The Undiscovered Country

Shape-shifting

I miss my clothes. With my expanding gut, I can no longer wear my favorite clothes. I’ve not worn many of them for over a month, but until two days ago I didn’t miss them. As I picked out one of my new maternity shirts from my closet, I saw all my other favorite shirts and pants sitting quiet on their hangers. I have some cute maternity clothes, but I sure would like to wear my old stuff once in a while.

To assuage my sadness, I bought another maternity outfit. Target had a surprisingly nice selection, and for decent prices to boot. I don’t want to spend a lot of money for clothing I’ll only wear for another four months.

Question, though. Why do the makers of maternity clothing assume every pregnant woman is proud of her breasts? Most of the shirts I’ve found - even the wintery ones - are so low cut it’s embarrassing. I have to wear a cammy under two of them. The other shirts are tolerable, but I’m still careful about bending over - and in front of whom.

People have noted I don’t look pregnant yet (still beer-bellyish apparently). I don’t think I show much either. I can still wear some of my shirts (just not the fitted kind), and one pair of pants that aren’t even elastic-waisted.

Granted I’m only at five months, but I’ve seen others at five months who show much more than I do. It’s not a complaint; I’m pleased. I can still tie my shoes without contorting. How long this will last, no clue. I may wake up one morning and discover my tummy expanded to the size of a large watermelon. If that happens, at the very least I’ll have a mobile ledge to hold my coffee mug.