Pregnancy Dreaming...

I had my first pregnancy dream last night.  I always thought it was weird that up to this point I had never dreamed about being pregnant.  It seemed like I was reading everywhere that pregnancy dreams were very common, and all the blogs I was reading talked about how weird their dreams had been about pregnancy.  So I didn't put much thought into it, but still slightly wondered why I wasn't having any pregnancy dreams.  I guess it just took 20 weeks for my subconscious to set in an realize that I am actually pregnant.

I don't remember much but here's what I do remember:
I was pregnant with twins and at the hospital because it was my due date.  I kept wondering what it was going to feel like when I went into labor. I felt so normal and didn't think the twins were ready to break my water.  My tummy was as big as it is now (not that big), and I was really concerned that the twins just weren't ready yet.  So throughout this entire dream I remember all these obstacles happening (like falling really hard on my tummy), I didn't know if I was still pregnant or not and all I wanted to do was meet these sweet babies.

So weird... any of you have crazy pregnancy dreams?

20 Weeks- HALFWAY THERE!

I cannot believe we are HALFWAY through this pregnancy.  Riley is getting stronger and stronger every day. We went in for our anatomy scan on Friday, and it was so wonderful to see our sweet girl again. During this scan they check everything they possibly can on your baby. They count toes, fingers, look at the spine, make sure there is no cleft lip, look at the femur, humerus, calculate the circumference of the belly and head, etc. Those are most of the things I noticed, but I am sure they did much more that I didn't know about. Even though it is a longer ultrasound, it seemed like it went by so quickly.

We are so fortunate to have such a healthy girl- 10 fingers, 10 toes, no cleft lip, strong and long humerus and femurs (that's your upper arm bone and thigh bone). I felt so fortunate that I took anatomy in college because I knew exactly what the nurse was talking about throughout the entire process.  The doc came in (this is not my usual doc--they sent me to her for this anatomy check, as they do all their patients) while the nurse was measuring the circumference of the skull. First thing she asks me is if I had taken the spina bifida and/or down syndrome tests.  I told her I did the spina bifida but wasn't sure if I wanted to do the down syndrome screening because it wouldn't change anything. She acted very concerned that I never took that test. I told her that I thought it was one of those tests that would put you more at risk for a miscarriage and it didn't seem worth it to me. She corrected me and told me it was just a finger prick. So I said, "Well okay I will do it then I guess". (She was getting me really worried... I was just ready for her to tell me Riley has down syndrome.)  She goes... "Oh, no its too late for that." I was like, "Okay well should I be concerned?" She goes... "It doesn't look like it, if there are any abnormalities then we might recommend a different test you could take, but it costs the monies." (Yes she had a weird accent and dialect.)  Anyway, I was so frustrated with her that she made me worry like that for nothing.  Turns out everything was normal.  I think she noticed how big Riley's head was and just thought she would ask if I got tested for it.  Apparently, Riley is measuring one week ahead in size.  All three of us Geffert kids measured very big, and according to my brother my niece and nephew were/are both measuring one week ahead of schedule. So it is nothing to be concerned about.  The doc also assured me that she was well within the "normal" range and not to be worried. She got me so concerned that there was something wrong with my baby at first... but I think she was just trying to get the facts, and saw that she was a bigger baby than normal.  All I can say is apparently we grow big babies in our family!  They said that just because she measures a week ahead of the norm in schedule, doesn't mean that they will move up the due date--it just means she is most likely going to be a bigger baby.  Oh boy, I mean girl! :)  We are just so very thankful that we have a healthy baby.

The entire time they were doing the scan we were watching her move around.  She loves to put her hands over her face a lot and point out her index fingers.  She kicked a little bit, but not too much.  Her head was RIGHT on my bladder which makes COMPLETE sense as to why I keep having to go to the bathroom so bad every half hour.  They tell you to drink water while you are waiting so that the baby will be closer to the ultrasound machine. Well we waited for an hour and a half and by the time we went in the room I had to go to the bathroom SO bad.  My bladder was so full that they were having trouble reading the circumference of her head and considered having me empty it. They showed me how incredibly large/full my bladder was...pretty impressive if I must say so myself! ;) It was the first time anyone has ever pointed out my bladder to me.  At the very end of the ultrasound, she turned it to 3d.  It was so AMAZING to see so much detail of Riley's face.  It wasn't the clearest image they printed, but I'll take it!  She has such a CUTE button nose and sweet soft eyes.  I cannot wait to meet her in person.

