When I posed for these pictures in my new cozy red maternity sweater from Gap with the lingering fatigue of a holiday cold, I was overcome with excitement for the future and a little bit of sadness over fleeting time. You see, even though I am exhausted, my face has become plump and ripe and I get more “you’re ready to pop any day now” comments that I’d prefer lately, I am excited to be nearing the final stretch of my pregnancy. The fact that I can now only fit into a select few of my maternity clothes only heightens the excitement that the end is near and soon we will meet our littlest boy. But my excitement is also met with a little melancholy as this is our last planned pregnancy. I hate to say, it’s our last, because well I like to leave options open, but when we talk about our family, we’re pretty set that two children will be enough for us.
So sure, I am not loving my achey hips, slow waddling gait and pudding pie face, but I am trying my hardest to enjoy what may be the last few months I will be pregnant in my life. At 30 weeks, baby is big enough now that I can feel little knees and elbows rolling around when he moves, sweet little hiccups when mommy eats spicy food and the time has come to take out the tiniest and cutest clothes ever made. As I sifted through the hand-me-downs of his big brother the other night, I couldn’t believe that my bouncing three year old was once that tiny and how fast that time passed.
I’ve heard from other moms and read plenty of blog posts to know that your second baby or rather the last baby that is planned for your family is a bitter sweet experience. Instead of rushing through milestones and dreading nighttime feedings, these moms talk about cherishing the moment and wishing for time to slow down. Looking back, as a first time mom I was all about wanting him to meet the next milestone; sleep through the night, wean and walk. But, in hindsight, if I had known how fleeting those sweet quiet moments with him were, I would have savored them just a bit more.
So, this time around, I will do just that, savor the moment. I want to remember the last few tiny kicks I will feel before I get to hold him, the look on big brother’s face when he meets him for the first time, his first smile and all of the tiny grunts and wiggles. Instead of stressing over my to-do list, I will vow to let the dishes wait and to always put my sweet boys first. Time is a gift, that we can’t get back, so even in the most uncomfortable of times, like third trimester pregnancy, I want to be present in the moment and cherish the beauty of every day.
Shop The Look:
-Brooke
Linked With:
Induffinitely Me | Thursday Style Confessions | Sincerely Jenna Marie | What Wives Wear |
Fashion Friday | That Friday Blog Hop | Style to Inspire| Friday Favorites
You look so great for being so far along! That red looks lovely on you, and yes savor every minute of it because it seems to disappear in a flash.
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I love how you share your feelings so openly and honestly, Brooke! What a special time for your family and I’m sure your little boy is getting so excited to meet his baby brother. You look glowing and gorgeous, and so stylish! xx
lovejoanna.com
That sweater looks really cute on you! I love it!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Love your outfit! Cute sweater and cute vest!
Pinkandnavystripes.com
you look adorable
http://girlandthepolkadot.blogspot.com/
Omg, you are too cute!! You look fantastic!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
You look amazing girl!! Such a special time for you and your family and can’t wait to see how your little man reacts to his baby brother for the first time!! xo, Biana – BlovedBoston
You look adorable, as always! Great color!
Stephanie
http://positivelystephanie.blogspot.com/2014/12/camel-sweater-and-black-skirt.html
Thank you Stephanie!
Thank you Biana! I hope he stays excited 🙂
You’re so sweet Rach, thank you!
Thank you Mel!
Thank you Lindsay!
Thank you Melanie, lucky me it was a Christmas present, I had vowed to not buy anymore clothes this late in the pregnancy, but my grandmother spoiled me 🙂
Thank you Joanna! He is excited, he told me last night that I wasn’t excited, it was only him, haha.
Thank you Blaire! I am definitely fitting into less and less so my outfit posts will probably become less and less ha!
Enjoy these last days, you look amazing!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
People can really be so rude when it comes to pregnancy comments. You are a stunning woman who is absolutely glowing right now and nothing else matters!
Oh my goodness, you look SO CUTE!! Thanks for sharing on #FashionFriday!
You look fabulous!! Time goes by so fast!
xx,
La Joie de Vivre
This is such a sweet post! You also look just adorable in that sweater & vest combo!
http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com
Yes! Enjoy each precious moment! I am constantly wishing for more time to enjoy each stage as my daughter grows. If we ever decide to have another little one, I am going to try and savor it even more! Thanks for the reminder!
You are adorable!!! Love the sweater and how the vest accentuates your cute belly!! The red is gorgeous on you too!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Aww you have such a great outlook and perspective on it all 🙂 Savor every moment girl!! And you are looking so great doing it–that red is killer on you!!
Tori
FashionBlingGirlyThings
Congrats on your lil one you look gorgeous!
Xo Miss Erin
See what I have to say at:
http://www.misserinsays.com
You are so cute, Brooke! I love the layers and that shade of red looks fab on you! I hope I look this good when I’m (eventually) prego!!!
xoxo Danielle
For the Love of Leopard
You look so beautiful and this juicy red colour bright you up even more!
