Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Truth

Today I want to get a little personal for a minute.  I keep things pretty upbeat here and often if I'm having a bad day I just put on my mask and I don't really put it out here.  But I came to a realization yesterday and I want to talk about it just a little bit.  Grab a cup of coffee.  Let's chat.

My outfit yesterday started out as a bit of a fail for me and it was very simple to fix, but in the process I learned something.  I've got some mild body image issues right now.  Yes I am thrilled to be pregnant and yes I realize a changing body is part of that process - but I think I've been kind of trying to hide from it a little bit.  I looked back over the last month or so since I've been showing more and I've been very hit or miss with my style.  Some days I think I've hit the nail on the head but others I can tell that I'm almost trying to disguise or hide the bump.  There really isn't any reason to do that.  Everyone knows at this point.  What am I ashamed of?


I'm not ashamed at all.  I think part of it is, I said from the beginning I wouldn't turn this blog into a pregnancy blog.  I didn't want to inundate you guys with all that stuff because I know some bloggers find that to be a turn off.  So I think I was letting that spill over into how I was dressing - "I'm not talking about the pregnancy too much so I should disguise it in what I'm wearing".  I don't have to do that.  I can still dress appropriately without sharing every last detail about what's currently going on.

The other thing is it has been an adjustment.  I prided myself on being someone who was in shape and who worked hard at maintaining their body type/weight.  And this has been a very easy pregnancy, to the point where I even forget at times that I am pregnant - then I look in the mirror and it's a little shocking to say the least.  I have to remind myself - there is a reason for this change and it's only temporary.  I know my body may never be exactly the same, but I can work at getting it back after the fact.  And the reward - a sweet cuddly baby of my own to love forever - is worth every last bit.  Gotta keep my eyes on the prize.

Sweater - Arizona Jean Co, JCPenney
Tank top - Old Navy
Skirt - Liz Lange Maternity, consignment
Necklace - Swap w/CC
Sandals - Italian Shoe Maker, from cousin 


So, I think I've reached a peaceful place where I am going to embrace my bump and try to dress more without fear.  And you know what, I may still crash and burn some days, this is a total learning experience, but I'll keep learning as I go.  And the further along I'm getting, the more and more this pregnancy is a part of my daily life and it may get harder to not talk about - and if that loses me some readers, so be it.  It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.  Or something like that.  I so appreciate the love and support so many of you have shown me so far.  And I especially want to thank Cara for her comment yesterday and the blog she pointed me to that truly helped me realize it's time to start embracing this phase of my life.  You helped me more than you can know Cara!

And that ends our serious coffee chat for today. Thank you for letting me put it out there.  In more upbeat Bethie news, today is my Friday already, you can't beat that - a short week right after a week's vacation?  Heck yeah!!

21 comments :

  1. I'm so proud of you for embracing your bump! It's a gorgeous thing! I love your outfit today as well! Love ya hon!!

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  2. You know, Beth, some bloggers may not want to hear about your pregnancy and baby bumps, but really, who are those "bloggers"? Those of us who come here every day because we love you and think you are amazing, sweet, kind, and funny want to hear about this journey. Please don't shy away from sharing your life on this blog. It won't turn into a pregnancy blog, but you are a blogger who is pregnant! :) By not sharing we would all miss out on one of the most amazing things that will ever happen to you, and I, for one, want to hear MORE. xo

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  3. hooray for you, Beth! Your message really is universal and applies to everyone. Embrace your body and be proud of it!

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  4. Awww... That baby bump is going to be around for a bit, so embracing it is the best thing!! I really love the outfit today! Shows the bump, and the necklace works well with the blue stripe in the cardi!!!

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  5. I say embrace that baby bump and if you want to talk about your experiences while being pregnant, you should. We come here to your blog because we like YOU and what you write about. Being pregnant is such a life changing experience and everyone deals with it differently, but all that matters is what makes you happy and comfortable. Enjoy this little miracle and have fun with playing around dressing your little bump :)

    You look absolutely adorable today in this outfit too!

