Postpartum Body

Before anyone close to me had a baby, I never realized that you still look pregnant after having a baby. AND, it has nothing to do with how much weight you did or didn't gain, but has to do with your uterus going back down to size. That bit of postpartum information was about all the information I knew before having Connor. I'm not going to share the nitty-gritty of life after vaginal birth that people didn't share with me. If I was talking in person with you, yes I would share. But over the world wide web, nope. What you will get though, is my take on my body after baby.

Sure, I've been through this before, so I knew what to expect. But that doesn't necessarily make it any easier. You see, it takes a while to get back to normal after having a baby. And trying to dress in this transition phase is all too challenging. First off, I breastfeed. Thus my boobs need to always be easily accessible. And with breastfeeding comes ginormious boobs. I don't like the ladies being on constant display and do try my best to cover them. However, as I have said before, I would have cleavage even in a turtleneck. Seriously. It's out of control.

Then there is the post baby pooch, or jelly belly as some like to call it. Really it only bothers me when I sit down and have it hanging over my pants. Gross! So, I normally pull my pants up and "tuck it in". This in fact is a problem I can fix...with exercise. I will actually need to put in some effort to fix it. And I have started exercising. Just the exercise itself helps my body image, even if it has yet to help my body.

Lastly are the childbearing hips. When giving birth vaginally, those suckers have to open wide. And as I recall, it took a few months for those bad boys to cinch back in after I had Connor. Thus, they have yet to go back in. And thus, I can get all my pants on, but buttoning them is a whole other issue!

And here I am today. I've lost almost all the weight I gained while pregnant, but can only fit in one pair of my jeans. And my maternity jeans aren't really an option anymore as they have become too big. And my shirts, while I can fit back in all of them, I have to think about access and how easy it would be to feed a child while wearing shirts. Thus, my selection of clothes is rather limited. But, I find when I actually put an outfit together, I feel much better about myself. I think the key for me is planning ahead. Making sure I have good decent fitting clothes, that match, always clean. And here is the reality of how my postpartum dressing played out today:

 Sweater: MadeWell

Tank: C&C California

Skirt: Hollister

Leggings: Hollister

Shoes: Toms

Fall Fashion Week {Day 7}

Better late than never, right?

Today both Connor and I got our hair cut. And, you are lucky enough to get before & after shots. Well, not a good before shot for me. I didn't even bother doing my hair this morning since my first errand was our hair appointment. And, since the high was in the mid 80's today, I decided to splurge and wear jeans. At one point, I regretted my decision. But for most of the day, jeans worked out great. And it made me feel more like it was actually fall!

Shirt: Old Navy Maternity

Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

Necklace: PacSun

Shoes: H&M

I threw in that side shot not to show you how short my maternity shirts are looking on me, but to show you how small my butt is looking. I love it. I always feel like I have such a large one and think it looks cute looking all small compared to such a large belly.

And now my new hair. Its hard to tell, but I did get a good amount cut off. It is long enough in the front to tuck behind my ears, but short and layered in the back...maybe 2 or so inches long.

And now for Connor...

Shirt: GAP 

Shorts: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

Connor was such a man getting his hair cut today. I was so proud of him. And he now has a proper hair cut again, and not just one his mom gave him! Its cute. A proper little boy hair cut.


Once again, it has been another fun fashion week. Thanks to Emery over at Moms are for Everyone for always hosting these great events. Its always fun reconnecting with some great bloggers out there and seeing what some of my blogger friends wear.

Fall Fashion Week {Day 6}

The past day and a half have been crazy.

It started off yesterday morning with my doctor's appointment. I almost asked them to NOT check me for progress because I didn't want to be discouraged. Well, I let them check. And sure enough, nothing is going on. NOTHING. Nada. No dilation. No effacement. No nothing. AND to make matters a little worse, they even made me a 41 week appointment. Sniff. I am a big girl. I can handle it. I really have expected to go over with this baby. After all, Connor was 10 days late. And I am not at all for induction and really just want this baby to come on its own when it is ready. I was just kind of hoping that would be sooner rather than later. But then again, I wasn't dilated at all with Connor and my water broke a measly 18 hours later, at home, on its own. So there is hope.

The thing is though, I actually put effort into my outfit yesterday. I even wore jewelry. And there is no photographic evidence of this outfit. It is as if it didn't even exist. Oh well.

Then this morning the newspaper induced hysteria in me about the listeria outbreak from cantaloupe. And of course I recently consumed a whole cantaloupe. So, I called the advice nurse. Was on hold for 30 minutes, when I was told the wait time was 1 minute. And when I finally got to talk to a nurse, she was rude and brushed me off because I wasn't yet sick. Uh, thanks for all the great advice!

