Sometimes a girl just needs to vent a little…
Photos by KNW Photography 
Outfit Details:
Blazer: Nordstrom Rack {similar} | Maternity tank: H&M {similar} | Maternity Leggings: Destination Maternity {buy here} | Houndstooth Scarf: Ruche {similar} | Riding Boots: Shoe Mint {similar} | Handbag: Top Shop {similar} | Pave link bracelet: Brina Box {similar} | Bejeweled link bracelet: Anthropologie {similar} | Black bracelet: Forever21 {similar} | Sunnies: Firmoo, c/o | Lipstick: L’Oreal#640 ‘Wild Plum’
Things I want to talk to you about:
a) The Super Bowl. Did you watch? If you’re a Sea Hawks fan, I’m happy for you – what a victory. For those of us who were rooting for the Broncos – most boring waste of my life EVER. Good thing Bruno Mars dominated at half time so there was something good to say for the whole shin-dig. For those of you who don’t give a poop either way – pat yourself on the back and call yourself lucky. I’m basically one of you… or at least I used to be… but living with a husband who kind of cares has made ME kind of care, and I’m not even happy about it. It’s much more liberating to not care one bit. Go Niners.
b) Third trimester. So far it equals freezing husbands (I’m so hot all the time! Sleeping with an open window and two fans on over here!) and some old first-trimester friends coming back to visit: night-time nausea, moodiness, tender ta-ta’s, acid reflux and straight up ex.haus.tion.
c) Real Talk. I discovered my first crop of belly stretch marks yesterday. Yep. That happened guys. All my lotioning and lathering and purchasing of expensive products couldn’t save my belly from the inevitable poor-gene-disposition. Pretty sure I drowned my sorrows in an enormous chocolate cupcake while I cried it out like a little girl alone in my car. Then I punched myself in the face and told myself to get over it. Cuz let’s be serious – I’m just so darn grateful that I was able to get pregnant at all, and if I hadn’t been able to, I would have taken all the stretch marks and weight gain in the world for that chance. So what the deuce do I have to complain about? Nothin. And I know that. I really do. But still – if I’m allowed to be totally honest guys – knowing that doesn’t remove the sting that sets in when you don’t even recognize your bod any more. Can someone tell me it’s gonna be ok? And can you try not to judge me for being a vain Vanessa? K thanks.
Have a Troubadour Tuesday!
Thanks for letting me vent. xo
You are too funny! Thanks for always keeping it real. Love your blog
It really will all be okay, you do get your body back – for the most part! And it is so completely worth it! You look gorgeous – I love your mix of green and houndstooth today!
That blazer is awesome!
Also, go right ahead and mourn those stretch marks. You always think it won’t happen to YOU (and then it does). And by YOU, I obviously mean ME.
Love that green blazer! You’re looking great.
I didn’t get any stretch marks until the last few weeks of pregnancy and then I got a whole bunch, which resulted in a lot of pouting and pity crying, so I totally get you there. It’s all for those cute little kiddos, right?!
http://www.janelleinreallife.com
Hey, you’re doing better than I did- I discovered my first batch of stretch marks at like 24 weeks. Way to hold out on them until 32 weeks. And yes, they suck, BUT they do lighten and get better looking (as good looking as stretch marks can be) over the years. AND, if it makes you feel better, I didn’t get them as quickly or as many with my 2nd pregnancy. So hey, that’s something to look forward to, right!? 🙂 You’re still beautiful and that man of yours is still gonna want to jump your bones- also, know from experience. So no worries lady! It’s all good. Just don’t stand naked in front of the mirror too often and this too shall pass. Smooches girl- ya look hot and you’re styling in the pregnancy attire department.
I hear ya! I’m 27 weeks along and fighting a losing battle with my genetic predisposition. Weird thing is, some stretch marks already showed on my sides and they’re already white (???). Dr said it can happen. Most days I tell myself I’m so lucky to be growing a healthy lil boy, but hormones/body image issues/wrong lighting can get the best of me at anytime!
