Coming Out... In Style

"I'm comin' out baby, I'm comin' out." Actually stay in.  At least until January.  Because...

We're pregnant!

Who knew typing those two little words (in the same sentence) would feel so... liberating?  Especially since I never thought I would.

I know there is a time and a place for every story.  And similar to a lot of couples, what a story we have.  But today is not the day.  Instead, I want to let every couple, who are making their way through the process of seeking fertility treatments, to know that you're not alone.  It's okay to be disappointed and angry.  It hurts so much because it matters.  But, your time will come, and when it does, it's going to mean that much more, knowing it didn't come easy.  And oh, what a loved babe they will be.

We are about 55% loaded, and still 45% shocked.  Even after the first few months of getting through the yuck, I still can't believe it.  Then my bladder gifts me with a punch-to-the-gut reality check.

We haven't jumped in and bought the entire nursery just yet.  Since we are pretty minimal people by nature, we are doing the research on items that will not only last us awhile, but will take care of what our baby actually needs, you know, the no-nonsense bare-necessities, mixed with a little hakuna matata for good measure.  We kinda want to live in our home too.

Right now my focus is on food.  Um, other food... more food and what the f*** am I going to wear because of all of this food?

I'm kind of in that middle stage, where a rubber band looped around the button of my skinny jeans isn't cutting it anymore, and honestly, the thought of skinny jeans, in general, makes me want to scream.  But I'm also not needing full belly coverage to mask over stretched skin... yet.

So, what is a girl to do?

For starters, I was under the impression that the day you found out you were pregnant, was the day you would balloon overnight.  Lesson learned in common sense - it's gradual. At 3 months, you still look like you have period bloat, not a fetus the size of a plum.  By four months you look like you're trying to hide the fact you consumed an entire pizza three whole pizzas by yourself, and at five months masking anything is just a joke.  You clearly have something going on there.  I understand that every woman's journey to motherhood is different, and every body is different and handles the process in different ways.  I can only speak for my body and what works for me, but even so, I'd love to share some tips for other mama's out there who don't want to trade fashion for motherhood. Because, duh, you can have both!

As I was saying before, my "normal" clothes aren't keeping it together (literally) with my growing body.  But, it's still too early for me to head on down to Motherhood Maternity and buy my size in everything.  Instead, I've found myself checking out stores like H&M and sites like Ebay, looking for oversized t-shirts, elastic anything, and maternity jeans that don't smell like plastic and rubber.  But, the silver lining is you can get so many staples and styles without footing the bill at specialty maternity shops. With oversized style turning from a fad to a staple, shopping at "normal" shops is going to carry you well into your pregnancy.

Early-Mid Stages Style:

• Check out stores like H&M, Free People, Anthropologie, American Eagle, Madewell, or stick with what you know. Find flouncy, forgiving tops, or ones with a lot of stretch if you want to rock that adorable baby bump.  
• Don't be afraid to size up!!  It's just a number, I repeat, it's just a number!  This was the hardest pill for me to swallow.  I never thought I truly cared about my jean size until I became pregnant.  I had to remind myself that I'm getting bigger, because it's healthy for me and my bean, and who the F cares about what your pant size is anyway?  Answer: No one.
• Find pant styles like joggers, or pull-on pants with cute ties and patterns.  Look, when you're pregnant, you can get away with ANYTHING.  This is your time to take chances when it comes to fashion, because no one will judge you, and everyone will think you're adorable. Because hello, bump.
• Be comfortable.  Girl, if you can rock a pencil skirt at four months, own it, work it, finger snaps.  But, for most, the thought of anything restricting against our bodies makes us run for the hills - naked, because that's the only thing that feels good.  If that means you live in sweats out in the public world, do it.
• Invest in few quality jackets to add to your wardrobe.  I highly recommend a bomb-ass bomber, a denim jacket, and a tailored blazer.  For one, they will help spice up your wardrobe. Two, layering is key during pregnancy, and three, these jackets will still look amazing even after your little bean has arrived.   
• Search for cheap basics, and wear the shit out of them.  Cheap basics are perfect for layering, covering, and tucking.  Search for items like long t-shirts, and a-line dresses.  Can anyone say H&M two-fers? 
• Bras.  Even after the first trimester, I'm still rocking my Aerie Hannah bra on the weekdays, and barely there bralettes on the weekend (but I'm also a board member of the itty-bitty titty committee).  Once again, stick with what you know, or what you think is best.  If sizing up your favorite bra gives you comfort, do it.  But, if you find yourself opting for pregnancy bras, do that too --  whatever will relieve the pain and tenderness that accompanies your growing tatas.
• Just remember, you're strong and amazing.  You are carrying another life inside of you, my dear.  It's easy to give yourself a hard time, but ultimately, wear (and do) what is best for you and your baby.

Now that you received, like, only the best tips ever for your first few months, check out some of these stand-out one stop maternity shops for the latter part of your growing bump.

Maternity Wear Winners:

• ASOS Maternity - Cheap, cute, chic
• Ebay - I know what you're thinking... but, Ebay is a jackpot for gently used designer maternity wear - think Paige Denim, 7 for all Mankind, and J Brand.  Another tip is most sellers bundle their maternity wear.  3 designer jeans for half the price of one?  No arm twisting needed. **Coming from a "reputable" source, I just purchased two NWT Paige Maternity jeans for $80.00.  One pair of Paige Demin Maternity Jeans retails at $219.00.**  So... yeah.
• A Pea in the Pod or Destination Maternity - Getting back to designer duds, if that's your thing, look no further than these retailers for mommas who don't want to give up fashion for sweatpants and potato sacks.  But keep in mind, hefty price tags and luxury brands go hand in hand. Destination Maternity does offer exclusive online deals.  In store; shop their clearance racks for additional discounts.  For an extra $3.00, you can sign-up for a year of magazine subscriptions from Family Circle and other sister magazines, free baby samples, and coupons.
• Pink Blush Maternity - Fashion without the price tag.  Shop the current trends and styles, but in Maternity.
• Nordstrom Rack - Check out their online store for a few good finds.  Don't expect to one stop shop since they aren't stocked up on anything really, but the deals you do find are worth a look. 
• H&M - With a maternity brand like MAMA, you're sure to ride out this pregnancy in style, with money to spare.
• DSW -  Let's face it, there will come a time in your pregnancy when even the maternity clothes aren't doing it for you.  No matter how cute and stylized they may be, you feel like a blimp, or a squishy marshmallow. When that happens, go shoe shopping.  I mean, it's shoes.  Insta-good.
• Your local consignment shop(s) - if you are living in Rochester, MN and looking for maternity wear you can actually try on, check out Clothes Mentor.  They have a great variety of everything from basics to cocktail dresses.  Because maternity clothes are gently used for the most part, head to your local Goodwill or Savers.  You may have to do a little digging for some great finds, but isn't it all about the hunt anyway?  In fact, while you're at it, check out baby gear for way less.  Sure, a few special pieces from baby specialty stores are always fun, but ultimately baby bodily fluids and onesies are BFF's... don't invest too much.

That's it for tips and tricks.  Hopefully you can apply some of these ideas to your with-child wardrobe. Happy shopping!