I’m pretty sure I’ve doubled in size in the last 3 weeks. Wowee!
Joshua is very healthy, though, and in good birthing position. I can’t wait to meet this little guy sometime in the next month or so!
36 Weeks
2
Category Archives: Pregnancy Does Not Love Me
Plus-Size Maternity Style with SimplyBe (GIVEAWAY!)
You know the best part of being a blogger? Having a company you truly love already contact you out of the blue and ask to give you free stuff.
That’s what happened with me and SimplyBe! I’ve been obsessed with their adorable, British, plus-size clothes for well over a year (introduced to them by my college roomie and friend Erin). Here I am in a Joe Browns dress last year at Easter.
I’m not sure I even knew SimplyBe had maternity clothes, though. The selection isn’t huge, but they do have some great basics. From their maternity line, I ordered cotton-linen blend black pants. They are very comfortable and versatile. Here I’m wearing them with a sweater from Motherhood, some ancient Nine West shoes, and earrings my best friend got at a local shop, I think.
(Please forgive my expressions. BOTH of my children were screaming bloody murder.)
I think the best part about being plus-size and pregnant is that a lot of normal plus-size clothes can pass for maternity, depending on their cut. I veer away from empire-waist styles when I’m not pregnant, mostly so people won’t ask me if I am. But with good length, a cute shirt can work all the way until 9 months!
This Joe Browns shirt had me at first glance. Because it’s long, I can wear it now and probably after the baby’s born, although I would probably style it with a jean jacket or cardigan for non-maternity to streamline some of the volume.
Here I’m wearing it with my favorite straight-leg maternity jeans and the PERFECT maternity shoes, Teva Makena ballet flats. They have the support of a tennis shoe and I don’t have to wear socks.
Here’s another outfit I’ve worn a few times and really liked. The Joe Browns tunic is lightweight and comfy.
Ooh, I almost forgot the icing on the cake! I ordered these fantastic Viva La Diva slippers to wear in the hospital and at home. I pretty much live in my slippers post-partum, and these are SO cozy and cute.
That pretty much sums up my maternity style: easy, comfortable, versatile. I’m a stay-at-home mom with two young kids already, so I need to be able to get around. My “style” when I was pregnant with Libbie and working was completely different!
And now, for the giveaway!! SimplyBe has oodles of clothes, all in sizes 10-28, but they also have great shoes, accessories, and jewelry. They are always having awesome deals via e-mail – often 40-50% off. You may need to be careful about sizing – Joe Browns, for instance, definitely runs at least one size big.
One winner can choose up to $50 of in-stock merchandise from SimplyBe.com. Use Rafflecopter below to enter!
Pregnant.
32 weeks pregnant
Perhaps it’s a gift from God that we sort of forget about this phase, the oh-so-pregnant one.
Right now, my hip has totally bummed out and most of the day I’m finding myself stuck on the couch or in my bed. Which has inevitably led to new distractions.
Distractions? Obsessions?
In the last 10 days or so, I’ve watched the first 13 episodes of Downton Abbey (OBSESSED and realize it. Have to remember they aren’t real people). Less exciting, I’ve picked up Candy Crush Saga on Facebook. Not to mention I’ve read an obscene amount of books in January.
I’m trying to recall if I had these same issues with my other pregnancies. With Libbie, it was Project Runway and Scramble on Facebook (I was GOOD, too, and I’m mad you can only play it as an app now given my smart-phone-less status). I’ve read through some old blogs and I can’t figure out what it was with David … I know we had a new DVR, I sat on my birth ball a ton, and I listened to a lot of Hypnobabies.
I can’t imagine sitting on the couch for the next 7 weeks, but I know it’s going to end up that way. I can’t imagine my belly being stretched any bigger, but I know it will. I can’t imagine being any more tired, but I know I sure will be.
God’s grace to women – He lets us forget a little bit in between these massively pregnant times.
Have you suffered from any pregnancy obsessions?
One Day in July
Today is ranking up pretty high on the Crappy Days meter, which reminded me that I’ve been meaning to write this post for awhile. So maybe it will distract me from the screaming kids and flu-bug husband.
Did I ever tell you about the day I found out I was pregnant with this baby (Joshua)?
In case you weren’t aware, we were actively trying not to have a baby. After having two kids 26 months apart, we wanted to wait until David was 3 to have a third. I was a little more than slightly overwhelmed when David was born, juggling a needy 2-year-old and a very-needy-and-didn’t-sleep-and-nursed-32-times-a-day infant. (And God laughed. David and Joshua will be 27 months apart.)
THAT day, I took Libbie and David to the pediatrician. David was 19 months and needed a weight check, because he’d lived happily on the 2nd percentile for months. Aaand he still hadn’t gained any weight. The pediatrician told me I HAD to see a GI doctor, when I was pretty sure having a 5’5″, very small daddy is reason enough to have a petite but healthy child.
Then we went over to our friends Miss Ann and Mr. Bill‘s house. The kids were playing contentedly on their patio while I shared about our recent trip to the Outer Banks for my best friend’s wedding. Libbie picked up a watering can from their patio to pretend-water some flowers …. and a whole swam of wasps flew out. She got stung twice on her little hand and was, understandably, absolutely inconsolable. It’s been a long time since I had a sting, but those suckers hurt. Especially from wasps.
So I gathered up the crying little ones, retreated to our car, and came home. And took the test which I was about 95% would be positive. I don’t know why I waited until then – I think maybe I wasn’t sure I had one, but I did, a little lonely dollar-store thing shoved in a cabinet.
The day before this, I had slept the entire day and chalked it up to exhaustion from traveling and the emotions of the past several weeks, plus a lot of medicine for my back. But seriously. The whole day. And then that night, I had a very vivid, um, hormone-charged dream. Which only happens when I am in my first trimester. And that’s how I knew, or at least suspected.
I peed on the stick in my kids’ bathroom because my husband was in the shower. It was hot pink right away, that plus sign of mixed emotions bright as bright can be.
I barged into our bathroom and loudly proclaimed, “David has to go see the GI doctor, Libbie got stung by a wasp, and I’M PREGNANT.”
Subtlety is not my strong point.
Suffice it to say, Mr. V was much more graceful and excited about the pregnancy than I was, although I’ve gotten there. (Of course, he doesn’t have to lug a baby around in HIS stomach for 9 months.) And you would think that was the end of a day of emotional lows and surprises.
But oh, no!
That very same afternoon, I found out my debit card number had been stolen and there were 20 or more transactions I didn’t make on my account, adding up to hundreds of dollars. So in my state of pregnant shock, I got to spend the whole afternoon on the phone with Bank of America, trying to fix that issue.
At least it served as a distraction.
Today doesn’t seem so bad in comparison to that July day, actually.
So do you have any REALLY BAD DAY stories?
Three Kids
I’m starting to understand why people only have two kids.
With David becoming more active and able to fend for himself and Libbie slightly more careful with him, they actually play together. A lot. It’s spectacular.
While they need me to get them food, they generally don’t need me to feed them. I think David might even be done nursing; I can’t remember the last time he asked for “ga-ga” (sniff!).
It’s certainly not what I would call SIMPLE being mother to two under age 4, but it’s not nearly as hard as it was in, say, the first year of David’s life. Everyone sleeps through the night most of the time. Nobody needs bottles made. Only one of them is in diapers. Mostly they want me to read books and play Candy Land, and I’m pretty happy to oblige.
I think for most couples, the decision to have a second child isn’t that hard. We didn’t want an only child. But that push to number three … well, it takes some thinking.
My fear was starting over. Once David got somewhat self-sufficient, it was so hard to think about going back to no sleep, nursing non-stop, and carrying an infant bucket seat. Writing that out makes me feel incredibly selfish, but it’s true. Bouncy seats and jumperoos have been given away or banished to closets. Spit-up is something of the past.
Even though Mr. V and I have always, always talked about having 4 kids, I wasn’t sure I could go back to the beginning again and keep my sanity. Depression keeps me teetering on the edge for much of life. It’s a scary place. I remember the months when David was tiny and I wasn’t sure I could stop crying.
On the other hand … I believe children are blessings, I love babies, and I try to trust my fertility to God. I am not big on taking the Pill – and I haven’t since long before we conceived Libbie. I feel that it messed with my fertility in a major way and I don’t like the idea of synthetic hormones. We’ve been practicing NFP, but with my cycles being a little crazy – and I didn’t even have one until David was 16 months – things are a little wonky.
A few weeks before I found out I was pregnant, I remember driving my car and telling God I was tired of being scared. But if He wanted me to have a #3, He was going to have to make it very clear.
And oh, He did. That pink plus sign was HOT PINK. I was already 6 weeks pregnant when I found out.
So even on the days when I feel like this is the most insane thing I could ever be doing, adding another brother or sister to the mix, to the already-nutso life we lead … I know this baby is meant to be part of our family. I’m sure he or she is going to be the best surprise we’ve ever received.
Before You Ask …
Yes, we know what causes this.
But yes, it was a surprise.
Yes, we are excited.
Yes, it’s why we bought a minivan.
