"You've popped!"

dress: target   boots: justfab 
There are so many things about pregnancy that are just weird.  Your body is definitely not normal feeling and people make comments about your growing self often.  
My sister and I have had a few discussions with my mom about what may make a pregnant girl feel a little self conscious, like my mom saying "Woah, look at your belly!"  Which to me feels like "Holy cow, you're getting so fat."  But to her it's a totally acceptable thing to say as of course my belly is getting big, I'm pregnant.  She apparently was a confident pregnant women and doesn't remember feeling self conscious about her growing belly.  
And maybe she's right, but I have a hard time not feeling self conscious, especially when I feel like I am getting bigger so much faster this time around.  My question is though how do you respond when people say things that aren't a compliment so a "thank you" just doesn't fit?  
Like this week at least three people have said "Wow, you've really popped this week!" Or "You're definitely showing!" I usually laugh awkwardly and say "yep, I'm pregnant." 
What was or is your response?? Basically I just think people should only be allowed to say a select few things to pregnant woman.  Like "Wow, you are so beautiful," or "What a perfect belly!"  
P.S.  These pictures were from two weeks ago.  Never waste a good outfit to share, especially when you are pregnant.  My belly is has "popped" for sure this last week or so.  

Pink Blush

top: c/o pink blush  leggings: gap maternity  scarf: world market  boots: ?

I'm excited for this post because this store has become one of my favorite stores.  It's funny because when I was pregnant with Addilyn I bought a lot of maternity clothes and at the end of my pregnancy I said if I got pregnant again I wouldn't buy any more maternity clothes.  Yea, so I was very wrong about that.  With Addilyn I was teaching and wore dressier clothes most of the time, and the season I was pregnant was different, as well as my style has changed this time around too.  But when buying new clothes I wanted them to be first of all comfortable, good quality and clothes that I could even wear for awhile (or forever) after I was pregnant.  Especially dresses and tops.  I mean, baggy and comfy are my two main requirements pregnant or not! 

Before I worked with Pink Blush for this post, I had ordered from them two times the month before. They always have amazing sales, free shipping and free shipping for exchanges, which I ended up doing.  They were great to work with for that order, as well as when I worked with them for this post. I bought these items and each one was under $15, with free shipping.  

I love them all and I'm pretty sure I'll wear all of them after this pregnancy.  That's acceptable if they are really cute right?

 sweater: c/o pink blush 

I picked out this sweater and I love it.  It is so comfortable and I love the zippers at the bottom.  It is perfect with leggings, but as my belly grows and it gets shorter I think it will look great with jeans. 

 baseball tee: c/o pink blush 

Notice the Little Mermaid? Addilyn had to make sure she got in the picture.  A maternity baseball tee has been on my pregnant wish list since I was pregnant with Addilyn, so I was excited when I got to pick this one!  I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be more of a shirt, but is long enough to be a dress on me.  Which makes it perfect for leggings, boots and a scarf this Fall and Winter.  

jeans: c/o  pink blush   sweater & boots: target
I was a little nervous to order jeans, as I never do online since sizes are always so different. But I knew their return policy was really easy so I figured if I had to exchange them it wouldn't be a big deal.  Thankfully they fit great, minus being a little long, which is always my problem.  I think I may cut the ends off and hem them so I don't have to roll them so many times!  They are full panel, which is my favorite as this belly grows.  
Pink Blush also has a non-maternity shop with pieces just as cute.  Both sites always have flash sales and deals of the day, with free shipping always.  I may check their sites many times a week and have had to restrain myself from ordering more.  I'm pretty sure I'll be buying a dress or two for our maternity pictures when that time comes!  Thank you so much Pink Blush!  I love my new clothes and may already have some more sitting in my cart waiting for me to buy them!
(Make sure to follow them on instagram to keep up with their sales and specials!)

Purple Poop

I wrote this post weeks ago and forgot about it.  Thankfully while I do still have moments of feeling unprepared, I am not quite in this panic mood.  I think that must be one reason you are pregnant for 40 weeks.  Because you get to a point where you are so ready for this baby that it outweighs some of your more irrational fears. 

