34 weeks!
My belly button is still in (but barely). My stomach is constantly slathered in some sort of lotion, hoping to avoid stretch marks but not feeling optimistic. Sleeping has become more challenging with each day due to various aches and pains. Once I do sleep, I apparently snore (sorry Chris!). I bought a bra extender thingy from Target this week which helps make things more comfortable without my needing to buy non-nursing in between bras (since I don't know what size nursing bras I will need). I am looking into a belly binder for after birth cause I really would like to hold everything in place and encourage things to go back to "normal." I've been using my Target BE Band (generic Bella Band) as a belly support device cause it feels so strained.
We've finally begun getting the nursery ready although it is still very far from organized. We managed to get furniture out of there and now it is full of the embarrassment of riches from baby shower gifts (still in boxes/new with tags/unwashed and not ready). I also have to clean out the armoire that is going to be baby's closet/storage. So much to do and so little time!
I did manage to wrap the article manuscript I wanted to send off to be considered for publication so that my resume remains active. I have a conference paper to wrap up (even though I can't physically attend the conference because I won't be allowed to fly by then) and more writing and diss. revision. Not to mention finishing my semester with my students. I hope the fetus remembers the bargain we made about how she needs to keep cooking until at least the day after her due date!
Lots more to talk about in terms of symptoms, cravings, and the amazingly overwhelming and wonderful experience that is being surrounded by all the women who I love and who have known me my whole life (aka my baby showers). I'll try to be back later in the week but my priorities are such that my recreational writing time is dedicated to the zillion more thank you notes I have to write (which I really enjoy doing even though they take a great deal of time because I toil over how to express my gratitude in a way that doesn't sound canned or insincere).
Outfit details:
Bailey 44 top from Nordstrom Rack (non-maternity)
Gap "Always Skinny" Maternity Cords in green
Captoe flats with extra footbed cushion from Payless
Your belly is looking so cute I can't stand it!
ReplyDeleteYour comment reminded me that not all the women who I love were able to be physically there. :) I miss you and hope you are well!! Thanks for the kind words. I feel ... large.
Deletehere's hoping the little one holds out until your semester winds down.
ReplyDeleteSeriously! I keep having birth dreams and hope it isn't an omen. :)
DeleteYou're looking very cute! Do you have a place to find bras in your area? I found I went from a DD pre-pregnancy to a couple cup sizes bigger with my first. It's hard unless you try them on once you're above DD.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Re: bras, ugh it is hard. I started off as a 32e, pre-pregnancy and definitely needed to enlist my 34dd bras by the second trimester. At this point I'm wearing bra extender thingies I got from target to make the band a non-issue but the cup is starting to be a problem in a few of the smaller scaled ones. I just don't know when is a good time to buy nursing bras in anticipation of postpartum times. Bras are so expensive and I don't want to invest in a range of sizes when my size is still changing.
DeleteThere is a great store that I visited recently that has a nice selection of nursing bras. I am going to write about it on consume or consumed cause she has an online shop too but otherwise, there aren't many options for me save for big box stores and Nordstrom (and you're right... once you get above a certain cup, it's impossible to find things in store).
Fellow academic and mom here--I was pregnant with my first while dissertating and now have three.
ReplyDeleteI usually read your fashion blog, for the ideas rather than the clothes, though I love both. I had to stop by here and wish you well with motherhood. Giving over your body is not easy and the pregnancy pains will give way to other ones. (A bit of good news--the heartburn will disappear the minute the baby is born.)
Take a moment to marvel at your body. You made a human! Good luck juggling work and motherhood. Don't panic if you feel a bit foggy for a while. Your brain will bounce back.
Thank you so much for your comment, Maggie! I am always so excited to hear about other academic moms because ... not to be a sap but I admire and am inspired by those women who give me hope in the possible. And other academic moms do just that! I really appreciate that you read along and I am grateful for your kind words of encouragement. I will hold onto them as it becomes less comfortable with every passing day, and yet my work responsibilities have me hoping I go late, rather than early! haha
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