Simplicity
It’s one of those days. Where the weather is cold, and there are pumpkin-chocolate-chip-oatmeal cookies and chai tea to be had, and all I really want to do is curl up under a warm blanket and watch a period movie.
That might also be influenced by the fact that I almost gave up on getting dressed this morning out of pure frustration; I’ve been wanting simple, easy outfits that still look put-together, but anything I might have worn pre-pregnancy doesn’t fit right now, and I tried on five or six different outfits before I came to this.
It’s not a groundbreaking, style-forward, or even interesting outfit, but hey. I’m dressed, and that’s what matters. 
To be completely honest with you, today I just feel like crying. I’m letting stupid things get to me, the most of which was an anonymous comment yesterday that it’s a tiny bit annoying I put my hands on my belly in every post, because “it’s not like one can’t tell you’re pregnant.”
I don’t want to pick on anyone, really I don’t. Yesterday, I tried very hard not to care about the comment, and for all I know that person really didn’t think about the way they came off in the comment and meant nothing by it. Perhaps they were merely observing that I fall to the same pose a lot. Because that’s true. I’m not a creative poser. I do put my hands on my belly all the time, so it’s an obvious thing to point out. Maybe people do get tired of the pose. Maybe it seems as though I’m trying to make obvious the fact that I’m pregnant.
And I am truly sorry if you find that annoying, any of you, because I don’t want people to be annoyed with me. I want to make people happy.
But here’s the thing: I love being pregnant. I love the belly. More specifically, I love this baby. And right now I can’t hug him or squish his cheeks or kiss his chub or feel his baby hair, so the only possible way I can physically show my love for him is to touch the belly. It’s not to flaunt the fact that I’m pregnant. It’s not to rub it into your face, or make sure you get the point.
Pure and simple, I love this baby, and I want to be as close to him as I can. I want to feel every time he kicks or rolls or punches. I want him to know I love him.
So, unfortunately for those of you who dislike the pose, it’s not going to stop. My belly, my blog, my choice. I’m sorry to rant so much, but this really is my diary of life, and most of the story is told through the pictures. I am not a great journalist, oddly enough since I love writing nonfiction, and I have never been a good at detailing my day-to-day life with words. I love my life, but it’s not exciting to write about.
I can, however, express things through pictures, and right now the biggest thing I have to express on a daily basis is love. Love for this baby, love of the weird, scary, amazing, creepy, unexpected, unequaled experience of being pregnant, and love of fashion. But mostly, love for Baby Owl. Whom I can only currently reach with my voice — which I cannot photograph — or my hands on my belly.
The pose is not a point maker. It’s there because I love my baby, because I’m not a creative poser, and because sometimes I just don’t know what to do with my hands. Moreover, it’s a natural reflex for most pregnant women, and let’s face it: the belly attracts hands, whether they’re mine or someone else’s. It’s meant to be touched.
Moccasins, Target | Cardigan and jeans, thrifted | Tank, Forever 21 | Glasses, c/o Firmoo
To some extent, I will take that comment into consideration as constructive criticism, in that I will try to think more about what I do in my pictures. Of course I want to improve my photography and my posing by changing up what I do. But, as with the clothes I wear, I know what poses work with my body and face, and I do use them often to present good pictures, even if it means sometimes I get stuck in a routine.
What do you think? Do you find it tiring when bloggers repeat a pose in multiple posts, or do you notice at all? Do you get tired of pregnant women doing the hands-on-belly pose? Do you find yourself falling into a routine of posing? What do you do to shake things up?
I hope you all have a lovely Wednesday!
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16 Comments
Melissa McBride
I love the belly poses!!! There’s a bb in there! 🙂 A precious little one.
mariecarolk
I totally get the obsessing over what someone said/did to you. Someone honked and flipped me off in traffic the other day and I was shaken up/almost crying for hours afterwards. And it was just a silly gesture. I don’t think people realize the affect their small words/actions have on people.
