Swimming, not just for summer anymore!

News flash to clothing stores!

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that I couldn't find Skadi a bathing suit the past two weeks given Leslie's difficulties back on August 1. I truly just do not get it. I mean, August 1 was still the height of summer here. I realize it is early November, but is this attitude the reason there is no full scale, open year round, public pool facility here?

I went to the mall after swimming on Saturday and ran to each of the kid's clothing stores in search of a 12-18 month swim suit for Skadi. No, she doesn't *need* a swimming suit, *I* am the one that needs her to have a swimming suit. She grew out of her cute little green bikini... the top at least, I am still putting her in the bottom and she is enjoying the water a la Brazilian style with no top.

The straw that broke the camel's back was when Gymboree, unlike the other stores who gave a polite apology, "nope, I am sorry, no swim suits", gave me a full on laugh with an "oh God no, it's cold outside!" response.

I haven't been impressed with the store even though I am a Gymboree fan. They carry only select items routinely, things are hard to sort through and they say and ask stupid things. Example, I am carrying my new baby girl at about 2-3 weeks old. The sales woman (who is the manager) oogles at her and asks HER name etc. Then asks me why I am returning a little blue boy's sweater. My response was, "well like you said, she is a girl".

I was annoyed. I responded, "it may be cold outside, but there are swimming lessons, swimming pools in health clubs and people do vacation in warm places with their kids". She suggested I try online. Yes, I know the online store far too well.

And you know, I think I will keep my Gymboree purchases to online only and will start entering the store only to return my online purchases that don't work.

Gymboree has my number

Seriously. They have my credit card number. Making it that much easier for me to order whatever strikes my fancy. I don't even have to get up, dig through my purse and find a credit card.

Skadi IS in drastic need of winter clothes. Or at least cooler weather, non-sunsuit clothes. I kept telling myself to put this off until we go to Portland in two weeks. Then I can shop with my mom. I guess maybe I did it for my mom's and my sanity sake. You know, I don't want to overextend us what with Ikea on the list and all.

I *am* however, reminding myself that it isn't that long between when new items come out and when they hit the sales racks at Gymboree. I bought *the* cutest overalls back about 4-6 weeks ago. Full price. My first ever full price Gymboree purchase, but they were so cute and so perfect for Skadi. Yeah, half price now (and she has worn/blown out of them twice). Never again.

But... I did buy three other matching pieces for the ultra-cute, ultra-expensive overalls at well over half off. So we scored... denim dress, sweater, and red striped shirt in the anchor theme, purple corduroy overalls and matching shirt, a long sleeved bodysuit that can be used with either outfit in case of blowouts.

Oh and two t-shirts for Leif... so he doesn't feel left out, of course.

My girl is apparently going to be a dress girl. We have extreme difficulty with pants. If they fit her around, they don't fit in length. She has one pair of capri pants that fit around, and appear to be regular length. (We won't tell that they are supposed to be capri.) But I had looked forward to using all of Leif's Gap jeans (the free ones we got with the card he won in the photo contest)... yeah not happening. I am somewhat optimistic however, that if it cools down here fairly quick Skadi might get a few wears out of his ultra-cute fleece lined denim overalls.