Oh, and all this hysteria was going down while I was trying to rush out of the house this morning for a meeting.

Now its 2pm and I find myself totally and utterly exhausted. So, I am going to take a nap. But not before I share an outfit with you. Sure, it wasn't from this week, but from a couple weeks ago when Ian and I went to San Francisco for his birthday. But on a positive note, it is the most fall-like outfit I have been able to wear in months. After all, we are still dealing with temps in the 90's...stupid forecasters lied when they said it was supposed to be in the 80's this week! Where was I? Oh yeah, my outfit...

Shirt: Forever 21 Maternity

Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Rainbows

Sorry for the rant. I guess its those pregnancy hormones bubbling to the surface. But if someone actually said that to me, I might just slap them! See, more hormones.

Fall Fashion Week {Day 5}

The next few days are going to get kind of bring around here in my "fashion" world...as if it is ever super exciting. The days are busy and full of tasks, so practical clothing is a must. After all, when headed to the park with a 21 month old, I ALWAYS have to be prepared to climb to the top of the jungle gym before he jumps! And try doing that while 9 months pregnant...not the prettiest of pictures.

Tank: Michael Stars Maternity

Gauchos: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Reef

The husband was nice enough to get this tank for me at the beginning of my pregnancy. He picked it out all by himself. I am glad I have it. It is comfortable and cute. And tank tops have become my best friend in this NOT-fallish-at-all weather.

Fall Fashion Week {Day 4}

Dresses really are a pregnant gal's best friend. The are cool, comfortable and there never seems to be a problem with them fitting! This dress I almost passed up on the rack. It was on clearance for $6, but didn't look like something I would wear at all. In fact, I think it looks like something one would wear to work. Anyway, with a $6 price tag, I couldn't pass it up. I cut the stupid bow off the belly (I am SO NOT a fan of "belly bows" on maternity clothes). And this dress has become a staple this pregnancy. I wear it every single stinking week. It is so freaking comfortable that I don't really care that it isn't my style. And now, without further ado, my $6 dress:

Necklace: Made by me - circa 2002

Tank: Michael Stars

Dress: Liz Lange for Target Maternity

Shoes: H&M

Fall Fashion Week {Day 3}

I am thinking fashion week is a MUST for all pregnant gals. All the complements go straight to my head and totally help out. I look in the mirror at times and feel like a cow. Especially with all the stares in public and the ridiculous "You look like you are going to pop" comments. So thanks ladies for helping this pregnant gal out and sending complements my way. I FREAKING LOVE THEM!

As promised, here is a more put together look:

And a closeup of the necklace:

Necklace: From the hubby*

Tank: Forever 21 Maternity

Dress: Topshop Maternity

Leggings: Hollister

Shoes: Toms

I have to say, I don't get why so many maternity tops are so low cut. We already have it going on up upstairs and could be sporting cleavage in a turtleneck, so low cut shirts are not needed! Oh well. Thank God (or Forever 21) for layering tank tops. 


*When looking for a necklace to wear this morning, I came across this one. My husband gave it to me the first Christmas we were dating...12 years ago! I used to never take it off. I wore it every single day. It has lots of sentimental value and good memories. It made me smile when I put it on this morning.

32 & 33 Weeks - Pregnancy Style

I'm getting big. There is just no denying it. And my clothing options seem to be dwindling daily. Okay, so not daily, but you get the picture. I think I am at the point that wearing non-maternity shirts is no longer a good idea. They just aren't long enough to cover this ginormious belly of mine. And I am just not confident enough to bare the bump all over town. So, it is maternity clothes (at least shirts) from here on out for me.

I joked with my father-in-law last night that getting dressed isn't hard because I only have 5 options to choose from (slight exaggeration). He said it was really only 3 because 2 are probably dirty at all times...so true. Because of this, I am sorry that these posts really aren't showing style anymore (not that I had any to begin with) and really are just showing the bump baby continuing to grow.  Which, by the way, the nameless baby is said to be somewhere around 5 pounds right now. How crazy is that?!? This whole human-growing thing boggles my mind every time I do it (you know, all two times!).

Shirt: Topshop Maternity

Gachos: Old Navy Maternity

Flip Flops: Reef

Hair: It's been so hot, wearing it back is essential to my livelihood these days...though I am thinking of chopping it all off. Completely gone. Well, mostly gone.

Shirt: Old Navy Maternity

Necklace: Pac Sun

Skirt: Banana Republic

Shoes: H&M

30 & 31 Weeks - Pregnancy Style

I believe that pregnancy and children are a gift. There are so many people that aren't blessed with children and long for them. Because of this, I really have never taken advantage of the fact that I can bear children. I don't like complaining about the downsides of pregnancy (well, except to Ian so I can get a back or foot rub out of it!) because all of it truly is a blessing. Being pregnant really is a miracle. Hearing that heartbeat for the first time, feeling those kicks and movements. All of it is truly amazing. But at the same time, none of it even compares to having that child in your arms. Playing with them on the floor. Raising them to be men and women of God. I am just so thankful for the blessings God has given to Ian and I in the form of children.

Enough with the mushy stuff (I get a little emotional when I am pregnant) and on to what I have been wearing:

 Tank Top: Michael Stars Maternity

Gauchos: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Reef

Shirt: C&C California

Sweater: Made Well

Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Rainbows (not shown)

I've determined that I need to take more pictures with the regular camera and less with my phone. They just come out better. And if I really want these memories to last a lifetime, they should be better quality. 

Speaking of pictures, I just booked my maternity photo session for in a couple weeks. I am really excited about that. I already can't wait to see how they turn out and to see pictures of us as a little family together. 

28 & 29 Weeks - Pregnancy Style

Its been hot and dresses have become my new best friend. They are so comfortable, stretch and help keep me cool. Its a win-win for everyone when I wear a dress.

Dress: Forever 21

Funny story about this dress. I have had this dress for years. When I first got it, I wore it at a party I was hosting at my house. The next week, paparazzi photos of Tori Spelling wearing the dress emerged. I sent them to my friends telling them how flattered I felt that Tori Spelling would wear the same $20 dress as me. Being the good great friends that they are, they responded letting me know how much better I looked in the dress. See? Great friends! Now here I am years later, squeezing into the dress while 7.5 months pregnant.

  

Dress: Liz Lange Maternity - Target

 Tank Top: Forever 21 Maternity 

This is another dress  I scored on clearance at Target, for $8. Such a deal. I would like to say that the second picture makes me laugh...my stomach is poking out on one side and my butt is on the other. Thankfully they aren't even with each other. That would look really tragic.

Tank Top: Topshop Maternity

Gauchos: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Reef

We started on the baby's room, which brings joy to my heart.  Actually getting prepared makes this feel real but also makes me feel prepared. We painted one wall in the baby's room red. The room is going to be done in red, white and brown. I found a Pottery Barn rocker on craigslist for super cheap and we picked it up this weekend. In fact, when we went to pick it up, the lady gave us a ton of clothes for Connor (good clothes) and gave Connor a ride on toy too. It was a score for everyone. Next on the list is finishing painting the crib, which Ian is doing. In the next week or so, things should start taking shape...maybe then I will be willing to share a sneak peak of the room.

27 Weeks - Pregnancy Style & Update

I have to admit, I am starting to feel pregnant. My skin is starting to stretch to the point that sitting weird or holding Connor makes it stretch even further causing discomfort. Also, I no longer enjoy unnecessary bending over, or having to get up from the floor for that matter. So, I moved the changing pad back into Connor's room and put it on his dresser. Its easier to hoist him up then for me to climb down to the floor to change him. And, sink baths have become my bath of choice for Connor. It is right at my level and I don't have to bend or lean. Perfect, if you ask me.

I passed my glucose test with flying colors. I was nervous because it seems like so many people fail, but I didn't have a problem. By the end of the test, I was buzzing and ready to run a marathon from all the sugar in my system, but it seems I am processing it like I should. Baby is not head down, but the doctor said it still has plenty of time to turn. And I am not concerned. Connor managed to turn head down just in the nick of time.

We still have yet to do anything to prepare for baby. But I am starting to get antsy, so I am thinking things will start coming together here shortly. First up, cleaning the rest of the non-baby related boxes out of the room. Then painting, bringing the crib over from my parents house, finding a dresser, decorating...

What I wore this week:

Shirt: Splendid

Shorts: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Reef

When I was pregnant with Connor, I remember someone telling me that any non-maternity clothes I wore while pregnant, I would never look at the same again. This shirt I am sporting, I actually wore to the hospital in labor with Connor. And I never looked at it the same. Wearing it when I wasn't pregnant made me feel fat. I mean, I could wear it at 41.5 weeks pregnant!

Shirt: Topshop Maternity

Gauchos: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Reef

Shirt: Forever 21 Maternity

Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Rainbows

Three things about this outfit: 

1) I actually started out wearing cute shoes, but by the time the picture was taken, I was back to my trusty and comfortable flip flops

2) This shirt is really billowy and hides my belly. I almost don't feel pregnant when I am wearing it. Maybe because it doesn't accentuate the bump?

3) If you look at these pictures closely, you will notice my belly button is just starting to pop out.

Weeks 24 & 25 - Pregnancy Style

This pregnancy is seriously going at lightening speed. I am thinking I will soon need to be getting ready for this babe to make its appearance. I am slowing cleaning out the boxes from said babe's room. Once that is done, I can begin setting up and organizing.

So at 24 weeks, the baby is supposed to be the size of a piece of corn. I think I was liking 2 weeks ago better when the baby was the size of a spaghetti squash! Whoever came up with this comparing baby to food items didn't do a good enough job for me. Oh well. Here I am at 24 weeks posing with a piece of corn...hoping the baby really is bigger than that.

Dress: Liz Lange Maternity for Target

Sandals: H&M

I scored the dress for $6 on clearance at Target. I was pretty excited about that. There was a bow that went over the belly (I seriously will never get that about maternity clothes...bows on the belly). I cut it off and ended up making little knots out of the bow material where the holes for the bow were. I realize you can't see any of this in the pictures, but I thought I would tell you anyway!

Over the weekend, I went to Forever 21 and got a much needed boost in my clothes selection, so you will get to see some new outfits popping up on here. Also, a friend kindly donated a pair of maternity shorts and a tank top to me. I was so excited about the shorts, I wore them the next day. 

Shirt: Forever 21 Maternity

Shorts: Hand me down

  

Shirt: Forever 21

Pants: A Pea in a Pod Maternity

Shoes: Steve Madden

Bracelet: Tiffany & Co. (a 5 year anniversary present from the hubby)

This was the outfit I wore out to dinner with Ian for our anniversary.  And please pardon the sub-quality iphone pictures. This last set of pictures really didn't turn out well. Oh well. Can't win 'em all, can you?

22 Weeks - Pregnancy Style

Technically I am 23 weeks along, but since all these pictures are for last week, this post is for 22 weeks. Catch my drift?

One thing I really like about being pregnant is the bigger my belly grows, the smaller my legs appear. You see, I think of my legs as my worst feature. They are....sturdy legs. I haven't always liked that, but I also realize all of us have a place that we "carry" our weight and for me, its in my legs. Anyway, as the belly grows, it causes my legs to appear smaller. Its a win for me!

 

Shirt: Old Navy

Gachos: Old Navy Maternity

Flip Flips: Reef

I am not normally an "all black" person, in fact I love me some color, but it worked, so I went with it. I also am not normally an "all Old Navy" person, but for some reason during pregnancy, that seems to be where all my clothes come from. 

Shirt: J.Crew

Shorts: Old Navy Maternity

Flip Flops: Rainbows (not pictured)

This was my first time ever rocking maternity shorts. I lived in Scotland when I was pregnant with Connor and never needed them. I am not a shorts person, but was happy to find some long-ish ones. Normally I like my shorts to cover my knees (remember, I don't like shorts...or my legs for that matter), but these work, so I'll go with it. 

Shirt: GAP

Tank Top: C&C California

Gachos: Old Navy Maternity

Flip Flips: Reef (not pictured)

I realized just yesterday (the last day of me technically being 22 weeks) that the baby was the size of a spaghetti squash that week. I happened to buy one at the grocery store for a meal this week, so decided to pose for a couple pictures. Thinking of the baby as being that big made me think my stomach didn't look so big after all! It was quite the boost to my self esteem.

20 Weeks - Pregnancy Style

Do you have the time, to listen to me whine
About nothing and everything, all at once
I am one of those, melodramatic fools
Neurotic to the bone, no doubt about it

- Green Day

That song came on the radio today and I couldn't help but laugh. Because about now, that is the direction my life is headed. I am having one big pity party for myself over here. Part of it is about the move and feeling totally overwhelmed. But most of it is about my expanding waste line and my lack of clothing options. Getting dressed every day has become something I dread. I seem to be forced to put on the same things every stinking day. And I don't want to waste money on more clothes. So, I am kind of stuck with with I have...stuck in my pity party. Only sort of, really. Once I unpack my clothes from Scotland, I anticipate finding some more options to wear. I don't remember feeling this way last time. Then again, I spent most of my time in oversized men's polos at work and sweats when I was at home. 

All this to say, I am challenging myself. Challenging myself to NOT look like a slob everyday and to have some sense of style throughout this pregnancy. Because of this, I am going to start posting pictures of myself on here. That way I have a reason to try. You see, I don't want you all judging me and thinking of me as a total slob, so I will try, even if just to impress you. So there you have it. 

Without further ado, I present me today:

Jacket: Old Navy

Tank: Topshop Maternity

Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Rainbows

And me yesterday:

Tank: Michael Stars Maternity

Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Rip Curl flip flops

Just for you, I promise to get out of jeans and into something else soon. I can't make the same promise about ditching my flip flops though...sorry.