Dude… you’re straight gorgeous (and I’m not just saying this because I’m your bestie and I love you and I’m obligated to say this. It’s because it’s TRUE!!!). Remember also how every woman in your family is ridiculously beautiful? And remember how no one other than your hubby will ever see your stretch marks? And remember how you KNOW Chasey is still gonna find you sexy as you-know-what? And remember how even though you DO know all the following statements are true, the real reason you’re butt-hurt about stretch marks is because of your OWN expectations you’ve placed on yourself and your body and no one else’s expectations or beliefs – that you’re gonna have a trainer who will help you to get back to where you’re comfortable with your body? So don’t even sweat it babes 🙂
Wow Meg, couldn’t have put it better myself! And sorry, sissy, you can’t fight genetics. But I can definitely sympathize! You look amazing, btw. I have people here in Boise regularly tell me how cute you look and that they can’t believe you look so good preggo.
no Vain Vanessa judgement here. I find myself in a body shame spiral all the time and then I realize I am pregnant and need to stop saying i’m getting fat. so what i’m saying is, i’m right there with ya girl.
just chock it up to that little peanut that you’re gonna be obsessed with in a months and remember, the best part about being pregnant is that it ends (hallelujah). you’ll be back to fabulous and fit in no time flat. until then, just enjoy the cupcakes (and that people let you get away with being hella tired).
xo
Girlfriend, you are the cutest! I love that outfit and you look wonderful in it! I hear you about stretch mark woes. I got a few teeny, tiny ones on my sides when I was pregnant with #1, and then literally two days before I had #2 it was like the front of my stomach just couldn’t take it anymore and suddenly it looked like I had gotten scratched by a tiger. I was so, so mad! Couldn’t the baby have come two days earlier and then I could have avoided said tiger stripes?!? It’s ok though- I have two beautiful kids and it’s not like I was planning on rocking a bikini anyway… it just sucks to see your body do something that you do not want it to do, and there’s no way to control it. Focus on the positive- baby boy is growing and getting ready to make his arrival! Yay!
You are so right about the superbowl! Wow. Seriously the most boring superbowl possibly ever. On the bright side, I love your outfit!
I love the green!
You are absolutely glowing and I totally agree with you about the SuperBowl!
It’s totally going to be okay! The weight will come off, even if it takes a little nudging, and the stretch marks fade in time (I have heard they are genetic and nothing you do really causes or prevents them..). But I remember feeling just huge and awkward and desperate to have my body back, but at the same time it was all completely worth it for my little one! Plus, you look great!
Just discovered your blog and gotta say I love the concept/name! And nothing wrong with a little vanity ;). Good luck with the last few weeks of pregnancy!
Stephanie
http://vainandsimple.blogspot.com/
It’s worth it, I promise you, it’s worth it. But hey allow yourself to grieve a little, it’s normal. Love your outfit! Never knew pregnancy could be so stylish!!!!!!
Well you certainly look great pregnant! I hope you’re feeling better. I’m sure all of it will be worth it even a couple of stretch marks. Once you see that baby none of this will matter.
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
You seriously have the best pregnancy style! No need to apologize to anyone for moments of ‘all about me thoughts’ – we all have them! You are human, and it’s completely normal to mourn for things that you feel you are loosing. It’s obvious what’s front of mind for you is what you are gaining which is a wonderful bundle of joy (who I am sure will be ever so stylish)!
Most stretch marks fade over time, don’t worry. I had two very big boys, one was 9 lbs, the other 10 lbs. 18 months apart. So my oldest son was 9 months old when I got pregnant with #2. I thought my stretch marks would never fade away.
My youngest is almost 18 months and I have just a few left. So if my body can bounce back from all that stretching out, so will yours. Just keep lotion, keep drinking tons of water (hydrate from the inside out!) and know they’re battle marks. As cheesy as that sounds. haha.
beautiful in green and black!
ladies in navy
You so amazing Darl! I wish I was this stylish so far gone! Ax