can chew these cheeseballs." Dude kills me.

Colors and an Unlikely Superhero

One day in the coming months, those walls behind me will not be the color of banana's rejected turd of a brother. (People tell me to call it "manila," but I love manila folders way more than bananas, so there you have it.) Instead, they will be a calming gray, just like our bedroom walls. Provided this wicked winter weather does not thwart my plans tomorrow, I shall have a new paint job on my hair as well. Thankfully, the doctor and my stylist, who has two boys of her own, say that highlights are safe for me. I fear I would crumble under the weight of this hair shituation if I could not fix it until September.

Also, I have a random thought for you today, which makes this thought no different from any other thought I share with you. I think that if asparagus were a superhero, then its tagline would read: Defender of Short Term Memory. We all know full well that it saves us from using the line, "I can't even remember what I had for dinner last night." Fear not, asparagus will not allow you to forget. Now, what would we name this superhero? Hit me with your best ideas.

 

The Look:

Tunic: PinkBlush Maternity  (same in light pink/black, similar)

Leggings: Target? Old Navy? I cannot remember.

Scarf: Momma

Boots: so old from Macy's

Roll-over day

My co-teacher knew about this little hummingbird before almost all of my other friends. Since she is a mother of four and we're really close, I knew she'd sniff it out before long. Anyway, she knows that I start a new week of pregnancy every Wednesday. Aha, bump day is on hump day! How fitting. How witty. Anyway, she calls Wednesdays my roll-over days. When I hit 12 weeks, she brought me a roll-over gift: two pads of paper and two shirts from Old Navy (wore it yesterday on the blog). Two days later, a male colleague, who also happens to have four children, brought a Valentine's day card for the baby! He gave me an Amazon gift card to buy books for the kid. People's kindness really humbles me.

For prosperity's sake, I thought I would do a little journaling every roll-over day. That way, if you want to run away from the blog, you know which days to do it. I do not want this blog to become a pregnancy blog, but I cannot very well ignore something I've wanted for so long that actually came to fruition. I hope you can understand. Also, I still plan to make you laugh, so hang on to that little nugget of knowledge. Let's do it kind of like those currently posts. Shall we?

Wearing: All of the loose-fitting things. I have been relying on loose-fitting tops and pants that don't make my abdomen feel as if someone is chokeholding it. No WWE in this house. The pant situation was dire until I broke down and went to Motherhood Maternity with Mom and bought two pairs of jeans online from Gap. All of the pants have served me well, considering that the belly band is a giant disappointment over here--it just turns into a vagabond rubberband, traveling everywhere it should not and squeezing uncomfortably. Here are the two pairs I bought from Gap:

 

exact 

 

exact 

Eating: Cottage cheese (in disgusting amounts), gluten-free poptarts, strawberry-flavored So Delicious popsicles (coconut milk + strawberry? I'll take five boxes, thanks), broccoli dipped in sour cream topped with a little salt (Mom taught me this weird combination in my youth), and mountains of spaghetti. At this point, if I can stomach it, I devour it. Apparently, my stomach now hates steak (WHO AM I?).

Feeling: In the beginning, I felt horrible every single day, could barely get out of bed or stray far from the bathroom. However, just when I thought I could not physically handle a moment more, the symptoms started to taper off a bit. Now, I have about two-three days every week during which I feel miserable, and it is all worth it. I feel best when I go to bed early, wake up early, use the Neti Pot every morning, drink a lot of water, and eat every two-three hours. Also, being at work provides a fantastic distraction, and I notice the symptoms much less when I spend time at work or go on cleaning binges at home.

Reading:  The past two days, I have been catching up on blogs. Finally. I have missed commenting on friends' blogs, so I am trying to make up for lost time.

Anticipating: I am going to a technology conference at the end of February with some grad school classmates in Baltimore, and I am excited to play with some new educational tools! I only paid $5 for parking, and I get to hang out with people I really like. Also, one of my good friends is coming from the Eastern Shore with her baby boy and husband because baby boy needs to see a specialist at the top medical facility near me. They're staying with us for a night, and I am excited to meet baby boy and spend time with friends!

Conference Wear

This past Thursday and Friday, we had round two of parent-teacher conferences for the school year. 

Since I have tried desperately to avoid showing that I'm "showing," I have had to rethink my  whole wardrobe situation. In the first trimester, I gained only two-four pounds, so that really isn't much. However, on someone as thin as I am, extra weight gain in a particular area is pretty darn obvious, and those extra pounds went nowhere other than my midsection. When I wear leggings and tees around the house, Jeff points at me and yells, "BUMP!" One of my male coworkers actually picked up on the pregnancy because I stopped dressing the way I used to dress, shirts tucked in and pants belted. It's all about looser, untucked tops now. Since I am a terrible liar, if someone sniffed it out like a shark with blood in the water, I answered honestly and sheepishly. 

Anyway, I worked with a black and white base by just adding some color. A lot of people complimented the look, which is half-comprised of gifts from other people.

The Look:

Blazer: Mossimo via Target 

Flats: Merona via Target

Earrings: New York & Co. (recent--got these bad boys for $6)

Pants: ummm...they're from Motherhood Maternity, and my mom bought them because the pant situation has become awkward, and belly bands do nothing other than ride up on me. I miss my pants already, but I do not enjoy buttons stabbing me in the abdomen.

Shirt: gift from my co-teacher :) It's from Old Navy--I love it!

Necklace: gift from Momma while she was on an RV trip with Dad

This dog is lucky she's cute because she covered my sleeves in mud when she jumped on me.

I have also worn the blazer like this: