There's probably an implied rule that one shouldn't wear horizontal stripes while this pregnant, but I'm not following it. At over 32 weeks it's all getting quite comical anyway. I'm just about at the point where it's hard to imagine my body getting any bigger, and yet I know it will.
Can we talk about how I'm a little bit terrified for what's to come? Labor and delivery, recovery, and then being responsible for raising a life in this world... it's all so much to take in and keeps overwhelming me. Looks like I may need to spend the next few weeks working on my mental and emotional state; perhaps I'll even read the birthing and parenting books on my list.
On a much lighter note, a big thank you to Rachel at Black*Eiffel for including me on the list of up-and-coming blogs at Alt Summit. Lately there hasn't been as much time or energy to devote to this space as I would like, but I do love sharing whenever I can.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
the art of almost.
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wow! what a huge accomplishment to be listed there, i'm stoked for you. and you rock the stripes - who cares about rules! you are looking lovely and i'm sure every mom has those exact thoughts... i'll let ya know when i get there ;)
ReplyDeletekylie
Um, love this dress...and I think even more so because of how cute you look in it pregnant!
ReplyDeleteAll that stuff is scary... been there...but you'll totally do great with all of those things! In my opinion it all seems more scary than it actually is...well, I'm unsure about the actual delivery part considering I had a c-section, but I figure women do it all the time and then they do it again and again...so it can't be that horrible!
Good luck!
Don't worry about the horizontal stripes. I'm 32 weeks as well and I've been living in striped dresses; I figure if there is one time in your life when you can get away with looking like a rhino, it is now. Go with it, I say!
ReplyDeleteI just bought that same dress and I am gonna wear it for my baby shower this weekend! I know the unknown of the future is scary, (about to have my second boy and I'm getting nervous!) it will be a natural process and pretty soon you won't remember life before baby!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are so lovely!
ReplyDeletebirthing books sure, parenting will come to you so much by instinct that you won't know what hit you. and wear whatever makes you happy and covers you up!
ReplyDeleteThe dress.the shoes.the bump. I love it all!
ReplyDeleteI'm TOTALLY freaked about the labor part. I hate hospitals, needles, people crowding around me, and pain. I'm sweating just thinking about the part.
But you.. you're going to be fine!She'll be in your arms in just TWO months! Hip hip!
It is overwhelming- but like everyone is saying it will be fine! You will be amazing. Your little girl is lucky to have you, for so many reasons!
ReplyDeleteand if I get pregnant again someday can I borrow that dress?? it's amazing!
of course you can borrow it when you're pregnant, though it might be way too big for you :)
Deletethere will soon be 1.5 angelas in the world.
ReplyDeleteYou look great!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about the scary stuff too. I keep reminding myself that delivering a baby is just one day (well, hopefully you only labor for a day or less!). But then you have this kid to take care of forever. Luckily, motherhood seems to break you in slowly - I feel like this first year and a half has been mostly about the basics, feeding, sleeping, learning to move. Figuring all that out was intimidating at first, but now that I feel like we have that down, I'm more nervous about what I can see around the corner, like teaching moral concepts of right and wrong, or kindness to others, etc. I guess there's always a new challenge to deal with, but I think you will be great at it!
Before I had children, the idea of the delivery freaked me out!
ReplyDeleteIt is painful, it is overwhelming, but it will bring you and Clint so much closer than you ever thought possible. I'm already looking forward to your post-baby posts!
Then the endorphins kick in and you'll be so in love with your baby that those worrisome feelings will take a back seat.
One piece of advice I would offer: If you haven't already, talk to your mom or sisters about some of the things your body will experience after birth so it won't be so surprising to you or Clint.
I feel like I know a celebrity. I was so excited when I saw your name on that list!
ReplyDeleteI always hit a point in pregnancy where I think, "I look like a whale. I'm just going to embrace it." Muumuus, horizontal stripes, the works. Might as well be as comfortable as possible!
Well you look pretty great for being that far along. Well done.
ReplyDeleteIf it's any consolation, it doesn't get much easier the second time around. I'm pretty terrified myself and I've already given birth once before. :) I think, like you said, getting your mind in a strong place is super important. I've been reading a lot of books written by midwives and natural birth advocates to help me focus on the the fact that I CAN DO THIS - that my body was meant to do it and that there is truly nothing to fear. (Even if you aren't planning for an unmedicated birth, I'd still recommend checking them out because I think they are more empowering + spiritual than some of the more technical birthing books).
ReplyDeleteYou're going to be a fabulous mom. I'm so excited for you!
Congratulations on the nod at Alt Summit! You rock, sister-friend.
ReplyDeleteAfter having two freakishly scary deliveries, I have nothing to say other than good luck, best wishes, yadda yadda. And you look darling, too.
