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! :)

24 Weeks!

Finally 24 weeks! I don't know what it was about week 23, but I found it boring.  There is nothing exciting or special about the number 23 . I prefer even numbers over odds, and if its going to be odd I prefer 5's.  Weird I know, but it is what it is.

Enough about numbers, let's talk about Riley's development this week!

Sweet baby Riley is now almost a foot long!  (All the websites suggest picturing an ear of corn, but I prefer to picture a Subway footlong. Just kidding, an ear of corn works just as well). Her brain is growing at a fast rate and taste buds are beginning to develop. She is strengthening those lungs by developing branches.  She is growing at a very fast rate over the next few weeks and I cannot wait to finally see my belly expand just a little bit so I can OFFICIALLY look pregnant.

Another random fact: My uterus is the size of a soccer ball. Just thought you all would want to know that tid-bit.

I was slacking on the board the past few weeks so my sister so kindly offered to be a guest artist this week!  (Thanks sis! You did a wonderful job! xoxo)

Now lets get into the weekly routine!

How far along? 24 WEEKS! 

Total weight gain: Oh my goodness you guys... don't know what happened? This is rather embarrassing. 17 pounds. There I said it, and I don't feel better at all. 
Maternity clothes? Just about completely wearing maternity clothes. I tried to put on an old dress the other day in hopes it would just be a little snug. I got it to zip and was feeling pretty good about myself until I was heading out the door and noticed a side view in the mirror that the back of my dress was all scrunched up in the back (hiking up) because it didn't fit. Totally depressing.  I decided I need to retire that dress until post delivery. 
Stretch marks? Nope. Just started using Cocoa Butter Creme. That stuff is serious.  VERY THICK!
Sleep: What's sleep? I vaguely remember it. No really, I get some sleep just wake up about 5-10 times a night. (No exaggeration).  
Best moment this week: Getting out of week 23. Just kidding. There really wasn't anything wrong with week 23... its just, well... you guys know how I feel about the number. 
Movement: I listen to Riley every morning and night on the doppler and every time I put the gadget on my stomach she kicks back at it. So cute. 
Food cravings:  Nope. :/
Gender : Sweet girl.
Labor Signs: N/A
Symptoms: Nothing new this past week. Like I said... its been a pretty boring week.
Belly Button in or out? Still in! (That's right Andrew... STILL IN!)
Wedding rings on or off? On. Still fit the same so far.  
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy as usual. I am getting impatient though. Wishing we could fast forward 16 weeks. :)

Until week 25... here's a quick belly shot at 24 weeks!