Avoiding Big Belly Blues….

In 2011, I became pregnant with my first child. I had little to no money on new maternity clothes. I struggled to feel beautiful, hell, I struggled to find anything that would fit. As a result, I spent the majority of my pregnancy in basketball shorts and oversized T-Shirts (I was an athlete so I always had plenty of those). I told myself the next time around I would be prepared and comfortable in my own skin. Well, fast forward to 2018 and here I am, 9 months pregnant, and still not prepared. However, over the last few years I’ve developed a knack for improvising. I learned how to find fashion pretty much anywhere. I also learned how to make new outfits out of old garments in my closet to avoid the feeling of “never having anything to wear”. Here are some of the tips I’ve learned along the way:

Oversized clothes can be fashionable- Once my bump began to grow, I started shopping for clothes that I could grow in to, but also could wear after pregnancy. Over-sized denim shirts, that can be worn as dresses are my favorite garments right now. And even better they can be used after pregnancy! They pair great with a LBD (little black dress) or any fitted color dress for that matter.
Denim shirt

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I was able to save money by using most of my clothes I already had in the closet when I became pregnant. Below, are pictures of me wearing the same shirt, the first is from last winter in 2017 before I even became pregnant and the other one was taken this week at 37 weeks pregnant! (excuse my face in the second picture, I clearly have an attitude these days but I promise I’m excited…..)

 

Dress the bump when your in a slump!- I think the biggest mistake I made during my first pregnancy was never feeling beautiful. I also felt I should hide my bump rather than embracing the beauty of pregnancy. So whenever you get a chance, show up and show ouuutttt! When I had to go somewhere, I ditched the maternity dresses and chose to wear “sexy fits” from the plus size sections. After all, it’s going to take a while for me to get back down to my original weight and these outfits will come in handy if me and the fiancé decide to step out again for date night post pregnancy.

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Keep it fun!- A pregnant woman can and should wear what she wants, as long as she’s comfortable and happy. Creating a new life is hard work and should be rewarded daily! Have fun with your outfits, and wear things that bring a smile to your face. Don’t shy away from patterns, colors, or certain fitted garments. I try my best to stay away from maternity clothes because I feel they have a tendency to box women in with the same style clothing. (I hate the jeans with the band! I’m sorry if that offends anyone, but I’d rather shop for oversized boyfriend jeans before I wear those.)

 

I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted after baby arrives and show how I still wear all the clothes I wore throughout my pregnancy. Wish me luck;)

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Poem of the Week: “Letter to my Daughter”

IMG_0255Jackets designed by Lauren Webb of Laurstin, email for more info!

I never knew you would be, til you was
Plans for me, become us, once I saw the plus
And so for nine months
My mission was to transition for my little addition
Multiplied my income, minused my affliction
Balancing my confliction with your life as my conviction
Sometimes the pain and fear forced me into submission
Your father was present, but the husband was missing
No complicated math, just a simple division
2 hearts, 2 minds, but still the same vision
To help guide you into the woman God meant you to be
See He already knows your journey, it’s just a blessing we get to see…
I’m not worthy…
This trip I’m presented to travel
Marvel at the process of watching a rose unravel
You truly grew from concrete…
Listening to your heart beat made mine skip three
Realizing I’m responsible for this little life inside me…
Still you guided me..
one day I’ll become the teacher
But for now I’m learning from you
Taught me patience, something I never had with a few
But I’m selfish, I wish I could be your only view
I’m so scared on what outside influences will have on you
This world is so ugly and your so beautiful
I feel I taint you even with driving you thru the bull
I remember covering ya eyes on that first drive
And hating everything we drove by
Like damn my dude, it’s just about high noon
But you already lit on the Main strip and you high too
All I could think is “she getting home schooled”
I wish i could protect you from the world too
But protecting you will only hurt you
And that’s the opposite of what im trying to do
So beautiful, here’s how it has to go
As you grow, just know mommy loves u, that’s a given
But listen, this life mess ain’t easy
Believe me, there’s life lessons I cant teach
See, you have to learn some things on ur own
Sometimes it may feel like it’s not worth it
But please….. be strong
Hang in there it wont be long
Before you see the sun come over the horizon
And make sure you reach for gold in every single silver lining
Give thanks to your blessings every single time and
Know no matter what, mommy will never leave you behind
I got your back, front and your sides
And believe these claws will come out if someone ever tries it
You are my priceless gem
My red diamond
People risk their lives just to find the caves you hide in
I’m so blessed that you’re mine
And you name brings me peace of mind every single time
Selah……
Selah Amirah
You are truly my princess that I reflect upon
That’s what your name is based on