Funny story about these pics.
I’m not sure where I saw or heard this tidbit of advice (it may have been America’s Next Top Model), but it helps you hit your poses when you take pics if you 1) suck in your tummy and 2) squeeze your butt.
Cheeks. Your butt cheeks. LOL!
I know, you don’t even need to say it. 🙂 But it helps, believe it or not. As far as photography posing tips go, it’s right up there with rolling your shoulders forward and working your angles.
Now, the butt-squeezing part? When you’re with child, totally doable. But the tummy-sucking is sooo not happening.
About this outfit here, nothing I’m wearing is official maternity gear. I had all of this in my closet before Baby Girl set up shop.
The dress, which I always get questions about, is what I now like to call “vintage.” I bought it eons ago, around 2001 or 2002, at a random store in San Francisco’s Fillmore district. It’s super soft and stretchy, and it’s become one of my go-to outfits lately.
The tag says it’s by a designer named Hot Sauce, which I Googled, but alas…I don’t think Hot Sauce is working anymore. (Ha! “Hot Sauce is working…”)
The jacket is easily one of my all-time best Nordstrom buys, the Faux Leather Jacket by BLANKNYC, and I’ve had it for about two years. I think it’s a pretty popular style at Nordies because they restock it every season in different colors.
I have it in basic black, and I wear it with everything!
It’s $98, and I’m always amazed that it wasn’t $300 because of how legit I think it looks. The faux leather looks totally real, and you can easily dress it up or down with a party dress or pants any time of year. Highly recommended.
You might remember the shoes from this past summer. They’re the TOMS Majorca Peep-Toe Booties, and I like the low, stacked heel… Makes them easy to walk in.
Baby Girl is officially 20 weeks now, and look how big she’s getting! She pushed the turbo button, and now I feel her kicking all the time (she’s actually doing it as I type!).
El Hub is convinced she’s either going to be an Olympic soccer star or a Taekwondo expert. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Hi, friend. My emotions have been really roller coaster-y lately. Lots of ups and downs. It’s been challenging navigating them. One minute I’m happy and perfectly fine, then I’m crying the next.
Random question, but do you know any pregnant chicks? I’m trying to find some, which I know sounds weird, but I’m trying to find a mommy’s group or something so that I can have some other interaction besides my cat, who has absolutely NO sympathy for me. He doesn’t care if my back hurts or if I think that everything El Hub does is wrong. (He used the counter sponge to clean the floors. It was really disgusting!)
I think I just need some women around to tell me that I’m not being crazy.
First of all, I think you are the chicest and most sexy pregnant woman ever! The outfit looks gorgeous on you!
I am sorry you have been on an emotional roller coaster. I am no expert but I think it’s quite normal in pregnancy. I wish I could help somehow. I think there is quite a few ladies on here that are pregnant too.
Anne (Linda, Libra, Loca), please come to the rescue!
So I can add to the emotional rollercoaster?
Karen,
I gotta agree with everything Agata said. You look super fly and yep from what I remember, the emotional roller coaster is normal. I’m sure there are some mommy – to be groups near. Right now you’re caring for an entire other person and you have a lot to think about too! Plus it is very tiring. Don’t worry about the emotions. They are normal. The biggest advice I can give you is to make sure you get some time to take care of yourself now.
P.S.sponge on the counter IS disgusting! Not a crazy moment.lol!
Hot mama ALERT! Wow, you look ravishing Karen! Love the dress and love the boots! And that red purse….
My friends had babies recently and you are going through everything they did. You’re not crazy or alone! Much love and support across the internet.
Cheers, Cherie
Thanks Cherie. I guess it just feels that way sometimes. Hope you’re having a nice Thursday so far.
You look so cute! Totally digging that red bag, by the way!
Thanks! It’s by Kate Spade. I got it earlier in the summer. 🙂 You can wear it both as a shoulder bag and a crossbody bag.
Whoa…Hot mama!! I am not pregnant, but even I would be miffed if hubby used the counter sponge on the floors. Eww!
Right?? I can’t believe I have to teach people this…
Hi Karen,
The pregnancy rollacoaster is very real, and only gets worse! I cried a lot more, the nearer I got to my due date. The most memorable experience was crying because the line at In-n-out burger was long… On a side note, you can always find mommies or other preggers ladies near you on BabyCenter Birth Group.
