I want to start this post out with a little PSA about Zika because I had so many emails and comments from you guys regarding my traveling to Florida. Some of you were concerned (thank you!) and some were incredibly nasty (please remember that I’m a real person over here!), but I’m answering you all in one shot.
Before we went, I did a ton of research, and learned that there had only been a few travel-related cases of Zika in Sarasota and Fort Myers (the two places we visited), meaning that people brought it back from other places. I went to my doctor, armed with this information, and she cleared me to travel there pretty quickly. But still that wasn’t enough! We know two other OB/GYNs, and asked for their input as second and third opinions. They all confirmed that I was good to go. I actually tried calling the CDC too, but couldn’t get through to anyone, so perused their website for days, and still found that there were no travel advisories to Sarasota. I was checking in literally from the airport en route.
Funnily enough, when we got there, we met three other pregnant couples from the northeast who had come down for vacation because it was one of the only warm-weather safe places to go. I don’t mean to sound defensive here, but just wanted you all to know that I would never ever do anything that I thought would put my baby at risk, and I do feel like we made a very informed decision in this case.
It’s funny, when my mom friends told me that as soon as I got pregnant, people would very vocally start judging my decisions, I didn’t really believe them. I thought, how can you judge a new mom who’s just trying her best? Well apparently they were right and I need to grow a thicker skin!
Lastly, I want to say one more time, if you have an issue with something I’m posting or doing, I always appreciate a direct email (I try to respond to all of them), as opposed to you posting on a site anonymously. I take feedback seriously, but it’s hard to read when it’s said in not nice ways.
Ok now that we have that off my chest, let’s talk about this outfit, shall we?
I’ll be doing a full vacation recap tomorrow, but while I’m prepping that, I wanted to share one of the looks I wore to dinner last week. I picked up this J.McLaughlin striped off-shoulder shirt, knowing that the nights would be a little cool and I might want my arms covered. It looked great and actually fit so I threw it over a pair of white jeans for our first dinner there. I love the sweet detail on the sleeves, as well as the loose yet somehow flattering fit.
J.McLaughlin striped off shoulder shirt c/o / J.Brand White Jeans / Clutch c/o / Julie Vos Coin Necklace
Love the stripes, so pretty!
Xo
Elizabeth
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
I have never posted in the comments section of any blogger I follow, but this post urged me to do so I have been really inspired by your family planning/pregnancy journey and am so thankful that you have shared it with us. Makes my heart hurt that others may not recognize that. I know I don’t know you, but I feel like I do and I think you and your husband are going to make the most wonderful and loving parents! Best wishes and I’m looking forward to following along. -Tracy
Thank you so much, Tracy. I can’t tell you how much that means to me!
I’m not really one to comment, but the trolls on gomi make me sick! I will never understand how people can be SO hateful and nasty over a blog they CHOOSE to visit.
I get that they want to give feedback, and totally respect that. I just wish it was said in a nicer way. I don’t think they realize that bloggers are real people too… with real feelings!
Hope you enjoyed your vacation, you deserve it! Do not let anyone bring you down, you know what is best for you and your baby, and a vacation sounds just about right!
Thanks lady. I so appreciate that 🙂
I live in Tampa and there is not and has not been any reports of Zika! It cracks me up that people are so quick to judge without information!
On another note, love the pictures. One of your pictures I believe are on the staircase where I had most of my wedding photos done so it brought back many great memories. Hope you loved Sarasota, it is one of my favorite places!
I know! It’s funny how uninformed everyone is. Do the research before you comment 🙂
So funny about the stairs. It’s such a beautiful spot for photos, so I’m sure your wedding pics are amazing!
It is so presumptuous and gross to police everything that a pregnant woman does during her pregnancy. Some people would rather women just shut themselves in their houses for 9 months, but then they would say she isn’t getting enough exercise! No need to explain yourself, they’re ridiculous.
