Maternity fashion doesn’t currently apply to any regular posters as far as I know, but I would really appreciate any help I can get. Man this is hard! I am not really sure if I should pile everything into one post or spread it out. Probably the latter so as not to overload you all.

First of all, I think I have some psychological issues with maternity dressing. My mother always made it really clear that she thinks a pregnant body looks disgusting and the only decent thing to do is to hide it. Probably fortunate that she is thousands of miles away in this case. Actually I just talked with her yesterday. She asked me how big the baby is (I think the doctor said about 180 g, based on the scan, so like 6 ounces or something--I am 4 months) and then she was like, oh and how much weight have you gained, much more than that, huh? ha ha ha. And my sister responded to the news by recommending I name the baby after her dog. Fortunately she lives even further away.

On the work front, I was really stressed and afraid to tell my boss because my contract is coming up for renewal this summer, aside from the other obvious reasons (not being taken seriously anymore, etc.) I was obliged to tell for health and safety reasons, and actually he was really kind about it and told me that he is really happy with my work, doesn’t question my dedication, and not to worry about my contract. I think he is happy that someone besides him is going to have young kids, as most of us are relatively young and unsettled where I work. We re-organized the lab so that I have a “safe” room to work in and that has been just fine.

On the in-laws front, well, they are traditional southern Germans and expect me to take on a traditional SAHM role, which I just know isn’t right for me. I haven’t told them yet not wanting to deal with this pressure/conflict just yet, although hubby is off visiting them and may break the news this weekend. At least I know he will support my side of things and is planning to take time off from work as well.

So anyway, this is just to explain that even though DH and I are excited about the baby, I also kind of have some garbage going on in my head. In the dressing department during the first trimester I had major bloat issues that I dealt with by opening my pants and wearing longer tops. Having no idea what was normal I asked some friends with children what they did, and they all insisted rather unhelpfully that they just wore their normal clothes until 5 or 6 months when they suddenly “popped”. I don’t know; maybe they have amnesia. I am beginning my second trimester. Even though I have only gained 5 pounds or so, amazingly almost my whole wardrobe doesn’t fit any more. The main issues are the belly, the bust, and weirdly enough my shirts that still close over the bust don’t fit in the shoulders. Not sure what’s going on with that. Chest expansion?

As it stands, I have 2 pairs of pants that I can wear, about 3 blouses, 3 t-shirts, and 2 dresses. Shopping has been a disaster. I get so depressed trying things on that don’t fit like I expect and so frustrated that I come home with nothing. I can’t bring myself to order anything online. I have been combing the archives for advice, and there is good advice there. I also read the book “Bump It Up” which has plenty of helpful advice but I just go dysfunctional trying to put it into practice. I did manage to buy two new tops, one yesterday, one in Paris, which I will post in a separate thread. I am trying to psyche myself up for dress and jean shopping today.
Sorry if this has been mostly a whine, but I would suppose there are elements to this story that other people could relate to, and I just feel good being able to share it. So thanks for bearing with me if you got this far.