Military Moms: May-June 2011 - Page 2

[~Adorkable~]

Sarah congrats on the baby, yeah Harper is a great name!

Mae wow great for you getting into better shape, it must feel so good. I'm down 18 pounds from prepregnacy and yeah it feels awesome! Haven't weighed this in over 6 years!

Sierra, I was 33 weeks with my twin at last years Christmas ball, it was a blast (and such a sweet picture) I scrappy wore a non maternity gown, it was a stretchy sheith dress with some wonderful needing that had from a previous ball. I had to tweak it a tad to fit my boobs ( cut the slip out of the boob area, did not zip it the last 3 inches and tucked the open zipper in, then wore a sleek tank under it. ) no one ever noticed anything but how nice it looked! I'll post a picture.

I'm of the opinion after being preggo with twins that women often feel like blimps because we get dressed like one. I wore tighter clothing while preggo than I had in a decade and felt sexy cute like I hadn't in nearly that long because of it!

[SierraBella]

Originally Posted by ~Adorkable~ 


Sierra, I was 33 weeks with my twin at last years Christmas ball, it was a blast (and such a sweet picture) I scrappy wore a non maternity gown, it was a stretchy sheith dress with some wonderful needing that had from a previous ball. I had to tweak it a tad to fit my boobs ( cut the slip out of the boob area, did not zip it the last 3 inches and tucked the open zipper in, then wore a sleek tank under it. ) no one ever noticed anything but how nice it looked! I'll post a picture.

I have found a couple of dresses I like.. the problem that I've noticed is that they are black (which is OK, but it seams like ALL formal dresses are black and I want something different & unique but beautiful), or they are trashy looking (I don't want to look like a pregnant prostitute!).

I've narrowed it down to these, unless I find something I like more:

http://www.pricepluckers.com/Foxy-One-Shoulder-Formal-Maternity-Dress-BI-146.htm

http://www.duematernity.com/gobamamadrby.html

http://www.duematernity.com/desadrbyri.html

I know this is waaaay early, but I have been looking forward to it since we got together (last year we were just friends and weren't dating yet, so he took someone else).

Edited by SierraBella - 5/18/11 at 10:32am

[~Adorkable~]

I toattlay agree on bEing sick of black dresses and don't even get me started on the prom/ prostitute dresses. I jest went to a really important dinner were Gen Odearno sp? was the key note speaker and a fellow medic was getting a award on behalf of the in tire army's combat medics. The dress was business dress and he let his girlfriend that clearly tons of folks were going to see and get introduced to come in a mini dress and 6 inch hot pink platform high heals! Don't our guys ever get schooled on what not to drag in front of their generals? I often go for red, dh loves when i make an entrance, he's the quiet type but loves for me to get noticed.

Also if it is a evening ball I would consider sticking with long dresses, that first one is really pretty, since it is made to order they be able to make it a bit longer for you. The other way to not look to promise is to avoid the classic prom/bridesmaid updo, their are classier versions that look more mature and unique.

[SierraBella]

Originally Posted by ~Adorkable~ 

I toattlay agree on bEing sick of black dresses and don't even get me started on the prom/ prostitute dresses. I jest went to a really important dinner were Gen Odearno sp? was the key note speaker and a fellow medic was getting a award on behalf of the in tire army's combat medics. The dress was business dress and he let his girlfriend that clearly tons of folks were going to see and get introduced to come in a mini dress and 6 inch hot pink platform high heals! Don't our guys ever get schooled on what not to drag in front of their generals? I often go for red, dh loves when i make an entrance, he's the quiet type but loves for me to get noticed.

Also if it is a evening ball I would consider sticking with long dresses, that first one is really pretty, since it is made to order they be able to make it a bit longer for you. The other way to not look to promise is to avoid the classic prom/bridesmaid updo, their are classier versions that look more mature and unique.

My problem with long dresses is that I am petite, so long dresses are always too long on me.. but since these are made to order then I guess I could tell them what length I need!

There is also this one that I like too: http://www.pricepluckers.com/Angelica-One-Shoulder-Maternity-Formal-Dress-BI-144.htm

[~Adorkable~]

Having a dress hemmed is the radiate change to make, and when your preggo the hem will fall funny so getting ti done close to the Ball might be a good idea, then after you birth you can re hem it since it will be long in frontvat that point.

I love that last one, mostly cause it has a pleated bottom rather than gathered, makes it fall better and look high end. If it were mine I may find some small real silk flowers in a brighter color that go with it and nessle a few in with the ones on the strap, and then put on in my hair.