I remember one of the first times I flew by myself and I was really nervous.  I hate flying, hate crowds of people and hate doing things I haven't done before.  I should be embarrassed to add that I was 20 when this happened.  And married.  I missed my flight and had a bad experience with an airport employee who was not helping me.  I called my mom in tears.  I remember thinking "I am old enough to be married, but am I not old enough to travel alone and handle this?" 
Well I had a similar experience a week or so ago.  I had gone shopping with my sister at Target earlier in the day.  Realizing shopping at 8 months pregnant - not quite as enjoyable.  (Thankfully being with my sister far makes up for it).  That morning I was trying to find a pediatrician and figure out insurance stuff that was not working in my favor.   I was headed to a doctor's appointment by myself because Chris was out of town.  I have been extremely blessed to have Chris go with me to almost all of my appointments so far.  Tears started as I began crying because (on a more selfish level) I felt fat and worried that I'd never enjoy shopping and wearing clothes again, that I wouldn't find the right doctor for my baby, insurance would be too expensive and I didn't want to go to the doctor without Chris.  

Then more tears as I thought, "If I can't handle these little things, how in the world am I going to be responsible for this baby?"

To add to it my doctor was talking to me about our pediatrician visits after the baby and said something about going after four days of being home, unless we have an urgent reason to visit like our baby's poop is purple. 
Um, purple poop? What? I was too afraid to even ask if that was a real thing.  
But now that I am 39 weeks I say bring it on, even if it involves purple poop - I am ready! 

Where is the nest?

tank top: old navy   skirt: target    sandals:target

I apologize that I think every post this week may just be about pregnancy but at this point 99.99% of my thoughts have to do with this baby.  
I've been waiting for weeks for these nesting instincts to kick in and am still waiting.  I've organized everything in our baby's room multiple times but I don't think that counts.  I want to want to organize my kitchen cabinets, scrub my floors and sort through my closets.  But I would much rather sit on my couch, watch reality tv and take naps.  Maybe while eating a doughnut. 
I have done a few forced nesting things, like clean out two closets and it took quite a bit of self talk to do it.  With about a week left until my due date I guess I can hope that it kicks in, but sitting around still sounds much better.  

But if there are any of you nesting mamas that I read about out there want to come over, feel free! I'll reward you with watermelon, poptarts and reality tv afterwards. 

Sometimes . . . .

dress: discovery   leggings: old navy  sandals: target

Sometimes I get lucky and find something in my closet that fits my very pregnant belly like this striped dress.
While I do still have ten days left till my due date, sometimes I feel like this baby is going to stay in my belly forever.   Sometimes Chris and I do something really fun like go to an outdoor concert, bring dinner and sit and listen to bluegrass music.  
Sometimes I wonder if blogging is a good use of my time. 
Sometimes I get a small glimpse of my hip bones and hips and get excited to see them again.   

Sometimes I love how a simple craft project turns out.  I made these vases to thank some of the woman at my shower who have prayed for and encouraged me.
Sometimes I get lucky and get to introduce you to a blogging friend that I've had for awhile who is talking about her favorite summer items, plus giving someone a chance to win an Old Navy gift card for $25!  I've loved getting to know Brianne this last year, and love her blog mixed with recipes, crafts, outfits and life.  She always leaves me the sweetest comments and emails.  Plus every time she posts a picture on instagram I want her hair.  

Hey there!  I am Brianne and I blog over at Being Bracco.  I am a newlywed living on the West Coast with my handsome husband in our new home.  Over here you will see new recipes, tons of pictures of my adorable furry children,  my attempts at being crafty, sharing favorite pieces from my closet, and even get to know my personal struggles and triumphs.

Katie's blog was one of the first I followed and had me hooked from day numero uno!  I just love her sweet personality and her style.  Oh her cute style...  Lately, she thinks her pictures have contained a lot of maxi themes, but I look at them and think, "Yes!  Another adorable maxi!!"  

