35 Weeks!

Sorry I have been MIA on here.  This third tri I have been so unmotivated to do anything! I am so tired all the time and its just easy to keep putting off updating on here.  I can't believe we have 5 weeks left till our sweet girl's due date.  We are pretty much ready for this girl!  All we have left to do is pack the bags and install the car-seat. Such a wonderful feeling.  I am just watching time pass slowly now and eagerly awaiting her arrival.

How far along?: 35 WEEKS!  We have Less than 5 weeks till this little nugget's due date.

Baby is the size of a: A large cantaloupe. BUT She is measuring a week ahead so she might be even bigger than that! 

Total weight gain/loss: Last checked (I believe Friday morning) about 27.5 lbs.  No telling after this weekend though.  Ate a bunch and have been very lazy so probably gained 5 lbs in two days lol.

The Bump:  HUGE! She has definitely made her presence to let everyone know I am pregnant!  :)

Symptoms:  Hmm... cramps usually in the mornings, I am starting to waddle, tired most of the time, irritation...ready for this girl to be here so I can have my body back.  I know I really have had it lucky-- since she has so much room, I am really not miserable.  BUT I feel like I have so many other uncomfortable symptoms that are making up for it!  Luckily, no heartburn and I am sleeping pretty well as of now. 

Food Cravings: I'd have to say burgers. I never want to miss out on an opportunity for one and I really enjoy them when I get to eat them! I don't ever wake up in the middle of the night and think "MAN I COULD REALLY GO FOR A BURGER" but it has definitely been my food of choice.

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.

Sleep: You know, I it has been so long that I have posted on here that I haven't told y'all about the loss of our cat.  Its been really hard and I am still recovering but we had to put my sweet cat, Mali, down about a month ago.  She was my best friend always by my side and so loving.  I miss her so much.  BUT I must say, I sleep so much better now that she is with the Lord.  She doesn't wake me up throughout the night and I only wake up once a night to use the bathroom now. 

What I miss: Well I don't deprive myself of too much these days.  I miss sleeping on my stomach  champagne and running.  Can't wait to do all of those things in a few months.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. Fortunately, still no swelling yet. 

Any Names Picked Out Yet: RILEY GRACE

Gender: Baby Barnes is a girl! 

Movement: She is very active.  Can't wait to see how active she will be on the outside!

Maternity Clothes: I am down to about 2 pair of pants (I DO LAUNDRY ALL THE TIME) and about 5-6 shirts. My wardrobe is very limited and I am trying to get creative, but not really motivated to do so. 

Labor Signs: I had my first Braxton Hicks last week (about 3 in the same day) but haven't had any since. Maybe I was dehydrated.

Best Moment of the Week: Finishing up RIley's registry and finishing up the nursery.  We are ready for you sweet girl, whenever you want to come!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Of course FINALLY geting to meet RILEY. Usually I would say my birthday which is in 2 weeks from today. For some reason, it just doesn't seem like that big of a deal this year.  I am excited to be with family and bring on another year, but other than that... no margaritas= not so much excitement. lol  Oh and we are moving into the weekly appointments starting this week! VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT!

30 Weeks!! 3/4 of the way there!!

How far along?: 30 weeks!! I can't believe we are getting so close to Riley's due date.  70 days to go! (assuming she comes on time!)

Baby is the size of a: Head of Lettuce (that's pretty dang big!) 

Total weight gain/loss: I'm going to start making this about Riley's weight gain, not mine... that's a lot easier to talk about.  Riley should almost weigh 3 lbs!! Also a pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her.

The Bump:  Growing ever so slowly... 

Symptoms: None ...other than feeling random kicks here and there. Oh and feeling fat and tired.  Don't forget the frequent need to use the restroom. Okay fine, fine, I'll admit it, I have symptoms! Geez.

Food Cravings: :( Still... NONE. Maybe I need a stricter diet so that I will actually crave something. I remember when I was in highschool I used to crave this salad dressing from one of my favorite mom and pop Italian restaurants by my parents. Every time I would think of it, my mouth would water.  Why can't I have cravings like that??

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.

Sleep: OH MY GOSH! I have had a breakthrough people!  I have been making the room SUPER COLD! LIKE ridiculously freezing (Andrew is not a big fan of me right now,  but he just piles on the blankets). I HAVE BEEN SLEEPING LIKE A BABY THE PAST 2 NIGHTS! It might be due to the fact that I have been going to bed at midnight every night this week  instead of my usual 10 o'clock. This time change has really thrown me off.  Oh and the past two nights, I only got up ONCE to use the restroom!! I woke up last night sleeping on my back and I WAS SO COMFORTABLE!  I quickly rolled over knowing I am not supposed to... I must have accidentally rolled over in the night.  It felt so good though. 

What I miss: Being able to run more than 2 miles without feel pressure.  It is so depressing because I don't even feel like I am getting a good cardio workout in.  I think I am going to let running go for the rest of my pregnancy and try to get into power walking.  I just get so bored... I like that running gets an amazing cardio workout in half the time! Can't wait to get this girl out of me and be back to my normal self.  Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed this bonding time with her, but I am ready to see her face to face. 

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. No swelling... YET.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: RILEY GRACE

Gender: Baby Barnes is a girl! 

Movement: Goodness... she will be so active some days, and not so active others.  I WORRY WAY TOO MUCH!! :) I am so thankful I have this heartbeat monitor or I would go CRAZY! Heart is beating strong, thank the Lord! :)

Maternity Clothes: I live in leggings and long shirts...anyone know where I can find more really long shirts for Spring?

Labor Signs: none yet.  I have heard of a lot of people starting to experience Braxton Hicks at this point or soon... I don't think I have had any of those yet.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting to see so many friends and family at my first baby shower! It was so sweet of everyone to come and show their support for Riley and us, and shower us with sweet and thoughtful gifts!  Can't wait to write a post to take you all on a tour of the nursery. (That is, when it is all put together and organized which might not be for another few weeks!) Oh, and we got to see our sweet baby girl on 4D last week. She is absolutely perfect. She was so calm and precious.  (Picture below.)

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: We are going to Ft. Worth this weekend to see our brother and sister-in-law (Andrew's brother and brother's wife) and their precious nieces (Dylan-2, and Anna and Emma-5 months).  Can't wait to love on them!

28 Weeks!

How far along?: 28 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Small Cabbage

Total weight gain/loss: More than the baby is going to weigh. 

The Bump:  Still there... lol I never know what to say here. I feel like she is staying the same size the past few weeks, but definitely present.

Symptoms:  A little daily headache. Other than that, feeling pretty dang good!

Food Cravings: I am wondering if I am craving yogurt? I don't feel like I have to have it... but I sure have been eating a lot of it lately.  Maybe that's a craving and I don't even realize it. 

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.

Sleep: I CAN'T WAIT TO SLEEP ON MY BACK AGAIN! It just not comfortable when I am on my back. She sits on my bladder... not a comfortable feeling at all!

What I miss: Margaritas.  We are in Austin for a wedding this weekend and they served margaritas last night at the rehearsal dinner. I had a little sip... okay a big sip! IT. WAS. DELICIOUS! Can't wait to start drinking them again.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On

Any Names Picked Out Yet: RILEY GRACE

Gender: Baby Barnes is a girl! 

Movement: She is kicking right now. The strength hasn't increased too much.  Same ole same ole.  She is usually more active when I eat. 

Maternity Clothes: Oh boy... besides workout clothes, that is all I can really wear now. 

Labor Signs: N/A

Best Moment of the Week: Finally hitting 3rd trimester according to EVERY book.  (A lot of the articles say different weeks are the 3rd tri... but all of them agree that you are definitely in the third tri by week 28!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: We are going to do a 4d Ultrasound this Thursday!! I cannot wait to see how much she has grown and see her beautiful face. I will post pictures as soon as I can!   I am also looking forward to week 30 and baby showers!  

27 Weeks & Officially in the 3rd Trimester

That is right everyone, Riley is now officially in the homestretch. She is becoming more active than ever. (Sometimes it is a little uncomfortable, but nothing unmanageable.) I am sure it is just going to keep intensifying as these weeks go by.  The more I feel her sweet rolls and kicks (usually feel more rolling around than punching or kicking), the closer I feel to her.  Then when she's asleep, I forget I am pregnant.  Just kidding.  I actually get worried because I am a worrywart. What? Yes, I already can tell I am going to be one of those moms that worry about everything. I am not worried that Riley is going to mess up, but that I am going to fail at my parenting job and mess up somewhere along the line.  I know we all make mistakes and learn from them but I just want to make sure that I will be doing the best I can do at the time. If i know and truly feel it was the best I could do, then I wont be too hard on myself.  If I know there was something I could have done better for a better outcome, then I will be a little upset, fix it, and move on. Anyway, when Riley isn't moving (or sleeping) I worry that I ate something wrong, or I worked my body too hard, or didn't get enough sleep... the endless worries go on.  Then she wakes up and I can relax again...kind of.  BABIES DO HAVE TO SLEEP! I must keep reminding myself that! ;) 

Good news,  I read that if Riley was born prematurely today she would have a >90% chance of survival. That is amazing!  I am so proud of our little sweet angel. She is working so hard in there and I could't be a more proud mother!  She is getting so strong. 

We have spent the first half of Riley's 27th gestational week in the Big Easy. We came down here so that Andrew and my dad could run the Rock'n'Roll New Orleans Marathon. (For the record, they definitely ROCKED it!)  This is Riley's first trip here (not that she will ever remember it) and boy let me tell you, this girl has been lucky enough to experience New Orleans's finest eats. I sure hope she loves food as much as I do (Riley if you don't I apologize now for making you suffer 10 months of forced eating).  I am pretty sure we are eating our way through the city.  Luckily, most places are walking distance so we are getting in quite a bit of exercise to help offset the extra calories. 

Enough of me blabbin.  Here are a few photos from our trip, and a little follow up with how we are moving along.

Andrew and me in the Hilton on St. Charles Lobby

My parents, Andrew and me at Commander's Palace last night

Family Picture in front of Liuzzo's Restaurant and Bar

I got to see my one of my favorite girls I know, Erin, and her amazing boyfriend Patrick! So good to see y'all!! xoxo

Lastly, here is a belly pic of me @ 27 weeks!

   

How far along?: 27 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Head of Cauliflower!  Just ate one of those the other night. I must say, it was pretty big!

Total weight gain/loss: I think I am going to take this category out.  Every time I read it, I feel my heart sink a little deeper into my newly acquired fat. 

The Bump:  PRESENT!  There is not doubt about it, this bump isn't going anywhere until baby Riley arrives.  Can't really hide it that well either. 

Symptoms:  Starting to get a little uncomfortable.  Fatigue has returned (as I hear it usually does in the third trimester).  My stomach will be sore in certain spots throughout the day (I assume from the stretching it is currently undergoing).  

Food Cravings: I am leaving this one the same as last week. No change. I am actually craving to crave something. COME ON CRAVINGS... where you at?

Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.

Sleep: Wake up 2-3 times a night for restroom breaks and a little tossing and turning throughout the night.  Other than that, I sleep pretty well.

What I miss: Being in control of my body.  At this point I just have to lean on God and know that he is in control and these changes are natural.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On

Any Names Picked Out Yet: RILEY GRACE

Gender: Baby Barnes is a girl! 

Movement: YES! YES! and YES! She is pretty dang active one day, then the next few she backs off and gives her momma a break. Then she's right back at it! 

Maternity Clothes: Just ordered three more maternity dresses so that I can actually have something to wear to these upcoming weddings and showers.  Still need more clothes.

Labor Signs: N/A

Best Moment of the Week: WOW so much!  My handsome nephew, Benjamin Andrew, was born!  (PICTURE BELOW!) Getting to experience New Orleans with my parents, Andrew, and Riley.  (First time in YEARS I have been here without drinking. I am seeing a whole different side to this amazing city!)  Oh yes, and not sure if I mentioned this last week but I PASSED MY GLUCOSE TEST! :) Pretty happy about that too. I had no reason to be worried, but was. (I told you guys, I am a worrywart.)

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Sad, but getting my hair done this week. These roots have GOT to go!  

...and now I will leave you with the best part of this post.  Please welcome my sweet nephew, Benjamin Andrew. Born February 18, 2013.  9 lbs., 15 oz. & 21 inches. 

