Pregnant and Pretty, Part Two

Shop your closet!

That should be the #1 tip from pregnancy and newborn magazines.  Instead of blasting us with images of "must-have" $60 sundresses and $45 skinny jeans, we should be advised that plenty of non-maternity duds can last us for at least two trimesters - sometimes all three.

Case in point: leggings!  I stocked up last fall and winter, and non-maternity styles still fit me, nearly seven months along.  My favorite brand, at about $6 a pop, is George, carried by Wal*Mart.  I have at least four pairs: in black, gray, eggplant and chocolate.  Some are footed versions, some are not; they're all totally opaque.  (If you're wrinkling your nose because I shop at such a big-box store, just remember - we are doing pregnancy on the cheap!  If you prefer organic cotton, sourced and made in the USA, that's awesome!  Go for it!  But that means my ideas probably won't inspire you very much!)  

Those leggings don't get worn with tiny tops, of course.  I have discovered that most of my swingy, flashy, Empire-waisted tunic tops (purchased mostly at Ross Dress for Less, usually for $13 or under) make fabulous maternity dresses.  In fact, Five Below has sundresses for $5 that seem to be nursing-friendly.  They're cheaply made and probably won't last long, but are great for around-the-house wear.  I'm planning on getting a few more.  They're kind of like really cute, knee-length muumuus.  I also like to add waterfall sweaters (very thin ones, since I've tended to feel warm most of the time during my pregnancy), with or without stretch belts.  In the fall and winter, I paired them with the leggings and boots.  

Which brings me to the topic of shoes.  Ladies, trust me: I am all about the shoe.  I have wedges, ballet flats, heels, flip-flops, gladiator sandals, knee-high boots, ankle boots, stilettos, and some rather saucy footwear that probably should not be worn in public.  I love shoes.  Love them!  I have been very loath to stick to "sensible" styles during my pregnancy.  Flats might be comfy but they aren't always very flattering on me.  But I have learned that your center of gravity really does change the further your pregnancy progresses, and shoes with a very high or thin heel simply aren't safe.  They should be restricted to special events only - and bring a pair of flats with you, just in case.  For my part, I compromised.  I found a pair of $25 Crocs (yes, I know, CROCS) at the outlet store.  They're black wedges which are both very comfortable and very flattering.  They've got a sturdy, rubberized 3 1/2 heel that gives me height and confidence, but they feel almost like sneakers.  They've become my everyday work shoes, since my office manager allows me to forego the (unreasonably expensive) maternity scrubs and wear business casual clothes for the time being.  In addition, if you'll be heavily pregnant in the summer, stick to slip-on styles for your sandals.  Or count on your partner to buckle your gladiators for you every time, because chances are you won't be able to reach them yourself!

Another money-saver is the maxi-dress.  Most styles come in forgiving or stretchy materials, and can be easily dressed up or dressed down.  If you're a shorty like me, most maxi styles are too long for you anyway, but the addition of the bump makes them the perfect length!  (After the bump disappears, you can employ your super-cute lace-up espadrille wedges again.)  Again, I found several styles at stores like Ross Dress for Less, TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Burlington.  I'm fairly certain that I didn't spend more than $25 on any of them, and most were $15 and under.

Let's talk about intimate apparel.  Without delving into too many details, your best bet is to stick with simple cotton panties and to purchase one or two new bras as your bustline changes during pregnancy.  I never thought I would be singing the praises of a non-underwire style, but I actually love the Genie Bra (again, I found it at Wal*Mart for around $15, which is $5 less than the advertised price everywhere else).  It's supportive and comfortable, even for a larger bust.  I'll probably be using it when I breastfeed too, since it stretches to accommodate various sizes.  I'll probably buy several more if it works out, because the idea of dropping loads of cash on a nursing bra makes me queasy.  After all, you're supposed to buy at least three, they say: one to wear, one to wash, one to have ready to go.  That could easily be upwards of $100.  Most specialty shops, though, do have reasonable prices.  Motherhood Maternity, for one, surprised me with a variety of very comfortable-looking bras priced around $20 to $25 each.  I don't find that unreasonable, but I haven't tried any on yet.  

In fact, I haven't set foot in a specialty shop during this pregnancy.

