At 37 weeks, I bring you…more leggings…yes. I’ve managed to successfully turn leggings and flip-flops into “office casual” attire. Likely much to my employer’s chagrin. But I think they’re giving me the “get out of dressing appropriately because you’re pregnant” card. Because the flip-flops especially are not work dress code appropriate. But they’re the only thing comfortable these days. I tried on some flats last week, and laughed out loud at myself in the middle of a department store for even thinking my “elefeet” would squeeze into such shoes right now. I did well with swelling up until this point, and now the edema party is on! I think I’ll have permanent flip-flop indents on my feet when this is all over.
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| Tank: Old Navy Leggings: JCPenney Studded Cardigan: Bold Threads |
Well, I caved. I had to go buy new leggings. Which is fine, because I suspect I’ll be living in them for the majority of my maternity leave. Found these wide waistband and oh-so-comfortable leggings at JCPenney. But because I’m cheap, and poor, I refused to pay $16 for them. Then they went on sale, then I had a coupon, so I got two pairs for $20!! I love a deal!
I bought a couple of these tanks at Old Navy months ago in size XL, and that was dumb because they were way too big for way too long, but now they fit the belly. And this cardigan, because, well, it’s like my uniform right now to wear leggings with something and a cardigan. This is one from our online boutique that I love because it’s comfy and has studded shoulders. I love me some studs! And a lazy ponytail, because I’m lazy, and tired, and so sore.
And speaking of being broke, cheap and going on maternity leave, I’m basically in a full-blown state of panic about finances. I don’t get paid maternity leave. I’ve banked some PTO to buffer some things, but I can’t help but feel stressed out. I mean, we manage just fine, most of the time. But both of us are paycheck-to-paycheck for the most part. I’m lucky I have James through all of this. I think about my own mom, in her twenties, with 6 year old twins and infant me, working multiple jobs and collecting welfare just to make ends meet for her tiny family where the fathers were not present. And I know I’m lucky. It’s just…this is real life. We have a stack of medical bills on the counter, likely effing up my credit even more than it already is, we still have items we need for baby, I still have various other bills to pay…you can never be fully prepared for all that comes with being an adult, then throw a baby in the mix, and you get me….a deranged and stressed out human being hobbling about in pain that’s likely amplified by said stress. Life is about to change, financially and otherwise. And it’s both awesome and scary.
But, we have this baby girl coming soon. And we have each other. And together, we’ll keep this (almost) family of four going strong because we’re united.
And if you mention anything about me still carrying high or not having dropped, I’ll kick you where it counts so you can feel for yourself that this child is very much so “dropping.” She’s balling herself up this morning. But it changes, like yesterday, when I couldn’t take more than two steps without the infamous pelvic pain AND the amazing “lightening crotch.”
One day at a time folks, one day at a time.
8 comments
Don't worry about things for the baby. There is so much crap you don't actually need. She just needs you, food, diapers and some onesies for many months! Also, craigslist is our go-to for baby items. We live a town a way from a very affluent town and they are always selling their expensive baby crap for pennies on the dollar. It's awesome.
And although you don't feel it, you really do look lovely. If I didn't take my blog down I'd send you there to show you what uncomfortable and NOT glowing pregnant woman looks like. I'm still bitter about not getting the glow…
You're sweet! I do check craigslist a lot, and I've lucked out at Goodwill! We've tried to stick to the necessities for baby, knowing there's lots we likely won't need =) I appreciate the advice!
you wear it so well. <3 as for maternity leave — my employer didn't pay me either but the state did. i had to apply for temporary disability and it was less than my regular salary but it helped. maybe your state has something like this? good luck! xo
Thanks so much! And, unfortunately, Michigan does not provide state disability. Just my luck!!
Maternity leave benefits in the US are such an incredible disappointment. We were just talking to friends in Iceland about this and the mother gets 9 months fully paid time off. So amazing. I think very few people have the money just laying around to afford that so please don't feel bad about yourself. We used a combo of PTO and our tax refund to cover the maternity leave I took, and the 8 weeks I managed was not nearly as much as I would have liked, but that's all we could afford. It's just too bad and so unfortunate that's the way it goes here.
In better news you look absolutely beautiful in that last picture.
Thanks Emily! The maternity leave benefits are depressing, yet there's deadbeats out there who don't need state aid and live off of it while I work full-time to make a living. I'm in a ranting mood, clearly 😉
i hear you! leggings are so comfy right now! even in the heat!
I remember training my replacement at the end of my pregnancy and she asked if she could wear leggings and I said no I'm pregnant! Its the only comfortable thing haha! I feel for your summer pregnancy though I'm sure doesn't help swelling or being comfortable… you look beautiful though and things will work out. I always stress and money gets very tight for us too but doesn't seem so bad with a sweet lil babe around!