mind of winter: Knits for an Italian Honeymoon

May 08, 2008

Knits for an Italian Honeymoon

Well, a pregnant Italian honeymoon. If you've known me since the early days of blogging, you know that our honeymoon was supposed to happen four years ago in Italy. Time and money have gotten in the way, but as soon as I got knocked up I was determined to go to Italy this spring, even if it meant waddling through Rome! Happily, I am not nearly as large as I envisioned at this point, so if the kid can manage not to balloon me out for another month, it should be a pretty easy trip, pregnancy-wise. In preparation for the trip I've been going through my closet to find things that fit with room to spare, because I have a feeling that all that wonderful Italian food will aid in the expansion campaign. Happily, I have much more than I thought because, wonderful things that they are, knits stretch! I'm so glad I tried things on rather than assuming I didn't have anything. The shopping can be confined to Italian shopping - the best kind.

Knits In Action!
Top to Bottom, Left to Right: River, Birch, After Dark Nightie, Pia (top) & Daktari (skirt), Japanese Motif Skirt (Marnie), Nautical, Deciduous (Marnie), After Dark Nightie ('cause it shows off the bump)

Now I realize that it's no big shocker that the shawls fit, but it is nice to have them to accessorize the cute little empire waist dresses that have over-run my closet. (This one is from J-Crew, and may technically be a beach cover-up. Ask me if I care.) I have a little snippet of lingerie that I've been stuffing myself into, but it's short, so the belly makes it looks ever more ridiculous. The after dark nightie is much more forgiving. The skirts were a bit of a surprise. Marnie lent me the Japanese motif skirt when I visited her in March, and lamented the 40 inch waistline - how fortuitous was that? Fabulous and tons of room. The Daktari skirt still has a lot of play, too. The tops were probably the biggest surprise. Pia is still a little big on me without a blouse underneath it - a testament to how off the sizing was in the first place - and nautical fits perfectly with the aid of that fabulous invention, the yoga skirt. (Seriously back-ordered, but worth the wait if it appeals to you. I have two!) Deciduous is probably pushing it, but with a bella band I could probably manage that, too. Absolutely nothing I'm wearing is maternity. (And I'm showing more than in these pictures - my waist is 7" greater in circumference than it was when this all started.) Between yoga-wear and those adorable waistless dresses everyone is wearing, I've only gone to maternity for things like jeans and shorts. Normally I can't get anywhere near one of those empire waist dresses that pouf out below the bust because they make me look pregnant. Now that I am pregnant, they rock. Comfy, too.

The next time you see these knits of yesteryear they'll be in front of Italian architecture. Yay!

Comments

Okay, now I am addicted to the Athleta website. I just bought the cutest skirt and tank...darn you and spreading all your cuteness around! ;)

You look gorgeous, happy, and in total bliss. Blessings to your new family and have a magical trip!

Posted by: Nicole at May 12, 2008 01:54 PM

Hi,
Love the pictures! The "Belly Bump" is coming along and looking good. I was wondering I am thinking of making the reversible cable scarf and would like to know if there are any pointers you can give me regarding this project. This will be my first cabled scarf and wondering how to get started. I would appreciate your help and pointers. Thanks a bunch! Rosalia

Posted by: Rosalia at May 11, 2008 08:39 PM

fantastic knit fashion show. as someone else said i've never seen so many great knits modeled at one time. hope you have a wonderful trip.

Posted by: michele at May 11, 2008 06:41 AM

HAH! I still say that you look like me after too much pasta carbonara! But while I look like a pasta fiend, you look absolutely happy and adorable with the little one there curled up under your belly button - and what a gift to be able to tell your child "when you were still in my tummy, Daddy and I took you to Italy with us!" - oh the pictures that he or she will be able to look back on and point to!!!!!

Already you two are making brilliant parenting choices for your kid!

Posted by: Susan B at May 10, 2008 09:54 AM

You're one hot pregnant girl! All of the knits look fabulous on you. Can't wait to see your pictures of Rome! We only made it to the Tuscan region, but someday I'd love to go to Rome as well. Italy is wonderful! I'm sure you'll enjoy all of your time there. (Just be sure to bring comfortable shoes -- there is a lot of cobblestone to walk over.)

Posted by: Faith at May 10, 2008 08:31 AM

Fabulous fashion shoot--buon viaggio!