It’s a wonderful post, enjoy and cherish that previous moments 🙂
stripesnvibes.com
You are too cute!!! That sweater looks gorgeous on you, and I’m loving that vest! I have the white one like it, and I wish more were still available!
-Hannah
sweeterthanserenity.blogspot.com
you look really cute, congrats 🙂
Thank you Nancy! It really is such an amazing experience being pregnant and once it’s over, you quickly forget what it’s like 🙂
Thanks so much Danielle!
You look amazing and absolutely beautiful!! It is a bittersweet experience with the final baby, but also really amazing. You have done the whole baby thing before and can enjoy it in a different way. So precious. 🙂 Good luck this last little bit.
Christina
I agree Hannah, I love that vest! Wish I had picked it up in more colors too!
Thank you so much Tanya!
Thank you Danielle, you will look fabulous prego!
Thanks so much Erin!
Thank you Tori, totally brightened my day 🙂
Thank you Shannon, that’s sweet of you to say!
I wish time would slow down Laura, it goes too fast!
Oh thank you Caitlin!
Oh thank you Caitlin!
I know it Alecia, I wish it would slow down!
Thanks so much Jo-Lynne!
Alissa, I couldn’t agree more! I am always shocked that some people still think it’s ok to comment on a pregnant woman’s size, it never is!! Thank you so much for your sweet words 🙂
@wishes&reality thank you so much, I sure am trying 🙂
You look adorable! Love this maternity look!
xo,
Jessica
http://www.fortheloveofbubbly.com
OMG you are so beautifful babe
I love this sweater
kisses
Maggie D.
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary – Fashion blog
You look adorable! Congratulations:)
Love, Laura
http://www.loveandsapphires.com
Loving the layers!
God bless,
XO, Claire
http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.blogspot.com
You are so adorable! The red orange color looks beautiful on you!
http://www.dressed2dnines.com
You look so cute and cozy! The sweater looks lovely on you, great color too!
You look so radiant!! Hope you’re well girl xoxo
You look lovely! Red is a great color for you. My daughter turns 14 this weekend and maternity clothing has certainly upgraded since then! Happy weekend! Susan
your look in red is so glam
http://www.chilishake.it
Lovely outfit. Love the layers and your boots! Best wishes to you and your new family!
Amanda
XO Strawberry Chic
absolutely love this — just pinned to my ‘cozy cute’ board! 🙂 The layering is great and you look fab!!
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
Beautiful look, Brooke! I love the bright colors and layering for winter!
Christie
The Closet by Christie
http://www.theclosetbychristie.com
You’re still adorable as ever! Loving those boots! ;D
♥ | http://www.connect-the-cloths.com
http://www.carseyyycakes.tumblr.com | xoxo
It was so beautiful to read how you’re embracing your pregnancy 🙂 And you truly are glowing in these pics! Good luck with the rest of the journey 🙂
Mili
This is so beautifully written! Thank you for sharing! You look absolutely stunning and I love the sweater!
xoxo,
Kellie
Carolina Clover
http://carolinaclover.com
Your bump looks so cute in this outfit!
Ignore those “you’re going to pop” comments. I think people just don’t know how to say your baby bump is super cute…..some how the term cute gets replaced with pop
The Doctor Diva
red is totally your color!!! this is a great look!!
have a great week!
Animated Confessions
You look so lovely in the vibrant red sweater and plaid scarf! Great to know that you are treasuring every moment of your pregnancy, very inspirational to read!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
Awwww this look is too cute! You look adorable in red. Love it with the cute vest on top!
~Tatiana
We Shop in Heels
@Prudence, thank you so much! Every time I want to complain about how crummy I feel, I am reminding myself daily to be grateful for a healthy pregnancy!
Thank you Libys! I hope you have a great week too!
You’re so right Carly! Thanks so much 🙂
Thank you Kellie, that’s so sweet of you!
Aw thank you Jessica!
You look AMAZING! Especially in this gorgeous bright red!
Thanks so much for sharing your intimate thoughts on your family and moments with your babies, I am not a mom yet but these posts make me SO excited for what it is to come!
Thanks so much for linking up with Tremendous Tuesday! Hugs! Amber
Congratulations Brooke! Although I am not a mom, my mom teaches Mommy and Me music classes and growing up, I was always her helper. I saw so many mom’s come through with their little tiny cuties and how quickly they grew up to inquisitive toddlers! Your blog post was perfect commentary on how time does go quickly. So looking forward to hearing about the birth of your baby and I hope time goes slow 🙂
Chelsea
You couldn’t be any cuter pregnant! Love the red color on you, you are just glowing! Adorable outfit and enjoy your last 10 (or 11!!) weeks!