How awesome!
I totally understand. I was SO self-conscious about my butt for like, the first few months my boyfriend and I were dating.. I wouldn't let him see it. Only my front side because I had no qualms with my boobs, of course.
Great that you are learning to embrace your body!
Retro - Clothes sizing is such a great reality check! Glad you're making good, motivating progress. I had a similar experience today at Old Navy. I swear they must do something to dressing room mirrors because I always feel much skinnier in them than I do in my ones at home. Maybe it's the lighting, or maybe I'm just starting to see myself as I am, rather than what I'm used to perceiving. Either way, I got some cute tank tops that I look GOOD in!