You are so stinkin’ cute with that baby belly I can’t stand it!
And you look small for 20 weeks, no easy feat for someone on the petite side, I know.
Perhaps part of the emotional roller coaster is the journey you took to become pregnant. And being 40, you have more perspective on life than someone who is in her 20’s and on her 2nd or 3rd baby, you know?
I would ask at your doctor’s or midwife’s office or look at the office bulletin board. I’m in a pretty rural community and there were still a couple of different expectant mom groups. Look for a prenatal yoga class.
Nope not crazy! I had the same up and down feelings all the way upto birth and for sometime after. A mommy group will help for sure! I know that you don’t live in the East Bay, but I’ve seen queries and recommendations for all around the bay area in the Berkeley Parents Network group. It is a hybrid between a newsletter and a forum/website. They have tons of recommendations for everything parent/child related and otherwise. I’ve been subscribing to their newsletters for about 4 years now – asked tons of questions, found my son’s preschool and have gotten recommendations for everything under the son – piano lessons, parent groups, you name it! Here’s the website – http://parents.berkeley.edu/, let me know if you need more information!
You look gorgeous! The dress is so pretty and it looks comfortable! 🙂 Sending hugs and purrs your way. I’m sure dealing with all those emotions is tough. There is an offshoot of the fashion blog Corporette called Corporette Moms. People post in the comments about various baby/pregnancy issues. I’ve never used the site myself, but I’ve heard Meet Up can be use to find local groups based on interest. Take care!
P.S. I agree using the counter sponge to clean the floor is gross. They must be two different sponges for those purposes!
You look so good and cute! I’ll be 20 weeks on Saturday (also in my 40’s)… too bad I’m in Canada otherwise we would totally hang out, cry, eat burgers and talk makeup 😀 It’s totally normally to be all over the place emotions-wise. I cry multiple times per day, and/or I want to throttle people over the littlest things (hubby eating an apple too loudly – UGH). Ha ha, pregnancy is a wild ride! xoxo
You look gorgeous! And you’re rocking that outfit. Who’s the red handbag by? I didn’t see it mentioned anywhere and I’m drooling over that color.
Welcome to pregnancy hormones! I couldn’t stand the sight of most food. Totally got turned off of raw chicken (still can’t touch the stuff to the day, many years later. Luckily, my dear daughter is good in the kitchen and helps out, or I just buy rotisserie chicken now). Couldn’t stand the smell of gas stations. And cried about everything.
I met other women in a prenatal yoga class. One of them is still a good friend to this day even though she lives in Norway and I’m in the Bay Area.
Feel free to email me any time you need to unload.
For the record, using the counter sponge on the floor is totally gross. El Hub needs to go out and buy some brand new, spanking clean sponges now.
You do look adorable in your mom-to-be clothes. I avoided maternity clothes during my pregnancy as mush as possible, however, I’ve noticed that many retailers have a maternity line. Sorry that I can’t help too much on the mommy contacts. My circles consist of mothers of the bride or even new grandmothers. I would suggest, as others have check the local community centers or programs for moms-to-be. I remember going to a pre-natal Yoga class which helped prepare for breathing techniques for delivery. There were so many woman in the class.
Don’t fret it, just go with it. Just remember when you get to menopause, you’ll be emotional all over again!!!
I do know prego ladies but none in your area! Next time you have a doctor’s appointment, you might want to discuss supplements that might help with your mood swings. I’d also check the internet to see what foods will boost the right neurotransmitters to help you.
I know when my mom was pregnant she drank a tea made of raspberry and black currant I think and it helped. She got it from a Chinese herbalist who went to our church.
Gurl, the only way I could get my husband to stop using dish sponges for counters and floors was to stop using a dish sponge! I just get scrubby wands now!
Lol, too funny about the sponge (I can soooo relate) All of the info in the previous comments is correct, it just continues and may get worse, re the hormones and crying. You just have to tell the hubs he has to be 110% sympathetic regardless, get you whatever you crave “happily” & know that you will not always feel this way. You do look gorgeous, if any consolation. I was preggers so long ago that I do not know what to tell you other than I’d google preg group meetings in your city – I am sure there are church-affiliated women’s groups that meet that would welcome you, even thou you are not a church member.