Hugs for you! And I love the belly poses hehe 🙂
Marie
tiallarising
I love the belly poses, Kristina!! Keep it up. Hugs! ♥
-Tia
Katie Viola
Aw, I am sorry that someone said that to you and that it bothered you so much 🙁 Don’t let it get to you-we all have ways we tend to pose. Your poses are just fine!
xo
Katie
Katiemariev.blogspot.com
Margaret
You’re perfect just the way yoi are, that’s all. Don’t change. Praying you feel better! Xoxo.
lanette pieterse
You know what I think… is that posing for the camera is hard, and yet you look so natural and confident in all your outfit posts. Personally I don’t care if fashion bloggers do the same pose or have a signature pose, it’s about doing what works for you and getting your message/outfit across the way you want to. Keep doing what you’re doing, work it gurrrll. Also, that lipstick looks stunning on you!
Salazar
You know, I don’t think you have to explain yourself to anyone. If they find such and such annoying, there’s no amount of reasoning that can persuade them otherwise. So keep posing however you feel comfortable.
Emma
the belly pose is super cute. when i see it i can see the love going between you and baby owl. perhaps because i know what it is like to have that connection, but you’re right. its something you cant help but do. as for what you are wearing, this sort of outfit is my uniform. i love reading your blog because your style is the kind i wish i had but would never have the confidence to wear. even though i love that, i love to see posts like this too, because i like to think perhaps if you’re going to year this i should try something different too. anyway, keep doing what you are doing!
Desarae
Oh dear, I’m so sorry you have had a ‘blue’ day. 🙁 I love your poses, they are cute and sweet. You are right, after taking lots of photos, you learn what poses work best for you, so while it can be hard to be creative after taking bagillions of pictures, you actually don’t have to because you have learned what you like. Keep doing what you are doing, Kristina! Thank you for all the work you put into your lovely blog, the stories you share, and the beautiful pictures of your world you show us!
Amia
I love the belly pose, don’t worry too much about that commentor, maybe they were having a bad day and wanted to take it out on someone. I think it’s easy to fall into poses that you have learned look good for you, (I know I do and sometimes end up with a million of the same pics!) but I think you should do whatever works for you. I love hearing about baby owl and I think the belly poses just show lots of love for baby. Keep writing and posing whatever you like, I love reading your blog just as it is 🙂
Amia
Becca Lee
I’m sorry to hear you were feeling crummy yesterday! I had some random lady say an annoying thing to me on my way to work and it just stuck in my craw all day! Happens to the best of us. I hope today is a brighter, better day!
-Becca
Ladyface Blog
Kisha
It’s a sad shame that people are so judgmental of what people do and think that their opinion matters. I think what you said was very appropriate, it’s your blog and your choice. If they don’t like what they see they don’t have to come back. Keep showing off your gift from God!!!!
Myranda Walno
A PREGNANT WOMAN’S HANDS BELONG ON HER BELLY!!! Don’t ever feel bad for showing your baby love!
Hannah Osborn
I’m sorry you had to deal with that comment. I know how easy it can be to let one little judgement affect you, but I personally love the hands of the belly! I think it’s such a precious pose. I’m not much of a creative poser either, so I totally understand falling into a routine with poses. I say do whatever works for you!
XO Hannah
http://www.creativityindoses.com
SomeCallMeQ
I instantly picked up on the correlation between you touching your baby as a way to show love, affection, and admiration. Continue to do YOU, girl.
As much as I think I’d love to blog, I don’t think I could deal with the criticism. It would get to me way too much. Good for you for standing up for yourself. I admire you for that, as well as for putting yourself out there in your blog.
Courtney
SomeCallMeQ
Heather-Joan Carls
My dear, don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad for cradling your belly. Like you said, your belly, your blog. You keep on going cradling your belly and express your love the only way you can for your baby at the moment. I think it is also, psychologically, a comfort to not only you, but to your baby too. There is nothing wrong with what you are doing. Flaunt it. This is a very emotional time right now and you are getting anxious right now and you are going to be constantly touching you belly because you are anticipating the arrival of your baby and once again, there is nothing wrong with that. You can change your poses but I really like the one where you are cradling your belly. I like all your poses. You are very photogenic. During your pregnancy I know you will improve your photography skills. When your baby comes, it will open up a whole new world for your photography. It’s going to be an awesome trip of cuteness. I guarantee it 🙂 You are doing just fine as you are, dear. You keep on the way you are going and don’t let the haters discourage you.