26 Weeks Baby!

• How far along?: 26 weeks
• Baby is the size of a: Head of Lettuce
• Total weight gain/loss: a lot (I don't pay attention to the number anymore)
• The Bump:  People are now asking me how far along I am. It really throws me off guard but I have been LOVING IT! :) The unfortunate news of the bump: it has finally become uncomfortable to run. Today I decided to attempt it and there was just too much pressure. NOT FUN!  I am so bummed that running will have to go on hold until Riley gets here.  I plan to power walk and still work out though. :)
• Symptoms: Just some weird aches and pains. Starting to get a little uncomfortable.  It is taking a lot more effort to stand up and sit down. 
• Food Cravings: I am actually craving to crave something. COME ON CRAVINGS... where you at?
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope.
• Sleep: I think I have just gotten used to it.  I wake up a few times a night... can't sleep in past 7. :/
  
• What I miss: RUNNING... I think its just the thought of knowing I can't for a few months makes me miss it already. ( I know I ran today... but I didn't even feel like I was exerting myself, it just felt VERY uncomfortable. 
• Weddings Rings On or Off: On
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: RILEY GRACE
• Gender: Baby Barnes is a girl! 
• Movement: I feel her a lot for a few days and then I don't feel her very much for a few days.  She always moves when her daddy puts his hand on her when we are praying. It is so sweet.  If I haven't felt her for a while I always tell Andrew to put his hand on my tummy and she will move around and it makes me feel better.
• Maternity Clothes: Probably half and half. BUT... most of my normal clothes are starting not to work out much anymore.  
• Labor Signs: N/A
• Best Moment of the Week: Having more and more people ask me how far along I am.  It is still so new and I feel so giddy inside when people ask me.  
  
• What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Getting my glucose results back, and meeting my sweet nephew on Monday!!!  Hurry up baby Benjamin! We are all ready to meet you!

Pregnancy Countdown....100 Days Left!

For your entertainment (and mostly mine), I have put together a few Pregnancy Tickers to check on Riley's size and countdown how many days we have left. Did I mention today is a big day? Not only is it Valentine's Day (HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU ALL and my dear husband), but today marks 100 days left until Riley's big birthday debut! Let the less than 3 digit countdown begin! <3

In the Zone, Then Came the Hormones

Okay hormones... You got me, you win this round but don't think I have given up.  You may have won the battle, but I will win the war! Oh that's right, you guys are not in my brain. Let me fill you in on a little pregnancy hormone mishap that occurred this morning... poor, poor Julie. (I am sorry you had to deal with that this morning Julie! ;) )

For the past few weeks I started training with my good friend Julie on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  It is wonderful. She comes to my house and all I have to do is get up and get it done! NO EXCUSES!  I can't say "my car broke down", or "I slept through my alarm". Nope, this is because she shows up rain or shine at 8 a.m. at my house, ready to kick my butt!  It has been going GREAT! I have been able to preform all of the exercises she forces politely asks me to do. I have really been enjoying these workouts A LOT and I look forward to Julie coming over and training me. I am starting to see differences in my body already! Julie is an AMAZING trainer and I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who wants to start training.

So let me take you to this morning.  Picture this:

I am fatigued from the workout and we are on the second to last exercise of the session. I had to get in an upright plank with my toes on the stability ball (Julie was holding it tight so I didn't slip). I had to alternate toe taps on the floor then bring my leg back up to the stability ball and tap the other side to the ground.  I had already done one round of these, so I knew I can do it. Well, let me tell you I have the WORST balance EVER! EVER! Poor Julie was holding on to the ball with her dear life so that it didn't roll around everywhere.  I am already having trouble holding my plank, keeping my legs straight, and balancing on the ball, and I see Julie trying SO hard to keep that ball still.  I completely LOST it breaking into a hysterical laugh which quickly made me even more weak.  I brought my knees to the ground and turned over because I couldn't stop laughing. Well... hormones took over and all of the sudden I started uncontrollably crying my eyes out. It was so embarrassing  Julie didn't know what to do. Andrew walked in, a little concerned hearing me cry.  I told him I couldn't stop crying.  He goes, "Oh, that's okay... its normal." (NORMAL? Seriously?? lol... he was so sweet to not make me feel dumb. Julie too, she was so kind and just let me take a few moments to pull myself together.)  Fortunately, it only took me a few minutes to recompose myself and we finished up the work out.

HOLY MOLY... up to this point I have not been a hormonal pregnant wreck.  This sudden outburst of tears was completely unexpected and uncontrollable.  I can't wait to see what the next 15 weeks will bring...

Again, sorry Julie! :)