I have the *exact* same dress!!! I bought it several years ago and wore it to a wedding! You look so cute! You aren’t crazy, using the counter sponge for the floor is gross, in my opinion.
Hi Karen. I am 20 weeks tomorrow, so I can relate to the emotional rollercoaster. It is absolutely normal, I had it with Little Bean and it pretty much stayed for around four months after I gave birth before it started to cool down a bit.
To be honest, I don’t think I ever got completely back to the way I was before I got pregnant. May be the hormones, but a big part is that despite the love I feel for my husband and family, I have never felt a love so deep like I do for my daughter and my son that is growing in my belly. I guess once you start to feel that way, you cant get back to feel less ever again.
In my first pregnancy I tried reaching out to other pregnant woman in my area, but to be honest, we didn’t click and it didn’t help me much. We just had too little in common despite being pregnant.
But neither Tabs nor El Hub will be able to understand, because they cant experience the pregnancy the way you do. They will understand once your beautiful daughter is born, but before that it will all be a little alien to them. And to really have life grow inside your womb is such an earthshaking experience it just has to have an impact on you!
You look awesome! So cute with your Baby Girl belly! 🙂 That’s totally normal about your emotions. I could tell you 100 crazy stories. 🙂 I can’t help with the Mommy Group recs but will say that pretty much every mom will get what you’re going through so don’t be afraid to ask/share.
Just try to remember that El Hub is doing his best. And at least he’s cleaning up (though, I think we all agree that it was a bad choice of sponge). HAHA! These feelings are just practice for when Baby Girl is born and he does EVERYTHING wrong. Work on your deep breathing now. 😉
you look great!!!
no joke I was just looking at this jacket last night at the Nordstrom website . I’m going to pick one u. I love it and I can’t believe all the great reviews it has. I wonder if you wouldn’t mind Telling us what size you have. I’m sort of torn between sizes. I love that jacket it looks great on you!!
You look amazing! I love your dress.
It’s totally normal to be an emotional mess due to hormones. ((((Hugs)))) You might try some of the local clinics, birthing classes or community centers and see if they have an expecting mothers’ group.
Karen you look fantastic! I love the outfit, purse and boots! Hang in there. The ups and downs are normal. My youngest of three is 21 with the two oldest being in their thirties, so it’s been awhile for me. I read the book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”. I don’t know if that is still around, but I am sure their are others just like it out there. It really helped me to know what was going on with my body and my baby.
You really look stylish and cute! Girl pregnancy is like PMS turned up, lol. I remember the pity parties I threw myself. And over reacting to stupid stuff. I like being in control so I hated the emotional outbursts ,lol. Poor El Hub he thought he was doing a good job , he needs a cleaning refresher course!
Hi Karen, I never post but I just wanted to let you know I understand and totally get you..my 2nd child is a year now and the first is 3. I didn’t have any family around me during pregnancy and even if they were they wouldn’t get me. I had ups and downs and felt very lonely most times and my hubs is one of those not too sensitive type of guys so he didnt get it. I tried looking around for groups but it wasnt for me bcoz they varied in ages and priorities..some were too much of a super mom and made me feel bad and some were just not with the program lol. Most my friends have moved away and some that arent married or dont have kids dont get me..or if they have kids bit older they are just too busy ..so as one with the baby and toddler it gets pretty lonely when i have NO one to let out steam to or brainstorm with..my kids are my friends lol..you will have frustrating days even after baby girl is here and its totally normal..these hormones will kick around for a year or so postpartum..
If you need any advise or just whatever, though im no expert – I am here for you just an email away. (As I write this my daughter totally smeared her hands on my face which she had first licked. So not too diff than a cat) wish you the best xox A.
Hi Anew,
Thank you so much for sharing your story and for the kind offer! I think you know exactly how I feel; it’s like I’m so alone and nobody around me gets it! El Hub can’t even comprehend what’s going on even though he tries. I’m kind of in a similar boat to you — most of my friends live don’t live close, and not all of them have kids, so it’s not easy to just knock on somebody’s door and say, “I need to cry for an hour and for you just to be totally supportive during this meltdown!”. I’m slowly starting to find ways to cope though. I found a couple of moms groups in and around my town and am going to try them out.
Yesterday one of the groups had a get together and it was just nice to talk to other women. Hopefully I’ll be able to meet some girls who I get along with.
