Before a baby: Posh Spice
After a baby: Sporty Spice
Let me begin by saying that I was a fairly fashionable person once in my life. I knew name brands and quite a few designers (thanks to my sister who was employed by Neiman Marcus). I was a teacher for 7 years before little Miss Nora arrived and never owned a jumper or piece of wooden jewelry. And I was very proud of that. I had a hard time dressing "casual" on Fridays. I would usually pair my "nice" jeans with some rockin' boots or heels and a stylish top. Rarely did my running shoes make an appearance at school...and I liked it that way. I wore shoes that most teachers would have toppled over in. Oh sure, there was the occasional discomfort, but it was worth it. I loved it when I would be reading aloud to my little students, who were gathered around my feet, and one of the girls would sigh and say, "Mrs. Henderson, I LOVE your shoes! I hope that I can wear shoes like that when I am old." (I usually let the "old" comment pass because she had just complimented my footwear). Even when I was pregnant, I would wear my heels. Sure, I would get home and my ankles would be the size of my head, but it was for a good cause...fashion.
Now, I have an 8 month old. I guess most of you know where this is going...downhill. I LIVE in my running shoes. (In the summer, it was my flipflops...black pair if I had on something black and brown for the brown things...you get the point.) Also, my wardrobe is different. I gaze longingly at the slacks and dynamite skirts and think, "Would that be logical to wear to Mommy and Me? Probably not since there is a good chance that green beans, applesauce, or both might end up on them." So, what do I pull out instead? One of three things-jeans, velour jumpsuit-I have 3, or comfy black pants. It is so sad! I was putting on my jeans and t-shirt today when I looked in the mirror and thought, "I have got to step it up!". I do try, honestly! But there is only so much I can do. It is not practical for me to wear my "former life" clothes. When I go shopping now I don't head straight for the skirts and cute tweed pants, I go to the shirts...even now, it hurts me to type this.
My one saving grace is Tuesday nights. On Tuesday nights I get to pretend that I am "posh" again. I leave my world of mommy and become professional again, if only for 2 1/2 hours. I have not gone to class a single Tuesday night in heels lower than 2 inches, and I love it! (Granted, I have to limp to my car after class because my feet are not conditioned like they used to be.)
But, I get home, go check on Nora, and realize that a lifetime in running shoes and sweats is worth it, because I have traded all the fashion in the world for the most precious little girl. So, my "professional" clothes will be pushed to the back of the closet for a few years while I enjoy getting down on the floor and playing or taking her for a ride in the stroller. (Let's just hope when I do need them again, I'll at least have one item that would be considered stylish.)
How many of the rest of you have felt like this?
I have to admit, I have been sucked in to the Razorback excitement. I did something today I am pretty sure I have never done in my life...I listened to an entire football game on the radio! Arkansas vs. Mississippi State. Way to go Hogs, you pulled it out. It was a bit of a nail biter at the beginning, but you are officially champions. I'm sure I will be positioned in front of the t.v. for the game against LSU next Friday, wearing my one and only Razorback t-shirt. I'm proud to be a fan...don't blow it though! 
