Well here we are, nearing the end of another year that’s been the most surprising, unimaginable year of life. Who doesn’t feel that way by this point of 2020? I won’t belabor the reality by talking about the way the world turned upside down for everyone, but rather use this space to write about what’s changed for us during this time — because, well, a LOT has changed and a lot more will be changing in our near future.
Baby Bump #2
The first of those which you must’ve already deduced is that we have a new little love on the way! I’ve been growing a bump all summer and by the time the seasons shift in 2021, we’ll be loving on another little girl in our coop. Merritt’s getting the sister and the playmate she was pining for! I think it deserves documenting that her first thoughts after finding out it’s a girl were that she’s “going to teach her how to put lipstick on and how to snowboard”. There are so many emotions through the ups and downs of pregnancy that I’m only filled with gratitude for the two humans by my side during this time. Merritt hugs and kisses my belly before every nap and bedtime, and Blake’s response to having a family of girls was “I was given the task of taking care of goddesses”. Both of them keep me always motivated to make the most of this special time, even as it gets harder to pull socks on my toes or sleep through the night.
No More Corporate Grind
Another major shift in our life is that Blake is no longer working in the corporate world. We were thankfully able to see this coming with the way business and economy were heading, so we began planning for our future and preparing to live more simply and purposefully. I also poured into my journaling practice, which helps me to release anxiety about the future and to trust what the universe has in store for us. What began as a scary change happening out of our control became a shift that we’ve accepted with grace and gratitude. It forced us to examine our values and ask tough questions about what’s really important in life. It’s led us to make decisions about how we want to spend our time, which we otherwise might not have had the courage to make under the security of a comfortable income and a lifestyle normally viewed as successful, ideal, or “on track”.
Maternity Style with Less Stuff, More Gratitude
The broader changes to come in our future deserves a post all it’s own, so I’ll be writing about that next time. But, it goes without saying that when you realize your means for living are changing, the parameters for how you can live within those means must also change. As for my maternity style, I’ve been looking to the things I already own to dress my bump, like this button front dress (last worn here). The tie around the waist and the buttons on the chest are crucial for adjusting to the areas that grow in pregnancy. The brand L’Academie still makes this dress style because it’s so timeless — they have it in stock now in a luscious hunter green satin that’s gorgeous for the holiday season. These black boots are also a loved piece that I’ve been wearing all fall. They’re my most walkable shoes with a heel that I own, which lets me still feel like myself by not having to sacrifice style for comfort. I’ve linked this year’s version of them below.
This black leather backpack is one of the few items I’ve purchased in the last six months. It’s chic enough be my everyday bag right now, and will double as a diaper bag + purse after the baby comes. The hands-free option will be so convenient later when Blake and I each have a little human to tend to while we’re out and about. And it still feels like *me* rather than just a mom thing. I had a traditional, shoulder-strap style diaper bag the first time around. While it was a great and functional piece, I found that I never carried a purse anymore as it felt cumbersome having two bags hanging from my shoulders. I can’t stress enough how important it is not to lose yourself in the trappings of parenthood, or you may find yourself years down the line wondering who ‘you’ are apart from that identity. So this chic backpack was a little purchase to celebrate both my love of style, and the special work of birthing and sustaining another soul from my body. This exact one sold out quickly after going on super sale, but I linked several similar ones below!
I can’t wait to share how we’ll be spending our future, so check back for the next post where I’ll be spilling everything! Sign up for my email notifications below or follow me on Instagram where I keep up regularly!
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