If you ever need someone to talk to or vent you can always give me a email too! My door is always open to you. I don’t want you to feel alone because you’re not. 🙂
Karen thank you so much for your reply… I have my mostly good days where i love life with my kids then there are the fewer days where i miss that interaction with another adult..ugh also im at a point i cant take bs friendship where they only remeber to call when its their kid’s bday u kno..its so complicated lol.. and i get those days where ill spend 3 days straight in my jammies in a funk..
im glad you went to the group and had a chance to chit chat..now is the time to do it my friend coz once the lil one comes you just dont have the time or patience to put up with ppls crap. Listen if you feel down nothing wrong in that and take all the time you need..you will be a whole new woman after you have that child in your arms. And dont be surprised if you feel extra emotional after birth..i remember i had some postpartum back pains n cried to a nurse at 4 am over the phone lol.. oh and i tried out a sephora makeup class couple times around spring time and it was nice just wished it wasnt so early on a sunday though sadly now they stopped..ill check the local mac to see if they offer one.. take care girl xox A
Hey Karen! I am the crazy reader that keeps posting on your pregnancy posts, because I am pregnant and having my baby boy in January!:) I am lucky enough to be a teacher so I have a plethora of info on being pregnant, but I don’t have a lot of people going through the same thing right now. Just know that there are times when I just start crying for zero logical sense. Like zero. I don’t think any pregnant woman has been completely emotional stable 100 percent of their pregnancy, its par for the course. Now where to find other preggo people, I still haven’t found the answer, but I am relying heavily on my friends and family that are moms to help me through this.
I am always here to chat as well! A long time reader of yours and I know exactly what you are going through! This mommy business is NO JOKE!! I will just keep on commenting on your posts to show solidarity:) We can do this!
Thank you Alli for such a nice message. Congrats on your pregnancy and I’m so happy for you! Is this your first?
I cry all the time for no reason at all too. It just happens!
Gawwwshhh, pregnancy looks amazing on you!! You’re simply gorgeous and glowing!!
Awww…hormones!! SO normal especially at your stage in pregnancy. I’m not a Mom, but a nurse, and have seen all of my friends go through pregnancy. This is SO NORMAL. Not that it feels good. It’s actually a healthy sign for Baby Girl tho. It’s so normal to despise men also!! 😉 there are sooo many mommy groups out there, pregnancy groyps, etc. Google groups in your area. Until then, you may need more human contact than just El Hub…female contact. Treat yourself to shop at your favorite shop, makeup counter, try a prenatal yoga class…most gyms give a free trial week pass! Even if you hate yoga, you’re bound to meet women in the exact place as you are!! Mwuahh!!
Hi Lauren,
Thank you for this. Seriously, the reassurance that it’s completely normal makes me feel so much better. When the hormones are really doing their thing I feel like I’m on a raft on an ocean by myself (I also feel like El Hub can do absolutely NOTHING right. The poor guy!), so I’m glad to hear that it’s not unusual. I’m going to google some prenatal yoga classes tonight. 🙂
Baby Girl is kicking as I type this. It’s her way of saying “Hi Auntie Lauren!”.
Awww “Hi beautiful Baby Girl!!”
I’m so happy you looked up classes/groups. In such a tender te, you need to be surrounded by like minds, positivity and reassurance! It’s new and scary for you but SO NORMAL. I’ve seen women many tests smack their husbands for no reason!! 😉 you are not alone, and I hope you found a group or class! Let me know! Xoxo
Hi Lauren,
Happy Friday to you! I’m feeling much better today and more like myself. I’ve taken some time to just chill for a bit and rest and relax, and I’ve found a couple of groups to join! The first is a local mom’s group in my town, and they actually had their monthly get-together last night. I went and it was really nice to just hang out with other gals who’ve been through the same experience and who understand the feelings. Because the guys — they just don’t get it. Believe it or not the event also happened to be held at a local shoe store, DSW, which is like my safe place. LOL! So I was really happy to go.
Oh! And I also found a prenatal yoga class which I’m very excited about. The yoga studio has classes just for pregnant ladies and moms who’ve just given birth (there’s even yoga classes that you can take with your baby, although really, how relaxing can that be? LOL!). I’m going to take a class next week.
Thank you again for taking the time out to write to me and to let me know that this is all standard issue stuff! I feel so much better today.
