We had a great time shopping this morning!! First stop was GAP maternity where I got another pair of awesome low-band jeans and one with a bigger panel to grow into, plus a tunic to wear over leggings and a two layering tanks.
Next stop was Destination Maternity where I found this shirt and one more sweater on clearance. (And some fancy fancy jeans that I could not afford!)
I love wearing the bump!!!!!
The darling kiddos are my best friend Rebecca’s kids. Becca lives just a few miles from the mall and joined us for shopping. We were remembering how the last time she went shopping with me was wedding dress shopping when she looked like I do in these photos with Zora, who is now 5.5, in her stomach!
It was strange going into the “normal” stores and looking at the models wearing tiny waisted pants and tops. Although I couldn’t be happier to be pregnant, it reminded me of how big I will get before I can [hopefully!] someday where cute fitted clothes again.
Next Mom and Larbs and I went to lunch!
We ate at Panera where I got the Fuji Apple Salad
With a side of baguette. I used to think this was the best bread in America. Still thought it was good, but not great.
Last stop was into ULTA to check on some Belli Skincare products recommended by my Pregtastic podcasts. The products are expensive, but also every single ingredient has been scientifically tested to be safe for pregnancy. The podcasts had me sold! I didn’t buy any today because with the promo code ‘pregtastic’ you get 20% off online 😉 I might get the elasticity oil (for stretch marks) and the sunscreen (a block rather than a chemical – and it blended well for faces).
While in ULTA I bumped into blog reader Sarah who recognized us! I love it when that happens!
I’m snacking on an apple and gearing up for a walk with Anne P!
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
Totally thought you must have had a HUGE lunch to get that belly and then I read on… haha!!
Cm @ Lazy Healthy says
Is that a padded bump to help you fit clothes for the future? You didn’t look that far along yesterday!
Cm @ Lazy Healthy says
OK, I get it. I was confused for a moment!
KathEats says
Yes yes!! Haha.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
Oh my god! I was so confused too. Haha–I was about to say… thats a lot of growth overnight.
Karen says
Did a double-take myself!
Meagan says
I was so confused too!!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Looks like a very fun day! Isn’t it funny how bread is just one of those things that we seem to change preferences for over time? As a kid, my mum never bought us white bread (nor did I ever request it), but it seems that the older I get, the more I crave the seedy, whole grainy goodness of Great Harvest-like loaves! Have a good walk with Anne!
Stephanie @ Legally Blinde says
Wow, that belly looks very realistic! Guess you know what’s to come now 🙂 The top is really cute and looks great on you.
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
Love the shirt! And yes, love me some Panera. That salad is good! Still good bread to me, no matter what 😉 But there are other tastier options out there. Haha
Joss says
aww hehe you look adorable with the bump 😀 And after all this is done you will have the fun of fitting back into those regular cute clothes 😛
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
You look so cute with your bump! 🙂 positively glowing missus!
Julie says
Wow your bump is getting big so quickly! 🙂 It’s all going to happen so soon.
Cute choices. You don’t need to wait for later before fitting into cute clothes!
Emily says
mm i lovelove the fuji apple salad! and i always get so excited for the bread and its really never as good as i think its going to be. you are so on top of everything related to your pregnancy, i feel like its going to make the whole process so much easier!
Jen says
I was going to say the same about the bump! Had to go back and check yesterday’s post where you are still pretty flat!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
That’s so exciting (and I’m sure much more comfortable) that you’re getting maternity clothes!!! Slowly but surely you’re getting closer! And that salad looks delicious!
Annie @ Naturally Sweet Recipes says
Such cute pictures! Everyone is eating Panera lately! I love that apple salad, so good!
katie @KatieDid says
You look so much more pregnant there! Is that not a real bump haha? Mmmm love and miss panera bread!
Johanna B says
You look so cute being suddenly so very “pregnant”. Never heard of the stores having a bump to wear while trying on things. How cool!
Angel7 says
I had to think when I saw that bump on your tummy if that could really be, because the last post you did not have a bump that big in your pregnancy pic. (LOL) 🙂
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
misschels says
omg! I ate at panera yesterday and got the same salad! Its my absolute favorite. I am def. going to recreate it!
MANGIA!!!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Glad you had shopping success! Clothes shopping un-pregnant can be hard enough and I remember finding almost nothing that I really loved when I was pregnant. Except at A Pea In The Pod. Loved that place $$ but it was crazy pricey$
Keep us posted on the Belli skincare line. I am always game to try new things that come with good reviews!
Anna @ On Anna's Plate says
Haha…my sister wore the strapped on belly bump when we went maternity shopping for her– it was so strange to see her go from normal to pregnant in two seconds flat! I was far enough into my pregnancy when I did my big maternity shopping trip, so I didn’t even need it! Looks like you got some cute clothes!
