First Trimester Bumpdate & Maternity Style

I received clothing for this post in exchange from my honest review. All opinions are mine. 
​Photos: Nicole Gonzalez

Before I start, I need to ask your forgiveness for being a little absent lately! Between a rough first trimester, Caleb starting school, my volunteering at school, and then Hurricane Irma rolling through town, the blog has taken a backseat. But I'm hoping to have some great new material for you in the coming weeks! 

A quick update: my first trimester was rough. I tried to keep a really positive mindset the whole time. The fact that my nausea was so persistent was really difficult, but I tried to bear in mind that it meant that this baby was growing and that it was a perfectly normal side effect of pregnancy. I actually ended up on a medication called Diclegis, and that was really the only thing that helped with the nausea. I had tried anything and everything that I had read online or that had been suggested to take away nausea, and while it helped, it never completely took it away. The Diclegis was what finally got me feeling like a normal human being. I was also totally and completely exhausted. Add Caleb running around and needing a whole lot of attention, and I ended every day completely wiped. 

But now that I am in the second trimester, the nausea has subsided, and my energy is back up quite a bit. I still fall into bed every night and sleep like a baby, but I can make it through most of the day without needing a nap to survive. My belly is definitely growing - at 17 weeks my uterus is now the size of a melon and the baby is the size of a navel orange. I haven't gained a pound yet - which is good considering I started with a little extra weight on me. We still don't know the sex, so the blue shirt in this post says absolutely nothing about that (stop reading into things so much, guys - I promise, when I have news, I'll share it!). What else do you want to know? Ask me in the comments below!

Right before I announced my pregnancy, I discovered a brand that was just launching called Meet Me in Miami. I am a sucker for cute maternity clothes, and I was immediately drawn to their very "Miami" vibe. I also loved that their garments are made to be work before, during, and after pregnancy. So I reached out to them, and they had me come in to their workshop and try on some pieces, several of which I took home with me! In visiting their workshop, I learned that each and every item is handmade right there, locally. What a plus to be buying into our own economy and supporting locals. ​

This Salsa Mambo top could not be any more fun. I mean, just look a these sleeves! They just beg to have you swing around and let them move. The off-the shoulder is on trend, and I don't think it's going anywhere for a while. It features a raw trim edge with layered sleeves and is made of the softest material. I had so much fun shooting this top, and I can't wait to wear it again! 

I paired this top with maternity jeans - I picked these skinny jeans up at Motherhood Maternity during my pregnancy with Caleb, and they are from the Jessica Simpson brand. You know I love me some pointy-toed flats, and these lace-up gold ones from Old Navy fit the bill perfectly. And this Kate Spade bag, which was a gift from my friend and fellow blogger Kathy over at Freshly Squeezed Fashionista, matched the top so perfectly. A turquoise tassel necklace rounded out the look, which is perfect for anything from running errands to a casual date night. This top can easily be dressed up - a pair of nude heels would have very easily taken this look straight to the dance floor.  

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xoxo, 

​Jenise