What's the key to a happy pregnancy?

ignore horrible shoulder posture on left :)

I am convinced the answer has to be - CLOTHES THAT FIT!

Week 17 or for those who aren't stuck in weeks like pregnant folk....a little over 4 months - and I finally gave into the fact that I won't be wearing size 6 LuluLemon and my skinny jeans much longer (if at all).

So how can I feel comfy or well, less large...without buying an entirely new maternity wardrobe?

Closet Makeover:

Every season I move "last season's" clothing (ie: sweater, jackets, scarfs) to bins and replace with "this season's" basics (ie: shorts, skirts, tanks). Don't get me wrong - this takes like 10 minutes as I am NOT a fashionista! I decided that I would do the same thing as my belly expands and HIDE anything that is not going to fit this summer. The only thing hanging in my closet are flattering tops, skirts, shorts that were too big, and anything with an elastic waistband! My logic? Out of sight - out of mind - I won't be tempted or depressed by any cute little something that won't suit me right now AND everything I grab will fit!

Get The Basics NOW:

Everyone will have different basics but for me it was a pair of jeans/dressy shorts and of course Lulu shorts (workout gear). Rather than waiting until I desperately needed them aka nothing else fit.... I went and found a pair off super cute below the belly jeans (for $20 at Motherhood)- a pair of white Bermuda shorts. A few folks suggested the Belly Band but to me it was like a hot, awkward contraption that didn't' really keep my pants up anyway....so the other purchases were well worth it! As for the up sized Lulu - I quietly scoped out gals who I knew lost weight and probably had some old shorts sitting around that were now too big for them but perfect for me. Ok, so you can't be a germaphobe for this one and you should probably wash them in super hot water. It may not be for everyone but for me it was a quick fix to comfort for all my favorite activities (crossfit, yoga, etc etc).

Assess MISSING Necessities:

Now I've got a closet full of "only what works" and something to workout in (Lulu) and a pair of jeans to dress up! What else will make my expanding summer more pleasant? Dresses - camisoles - long tanks! Really the list isn't that long but it gave me peace of mind to have know what will make me happier without spending hours shopping (I am not a shopper). I got an "Easter" dress and decided to wait on tanks/tops until I REALLY need them in a few months.

Adopt The LFS Rule:

At first I was grabbing all the loose fitting, flowy peasant tops in my closet but soon realized those led to two possible responses from people:

1) you look "big" rather than "pregnant"

2) "are you sure you're not having twins"

I quickly learned that following the LFS rule was the way to go.

A little less "Lookin' F'ing Sexy" and more "Long/Fitted/Stretchy". This rule applies to dresses - tanks - tees - etc!

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize:
With limited options (yes, you saw this black tank last Tuesday....) and an out of body experience of expanding - I started digging thru my accessories to spice things up. "Look at my earrings....not my belly" is the approach I am going for! So far it's working - I'll update you in a few months to see if it's still that easy!