I’ll be interested to hear how you like those Belli products– even with ALL the pregtastic podcasts I’ve listened to, I never did get any of their products!
Therese says
I love that bump! Can’t wait to try it on myself someday (soon). I’m anxiously awaiting ‘BERF’. Any word yet on when you’ll unveil it?
KathEats says
Hoping for Friday!
Therese says
Hooray! And again, congrats.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Those apple chips on the salad look so good! I’m glad you’re having a great trip!
Cait's Plate says
HA! I love that they have the belly bump for you to try! You look like such a cute pregnant person with it!
Jaycie says
OMG, your sister is SO pretty!
Ilana says
my dad runs a cafe upstate NY and all his bread comes from panera…One day a woman who manages the local panera came in and ate one of our sandwiches, and couldn’t stop freaking out about how good our bread was and she wanted to know where it came from since she’s a Panera person… I almost didn’t know how to tell her that she probably eats the same bread every day 😛
kath, you look darling and lovely and I hope your morningsickness has fallen off!!
Heidi Bundles Of Hugs says
Super cute! I was in preggo jeans at 9 weeks cause I couldn’t stand the bloated feeling in normal jeans. The waist hit me wrong and I was so uncomfortable. How far along are you now?
KathEats says
12.5
Christine @ BookishlyB says
Maternity wear baffles me. Do you have to keep re-buying clothes as you grow, or do the clothes just expand? I’ve obviously never been pregnant 😉 It makes me nervous, though, since I wear semi-professional clothes to work. Seems like buying a whole new wardrobe could get pricy!
KathEats says
Most of them work the whole time! The panels are super stretchy.
josieT says
Don’t forget though you might gain weight in more places than just your belly. Those clothes might not fit come June. I only gained 25lbs with my first, but I gained weight in some weird places and the stuff I bought at 18 weeks didn’t fit. I spent my last month in 2 pairs of new maternity pants and my husband’s college t-shirts.
Kristen @ The Concrete Runner says
Ah! You look sooooo cute with a bump! Can’t wait to watch you grow! When will BERF be up and running?
KathEats says
Hoping for Friday
Sarah Leigh says
Kath, I wanted to tell you that running into you seriously turned my whole day around!
I was having a rough day and I went into Ulta to pick up a few nail polishes to cheer myself up and you put the cherry on top!
Thanks so much for mentioning me in the blog too <3
Sarah
KathEats says
🙂 Makes me happy!!
[email protected] says
I loved that store! It was actually hard for me to give up shopping there after I had my twins! (Although the belly stayed with me a whole month, so I probably could have kept shopping there a while!)
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
What a fun day!! It must really be starting to hit you that you’re pregnant.
KathEats says
It is!!! I’m still in that “I wish I had a bump” stage, but I’m sure it will come on fast
Erica says
When I first got pregnant I bought a few pairs of jeans with the full panel, and one pair of the low band jeans. I thought eventually the low panel jeans would become uncomfortable, however it was the other way around!! The full panel jeans are so annoying now and the top gives me a red ring around my belly! Just wanted to share – don’t spend a ton of money on jeans yet until you know what you’ll like when you are bigger 🙂
KathEats says
That’s good to know since I have 3 low panel ones now 😉 I’ve heard good things about both. I probably won’t wear jeans too much in the summer though, so I’ll have to investigate shorts
Marci says
oh the shopping, i am so over the clothes! i cant wait to get back into my normal clothes again and shop at the mall. so soon. i’ve had a pretty easy pregnancy, but gosh is the end the most uncomfortable and huge i have ever been. i want to barf at all my horizontal striped shirts! i recommend the exercise/lounge pants from Gap. Enjoy!
KathEats says
🙂 i have gotten a lot of stripes! I love them, but maybe not the best belly choice 😉 I think they often look better than solids though because they are busier?
Marci says
horizontal stripes are cute and pregnancy is the time to wear it. i am just so tired of it now! old navy online has also been great, and their customer reviews for sizes are very helpful. i like the waffle long sleeved shirts.
Silvia @ skinny jeans food says
Awwwh…. Larbs looks so happy being an auntie!
Ashlee says
I’m sure you’ll get tons of advice, but I’m currently 29 weeks and have both the low band and full panel bands pants and 100% endorse the full panel. As I’ve gotten bigger the low panels don’t seem to stay up, they slide off my belly or feel like my vajayjay is hanging out if they are the kind that is meant to sit below. The full panels fit from beginning to end, great money saver to not have to buy more jeans later on.
josieT says
Secret Fit Belly pants are the best of both worlds. You bunch them under the bump or pull them over.
Karen says
Your mom’s and Larbs’ resemblence is so overwhelming in that side-by-side photo!
