Can you believe that there is actually a part FOUR of maternity clothes?
I think it’s a emotional thing for me. Like getting new clothes is a part of me getting a new identity. Gettting a new role. Getting a new job and a new life. It’s like when Julia Roberts really needed new duds because she stopped being a hooker. With everyone but Richard ‘gentle eyes’ Gere anyway. I am the same. I am no longer gonna be a hooker. I’m gonna be a mom. A MOM TO A HUMAN.
You would think I would have gotten used to that thought by now. But no. Even though I have given full hours, no… days fully dedicated to the realization that my life is gonna change forever….and not just that. My family, my priorities, and even my heart is even gonna get a full makeover. Will’s birthday will be like Extreme Makeover: Bower Edition. I know that I haven’t fallen head over heels for Will…not yet…but I’m praying that on that very special day, when I look at my baby boys face, and I hold him in my arms, that the transformation will be instantaneous. That I will fall. That I will fall so hard that every bone in my body will be broken for my little boy. That my heart will be paralyzed with love. That is my prayer.
I also pray for great sales at Gap after I deliver. Which brings us full circle. Ok. So back to the clothing. I wanted to show ya some of the beauties that I scored at Gap & Target. Everything was on sale…except for the boots. But all the Gap items were AT LEAST 50% off (most were more than 75% off!!!).
I really love the velour suit…it’ll probably be my ‘coming home unpregnant’ outfit. Plus it’s super slimming…which is pretty much on my desired-factor list (as well as every other woman’s). But my absolute favorite item so far? This sweater:
It’s soooo soft and comfy…and long in the back. Which is very important when you are me…my pants are constantly falling down…and frankly, this sweater helps me not moon anyone behind me. And eliminates the boyfriend’s urge to stick a finger in the plumber’s crack.
How this post went from clothing to newborn emotions to “credit-carding” is beyond me…but I deeply apologize 🙂
Coin slot!
I had a good giggle at the plumber’s crack! My boyfriend also has a hard time resisting sticking his finger, his car keys, etc. in there.. We even have a term for it: CCE (Chronic Crack Exposure)!!
Nice jersey, it’ll definitely cover up the crack exposure!
all of the clothes are so cute!!! i die for those boots! ive been online stalking them for forever!!! i imagine your the best dressed mama to be,around 😉
I’m first!
“Credit-carding”! LOL!! Love all the cute clothes 🙂
You are one stylin’ mama!
I want to see you model some cute maternity clothing!! I’ll bet you got a cute baby bump!
Gorgeous clothes! I love the blue ruffle collar top. Does it come in non-preggo??
I’m sure your prayer will be answered and as soon as you look at Will’s little face for the first time, you will fall completely and utterly in love with your little boy.
I LOVE those boots! Are they from Gap??
It’s such a relief to hear that other couples stick fingers in each other’s plumbers crack. I never heard of or did such a thing until I was married and my husband does it to me all the time, so now I am always fighting back the urge to do it to him!
I love that gray sweater!! I swear maternity clothes have gotten cuter since I was pregnant (last year).
All the prep, emotionally and physically changes you for sure, but when the doctor actually places Will in your arms it will all make sense. It will all come together- your reason for being on this earth, the reason your parents would have died for you, the reason people have children even theough it’s the hardes job in the world and you will feel your heart fill so completely you’ll worry that it might burst.
When I was pregnant I just prayed that I would love my new baby as much as I loved our dog. In hindsight that seems silly, but I really didn’t “get it” until they placed my son in my arms and then it was like Angles were singing and a beam of light from GOD was shining on my miracle. Truly.
You’re going to be an amazing mom and you will be transformed on Will’s birthday. Like it or not, your heart will beat for two people forever, not just while you’re pregnant. That’s both immensely comforting and scary at the same time, but it’s the role of a mother. You’ll love it.
Ahem.. I definitely have the crack issue as well. It is so hard to find jeans that will cover my badonkadonk without being MOM jeans. “Occasionally” at home the crack will show and my husband calls it my plumber’s license.