Yes, it’s why I have barely been blogging … because mostly I’ve been in bed, either asleep or trying not to puke. I’m sure many of you can remember what a VERY PLEASANT pregnant woman I am.
March 21. Mother of 3. Bring it on! (?!)
10 Things That Help Me Survive Pregnancy
Well, friends, I am getting down to the wire (I HOPE!). On Wednesday I will be 39 weeks. Most of the time I feel like death. It is not a pretty picture.
But on a happier and hopefully helpful note, here are ten things that help me survive pregnancy. Whether you’re a happy preggo (and thus I hate you) or more on my side of “my body hates being pregnant,” these essentials can help you make it all 40 weeks!
1. Snoogle
I have intended to write a poem/haiku/ode to my Snoogle, but as that hasn’t happened I will just say this is the ONLY way I generally sleep during pregnancy. The piece that goes between your legs helps align your back, and it gives me something to cuddle with. I don’t know why it’s magical, but it is!
2. Once-a-month/batch/freezer cooking
Although doing a complete once-a-month menu is nearly impossible for me when I am pregnant, I have done several mini sessions that help me keep the freezer somewhat stocked. It’s totally worth a few hours’ work to have meals for a week or two!
3. Decent maternity clothes
I literally have six of this shirt at this point (all different colors). So even if I can’t find any maternity pants, I have tops. For me, these particular shirts are comfy, not revealing, and actually cover my belly, even when I am full-term. And … let’s just say the length seems to balance out “the girls” when I am nursing as well.
4. My mom
My moms flies from Philadelphia to wherever I am several times when I am pregnant, and she’s coming WEDNESDAY!!! to help me not kill take care of Libbie and get my house in order. She’s also mentioned stocking my freezer with meals from my Whole Foods in a Hurry menu. I don’t know what I would have done without her when I had Libbie, and I hope she will be right there in the room when David is born, too!
5. My sisterchicks
These girls have put up with a lot from me over the last several months, and they haven’t yet blocked me from our Skype room. One of them is always there to give advice or just a listening ear to my latest complaint. I love you, girls!
6. Good bath products – I am a bath junkie, even during my “regular” life. But during these last few weeks of pregnancy I could basically live in my bathtub. It is a big jacuzzi tub, although I don’t use the jets. But I fit in it, so that’s nice. And nice bath oils go a long way to making a girl feel good and less like a hippo. My best friend got me this pregnancy bath set from Uncommon Goods for an early Christmas present, and I love the milk bath and oils!
7. PBS
I do not love the amount of TV that Libbie is now accustomed to watching. But there are days–especially lately–where I just cannot get off the couch. (And at the beginning when I was super sick, it was the same.) I have an appreciation for PBS now! Libbie likes Sesame Street, Curious George, and Sid the Science Kid. We watch Play with Me Sesame almost every day (from PBS Sprout) and an occasional Chloe’s Closet as well.
8. Sonic
I hate to even admit this, but nothing tastes better than an icy-cold Sonic drink during happy hour when you’re pregnant. Especially when there is nothing in the whole wide world you want to eat. Cranberry limeade is my drug of choice.
9. A really good child.
Libbie does drive me crazy some days, but seriously? She is SUCH a good kid. She plays independently. She doesn’t throw temper tantrums, usually. She helps me get things and throw things away and puts away her toys … if asked. For being just 2, she is actually helpful, caring, and sweet.
10. What helps you survive pregnancy? I’d love to know for next time oh please help I can’t even think about a next time.
Added to Top Ten Tuesday at OhAmanda.
—-
Subscribe to the RSS feed or by e-mail.
Twitter much? I’m vanderbiltwife there, too.
Join my Facebook Fan Group
State of the Home Address
Dearest Family,
I have officially reached “that” point in my pregnancy. The point where I may have just grouched at one of you for chomping popcorn in my ear.
Now that I am thisclose to finishing all of my pre-baby freelance responsibilities, I fully intend to spend the rest of this pregnancy sitting on my birth ball watching DVRed shows and generally ignoring any responsibility. That, and sleeping, when and if possible.
I regret to inform you that there is no menu plan. Feel lucky if I manage to warm up something from the freezer section of the grocery store. We have some items in the freezer, but I would prefer to eat them sparingly until the baby arrives (and preferably after my mother leaves, when true insanity begins).
To my husband, I only ask that you clean up after yourself, do all the laundry, and keep our child out of my hair after you work all day. I think that’s a fair exchange considering I am carrying your son.