Try having yours March 18th, our daughters will share the same Birthday. Oh and you totally deserve the Black Eiffel shout out!
ReplyDeletethat's pretty much her due date, so maybe they'll be birthday twins!
Deletelove the dress! and congrats on being listed -- so fun. excited for you!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing! A tiny bump for how far along you are. So sweet.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Marisa. It's the craziest thing - pregnancy, birth, (high blood pressure), and all that comes after, BUT we are made to do it and are strong enough to handle it. Naturally, even! Draw from the strength of all of the women before and after you. People have been having babies since time began, in teepees, the woods, etc. Ok, I sound like a wacko, but I'm super passionate about it. Simply because it's so amazing. (So's breastfeeding, but don't get me started!)
Best of luck to you and Clint. Your baby is already so blessed.
I wore horizontal stripes while VERY pregnant too, at a certain point you just don't care.
ReplyDeleteAs for labor, I highly recommend reading Ina May Gaskins Guide to Childbirth. Even if you don't plan on a natural childbirth it is a wonderful reminder that our bodies were meant to do this, that it is natural and that it is possible! I went the natural route and knowing exactly what was happening, why the pain was there, really helped me handle it. That and reminding myself that it wouldn't kill me and would eventually be over!
Best of luck!
i've heard great things about that book; thinking i need to pick up a copy!
Deletephew! I'm not pregnant but I get so nervous at the thought of it because I'm terrified of giving birth. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one that's terrified by childbirth :)
ReplyDeletelove the red tights & stripes. and that chair!!
ReplyDeletei'm sure you will do great with the delivery and recovery...and even better with the raising. :)
you look beautiful in that dress! i haven't been pregnant, but from spending lots of time around pregnant women (i teach prenatal yoga) i can tell you that what you're feeling is so normal. if you're looking for another book to read (you're probably not, that gets so overwhelming!), this one is wonderful...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Birth-Katie-Manitsas/dp/1446718808
you are wearing pregnancy beautifully angela! the only thing I would worry about is your heart...because it's about to explode when you see that little girl for the first time :)
ReplyDeleteDon't be scared, you are going to be so great! And that dress looks beautiful on you.
ReplyDeleteS
Love that dress! I have been watching way too many documentaries on birth and reading too many books and I am scared too. I'm only 15 weeks. eeeeek
ReplyDeleteYou look great, and the dress is lovely! Reminds me how much I want a dress or two. (..or three..)
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love your heart...and your horizontal stripes!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find a bit of peace in these coming weeks...it certainly is a journey...and the unknown is always a little bit frightening. But I truly believe God doesn't give us more than we can handle...you're going to be one strong and beautifully amazing mama!
P.s. netflix yoga mama is exactly the yoga I've been doing! Haha. "Say hello to your baby...how cool that we can do our kegels without anyone knowing" haha. Ack!
Enjoy your curvy figure. The husbands always love it. Also, when I'm pregnant I just feel fat and awkward all the time even though everyone says I'm glowing. Looking back at pregnancy pictures I realize they were right. Enjoy this special time and remember it's temporary and boy is it worth it!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! You're pregnant! :)
ReplyDeleteJust remember how many millions of women have given birth.
ReplyDeleteIf we can all do it, you can too. :)
Gorgeous chair by the way.
Oh hi there again. You are going to do fabulous with all of the impending birthing events that are about to transpire. Just keep thinking about playing with your little girl in the huge established front yard that you have and everything will be fine. You are going to have some great times ahead of you.
ReplyDeleteP.S. - Go ahead and call of the relatives to tell them about your up & coming blog award..that is HUGE news..AND If you don't then I will:-)
well, I can see that mother's to be fears are the same all over the world! I'm at in 26 weeks and I feel the same!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I wear striped dresses and tops as well! I like the "ball" effect on my belly, even if I seem a rhino (as Bettina said :-D)
we are not alone! smile and keep on
Daria
i'm worried about the same things and i am not anywhere close to pregnant! hope you find some peace :)
ReplyDeleteoops. i break the horizontal stripe rule almost every day. for some reason, i am loving stripes + my pregnant belly. besides, you look adorable in that dress. where did you get it? i love it!
ReplyDeleteits a good thing the pregnancy lasts so long, otherwise i don't think we'd feel prepared at all. the best advice i've gotten is not to worry too much about the labour & delivery; thats the easy part. let your body do what it knows how to do. read up on new baby care; breastfeeding & everything else. the mama inside you will kick in and you'll do wonderfully!
...but yes. it is all a little overwhelming.
thanks lauren!
Deletethe dress is from ASOS maternity (online). it's really comfy too.
First of all, that chair is awesome. Second, you can totally pull of the stripes. You look great!