I felt the same way about my little boy, but it actually took me a day or two to completely fall for him. There was just so much hustle and bustle at the hospital, I felt awful that I didn’t have an instantaneous head over heels smack in the face. After I got home and nursed him in his quiet peaceful nursery I just got to soak him in and love every minute. Enjoy every second, my little man just turned one last weekend:(
I have the same sweater in navy blue and it’s one of my faves. I am pregnant with #4, and have gone through more maternity clothes than I care to think about…I am looking forward to shopping for my never-going-to-be-pregnant-again body in a few months! I will say from experience, the Gap Maternity clothes hold up best, last longest, etc–and several things I’ve bought have been able to transition to my non-pregnant wardrobe. I think this sweater will be one of those items!
I understand 🙂 You will definitely fall in love! What an amazing life change you guys are facing!
P.S. Are those boots from Target or Gap? They are cute!
Are those boots target or gap? I love them!!
My husband used to “credit card” the baby when I was pregnant. The baby’s butt was sticking straight out the right side of my belly and you could clearly feel it. So my husband would swipe his “credit card” on my belly. True story. Sad story.
I have that sweater too! I love it. I’m
actually hoping I can wear it after the baby is
born. (In about 26 days!)
Hey Katie! I don’t have children and I’m not pregnant so I can’t really add to the maternity clothes discussion (other than to say good job finding such cute clothes on SALE!!) BUT I do have those boots and I LOVE THEM TO DEATH. I’m actually wearing them right now. If I wear them all day my feet can be a little sore at the end, but I’m sure it would be fine if I got off my lazy bum and bought an insole for the boot (which will probably never happen to be honest). Otherwise they are super comfortable!
Love your blog!
Katie
Hi Guys,
The boots are from Target – I think I paid $40…but the website now lists them as $50…so it may be worth your while to go into your local branch to check the price. Here is the online link just in case though 🙂
Happy Shopping!
XO – Katie
Hi Katie! I’m requesting another FAQ baby post or maybe just a post about how you’re feeling these days, how the doc appointments are going and just how the big belly bump is – it’s been awhile and we all LOVE those posts!
I describe being a mother as like having your heart walking around on the outside of your body; it’s terrifying and at the same time you experience depths of love not possible before when it was encased inside your own body. I remember being at the hospital with this tiny, totally dependent-on-me being and knowing I loved her, but not knowing her yet because she was still a mystery. As the days unfurl and Will’s little (or probably BIG) personality reveals itself, your love will bloom from a bud to a humongous sunburst of a wild, unnameable flower.
And then he poops and pees all over you 🙂
You have the best taste in maternity clothes! And the deals you come up with are unbelievable!
Your prayer about falling in love with Will was beautiful. Just on a practical note though, if a new mommy doesn’t feel that way about her baby right away, she shouldn’t feel bad! Some moms take a few days to feel that, some take a little longer. Love for your baby can be instantaneous or it can grow slow and steady. And of course, if a new mom is feeling blue or experiencing PPD, she shouldn’t feel bad or guilty over that! Help is always available and no one should feel stigmatized for reaching out. I know that wasn’t the intent behind what you wrote, at all! Just wanted to put that out there for whoever might be reading and possibly feeling something different.
Again, thank you so much for sharing all your pregnancy posts with us. I really love reading about what you’re doing and how you’re feeling in your journey to parenthood.
Love the clothes! I keep telling myself when hubby and I are preggers, I’ll be shopping at those same stores.
I have the boots, and love, love, love them! I’m actually wearing them right now. I will be sad when the weather gets warm again, because I will surely miss my boots.
I have that great sweater in a pretty shade of teal and LOVE it! And love that it was on sale. At 22 weeks I’m just moving away from belly bands and into proper maternity pants. Gap’s “modern trouser” wasn’t on sale but fits so well that I bought it in two colors. However, I just received my “short” jeans from Old Navy and cannot believe how long their “short is” (I’m 5’1″). I’m wearing a pair with high heels today and they barely make it off the ground.
I was just going to add for those of you interested in the Target boots (Frye Harness knock-offs) that I’ve had them for 4 months now and I love them! They are my favorite pair of boots by far. So comfortable and they go with so many things!
LOVE the dress with the boots. I’m not even pregnant but I want to wear that! I think you have an excellent assortment ~ and all on sale, too! Lucky girl!
Just wanted to let you know that I gave you the “Happy Award” on my blog today ~ feel free to share the joy 🙂
Ok, I can’t believe I am asking this – because I am not pregnant nor planning to be – but where did the grey sweater come from? It is too cute and I am convinced I must have one.
I enjoy all these maternity fashion shows. I too am pregnant and can identify with your every sentence. I keep wondering when this will feel REAL… ha I guess when I give birth?!
cute outfits!
You may not “bond” immediately after birth. You may feel like crap, need stiches and just can’t cope yet. Don’t sweat it. Bonding happens over time, and goes on for years. Wait until Will plays high school sports, your bonding will still be happening. The first few weeks (months) are rough, give yourself time. Don’t feel guilty, we all went through it.
The last thing you need to spend time worrying about is falling in love with Will. It’s amazing- the instant, true, deep, “I would give my life for you” love.
Meredith,
The sweater is from the Gap. And it was worth every penny of the $11 ticket price 🙂
Xo – KB
The blue ruffle blouse is totally cute.
A new role and identity is right. I know myself pretty well and so I knew I needed to deal with the role change before baby came on scene, so I’ve been home for about a year now. I know some people don’t need that time, but I did.
Funny how clothes really are a part of that change. I actually have purchased most of my maternity clothes from Goodwill and resale boutiques (we’re blessed to have many here) since I left my job and we cut back some. But not being at work has meant that I don’t need to dress up as much so it balances out.
You’ll be great in your new role, I’m sure. It is what you make it with a lot of God’s help for good measure.
Just wanted to let you know – you have an award over on my page! Enjoy!
Oh how I love your blog!!! I love all of your prego clothes too. How cute!! BTW, be prepared for your black velour suit to be covered in spit-up! Just sayin… 🙂
I know what you mean about the makeover! I remember shopping for clothes after my first and I kept thinking “I’m dressing me as a mom.” I think it made me pick out cooler clothes cause I didn’t want to look too “mommy”. It’s so fun!! Good luck
hope you’re doing well with the pregnancy. My wife and I just celebrated our baby’s first month last week. It’s been great having her and a good learning experience. I thought our dogs would have prepared us, WRONG! But I enjoy reading your blog, keep up the good work.
I want to share something with you. I read where you said,
” I know that I haven’t fallen head over heels for Will…not yet…but I’m praying that on that very special day, when I look at my baby boys face, and I hold him in my arms, that the transformation will be instantaneous. That I will fall. That I will fall so hard that every bone in my body will be broken for my little boy. That my heart will be paralyzed with love.”
Before I gave birth to my son, Jack, I cannot tell you how many women told me that the moment I looked into his eyes for the first time I would be overwhelmed with love and emotion. I was counting it. I was eager to feel completely at the mercy of those emotions. Problem was – I didn’t. He was born, they placed him in my arms, and I felt relief. Then I felt guilty for not feeling all of those things I was “supposed” to feel. Like, really, really guilty. I had a distinct sadness at not being pregnant anymore. I had grown to love this person in my belly and the feelings of being pregnant. When Jack was born, there was no time to greive the fact that I was no longer going to share my body with my child. For all intents and purposes, I didn’t “know” this small person. I “knew” the baby in my belly. Does that make sense? I do remember feeling incredibly protective over Jack. Like I wouldn’t let him go anywhere in that hospital without my husband right there. THAT was a pretty fierce emotion.
If I’m being completely honest, that crazy-all-encompassing-can’t-stop-looking-at-touching-NEEDING-to-be-around-my-son-love came gradually. After about two weeks I was a goner. It was only then that I had a full realization of what every one had been talking about. What surprised me the most though? Those feelings really and truly do grow every day. My kid will be three next month and I love him more and more even still. Even as I’m watching him pull the Cheerios out of the pantry for the umpteenth time this morning! He changed my life, measure by measure, and I am so proud to be his mom.
Just thought I’d share this with you, because I wish that someone had taken the time to let me know that what I felt those first few days were normal.
Either way, your life will change in fundamental, scary, and irrevocable ways – and it is AWESOME.