a pregnancy marked by the seasons

moving to a country during fall/winter and a growing body meant shopping for a totally different wardrobe for the past 9 months. sure, i had my fair share of shopping-like-there's-no-tomorrow when i lived in bangkok... but this time, shopping was/is a necessity, as opposed to being a hobby. LOL.

during winter, i hadn't grown enough to fit into anything maternity so i got away with the normal-sized jackets, turtlenecks, and formal dresses. my only problem then was feeling woozy all the time, and feeling sleepy all day even if i wasn't even working yet!

then came the second trimester and the less crappy and nippy winter air. wool coats, shirts, jackets, and good-old boots still fit. i was feeling better and actually had enough energy to go back to my then-normal routine of house chores, doctor's appointments, and eventually found work.

come spring, i was able to get some of my manila clothes and shoes out of storage. the air was warm enough to allow ballet flats and open-toed sandals out once in a while, and since my fleece jackets could no longer close, i was thankful for the sunshine.

now that it's summer, the only pre-maternity piece of clothing that fits me and the season is the turquoise empire top i wore at my baby shower. other than that, everything can well be forgotten for a while because damn - i'm not sure my hips will shrink again. LOL. my shoes too can be put in storage since i've moved a full size up the scale... which isn't so bad, at least i have a good excuse to buy new winter boots again! hehehe.

my best buddies for the 3rd trimester have been Old Navy, Thyme, and Motherhood... i survived on their jeans and tops without looking like a waddling tablecloth, tent, or sofa! and it's funny too - the sales associates in these stores have come to recognize me already, especially the ones in Thyme and Motherhood! i shall miss them but hey, there will always be nursing tops to collect!

i am loving summer! my only wish though is that there will be enough summer left to take the baby for morning or afternoon walks along the seawall or the park... before she has to be bundled up in fleece and extra layers for fall!


**this post has been brought about by the fact that today we went swimming at the Kitsilano Pool and i tried on my old bikini beneath a maternity tankini top. the good news is, it still fit despite the 9-month belly bump... but my stretch marks weren't for public viewing unless i wear a paper bag over my head! oh and the difference between here and asia when it comes to beachwear - no one cares if you've got a flat tummy or a pregnant belly... there were at least 3 more pregnant women at the pool, all proudly displaying their tummies (with one mom-to-be with a tattoed belly pa!).

(and for those who live in bangkok - no one here swims in a t-shirt, or walks under the sun with an umbrella! LOL. we've been so sun-deprived that every minute of sunshine counts!).