So, it’s been a while since we’ve chatted; what’s up with you? Are you more settled now in your new place? I hope that you’re enjoying where you’re living!
KAREN!!! This makes me SO HAPPY!!Good for you for acting, and not reacting!! How amazing that you immediately found a group!! This will help you SO MUCH. you will have the time of your life, and meet so many aonderful, new friends! You will soon be on fun Cali walks with your new friends and babies! So, so, so happy!! Ooo I hope you love yoga! It will actually help with labor, too! You are now on an amazing journey in your life. So many new people to meet, babies to shop for dure, buy them some MAC!), and a beautiful blessing on her way to you!
Tell El Hub it’s sooo normal. I’ve heard so many women say the sight and smell of their hubbies repulsed them…this is just the extreme highs and lows of hormones!
How SWEET that you remembered and asked about my move…wow! It’s been 3 weeks, and at 1st was a culture shock that I did not expect, so I reacted, and stayed in bed crying, and praying to get back to the states. I would stay up until 4am to see when my family and friends would call or text. I took it all out on my hub too. Finally had a stern talk w/ myself and told myself I’m not busy living, I’m making myself busy dying. So, many ups and downs, and so much to learn, but I’ve also signed up for some groups and classes next week.
I’m truly so happy for you. People, especially women who know exactly what you are going through, is what you need now. Kudos to you for going out!! Did ya buy any shoes?!?! 😉 xoxo, Lauren
I was surprised to find quite a few mom groups in the county that I live in but this one happens to be for the women who live in my town, which is really convenient. I’m hoping that I’ll make a friend or two who lives nearby (fingers crossed). Have you noticed that it gets harder to make friends outside of your usual circle as you get older? I definitely have. I’m trying though.
Thank you again for the encouragement because it really helped me to get off my butt and to get going!! And yes, I did buy a pair of shoes. 🙂 And I got them on sale because the store had a 20% off discount for the ladies in the mom’s group *and* I had a $10 off coupon. Here they are:
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/bare+traps+saydie+wedge+bootie?prodId=334781
They’re so comfortable. They look like flats, but inside there’s a hidden 1 1/2″ wedge heel inside, which is comfy for me because completely flat shoes do a number on my arches. Plus, the lining is soft and warm. And I got ’em on sale, wheee!
I’m glad to hear that things are getting a little better for you. Moving is always a big adjustment, and I’m sure that moving to another country is a HUGE one, especially when you get there and you realize, “Oh boy. Home is really far away!” In time you’ll make some connections and hopefully have a network of people to share your experiences there with. How’s it going in terms of you being able to communicate with others? Do you speak the language? I know that can be especially hard when you move to a new country.
Have a good rest of your Friday and a great weekend!
I <3 these shoes! How are you doing today, friend? You will absolutely meet new friends that live by you! Keep going to your groups, and each time, you'll know more about each person! Your strength that you went immediately to a group inspires me!
Omgz…it's sooo much harder at my age to make friends! I'm 37, and in my teens and 20s, I had 5 gazillion friends. I think people our age now meet friends through community groups, work, or have all stayed in the place they grew up. I meet people through groups, mainly fitness groups, and also walking my dog. Don't give up! You'll find so many friends that are going thru the exact same thing as you at the exact same time. So you can laugh, cry and vent, and "get" each other!!
I moved to London from Chicago. I was in Toronto also for hubs job. So, luckily yes, I speak the language!! It's been a bit harder to meet people here, but I have met 2 potentials! 🙂 I've signed up for a new gym to take classes, and am debating on joining an expat group. I've never joined a group like that, but can hopefully meet people and learn more places to go.
I hope you are feeling awesome today, and having a relaxing Saturday!
Oh Karen you look stunning! you’re glowing! you’re a gorgeous mom to be.
I hear you with the “not being understooD as pregnant woman”, With my first pregnancy I did search for a group on-line. Well, I’m in Switzerland but I’m an expat here so I didn’t have any pregnant friend, or any friend really… It helped me a lot! As I speak french here I went in a Forum for pregnant women in French from a French website dedicated to health and family called doctissimo. But I’m afraid it is not available in English 🙁
But I’m sure you’ll find an equivalent in the US!