ReplyDeleteThat dress is amazingness. I probably need it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't waste too much energy worrying (even though it's hard not to!). Things will be how they will be. Unfortunately we can't control much!! If it makes you feel any better, the actual birth was my favorite part of it all.
You will be wonderful. It helped me to think about how many women have delivered children into this world, it will be possible and absolutely worth it. Just take it easy on yourself those first couple of months. Don't expect a lot except for staring at a tiny person and getting a shower in. Its a wonderful slow life.
ReplyDeleteGood luck & I hope all is smooth!
That striped dress is adorable and so is your bump! You're going to be a wonderful mother, I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI found you through Alt's list of up & coming blogs - congrats on being included! Even more congrats on your baby... the stripes look great on you! I have a fifteen month old and I remember that feeling of being overwhelmed but don't worry - you'll figure everything out! I'm looking forward to following along here :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I found your blog through Alt's list. Your blog is beautiful! As a mum of three, don't worry about what's ahead. Just enjoy the pregnancy. I'm sure the reason it takes nine months to grow a baby is because we need that time to become emotionally prepared for life after the birth!
ReplyDeleteyou do not need to worry about making a good mother, girlfriend! If all the babies in the world were raised by you I think the world would be in pretty good shape! :) And even though this is somewhat of a stressful post, you're still making me baby hungry!
ReplyDeleteYou'll be great! you'll have your freak out times, but you'll get the hang of it. and most stuff comes so naturally. PLUS you have your wonderful husband to share everything with! yay!!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you mind saying on here, but what are your plans for birthing? Hope you have a wonderful day. oh! and your maternity clothes are beautiful. and you're beautiful! and yes, you will get bigger! (but you're the perfect size!!)
nikki, in true procrastinator form (my specialty) i'm still trying to figure my birthing plan. i have decided to deliver at the hospital. things are a little tricky because of some complications: i have high blood pressure and will have to be monitored closely, baby is still breech at 33 wks (really hoping she moves!) etc. i'm hoping for the best but recognizing some of it is out of my control..
DeleteI remember being terrified before my twins arrived. My Mother said, the fear will be replaced with immeasurable love. Unequivocal love.
ReplyDeletepve
I wish you peace and serenity as you head in to deliver your bundle of joy. You look beauituful and that dress is lovely. Take good care of yourself and do the things that will mentally prepare you and keep you relax. Baths, massages, yoga, whatever works for you. Much love to you and baby on the way
ReplyDeletethank you everyone for the encouragement and lovely thoughts! it is so appreciated.
ReplyDeleteOh it's such a pleasure to read you once in a while, we'll wait for you anyway ! I can't imagine the way you're feeling at this particular time, it must be so terrifying and so wonderful at the same time. But I know you'll do great when the time comes, that's for sure :) Bonne nuit chère Angela, douces pensées pour toi et ta petite bébée ♥
ReplyDeletethis comment: "Lately there hasn't been as much time or energy to devote to this space as I would like, but I do love sharing whenever I can." made me laugh a little. i feel like you are officially a mother now. hang in there. it gets rough at the end, but it really will be worth it.
ReplyDeletethat dress is so beautiful. you look darling! i am excited for you in your new adventure. (and dying to hear what you name her!)
ReplyDeleteand i was so happy for you to get the black eiffel shout out! your blog is the best.
i felt the same way before each babe, there is always a little anxiety-even after but its normal. once she is born you will feel so much love you wont be able to feel anything else. i have done the baby wise schedule this time around and it is so much easier not stressing about eating and sleeping for the baby. if you don't use the schedule i would still read the book. its a super quick and easy read but has a lot of wonderful parenting tips that i highly recommend. its going to be crazy-but so amazing to say the least. good luck, I'm sure she will be just beautiful!!
ReplyDeletegood luck with the pregnancy!! If everyone saw how gorgeous those horizontal striped look on a pregnant belly then the rules would Def change! You look wonderful. So glad I found your blog via another I follow!! I'm your latest follower too. Hoping you might like to follow in return?? would appreciate :) http://shadeofwhim.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to swinging by again soon!
First of all, where did that chair come from? IT's everything I want and more. Second, you look so cute in your striped dress with your pregnant belly! I can only begin to sort of understand what you're talking about as I've never been pregnant...but you can do it, I know it! :)
ReplyDeletethe chair was an antique store find. i totally lucked out, because i saw them unloading it when i pulled up and they let me have it for $25. it's one of my favorite finds ever.
Deleteand thank you!
Hi Angela!
ReplyDeleteI have just started to follow your blog recently and it's been such a fun find!
I'm 28 weeks pregnant and feeling like I can relate a little:) There are so many concerns, worries, pressures that come with pregnancy and being a new mom.
But one of the greatest things about it all is to watch ourselves and our bodies rise to the occasion! Because you will.
Also, you look beautiful!
Good review for this blog.
ReplyDeleteEarth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter