My Big Belly and Self Esteem

When I first found out I was pregnant I couldn't wait to get a big, cute, preggo belly. I wanted to flaunt it and look cute like all of the other pregnant women I saw. i was frustrated at the rate which my stomach was growing... It just wasn't fast enough. But now that I find myself bumping my belly into spaces I use to be able to squeeze through, and not fitting into shirts I waged would be long enough to last me through pregnancy, things are starting to change.

A pregnant friend and relative of mine recently asked me what I thought about wearing bikinis while pregnant. She LOVES being pregnant, showing off her stomach, and she's glowing beautifully. She was wondering if I (and you... some of my readers) thought it was appropriate to wear a bikini while pregnant.

My initial instinct when I picture myself with my outstretching belly in a bikini is "eeeew." I wore bikinis day and night at the beach, and on trips before I was pregnant, I loved my abs and wasn't afraid to show them off. Now, well, now I guess I don't feel as comfortable in my skin.

There are plenty of people who wear bikinis and speedos, who maybe, for the sake of people eating on the beach or cruise ship, shouldn't, but I kind of take the stance of "if you feel comfortable, more power to ya."

Looking at photos of pregnant women sporting bikinis is beautiful to me. I LOVE pregnant women, I think they are so cute... I just don't think I'm that cute. Or maybe I just don't like everyone staring at me and thinking about my knocked-up state, I'm not sure.

When I compare these two maternity styles, I'd LOVE to have the confidance to wear the one on the left, but I know I'd much prefer to wear something like the one on the right.

Regardless, I'm not much of a swimmer anyway (I know it's great exercise for pregnant women but I have this thing with getting my hair wet) and most likely you won't catch me in a bathing suit the last nine, very hot weeks of my pregnancy.

Another thing I think is so interesting is the plethora of maternity lingerie! Who knew there was such a market for it? I've been one to scurry into my flannel pants and t-shirt as quickly as possible, but having this blog has given me the chance to experiment with a few maternity night-wear items.

Sweet Dreams Maternity sent me this little white number, which I like so much I wear it to lounge around in. It's nice being able to feel cute but also not uncomfortably exposed.

I think part of the reason I have some sort of unexplained prudeness lately is maybe cause I feel more "motherly" or something... Does that even make sense? I don't get it! I mean, I never dressed skanky before but now I almost want to dress like a nun.

So anyway, whether you're feeling like a sexy mama, or nunish Sweet Dreams Maternity has some cute stuff to choose from.

Sandra also has an adorable kids accessories line and she sent Spawnie an adorable B Baby Bling bib. Can my baby please be as cute as this one?

Now if you're pregnant and feeling REALLY confidant, be sure to stop by my blog for a giveaway Sunday... No wait, maybe Saturday, it doesn't seem fitting for a Sunday. I have yet to try on the little number I'm reviewing (I was waiting until I got big enough, but since I have, I haven't been brave enough to wear it) and NO there will be no photos of me in it but *ahem* some of you ladies may really like this line.

I wrote a post today on my Project Pregnancy Blog about a woman who was totally rude to me this week and made fun of my adorable shirt (and the size of Spawnie). Here's an excerpt of "Did I Ask for Your Opinion? ... I Didn't Think So":

"Since day 1 I’ve been calling my growing baby 'Spawnie', so I was sold when I saw this 'Alien on Board' tee-shirt from Spegg Wear. I got one and started wearing it the moment my bump started to show.

Now every time I go out with it on I get compliments. I’ve worn it to my OB appointments and to the mall. People always say they love it, and compliment me on how original and funny it is… Which explains why I mistook the woman taking my order behind the burger counter as saying my shirt was “adorable” instead of what was actually calling 'horrible.'

With a big smile on my face I said 'Thank you!' And patted my belly.

'Thank you?' She questioned my reaction, obviously annoyed that I didn’t get her insult...."

You can read the rest here.