There are a couple of things I missed when I was pregnant with Jacob, and which I’m already starting to miss this time around.

Sushi. Ham and cheese sandwiches. Belts.

About three months in with Jacob

Today I made the switch to maternity pants. With Jacob, I waited another month or so, because I hadn’t told people at work, and didn’t want a stretchy waistband to give me away. Turns out, that was futile. Almost everyone knew before I told them. Still, the next day I switched to maternity clothes and didn’t look back.

Maternity pants are one of the greatest inventions on the planet. The instant I tried on my first pair of maternity jeans, I was convinced I would never go back to regular pants, even years post-pregnancy. Waistbands that go halfway up your ribcage are forgiving of that dessert you had last night; you never have to worry about your low-rise being too low; and you get to feel like you’re wearing pajama pants all day, even though you don’t look like it.

About six months in with Jacob

Eight months into my pregnancy, I started to change my mind. Yes, maternity pants are fabulous, but there’s a time and a place for everything.

I’ve gone back and forth on whether it’s too early to make the switch. This time I have a little more perspective to work with. I know that eventually I will fit into my old jeans again. Now I’d prefer to be comfortable so I can play with Jacob and not be tugging on my jeans all day.

My last full day of being pregnant with Jacob

Maybe I’ll wear regular jeans with a belt tomorrow. But definitely not today.