The Power of a Good Pair of Jeans

I was a woman on a mission.  Desperate times were calling for desperate measures, and I had my eyes set on one thing and one thing only.  The goal was to find a pair of maternity jeans; the challenge was to find a pair of maternity jeans that didn't feel or look like what they were.  


I've gone through a pretty major "growth spurt" in the last few weeks, and this weekend I finally came to the realization that there was no more adapting my old jeans to fit my growing bump.  I had been using all the tricks including the bella band and expanding the waist line using a hair binder.  However, when my zipper popped open for the umpteenth time this week, I just couldn't take it anymore.  There was a ceremonial tossing of the jeans across the room with an exclamation of frustration that Nick would not be able to ignore.  It was official, the jeans had to be retired.


I was all business as we headed out to the store.  There was no stopping me.  I was going to beat the bump, no matter the cost.  Nick came along and was able to provide enough comic relief to ease my wild and desperate aspirations.  I was on a timeline as we had only come into town from a weekend up North late in the afternoon and had plans for the evening with some friends.  Since maternity shops are limited in Roseville, I had few options.  However, after trying on only four pairs there was a clear winner and I left the store feeling like I had renewed hope for the future of this pregnancy.  Actually the process was quite anticlimactic considering the anxious anticipation I'd had over the outing.  


I can honestly, and sheepishly, admit that my lack of adequately fitting pants had indeed affected my mood this weekend.  I had started to dread getting dressed.  Very few of my clothes fit anymore, and I just wasn't used to that feeling.  My body really has changed very little since high school and so dressing for two has been quite the mental shift.     


Don't get me wrong, I love the bump.  I am excited about the baby and full of pride at my growing belly.  I was elated when we had our check up last Thursday and I measured out at 21 cm, right on target for where I should be.  In fact I was pleased as punch to find out that our ultra sound estimated us to be at 21 weeks as well.  I am incredibly thankful and relieved to know that all is on target and progressing as it should.  It is just a very foreign feeling to be gaining weight and curves in such a dramatic way. 


I have always been criticized by my loving family of my tendency toward exaggeration and drama, and I know this post only capitalizes on it.  I am fully aware and willing to admit this and appreciate the gentle reminders of my family to adjust my perspective.  However, I can't convey the relief I had this morning when I only had to try on one outfit.  I didn't dread going through my closet to find a shirt because I knew I wasn't going to have to wear a thousand layers to cover up the unbuttoned and halfway zipped jeans.  


I can't describe how excited I was to put on my jeans today.  I do have to take a deep breath when I pull the elastic band up and over my waist, but all I can do is smile once the shirt goes on and I find that I can sit and bend without popping a zipper or pinching my stomach.  I finally felt today like I had regained control of some of these crazy changes.  And today, instead of resenting the bump, I embraced it.  For that, maternity jeans I salute you and look forward to several more months of continued growth.