When I find styles that I really like, they kind of become a very common occurrence that you will see on me.  So here are 6 things that you will see me wear pretty much this whole season.

1.  Maxi Skirts/Dresses - Well this is just a given...half of my closet (just like Katie's) is being taken over my maxi's...and how can they not?  They are super comfortable and adorable for any occasion!

2.   V Neck T-Shirts - Because nothing says comfy casual like a v neck and cute maxi.  That is my "go to" comfy work style.  Also, pairing a cute t-shirt with some colored skinnies or shorts can complete any Summer outfit.

3.  Statement Necklaces - What don't statement necklaces add to an outfit??  Especially a great colored statement.  You will rarely find me without one over any outfit.

4.  Bright Painted Toes - My toes (or "talons" as my husband calls them) will never be seen peeking out from my sandals without a good bright color on!  I should buy stock in Essie.

5.  Chambray - I don't know what it is about me and my love for everything chambray lately...but it goes with any bright colored bottom, added statement necklace, and even a maxi...total win win for this season.

6.  Colored Shorts - With this California heat being something fierce right now, hitting up Old Navy shorts sales was on top of my list.  Stocking up on great bright colors.   Add a cute tank or v neck t-shirt, flats and you have a great Summer look!

So enjoy adding some great pieces to your closet this season! (I know I am)

And stop by over at Being Bracco sometime...Love to have you!

Thank you Brianne!  I definitely am wearing tee shirts, maxi dresses and sandals on repeat these days.  And probably would almost as much if I wasn't pregnant.  Today Brianne is giving you a chance to win a $25 gift card to Old Navy!  That could definitely buy you a new maxi skirt and a new tee shirt!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for entering! Winner will be contacted after the 13th! 

1,000 ways to annoy your spouse

dress: pink blush maternity ($15)   necklace: pink rust ($13)

Awhile ago Chris and I were talking about what we would title a book if we wrote it.  I jokingly (okay, not 100% jokingly) told him he could title his 1,000 ways to annoy your spouse.  

I do have to say that pregnancy hormones thankfully haven't made me more irritable at Chris' annoyances, but maybe that is because I'm not sure my tolerance for annoying noises could be any worse.  

I was watching Friends the other day and couldn't stop laughing at this scene where Rachel is overdue with their baby and is incredibly annoyed at Ross.  

I feel like this is a conversation Chris and I have had too many times to count.  Let's just hope that while I'm in labor I'm not extra annoyed and irritable, but I'm making no promises.  And Chris should also probably get some award for putting up with my many annoyances.  

I hope you are having a great week!  Maybe I should've waited one more day to post this outfit as it would be perfect for the 4th of July!

Perfect Summer Day

tee and skirt: target

One of my favorite things about maxi skirts (besides them being SO comfortable) is that they seem just about perfect for most summer activities.  I wore this on Sunday to church, then grocery shopping,  then on a little day date with Chris.  

We are trying to take advantage of any weekends and time we have to do things with just the two of us as we wait for our baby girl.  Sunday was a perfect day to go have a picnic in Lake Geneva.  

Read more about our date here! 

SEVEN

I started with the title of FIVE for this post in hopes of linking up to High Five for Friday but everything was far to interesting and important to take out two so seven it is.  (Please humor me as I know that none of them are all too exciting.) 

tank top: old navy   skirt: tjmaxx  

1.  We've had some pretty crazy rainy and stormy weather which means inside pictures.  And I believe I've been wearing this skirt at least three times a week.  To make me feel better please feel free to tell me that there is something you wear multiple times a week too.  
2. While I am in no place to be buying swimsuits or cover-ups with this almost 9 month belly, I'm still a bit addicted to window shopping for maternity wear, and can't help but look at cute plus size ones like I found on this site. 3. With our baby coming sometime in July I know that blogging will be a little harder at the beginning and want to be prepared and still work with sponsors.  Which is why if you sign up to sponsor in July you get to stay for August for free! That means that two months for a large ad space is only $15!  Check out details here and email me at katiejvale@yahoo.com.  

4.  Chris and I went to a wedding last week and clearly enjoyed the photobooth.  I also have to say that I stayed out to 11:00 both Friday night and Saturday night.  I shouldn't admit how proud of myself I was, but it is true.

5.  If you're looking for a blog to check out you need to check out Chelsea.  This week she shared about the perfect summer shorts which I wish I could own and wear, and showed a super cute and easy DIY project making a glitter travel mug.   6. Friday night we are having a Minute to Win it party at our house with our friends. I'm super excited to play games and eat lots of food!  I am making this delicious and easy dip.
Skinny Poolside Dip
And it is still considered skinny if you eat a large amount of it like I usually do?
7. I am still in denial that GFC is going away in a few days, but I did transfer all my blogs to bloglovin' and am ready if it really does happen.  If you currently follow through GFC make sure you find another way!  Bloglovin, facebook, twitter, or follow by email on the right. 
Happy Friday! I hope you have a great weekend!

Can I have yet another surreal moment?

dress: destination maternity    shoes: kohls

While our struggle to get pregnant came with so many hard and trying times, I can say that there have been so many blessings that have come from it.  I know there are many lessons, blessings and experiences I would have not had if we would've gotten pregnant when we wanted to. 

One of those blessings has been experiencing the power of prayer and encouragement from others.  Last weekend my mom, sister and sister in law through me a baby shower and everyone that was there has prayed for and waited for this baby.  My struggle through infertility would have been a completely different experience without these woman in my life.  Some who I shared everything with and others who just knew we were struggling and faithfully prayed for us. 

It was amazing to look around the room, full of woman who love me, love this baby and have been a part of our journey the last two and half years.  People from all areas of my life: work, college, high school, family, and even a few of my mom's friends who have been constantly praying for me were there. It was a room full of good listeners, prayer warriors, women full of encouragement and love who have been there for me.

 My sister gave this beautiful talk that brought me (and many others) to tears.  Sharing how wanted this baby is and how prayed for and loved she already is.  She also gave some amazing advice and encouragement to me as a new mom (which I will have her share here soon). 

The whole shower was wonderful.  I felt loved, blessed and so excited to tell my baby how many amazing woman helped me through all the waiting we did for her.   Just writing all this out, makes me all teary knowing how blessed I am.  Not that I would ever choose to go through what we did to get pregnant, but I have to say how thankful I am to have been able to experience feeling blessed in this way.

I'm pretty confident that this baby couldn't be more loved.  And now that my showers are over and everything is ready she can come any time!!

I'm officially starting to. . .

dress and tank top: target (a few years ago?)

carry a full term baby that is the size of a watermelon.

grunt and moan most times I have to bend over to pick something up or put on my shoes. 
be able to hold my hand entirely under my belly and not be able to see it.    feel like I could be pregnant for 5 more weeks after my appointment today when I heard that nothing is happening down there.  She is head down but still really high.  
would like to hear some encouraging stories of no progress at all but still having a baby a week or two later.  
feel like some days are going by very slowly and although anxious about labor, getting unbelievably excited to meet our baby girl.  

as if I needed proof

dress: target ($11 recent)  necklace: groopdealz   flats: target

I know I've shared before that there is no doubt that Chris has ADD.  And while I do find it quite annoying sometimes, there are times when I just have to laugh about it.  

Which I did when we were looking through some of our maternity pictures and the multiple pictures we have where Chris is clearly distracted.  

Clearly it didn't bother me at the beginning.  See I do laugh at him once in awhile?

This would be mid sentence most likely telling him to stop doing that. 

There were about four pictures with Chris pointing to things.  A plane, an animal, a fish jumping in the water.

And this one I may look like I'm smiling but was probably more forcefully trying to push his head away, saying we were clearly done with the kissing belly photos.

I definitely do not need proof that Chris is easily distracted but clearly have it. 

Don't forget to enter to win $25 in Starbucks cards, an ulta gift card, design credit and some sweet accessories! Enter here!
Linking up to: Funday Monday