Now that I've donned the maxi dress I couldn't help but go for it again. I was worried the stripes would draw too much emphasis on my widening belly but, thankfully, this dress hugged my curves just enough to be flattering.
This transition period of slowing down my physical activity to waiting for this baby to come is so different for me. While I lament over the sound of my alarm jarring me awake everyday to remind me to get up and get ready for work, I am definitely a person who enjoys a routine and doing a job that I feel I'm good at. Obviously, a baby has no routine and I'll have no clue as to how I'll rate on the motherhood scale.
I've discussed over and over how I'm just trying to "go with it" when it comes to raising this baby of mine but as the weeks wind down, I'm just...anxious. Excited, yes. Happy, yes. But, also very anxious.
People are so kind and often remind me that most women never really feel ready and that I shouldn't be overly concerned. I try to keep that in mind when I start to freak out. It's not always easy but, it's something. Perhaps it was all kismet when the kind folks at Oh Baby Chic reached out to me. I was really struck by their mantra of feeling beautiful AND empowered to take on the new role of motherhood. The company takes this mantra seriously and supports the non-profit organization, EveryMotherCounts. With every purchase, $1 is donated to support the organization's mission to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all mothers.
I wore this super soft and comfy tee all day and whenever I passed my reflection in a mirror or window, I couldn't help but smile at the phrase.
I saw my friend the other day and he said, "it looks like you have a basketball under your shirt!" I hadn't even noticed my belly shape but I totally laughed at the thought.
His comment did make me think of how far I've come from the early days of finding out I was pregnant. Everyday, I'm reminded of how close my due date is (mid-May!) and everyday, I get a bit more anxious, nervous, excited and scared. I'm a ball of emotions (no pun intended) and I am experiencing a grieving period with my "old life." Making last-minute plans with friends, watching TV at odd hours of the night, sleeping in...all the little things that I took for granted when it was just the husband and me hanging out.
But, what I might "lose" in independence I know I'll gain in other areas. I'm not sure what this might feel like but based on all the stories I've read and heard over the months, there's an indescribable love and fulfillment that comes with motherhood. I won't ever stop worrying or stop over-thinking (it's my nature and I'm sure it'll intensify with a child) but, I can take things one day at a time and enjoy each moment. That's something I've always struggled to reconcile being such a planner in life. As my friend wisely reminded me, "there is a time for everything." Just enjoy the ride.
This obviously isn't my first blacked-out outfit you've seen but, the basics are really reliable right now. I'm in my final weeks of pregnancy (time has FLOWN!) and the struggle is real. I can't see my feet much anymore but that hasn't stopped me from choosing options that make me feel pretty. These glittery options are never worn enough and while I can't see them twinkle, at least others can.
I haven't worn a maxi dress during this pregnancy...until now. I constantly heard how pregnant women loved wearing a maxi dress (anything loose, flowy and basically a onesie is a winner) but I just plain ol' avoided wearing one. I was thisclose to getting one from Rachel Pally but then I remembered this fab one I purchased from Banana Republic last summer. I never wore it since it was actually too long on me. I intended to get it hemmed but, life got the best of me and I never made a trip to the tailor. By luck, this maxi dress fit over my burgeoning belly and the extra length worked in my favor!
Now, based on experience, I can say maxi dresses are indeed perfect for pregnant women.
I haven't experimented much with patterns during this pregnancy. I've never been shy about mixing and matching before but through the course of this pregnancy, I opted for basics whenever I bought anything so I could easily pair them with items in my closet. As practical as this route has been, I've been missing the bold colors and prints I typically wear, especially with the recent sunshine and good weather we've had in SF, So, I hiked up my unzipped skirt and wore my trusty stripe shirt for a good ol' pattern play paired outfit.
Sure, I wasn't at the SF Giants opening day game yesterday (insert sad face) but, I was there in spirit. I likely won't be able to attend some baseball games for a good chunk of time but as the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'll be able to enjoy those garlic fries soon enough...and even an alcoholic beverage by the time I return!