I'm fortunate, in a way, to be among the last in my circle of gal-pals to have a baby.  That means that I have gotten about three garbage bags full of maternity clothes. mostly from my friend Jaime.  (I'm also lucky she's kind of a fashionista, because these clothes are cute!)  That being said, don't shun anything that's offered to you, even if it doesn't seem to be your style - or size.  Jaime and I have dramatically different builds, but most of the clothes she gave me fit anyway.  If nothing else, pick out a few things you like and hold on to the rest.  Chances are, that generous Mama will eventually want them back to get her through another pregnancy.  By that time, you might be able to throw in a few of your own maternity-friendly clothes, and then the whole process can start over again!

My final word of advice for this post is simple: eBay!  You can find such amazing deals online and in thrift and consignment shops!  If you're buying online and you're worried about the fit, make sure to purchase from a seller who accepts returns.  A lot do not, and it's eBay's policy to allow that, so read carefully before you bid.  I picked up a very cute white sundress with thick black straps that retailed at Motherhood Maternity for about $50.  Since the seller was not charging for shipping and I was the only bidder, I ended up paying around $13.  I'll be wearing this dress all summer!  I also found two office-friendly dresses (one of which is also appropriate for nursing), and they each sold in stores for probably about $30.  I think I paid about $9 each, as shipping was free for those, too.  All of them fit just fine, even though I couldn't try anything on.  


Next week, if I can convince my husband to play the fashion photographer, I'll be posting some pictures of outfits I've put together!

Recipe: Egg McMarvelous

Give this one a try and you might wake up a few minutes early every morning to make it instead of stopping at a fast-food joint for breakfast!

Ingredients:

1 large egg
Whole wheat English muffin
1 slice Havarti or mozzarella cheese
2 thin slices rosemary ham or pancetta
Pinch fresh or dried basil
Butter-flavored spray, cooking oil, or an oil mister
Butter or margarine, if desired
Directions:

Split and toast the muffin to your liking.  Meanwhile, spray a small skillet with butter-flavored spray (or use a small amount of oil or a few quick bursts from the oil mister), then heat to medium.  When the skillet is hot, crack the egg into it and break the yolk.  Do not scramble.  Sprinkle with basil.  Once the egg is set, flip it and top with the ham and cheese.  Remove from heat, cover and allow cheese to melt.  Butter muffin, if desired.  Carefully slide the egg onto one half of the muffin and top with the other half.  Makes one fancy-schmancy breakfast sammie.

Grandma Turns 90!

A few weeks ago, my sweet grandmother turned 90 years old.  We are deeply grateful that she is extremely healthy, without a hint of dementia or any kind of disease.  She is a beautiful woman who looks considerably younger than her years, who is committed to serving God and loving her family.  We threw her a surprise party at Tambellini Bridgeville and believe me, we were all hoping the shock wouldn't send her to the hospital!

We're already looking forward
to Gram's 100th!

In fact, she was quite delighted.  Like the gracious lady she is, she made sure every single guest received a kiss, a hug, and a personal thank you.  You would have thought she had just been crowned Miss America, the way she put her little hand to her heart and cried.  It was precious - which also happens to be her nickname.  To distinguish her from the other grandmothers in our blended family, Grandma Thielet eventually became "Gramma Precious", which is certainly fitting!

What touched me the most, I think, was that so many folks showed up.  There were over 40 people who wanted to be sure she knew how much they loved her - family, longtime friends, her children's friends, church friends.  I took photographs for the party, and people I'd never met kept coming up to me and telling me how wonderful my grandmother was.  I was thrilled that so many of her church friends were younger than she, lively and vibrant senior citizens who had come to act as substitutes for the many brothers and sisters Gram has lost over the years.

My gift to her was a poem I wrote and shared.  I don't mean to be cocky, but a personal piece of writing is about the most intimate gift I can share with a person.  Plus, the lady is picky and would likely have returned any photo frame, trinket, or piece of jewelry we would have bought for her!  I promised that I would put the poem online, so it is below.  Please remember that, like everything else on this blog (unless otherwise indicated), is my property and must not be used without consent.
 

I.                 Prologue

I am thankful, you dear child, that your family chose America.

That your parents left all they had known for countless generations

And were reborn in a place they had never seen,

Merely imagined,

And that they planted themselves like trees near three mighty rivers.

When the soil seemed rocky, they persevered.