For me it was a great experience. Groups wereorganized according to the PDD, so basically everyone goes through more or less similar “symptoms”. There is also specifically for “first time moms” etc. We were 14 moms in my group and I still keep in contact with two of them (that is after 3 years!). I totally recommend it, you have nothing to lose.
Hi Nati,
That’s wonderful that you were able to find some women to connect with! I did some searching today and found a local group in my town. Going to an event tonight; I hope to find some women to connect with. 🙂 Wish me luck.
You look AMAZING! Love this look you’ve put together!
Again, I don’t have anything of real value to add since I’m not a mom. But I do hope you feel the warmth that we all have for you! I’m encouraged to read others chiming in to say HOW TOTALLY NORMAL THIS IS!! It’s par for the course & is one of the ups & downs of pregnancy. But baby girl is gonna be worth it. Hoping you find a group of moms to be where you can talk, vent, cry, play in makeup, eat, play in makeup, shop, and play in makeup. And cry when you feel like it. Even if you think it’s for no reason. You’re doing just what you’re supposed to. And it will all be worth it! By the way, you look stunning. Whatever you’re doing, keep it up. Pregnancy looks give on you!! Hugs from your east coast homie ☺️
Kwmechelle, just knowing that you’re there is so, so helpful. Thank you always for your kind words and support! It means a lot.
Got some good news. I’ve been taking some “meow time” and it’s really helped — I’m feeling much more like my normal self. There have been lots of naps and downtime and reality TV shows about baking over the last 24 hours. LOL! Also, I looked online for a mom’s group and I found one in my area. They had a get together last night and I met a few nice girls! Hopefully I’ll make some new friends in the group.
Also, thank you bunches for your wonderful gift! I got it today and those little baby shoes are just about the cutest thing ever. 🙂
Just had to say that you look stunning here Karen! Sorry to hear about your emotional rollercoaster during pregnancy so afar. Those hormones can really do a number on you. Take Care of yourself and try to get lots of rest. Best wishes.
Thank you Sandy for both the compliment and the well wishes. I took it easy yesterday and took some time to just nap and chill. It was much needed.
Hope that things on your end are good. What are you up to this weekend?
Congrats! You look amazing, I wish I was that stylish when I was pregnant. The rollercoaster is real and it runs a little longer after baby comes so hang in there! The crazy emotions will be all worth it once baby girl comes, my daughter will be 2 this December and she is such a joy!
Hi Bree,
Thank you bunches for the reassurance. It’s good to know that I’m not being crazy and that this is perfectly normal, you know? I don’t really know a lot of pregnant friends or moms who live in the area so this was so comforting.
Congrats on your daughter, by the way. 🙂 Is she your only child?
Two of my girlfriends were pregnant around the same time as me and it was definitely nice to have someone to commiserate with when times were tough! I hope you’re able to connect with some other mommies near you soon, but it looks like you have tons of support from your online family too! There are actually some mommy Facebook groups that I found helpful as well.
Ava is our one and only! It’s funny, I always thought I wanted to try to have my kids closer together, but right now she is just perfect and we’re in such a good flow I’m afraid to rock the boat! She’s also already a pro at walking in my heels and likes to sneak into my vanity and use my makeup brushes like she’s putting her face on too. You’ve been warned!
Cute! You make pregnancy look so glamorous, Karen, love the outfit!
Thank you and happy Friday!
Well, you ARE crazy and it will only get worse…. um, oh, yeah that wasn’t what you wanted to hear. But it’s true. LOL Resistance is futile…..
When I was pregnant I didn’t know anyone with kids, let alone anyone who was pg. I found an online chat for pregnant ladies which was nice. One of them is still my friend today.
Mom groups will either work out for you or they will be incredibly obnoxious. Look online in your area. Pregnant ladies will generally look for other pregnant ladies, and you will find a few you connect with, and then your kids will grow up together if you stay friends, which is nice.
Also, you look glowy and amazing. <3
Hi Jessica,
Thank you! For the compliments and for the advice. Guess what? I found a local mom’s group and they had an event last night. I went and met a couple of nice gals to have lunch with, which I’m looking forward to. Hopefully I’ll be able to make some friends.
Happy Friday to you and to Isis. What are you gals doing this weekend?
Hi Karen, I didn’t have time to read all the responses (I’m back to work…ugh. LOL) But I did want to add that I have a couple friends that just had babies and the emotional thing is quite normal.