[~Katie~]

Congratulations, Sarah!!!

Dresses - I haven't been to a ball while heavily pregnant but agree that longer evening gowns are better for more formal occasions. Some of the things I've seen worn at balls leave me wondering what some people are thinking when they put them on. I'm more of a dark color person but I like when special fabrics and pleating/draping make a dress look more custom and different from what everyone else is wearing. I agree that getting it hemmed and altered before going to the ball would be a good idea because a seamstress can make adjustments for bust size as well as the proper hem length since you have a belly to contend with.

Nothing much to report here. Going on 34 weeks and having good days and bad days. DH is working on all his paperwork for taking the AGR slot. He still needs to be released from his NG unit so he can switch over to Reserves, and we're told this shouldn't be a problem but I'm anticipating having issues. I really don't know why since he's been in a temporary unit for the last 6 months for soldiers who aren't needed, so if they don't need him the most logical decision would be to release him.

[SierraBella]

Having the dress hemmed right before is a great idea... so smart! There are a few places in town that do custom alterations for pretty inexpensively, and I think my cousin also does them. I think I'm leaning towards the last dress too.. I like the purple color as well. I like the idea of the flowers in the hair.. if I can find some I will try that :) I am so excited about it! It's forever away, but since this baby is due at the end of the year, most everything on my mind is stuff going on that time of year- Halloween, Thanksgiving, Marines Ball, & Christmas!

[~Adorkable~]

head to a joann's fabric store and look at their silk flowers once you have a dress in your hand, you will notice some of their stuff is pretty cheesy and plastic but other ones are very very nice and more like fabric or real flowers, i have made many a hair piece from a great flower and a matching feather or two. i one even saved a favorite sweater that has a fe moth holes on the front of the shoulder area with sewing on a sprinkling of tiny coordinating flowers, it was great!

[MaerynPearl]

I also agree with going with the longer dress. I've actually been told around here to avoid anything mid calf or above or it reflects poorly on your man (after all, when you are with someone in the military, you are no longer "just a civilian" but rather a reflection of him in the eyes of his higher-ups)

I believe this is the one I will be going with this year - http://www.unique-vintage.com/preorderburgundy-long-sleeve-beaded-lace-taffeta-prom-gown-m5xl-p-11791.html

Granted, I'm not pregnant. And will hopefully be back down to my pre-first-pregnancy size and looking fantabulous in time for his ball in November.

[SierraBella]

Maeryn- that dress is stunning!!!

I would have no difficultly finding a truly spectacular dress, if not for me being 8+ months pregnant! Next year (which will also likely be his last) I will be able to wear a "normal" dress :)

[~Katie~]

Very classy and pretty, MP! I love the corset-style back.

Originally Posted by MaerynPearl 

I also agree with going with the longer dress. I've actually been told around here to avoid anything mid calf or above or it reflects poorly on your man (after all, when you are with someone in the military, you are no longer "just a civilian" but rather a reflection of him in the eyes of his higher-ups)

I believe this is the one I will be going with this year - http://www.unique-vintage.com/preorderburgundy-long-sleeve-beaded-lace-taffeta-prom-gown-m5xl-p-11791.html

Granted, I'm not pregnant. And will hopefully be back down to my pre-first-pregnancy size and looking fantabulous in time for his ball in November.

[MaerynPearl]

Being as I will be 29 this year I decided "classy" and "sophisticated" had to be major adjectives for whatever dress I chose. My hubby may be SNCO by the ball so I can't go looking like a 29 year old shoved into a 17 year olds prom dress hanging off his arm!


BTW I was finally able to look at those links... I like that last one the most, the greek looking, one shoulder, floor length one. And I think the form would keep you from looking bad despite being short.

I'm 5'8" so I've never had the height issue in that respect (just getting dresses and pants that are long enough!) but I'm sure it's frustrating!

[~Adorkable~]

Originally Posted by MaerynPearl 

Being as I will be 29 this year I decided "classy" and "sophisticated" had to be major adjectives for whatever dress I chose. My hubby may be SNCO by the ball so I can't go looking like a 29 year old shoved into a 17 year olds prom dress hanging off his arm!

well you nail that goal on that dress, the first thing i thought the moment i saw it was "that's an officer's wife!"

like i have said before i feel like since our AD spouses cant pick what they wear, they get to express themselves a tad thru us and when i go to a Army function i consider myself his accessory in the best of ways. looking smashing and making a great impression with his peers and command is part of my job, and i love my job.