Posted by: Heather at May 10, 2008 05:27 AM

You look adorable!! I'm so jealous (of your Italy trip) ;) You will have so much fun!

Posted by: Julia at May 9, 2008 08:39 PM

We just got back from our honeymoon in Paris, during which I was 5 months pregnant (we just got married April 5). While the walking certainly tuckered me out, overall the trip was much easier than I expected. My advice would be to moderate your expectations and hit the highlights, and don't feel that you're "missing out" if you spend part of the day just hanging in a cafe where you can rest your feet. Soak up all that is Italy and have a great time! (Oh, and in case you haven't experienced round ligament pain yet, be sure to read up on it before you go - all that walking definitely triggered it for me! it's no biggie but might freak you out if it happens the first time while you're far away from your OB or midwife!)

Posted by: Stephanie at May 9, 2008 09:53 AM

You look beautiful! It's great that all those knits fit still.

Posted by: Keatyn at May 9, 2008 09:16 AM

Super sweet! Enjoy your getaway!!!

Posted by: Amy at May 9, 2008 08:57 AM

You look beautiful! It's wonderful that all those knits fit. Yay for stretchiness! Have a wonderful time!

Posted by: jillian at May 9, 2008 07:31 AM

Matt and I took our "babymoon" to Rome in February. It was a lot of fun! Comfortable shoes are a must, and so is staying hydrated throughout. Enjoy!

Posted by: June at May 9, 2008 07:13 AM

That's so great that you can wear the knits you love! Have a fantastic trip. I went to Florence two years ago with my fiance, and it was hands down the best trip I've ever had. That food is so great. Enjoy it!

Posted by: mick at May 9, 2008 05:53 AM

Jeez you look gorgeous!!! I can't tell you how happy I am that you're feeling so good.

Hey - do you need a pregnancy pillow? I have a Snoogle (google it) that I literally NEVER used. Let me know and I'll send it out to you.

Posted by: Cara at May 9, 2008 05:47 AM

With my first pregnancy we took a trip when I was about 6 months along. Other than needing rest, the only thing I needed was comfy shoes. We did more walking that my poor feet (with a heavier body) had anticipated. I hope you have a great vacation!

Posted by: Amy Boogie at May 9, 2008 05:38 AM

I was just thinking I should email you and find out if your trip is still on! Enjoy!! (Let me know if you have any more questions about your itinerary, and of course if you decide to detour to Como.)

Posted by: Angela at May 9, 2008 04:09 AM

Il mio mouse del campo, mio ghira --

Sembrate belli! Sono in modo da eccitato circa il bambino.

We must schedule introductions next time you're back east -- the new babies, the husband, the wife. Have a wonderful trip, and thanks for all of your quiet cheering from our sidelines.

I sang songs to Thea constantly while she was in the NICU -- "Walk to the Water" by U2, which you put on a tape for me decades ago, was one of her favorites. She also really loves The Swell Season.

Posted by: John at May 9, 2008 03:18 AM

Dang. That's the first time I've seen so many knits displayed in one sitting. You sure know how to work 'em. And maternity, shmertiny.. expansion knits rule. Have fun in Italy!

Posted by: winnie at May 8, 2008 10:59 PM

You are going to make a huge splash in Rome. You look fabulous, glowing and beautifully curvy! This seems like the perfect time to visit Rome! And oh, the memories you'll bring home!!

Posted by: Leah at May 8, 2008 10:10 PM

Well, not only are you going to have the best time, you are going to look fabulous doing it!

Posted by: Nonnahs at May 8, 2008 09:40 PM

You look simply fabulous (and sexy too) in all the outfits!

Posted by: Kat at May 8, 2008 09:03 PM

you are most decidedly going to be the sexiest preggers that italy has seen yet. you look wonderful in all the knits and i am so glad to hear you are doing the trip. bon voyage...or ciao. hmmm, you will have to let me know.

i have been reading bits of the book eat love pray and feel some envy regarding the food you will soon be ingesting. good thing you waited until after the first trimester. have a beautiful trip.

Posted by: mamie at May 8, 2008 08:34 PM

Woo! Knits look great on the baby bump. I nearly laughed out loud when I saw Deciduous. I feel like I should go mark the pattern "maternity" now cause it looks so cute on you.

Posted by: Marnie at May 8, 2008 08:16 PM