Bev says
I never in my life seen anything that you could try on to look like your that far along !!!!! It is going to be a long pregnancy . I think I will choose not to visit your blog so often
Mary says
I’m at Panera right now! Broc cheddar soup and a whole grain baguette are my go-to whenever I come here. The maternity clothes look/sound so cute. Can’t wait to see you with the bump 🙂
Elizabeth Kelley @ A Dancer In The Kitchen says
What an exciting time for you! I feel like I can learn even more from you now (since I haven’t had any children yet!) with you pregnancy journey. I’m excited for your new blog BERF too!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I was totally confused as to how your belly could possibly have gotten that big in just a few weeks. That is really cool that they have the bump so you can figure out what size clothes you need!!
Brooke Cordray says
You look great with the bump! The first time I put one on I almost passed out, my sweet huband of course thought it was so cute! Good luck and it will be fun to watch the progress.
Laura Jane @ Recovering Chocoholic says
Whoa, did a double take with the bump pic! You’ll look great with a baby bump! Great excuse to go shopping.
Erin Motz says
You’re going to be an adorable pregnant woman! I love that little belly :-]
Jenn says
Cute!
That bump is how my *actual* belly was at 12weeks with my 2nd! stretched out muscles have a lot to answer for.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
You are going to be adorable when the bump is actually that big! Awww! So glad that things are going well for you! 🙂
Keri says
Oh my gosh! I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to check in with my favorite blogs. You are glowing, and I can’t wait to see the “bump” and baby KERF grow happy and healthy 🙂
Jill Will Run says
During my 12th week, I craved Panera… just because I wanted the white bread. Plus getting a salad and veggie soup there was one way I would actually eat my veggies! Now that I’m waaaay (sarcasm) into my 14th week, that craving has passed. Kind of!
I haven’t bought any maternity clothes yet, although a friend did give me a big bag of hand-me-down stuff just today. I haven’t dared to go through them yet. For some reason, maternity clothing scares me! (Well, my whole pregnancy scares me! LOL!)
Katherine Acronym says
I love your shirt! I went over to Ulta this weekend too
marie says
I’ve wanted to ask this forever, but I didn’t want to sound stupid. Anyways, is your sister’s name Larbs a nickname or is that a given name? I have never heard it before and have always wondered!
KathEats says
Her real name is Laura Elizabeth 🙂
Larbs is her nickname!
Hannah @ eat, drink, and save money says
I love ULTA and Sephora. You can have so much fun there! Great idea to use the coupon code. Let us know how you like the products!
Molly @ RDexposed says
My first thought: belly pad or balled up sweater? Good thinking going with the belly pad versus the smuggling! Ha
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
Woo hoo! That belly looks good on you! I’m sure the real one will look even more adorable.
Funny- I passed an Ulta today when I was in Columbia and had no idea what it was. I was thinking it was a mattress store- but you just cleared it up! 🙂
Danielle says
Hi Kath, I used the Belli face wash when I was preg- also purchased on the advice of the same podcasts! I liked it ok. I think I liked it for the lack of mental stress more than the facial cleansing though! I had been so nervous about (everything) what skin care was safe to use, I was happy to hear the pregtastic reccommendation. The smell bothered my first trimester nose a bit but after a while I didnt mind it. I hope you like it.
I listened to those podcasts a ton when I was preg! Lots of them helped ease my mind and lots of others made me say WHOA! WHat am I in for! But all in all, its a wonderful experience. I hope you enjoy your pregnancy and I cant wait to start reading BERF!
KathEats says
Thanks so much for the feedback!! I’ve been using Alba Sea Minerals and LOVE it, so I hesitated to spend much money on the Belli. The piece of mind was all I was hunting for!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
I’m getting advice might get annoying (since I know I was and still get annoyed by some of it), but here I am about to give advice (ha!) Anyway, before spending lots of money on lotions/oils for stretch marks, I would think about how your skin usually is and how your mom did with (or without) stretch marks when she had you and yours sib. I’m 35 weeks pregnant and have zero stretch marks — during my whole pregnancy I have yet to rub lotion or oil on my belly to prevent them. I think it’s totally just your genetics that will determine if get them!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
Supposed to say *I’m sure getting advice…
KathEats says
🙂 I kind of have a better be safe than sorry approach. I do have some stretch marks from my previous weight gain in college, so I feel like I’m more prone. But yeah, if the process involved rolling in mud everyday I’d just pass!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
Ooo but that mud would feel so good when we get our “pregnancy warm spells!”
PS. I ALWAYS forget to check that I’m human lol.
KathEats says
Haha
Janet says
I have always been small weighing average of 107 lbs. When I became pregnant at the age of 31, I was concerned about stretch marks. I used the plain old Palmers Cocoa Butter in a jar. I am not 100% positive but I think it is a lot of natural ingredients without chemicals. No stretch marks from baby #1 (gained 30 lbs). Gave birth to baby#2, 20 months later. Weighed 99 lbs when I got pregnant (was still nursing when this happened). Gained 47 lbs second time. Again used the Palmers. No stretch marks. Bonus, to me, it smells like cake icing. I may need to get another jar to ward off stretch marks from menopausal weight gain.