Being pissed that someone used the counter sponge on the floor – TOTES NORMAL. My hub used a nice dish towel on the floor to wipe up a spill and I could have beaned him. LOL (can you say “rag bag”?)
YOu look fantastic! I love women who still take care of themselves when they have a pretty good excuse to let things slip a little. I know I just went through a major surgery and I really didn’t even feel like making up at ALL. And the downs? I get them bad but I find at least when I look good I feel like I can handle them better. I’m not even sure if that made sense but I think you’ll “get it”. 🙂
Good luck! and know that we’re all rooting for you! (and Tabs of course…ha)
Hi Majick,
I remember you mentioning that you just went through surgery. Sounds like you’re on the mend. I hope that work has been kind to you!
And I totally get what you mean about feeling “the downs.” When I’ve got them I definitely find that it helps to get myself outta my jammies, showered and somewhat decently clothed. Having a little bit of brow filler, concealer and gloss always helps too. I totally get you.
Happy Friday to you, and Tabs sends his regards to Caliboosh!
You look amazing in that dress and your makeup is fantastic. Gorgeous pregnant lady.
you look lovely mama!Good luck applying makeup with the baby lol
look for stuff by Yogi tea called pregnancy tea..
Well I just hope this doesn’t end up as long as the bible. And before going to the deep part let me say you look so gorgeous pregnant.
I think you don’t have to worry about your emotional changes right now, I’m not a woman and won’t ever be pregnant in my life but if I can lose my shit without crazy hormones you’re permitted to do it.
Don’t be so hard with yourself, we’re taught pregnancy and motherhood are easy and wonderful but that isn’t real everyday. It’s OK to feel lost and without direction. I’m happy you looked for pregnant women groups, I recommend you to also read some mom blogs (but the ones that talk about the dark side of the things) they’ll show you that everybody has struggles during both periods of life. I read many but in Spanish, however my teacher told me about Momastery and she told me she also talks about the struggles many women have when having a child.
I really hope you feel better soon and if you need someone to talk, just send me a DM,
xo
You look amazing, Karen! Love the outfit.
You look amazing!
I’m currently 33 weeks pregnant, and I had a hard time finding women to connect to…my pregnancy hasn’t exactly been rainbows and butterflies, and I get the overwhelming urge to slap people who say “Oh, but it’s all worth it in the end.” Please, just validate my rolling anxiety, anger over gestational diabetes, and constant nausea with a “Man, that sucks.”
I’m sorry I don’t know any new Moms, I’m in the new grandma age group, lol! No, you’re not crazy, just emotional ‘cuz pregnant, but, really, anytime the man you live with cleans the floor — with anything — it’s best just to be grateful. You don’t want him to quit cleaning floors ‘cuz he thinks he can’t do it well enough to please you. Just toss out that counter sponge (c’mon, it’s only a sponge), and sometime later present him with a new whatever-it-is-you-want-the-floor-cleaned-with… from a much, much older mommy who gradually trained her adult ADHHHHHD son who never even noticed that dirt was occurring to do most of the cleaning in the apartment without being asked… it does take a while, though.
and I forgot to mention, I think I may buy that jacket! It looks perfect!
U r so freaky cute prego!!! Congrats to u & I love that dress on u & ur makeup is always on point!!
Dear Karen,
Emotional up’s and down’s are completely normal, even when you’re not pregnant. But during pregnancy they are worse. Your hormones completely do their own thing (i.e. making sure your baby is growing and preparing your body for labour), but they have no mercy on your feelings.
Being an “old” mummy (I had my first at age 42 and the second at 44), I don’t know if it is worse, but I do know I suffered from PRE-natal depression. As soon as the babies left my body, I felt my happy-self again very quickly. Breastfeeding also did help, since your body releases a certain hormone, called the happiness-hormone.
So don’t worry, my dear, pregnancy can be really tough, both physically and emotionally. But as soon as the baby is there, it’s all worth it.
I don’t live nearby (Netherlands), but if you feel insecure or just want to chat, send me an email.
Many hugs.
Karen,
you are as glowing and gorgeous as ever! Congrats!!
Love the outfit, mama! That is a super cute print! Cute baby bump!
Thanks Pamela! She’s getting bigger every day. 🙂