I totally agree! And thank you 🙂
Ugh, that makes me so mad that people were being mean to you over this! It’s not like you went to El Salvador! From the get-go (when you said you were going on this trip) it always seemed like you were being SUPER cautious and safe. Also, I’m sure there’s plenty of pregnant women who LIVE in Florida full-time! Again, sorry you were on the receiving end of that, but I’m glad you had a relaxing vacation! You deserve it. Love this outfit too. 🙂 x
Thank you! I really appreciate that. xoxo
People are literally crazy. CRAZY. And just annoying. Sorry you had to deal with all of that nonsense. I wouldn’t think for a second that you (or any pregnant woman) would do something that could possibly affect your baby. It’s sad you even needed to defend yourself here and list out all of the precautions you took. ANYWAY – hope you had a great and relaxing vacay!
Pink Champagne Problems
Ugh, people are so annoying sometimes! Sorry you had to go through that!! This top is adorable though and you look amazing, girl! Hope you enjoyed your vacay. 🙂 xo Devon Seventeen Dresses
It’s amazing when you are pregnant how strangers feel it is appropriate to ask very personal questions, I.e. Will you be breastfeeding. I was drinking an iced tea during my last month and two women seated near our table were discussing loud enough for me to hear how awful I was for drinking caffeine. Just have to let it roll off you and not take it personally as there will always be those that will voice their judgements loudly. Revel in your happiness that you will soon see your baby girls face !!!!
Oh wow. How rude! People have no idea. What I really don’t get is how any mother can judge another one. We all know how hard this is!
Oh hunny, sorry to hear this happened. Seems like the second you are pregnant everyone is lining up to give their two cents! This is easier said then done, but ignore it. You know the right thing to do, and that’s all that matters. On to the clothing, love this outfit and so happy to see so much blue and white! I am just waiting for the snow to melt and bring out all my spring clothing. The trip looked fantastic, hope your little family had a lovely time! xx Rox-Anne, Celebratingthislife.ca
It’s funny because I knew it would happen… but it still hurts my feelings just the same! And thank you so much for saying that xoxo
I’m sorry that some people felt the need to be so judgmental and mean!
I love when you share cute maternity outfits! I’m about a month behind you in my pregnancy and I love seeing your outfit posts. I bought the maternity jeans you wrote about in an earlier post and love them! You make me feel confident that I can be pregnant and keep up a cute style!!
Aww thank you so much! I’m so happy you bought those jeans. They have been my one saving grace in the pants department lately. The white jeans in this post hardly buttoned so pretty sure that was their last wear. I need to find a good pair of white maternity jeans next!
Seriously Julia, what on earth people are commenting about? It baffles me….what is it to deal with them? You make your own decisions and you assume them, it’s not their pregnancy neither their baby! And also, I’m pretty sure that, after going such a difficult journey to be pregnant, you are going to be extra careful that this pregnancy goes smoothly till the end. Don’t even log on those forums, just ignore them, I know how hurtful it is when you go out there and get nasty remarks for no reason, it is unjustified. Surround yourself by kind hearted people, ask Anel to pre-read a few of those comments or ask a pal to do so, you don’t want any bad vibes when pregnant (plus I remember how hormonal and emotional I was during my pregnancies!!). Hope you made the most of your time in Florida. Love that cute shirt paired with the distress jeans, it’s a really cool summer combo! Can’t wait for the nice days to arrive….still a few months to wait here in London! Big hugs, Julie
http://www.jafinthebox.wordpress.com
Ugh, mom shamers are real… and the worst! But good for you for taking that trip– we went to Naples on a babymoon and it was SO nice! Enjoy this time!
Julia beyond adorable. I’m hooked on those tops I got a similar striped one in Blue/White from JCrew you’d also love that if you want a second 🙂 Great post and I agree with you on the feedback thing. You’re so strong and love all of your content and point of view. Emily, The JetSetting Fashionista