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  6. <3<3<3<3<3 - that's all, just sending you love dear :)

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  7. Awww Beth! Totally embrace it! I mean I haven't gone through it so I can only imagine it is hard to have these changes happen to you. Like it doesn't matter how much you eat healthy or work out, the baby is going to grow no matter what! But I think you look so beautiful and GLOWING right now! Embrace it and let it be a challenge to your style! :) It could be really fun! And mostly, just don't stress about it :) You got this!

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  8. Sending you good vibes, hon. Looking awesome today!

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  9. It's your party, it's your blog, and you should discuss whatever's on your mind without fear of losing your audience. The real fans will be here for you. Pregnancy definitely has its ups and downs and I'm so glad yours is going along easily so far. That skirt is looking great- definitely keep wearing and restyling it!

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  10. Embrace the bump!!! You look gorgeous, bump and all. I agree with the other commentors, if people stop following you because they don't want to hear about your pregnancy then good riddance! We're your friends and we're going to stick around because we care about YOU.

    And thanks for sharing your thoughts about your changing body. I think we all feel unsure about ourselves when we get older or get pregnant or go through changes.

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  11. Your baby bump is adorable so I say show it off! Please don't worry about turning off your readers...you should talk about whatever you feel like, whether it's about your pregnancy or otherwise. It's your blog and you shouldn't feel like you have to censor yourself :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Forever 21 Giveaway!

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  12. I can imagine how you feel. I imagine I'd feel the same if I were pregnant! You always look lovely to me, no matter if you are hiding or flaunting the bump! God bless youxxx

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  13. We come here to see YOU. Not a fashion model. You. And, right now, this is what you're going through. Take us with you on that trip.

    Of course your body is changing and, afterward, it'll change back. This journey is physically rough so don't compound that with worrying about it. Just survive the physical changes and make the best of them.

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  14. Aw, thanks so much, but all the credit should go to the Academichic ladies. I bookmarked that post years ago because I went: "Hmm... someday I'll need this!" Glad others can use it while I'm not quite there yet!
    Growing a baby is kind of like the world's best workout, I figure, and you get to see steady results for all nine months!

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  15. You look gorgeous Beth! I wish I had some insight, but I have no idea what it's like. What I do know though, is that your blog is your space, so when it feels right to talk about your pregnancy, then do it! It's always fun to read about!

    Jess - J's Style

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  16. You look beautiful in those photos, Beth. I have no opinions on what pregnancy can do to a body or what issues moms struggle with, because I don't have kids and have yet to go through that, but as someone who has struggled with her weight for a while I can appreciate trying to hide your body. And it sucks! So I'm happy for you! Embrace the change! :-)

    Your kid is going to be awesome.

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  17. Well all in all, I thought you were doing great; upbeat, happy, busy and still posting fun posts.

    I was prego so long ago, but I do recall some factors that never left me. 1. The joy of a child growing and relying on me. 2. Couldn't bend over (and I still don't like to bend over) and 3. Wanting to have a great family.

    We each hope and imagine depending upon our wants and needs. I think you are doing great and I loved hearing you out, on your chat. Anytime!

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  18. I love this outfit, especially because it shows off your bump. I think you look beautiful pregnant and you should totally show it off. And I would definitely not mind hearing more about the pregnancy experience :)

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  19. I read this on my phone yesterday and made a mental note to come back today and tell you that I think you're beautiful, I love seeing you preggo, and I think this is an absolutely adorable outfit. I don't know what you're going through but I'm always here to listen and duh I'll always read! Love you!

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  20. Girl, life is a beautiful thing and you're bringing more of it into the world. Show it off and enjoy this wonderful experience. I've never had kids so obviously I'm not sure how I would feel about the change, I can say though, that I have always found baby bumps absolutely mesmerizing and truly feel happy for women when they show them off with the way they dress. I think it is just the most beautiful thing.

    And you are beautiful.

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