[~Katie~]

  I thought the same thing. It's a great dress.

Originally Posted by ~Adorkable~ 

well you nail that goal on that dress, the first thing i thought the moment i saw it was "that's an officer's wife!"

like i have said before i feel like since our AD spouses cant pick what they wear, they get to express themselves a tad thru us and when i go to a Army function i consider myself his accessory in the best of ways. looking smashing and making a great impression with his peers and command is part of my job, and i love my job.

[BirthIsAwesome]

Hey ladies! I'm an Air Force wife and we are currently stationed in Italy. My dad was in the AF, my FIL was in the Army, my grandfather was in the National Guard, my grandmother was in the AF, my other grandfather was in the Navy, my great uncle was in the Army...I think that's all. So military runs in our family. My husband has only been in for not quite 2 years. We moved here a year ago when I was 4.5 months pregnant, but I have formed an awesome support network of other AF wives who are crunchy :) I had an awesome homebirth in October and gave birth to my amazing little boy, Malachi. I'm glad to meet all of you and looking forward to getting to know you better!

[Mommyofalmost6]

I switched to standard for pregnancy care, but had minimal problems with Prime here. My kids are at a MTF branch clinic and while I like the clinic I hate their dr. I am working on Tricare to change their dr. Its been a PITA though to do it since the MTFs here are full so I want to go to a civillian dr. I can but I have to argue with them first *sigh*

I have heard good things about the area you are headed to though so I am sure you will have better luck! Good luck with the drive and move. You wont be to terrible far from me we will have to get together :)

 

Originally Posted by justKate 

.

Mommytoalmost6, we'll be neighbors soon!  Well, sort of.  We're going to be living in Gloucester and DH will work at TRACEN Yorktown.  Do you happen to know what medical we'll be assigned to?  I'm thinking possibly Langley AFB, Ft. Eustice, or Yorktown NWS....   Also, I've heard that if the MTFs are full, they'll send you out to a civilian.  Anyone have any experience with this?  I'd rather see civilians but since I'm going to be a SAH we'll be on Prime until we get the finances straight....

Other than that, we have 6 days left in Texas before the big road trip to Virginia begins!  I'm ready, mostly, the house is leased, I have 2 days of work left, and the movers are coming on the 23rd.  On to the next adventure!

[Mommyofalmost6]

That dress is stunning!

 

Originally Posted by MaerynPearl 

I also agree with going with the longer dress. I've actually been told around here to avoid anything mid calf or above or it reflects poorly on your man (after all, when you are with someone in the military, you are no longer "just a civilian" but rather a reflection of him in the eyes of his higher-ups)

I believe this is the one I will be going with this year - http://www.unique-vintage.com/preorderburgundy-long-sleeve-beaded-lace-taffeta-prom-gown-m5xl-p-11791.html

Granted, I'm not pregnant. And will hopefully be back down to my pre-first-pregnancy size and looking fantabulous in time for his ball in November.

[Kontessa]

 Military wife of near 13 years and in Maryland right now and I expect for another few years. I wish I could find some local friends I had even a little in common with at this point. I don't want to go out and drink for girls nights. I want book groups and crafting gatherings and play dates! I want friends who will swarm on a friends house to make is spotless simply because they know she is having a hard day and her DH is away. I miss helping friends. I miss friends calling in the middle of the night to drop kids off for what ever reason. I miss friends calling me just to give me a heads up over a crazy long line at the gate! I miss being able to call a friend over a thunder storm to ask if her toddler is sleeping through it and yet her 7 year old is hiding under the kitchen table. LOL

 We have been here for 5 months and I have yet to make a friend. I am sure it my own fault. I just can't seem to figure out how to find the kinds of friends I will have something in common with! I am 31 and feeling old, it seems the online active mothers online on FB are all young party girls and while I am happy for them, I need a tribe I fit into!

[~Adorkable~]

Kontessa, where are you in MD? im in Bethesda and even though your kids are a bit older than mine, i would love to be the kind of friend you are talking about!

BirthIsAwesome, welcome to the military thread, Italy must be a nice place to get put for a few years!!!

[aHikaru]

I didn't know this thread existed, how exciting :)

I myself am a military wife to a Coastie that has been under Naval, Marine and Army command, and has the medals to prove it :D He was deployed overseas while AE was born and is currently on extended orders in the south.

We've been seriously considering joining him on his tour of the south, but he moves on a bi weekly basis, which is tough for a two year old about to start preschool, we'll see what happens, but that's were we are at.