I've been wanting to do this post for a long time, as it is a subject near and dear to my heart.  Maternity fashion.  Dressing the bump.  Modern mama.  Whatever you want to call it, if you've been pregnant for any amount of time, and have even the slightest interest in clothes, it can become discouraging, frustrating and downright uncomfortable in a hurry.  Nothing fits quite right, and the things that do are either your husband's old basketball t-shirts and sweats that no one wants to see you in, or clothes from Motherhood Maternity designed with a 35-year-old in mind that you don't really want to see yourself in.

   In my first pregnancy (and so far in this one), I wore my normal clothes for at least 3/4 of the time.  I just wear my normal clothes as long as I possibly can, and then mix in a few maternity items for comfort, while layering other pieces from my wardrobe.

   This way, I still feel like I retain the "old me" and don't have to transform completely into this frumpy, pregnant, mom-to-be creature, and it also saves a LOT of money.  Once again, if you've been pregnant, you quickly realize how ridiculously expensive maternity clothing is, and it's hard to spend that much on clothes you love, much less spend it on clothes you don't even really like. :(  So, without further ado, some of my maternity fashion.

   (My photo shoot was cut short by this beloved time of year we refer to as "March Madness" as the game began.  But that's o.k., thanks Shelby and Hubby for taking the photos you did! :)  And I will post more outfits later.)

30 (in two days) weeks pregnant.  Only 10 more to go!

   Here's another one with pretty much the same outfit scheme.  Dress, skinny jeans, hat.  It is my go-to type outfit for this cold, rainy, wintry weather we've been having while the rest of the world gets to experience spring.  Keeps you nice and warm and you can add/subtract sweaters or cardigans as you feel the need. 
  Here is one I can't figure out how I feel about...I love the skirt, but when I put it on, it just looks a little weird.  Is it the length?  Is it too full to wear as maternity?  I want to try it again post-baby and see if I like it better.  Any feedback is appreciated.:)
   Here we finally moved outside to some better lighting as the sun (?!!?!!?) decided to show us a rare glimpse of its face.  Minutes after these photos the clouds all rolled back in, but that little break was so nice!  Thank-you Jesus.

• If you splurge on anything, splurge on bras and shoes.  (And I need to take my own advice on this one).  Because everything else can be found second-hand or cheap, but those are two things you want GOOD QUALITY in.
• Accessorize in excess!  When you're feeling frumpy and huge, layers work miracles.  And even your comfy t-shirt will look completely different with a scarf, belt, hat and nice shoes. 
•   When you get up in the morning, put something on other than a hoodie and sweats!!!  I can't emphasize this enough.  I know you think they're the comfiest pieces of clothing that you own, but dressing in something a little nicer will give you more energy, motivation and positive thinking for the rest of the day.  You will actually get more accomplished too!  Try it and see.
• When pregnant, you don't have to necessarily think BIG.  I see women wearing things that are plain and simply too large for them, just because they're pregnant.  Think same sizes (in most things) but look for stretchy, forgiving fabrics, and longer lengths.  Anything with a high-waist works really well.
• If you're in that "Not yet a baby bump, but just looks like I ate a big burrito" stage, wear once again, lots of layers and things that draw attention elsewhere.  For example, a patterned scarf,  interesting hat or bright, bold shoes will have people looking up at your face and down at your feet, and not necessarily your mid-section.  And high-waisted skirts with a belt will hide just about anything!  

   That's all I can think of for now, if I think of some more I will include them in my next outfit post.  Although considering how long it took me to get around to doing this one,  I might have a baby by then. :p

    And in closing, if you're pregnant and find yourself sporting a bump whether it's small, medium or large, wear it proudly!!!  That is probably the best advice I can give.  Yes, I know you're uncomfortable.  Yes, I know that some days you feel like you got run over by an ice cream truck and then ate all that was inside it.  I've been there.

   But just think.  That precious life growing inside of you is an absolute miracle and a privilege that many women would give anything to have.  Let's not belittle the gift by complaining, moping around, dressing frumpily or just plain giving up.  Let's hold our heads a little higher, wear that bump with pride, and thank the good Lord that we don't have the gestational period of an elephant, which is almost two years.  Or the baby size of a baby elephant.


Have a hip, happy pregnancy.