When the weather seemed perfect, they rejoiced.

Knowing that rain still may come, they watched the future,

Never turning back.

II.               1924-1933

I am thankful, you dear Amelia, that your childhood was lively

And filled with the voices of family and friends.

That your brothers protected you and your sisters taught you wisdom.

That, when those terrible storms came,

And blew you all about like twigs and snapped branches,

Your faith never broke.

You locked away in your heart an understanding of poverty, of loss, of lack,

And used it to strengthen yourself in the coming days.

And you never once forgot it.

III.               1934-1943

I am thankful, you dear Mrs. Thielet, that your marriage was for love

And not convenience.

No love but God’s own is perfect, but you kept your promise to cherish and obey.

You saw your man off to war and waited for his return,

A model American,

A modern wife,

In your heels and skirts,

Cooking American food and reading American news,

And dreaming American dreams.

IV.             1944-1953

I am thankful, you dear Mother, that you faithfully raised your son,

A boy who grew up into a man who loved cars and bikes and building things,

Who was stubborn, a little bit grimy, and whose smile was shy but genuine.

Who wanted to be a hero, a rock-star, a bad-boy with a heart of gold,

Who became one,

Who has never been perfect,

Whose dreams are still great,

If sometimes unspoken. 

V.               1954-1963

I am thankful, you dear Mother, that you faithfully raised your daughter,

A girl who grew up into a woman who loved art and beauty and kindness,

Who talks to animals,

When they will listen.

Whose heart is full of compassion, who is gracious, and silly, and tender.

Who second-guesses herself when she sometimes shouldn’t,

And who has never stopped being a sweet-faced Daddy’s girl.

VI.             1964-1973

I am thankful, you dear Mother-in-law, that you welcomed into your heart

A broken young woman from a broken home,

Who was afraid of so much

But who bravely believed in hope.

Whose marriage finally crumbled but who came back to you, decades later,

With a peace offering and a humbled heart,

Knowing you were often the silent player in the drama,

A witness to a world falling apart,

Lifting always your prayers to God and giving your ear to listen,

Whether the offer was taken never mattered,

For you knew the prayers were heard and heeded.

  

VII.           1974-1983

I am thankful, you dear Grandmother, that your hands helped raise three little girls,

An ever-present smile at birthdays and graduations,

A thoughtfully-chosen card with a check in the mail,

Bringing deviled eggs to picnics,

Listening carefully to silly childish chatter,

Attempting to interpret,

Praying when sickness came,

Proudly claiming the family bond when success was in reach – and when it was not.

You never spoke disappointment over them,

Instead encouraging obedience and patience.

They are still learning from your example,

And they are so very deeply inspired by you. 

VIII.          1984-1993

I am thankful, dear widow, that your strength in God carried you through

Dark and difficult hours,

An empty house,

Endless questions,

Quiet grief.

When happiness and comfort fell away, you yet found joy – such a different bird –

In your Savior,

Who even now holds in His arms

So many who have gone before you onto eternity.

I am thankful that this faith never runs dry,

Nor does the strength God gives you,

To wake and to live each day with vibrant but quiet kindness.

  

IX.             1994-2003

I am thankful, you dear sister, that your love was not poured out only on husband, on son, on daughter,

But instead kept flowing for those who needed you –

Sisters and brothers whose bodies and minds began to grow weary,

Sick, and weak.

Patience and sensible gentleness and encouragement were your offerings.

How precious and rare they can be,

Yet you gave them freely, commitment overwhelming convenience every time.

You buried each one, acting as a pillar to their sons and daughters,

And they realize how deeply you are embedded in their memories

Of their parents, their aunts and uncles,

Their family joys and tragedies,

You were always the same –

Even without words, you were there.

X.               2004-2014

I am thankful, you dear Gram, that your prayers have never stopped flowing,

Your faith is still fresh as springtime,

Your love still eager to be given,

Your holiday cards still thoughtfully-chosen,

Your grief when others grieve still true.

I am thankful that your journey has brought you here, to the center of a circle

Of friends and family,

Who admire you enough to make you blush,

Who consider themselves proud to call you their own,

Who brag about you to neighbors and church friends and co-workers,

Who laugh and say, “Let me tell you about this lady I know…”

And whose stories are as many, as brilliant, and as varied as your years.