To my daughter, please realize that just because Mommy can’t run after you it is NOT a good time to decide to be defiant over matters such as whether you will wear your coat. Mommy will always win. Get over it. Defiance may result in no television, movies, and possible dismissal of all of your toys. Mommy is in no mood to put up with crap.
I do solemnly swear that it will only be a few weeks before I am back to my kind-hearted, warm self. Until then, I ask that you deal with it. It is a lot of work to carry your son/brother, who is apparently hungry 36 hours a day and whose greatest joy is to kick the heck out of my ribcage.
Your loving wife and mother.
—-
Subscribe to the RSS feed or by e-mail.
Twitter much? I’m vanderbiltwife there, too.
Join my Facebook Fan Group
Things I Hate Thursday: Maternity Pants
I think maternity pants must be made by men.
For starters, I have never found one pair of maternity jeans that will stay up. In my pregnancy with Libbie, I suffered through this for 7 months. I had three pairs, at least, and not one would stay up. I swore that the next time I was pregnant, I would buy a decent–even expensive–pair of jeans.
And I did! I bought the much-recommended Secret Fit Belly jeans from Motherhood. BRAND NEW. (OK–with a gift card from my mom. ‘Cause we all know it might kill me to pay $35 for one item of clothing.)
From their first wear, I found them awful. Somehow the inside of the jeans was bumpy and itchy. And they would not stay up.
Now, despite my size, I do not have a lot of junk in the trunk, so to speak. And maybe I bought them too big? Who knows. But it seems the same with all maternity pants. There are three key issues:
1. They won’t stay up, forcing the wearer to constantly readjust.
2. They don’t have pockets. Because apparently pregnant women don’t need those.
3. They are WAY too short.
 |
| If you can wear these when you’re pregnant, I don’t want to know. |
I have khakis, yoga pants, green cargo pants. They are all insanely short, especially considering that I am only 5’3″ and usually that is not an issue at all. And yes, they are pants, not capris. Is this only my issue or can we all complain together: BEING PREGNANT DOES NOT MIRACULOUSLY MAKE YOU SHORTER!!? In fact, a little extra length might make up for the spreading hips and the-baby-made-me-eat-that thighs.
I pretty much live in pajama pants or the two pair of Old Navy maternity yoga pants I have totally not worn for the last three years, pregnant or not. (Sadly, it appears they don’t make these anymore. Sacrilege!)
Is there an answer? Is it possible to create a pair of maternity pants that might actually stay up despite a burgeoning, whale-like belly? And be long enough? And, for the love of Pete, have pockets, too?
If you’ve found those miracle pants, I’d like to know. I’ll put them on my list of things to buy the next time I am pregnant. (Oh dear. I don’t even want to think about that right now.)
Because Jill told me I could, I am linking this to Things I Love Thursday. ‘Cause I would LOVE to find a pair of pants that magically fit.
—-
Subscribe to the RSS feed or by e-mail.
Twitter much? I’m vanderbiltwife there, too.
Join my Facebook Fan Group
Ten Indicators You Are 36 Weeks Pregnant
(not me)
1. Constant ache in hips and back causes you to take three hot baths a day and ask your partner to rub some strange joints and muscles. Wonder about cost of hiring live-in masseuse.
2. Pretty sure putting on socks did not used to be so difficult. Determine to only get pregnant again at a time when you will not have to wear socks at the end of pregnancy. Then remember how miserable it is to be pregnant when it’s 100 outside.
3. Fear you will all have to move into the backyard because you are completely incapable of keeping house even a smidgen clean.
4. Regret buying front-loading washer, because you nearly go into labor every time you have to unload it into the dryer.
5. Fear long pre-labor due to dehydration again. Fear drinking too much water because how many more times COULD you possibly go to the bathroom today?
6. Constant repositioning from couch, to floor, to birth ball, to bed, to bath, to laying down. Pretty sure you are frightening your toddler.
7. Fear spousal unit will leave you before the baby comes out, because you no longer are able to keep house/attend to children/cook/be intimate/all of the above.
8. Have memorized all the words to the theme songs of “Sid the Science Kid,” “Play with Me Sesame,” and “Curious George.”
9. Are thankful that if you make peanut butter and jelly with natural PB
10. Time is split as following: 10% examining stretch marks and rubbing cream on them; 20% trying to remember what body looked like before baby was inside; 20% lying on couch moaning; 25% eating; 20% trying to get comfortable enough to go to sleep; 5% actually sleeping. And intermittently going to the bathroom throughout all activities.
Added to Top Ten Tuesday at OhAmanda. Picture used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
—-
Subscribe to the RSS feed or by e-mail.
Twitter much? I’m vanderbiltwife there, too.
Join my Facebook Fan Group