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
I also was due with my first child in late August…August 22 to be exact. I was lucky and the summer was not too hot…wore a lot of shorts, T-shirts and tank tops…remember, you may want a bathing suit…I spent time at a friend’s cottage for the last bit of my pregnancy and loved being able to go swimming!
Aria says
Is BERF up and running yet? I’m so excited to see it and want to make sure I didn’t miss the annoucement! 🙂
KathEats says
Not quite – hoping for Friday
Sarah says
Luckily maternity clothes are totally adorable now. Thank god its not the 80s!!
Jessie @ Graze With Me says
I highly recommend the Belli Elasticity oil!!! I used it every night on my belly, boobs and hips from about 15 weeks up until the night my water broke & I have only one stretch mark (where my bellybutton ring was) so I don’t think that could’ve been prevented. I know stretch marks are mostly hereditary but I loved the oil & will definitely stock up next time around. 🙂
KathEats says
Thanks for the rec!
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
That’s a cute maternity top! And I like the ones hanging in the background too 🙂
Tori says
Just wanted to mention that I too have loved my Belli Elasticity oil! This is my third pregnancy and I have used it every time. Super expensive, but I think it is worth it. My mom didn’t get stretch marks so that may have worked in my favor as well. However, during my first pregnancy I only put the oil on my belly and the only places I got a few small stretch marks were my breasts and hips. During my second pregnancy I slathered it everywhere and didn’t have any new marks (despite more weight gain). The cost may be relative since I only used 1 bottle for each pregnancy and had some left over each time to use postpartum.
I had my first baby in August and I loved dresses towards the end… Having anything around my stomach at that point was just too hot and uncomfortable.
Congratulations and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy 🙂
KathEats says
Glad to hear you liked it too!
Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt says
I was totally confused for a moment also, I totally thought you popped out overnight! You are totally gonna Rock being pregnant. You look adorable.
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
You totally fell for the belly there. Freaked out!
Love the maternity garb. I need to get some more now that I’m massive. haha
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
Good choice on the salad! I had the same one today 😉
Cyndi says
Enjoy it all, it’s only a blip … and a bump … and then all the rest.
Get ready.
Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie says
Hahah I thought you multiplied in bump-size overnight too 😛
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I still love Panera but probably because we don’t have a GH! 🙂
kerry says
gorrrgeous bump! its getting bigger 🙂
Khushboo Thadani says
Wow love how they served the apple on the salad- need to try it out!
Steph says
Positive criticism? Sort of get like it would be a good 1st comment after almost 2 years.
It feels like the blog isn’t really about food anymore.
LOVE hearing about the baby, it’s great. Just like travelling on trips or runnings races or opening businesses this is a part of life and it’s real. So I’m not saying you shouldn’t be excited and share not at all! However as a reader I miss the content, particularly the nutrition. You mentioned changes in your dietary needs now so maybe just explain YOUR new goals and ignore the negative about the cheese cravings.. I come here to read about how food fits into a real honest RD’s life.. Not belly oils. Maybe you compensated with narrative while you were early and not hungry? But honestly it’s a lot of related baby product discussion and oh ya I ate this. Share the baby joy! But as your appetite returns I hope this becomes a blog about an honest and realistic relationship with food again
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
I definitely that bump was real and then I was like wait a second, she just announced that she was pregnant! You do look adorable with a bump. 🙂
I’ve always wanted to try that salad from Panera. It looks delish!
Maria says
you are looking awesome! can’t wait to wear a bump myself! greets from hamburg!
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
That salad looks really good! You had me confused for a minute with that bump on…thought I missed a few months here!
ErikaMC says
The day I found out I was pregnant I started rubbing Vitamin E on my stomach, hips and butt every morning and night. I didn’t get any stretch marks. I also never got itchy like I hear some women complain about.
Maria says
I went and bought some belli face wash today! I bought it at buy buy baby. You wear the bump well 🙂 I think it’s about time to invest in some maternity jeans.
Nancy says
What a lovely bump! 🙂
Katie Martin says
That baby bump does look very realistic. It wasn’t until I read the comments that I realized that it was a fake bump from the store. But even with the (fake) bump you are still a very fit person, so I don’t think you will have any problem getting back to your normal clothing. Although I hope you don’t worry about it too much and just let your body adjust back to normal naturally!
It sounds like a really fun day indeed to go shopping with a good friend for maternity clothes, especially someone you have experienced pregnant times with, even if it was hers and not yours. Did you have some silly times playing with the fake baby bumps? I think that would be a strong temptation for me.