Here is her 3d image--It is of her face and her right arm is up by her right ear (on the left side of the photo).  The other thing you are seeing on her left side (right side of the picture) is her umbilical cord.  No worries, it is not attached to her neck.  This is just where is was floating when the image was taken--right in front of her.)  Everyone, meet Riley Grace in the womb:

So excited to be at this halfway mark. Just twenty more weeks and we get to meet this sweet angel.

The nursery is finally making progress. They painted it yesterday, and now I can get started on the fun stuff! :)  Andrew is going to put together the crib today and we will put both of the dressers that have been stashed in our dining room for the past month in the nursery!  WAHOO! Can't wait to finally have it all together.

How far along? 20 weeks--HALF WAY! 

Total weight gain: UGH... got on the scale this morning... I am finally up 10 pounds! YUCK! Research says that I should expect to gain 5 lbs in my first trimester, then about a pound a week after that.  So if their calculations are correct, I should have gained 11 pounds by now.  So, I am not too upset about it.  :)  Hopefully it is all pregnancy weight!
Maternity clothes? Over the Christmas holiday my sister told me that my pants were too tight and it was "time".  I knew the time was coming, I just did not want to admit it. I was so thrilled that I could still fit into my own jeans, that I was in denial that they were too tight.  Yes, I was Gloria from Modern Family. Not that extreme, but it happened. Andrew agreed that they were too snug and wanted me to feel comfortable in my own pants, so he took me shopping! I bought a pair of maternity jeans (which I think I might still wear post baby... they don't have a zipper or a button just a long elastic band that goes up really high on the stomach.  Talk about keeping shirts looking smooth and being ever so comfortable!  I also purchased two sweaters.  (Which the sales lady @ Baby Gap so was incredibly obnoxious. If I have time I will write a post just about that experience.)
Stretch marks? Nope, luckily not yet.  I will continue to put on Mustela stretch mark cream ritually and pray it doesn't happen.
Sleep: Well, once a night potty break has become 2-3 times a night potty break.  Not fun. Oh, and I cannot sleep on my back anymore (which is how I ALWAYS sleep), so I keep waking up throughout the night very uncomfortable.  When I sleep on my side my arms fall asleep so I keep accidentally rolling over to my back and wake up thinking "CRAP NOT AGAIN!", roll back to my side only for my arm to fall asleep again. All in all, sleep sucks lately.
Best moment this week: Having Andrew feel Riley kick from the outside for the first time. Such a sweet and special moment that both of us will NEVER forget. Oh and I am pretty sure Riley got the hiccups the other night!
Miss Anything? Surprisingly, nothing right now. Well, I take that back... SLEEP!
Movement: YES! She will be incredibly active for a few days... then just a few kicks here and there for the next few. 
Food cravings: None. I kind of wish I had more... I have so much trouble deciding what I want to eat because I want everything on every menu in every restaurant. If I actually had a craving for something, it would make my decisions so much easier! Come on Riley, I need an excuse to eat whatever I want. What do you want? Ice-cream? Donuts? Pickles?  You name it... I'm on it!
Gender : A sweet baby girl, Riley Grace.
Labor Signs: N/A
Symptoms: A little more round ligament pain recently (I suppose my uterus is growing quite a bit lately).  Lots of fatigue.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On. Still fit the same so far.  With this cooler weather, they are a little loose.
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY! I wish we were two months ahead from now so I wouldn't have to wait as long to meet her! 

Recent Pregnancy Mishaps...

I have ALWAYS been a neat eater.  I am not known for getting food on my clothes while I eat, nor am I known for having food smeared all over my face by the time I am done with eating ribs.  I usually only use two fingers (not an entire hand), which makes the mess a lot easier to clean up in the end. More recently over the past few weeks, I have found myself to be a clumsy eater.

For an example: One minute I have my food on my fork, it is heading for my mouth… the next minute I lose it! This is no joke people. I keep literally losing my food only to find it later smeared all over my shirt, or my sheets (yes, I was eating a tangerine popsicle in bed last night and lost a part of it, only to find it 10 minutes later melted all over my ivory sheets! Today, the culprit was blueberries. One minute it is on my fork, the next… well I STILL CAN’T FIND IT!  I am sure it is squished under my butt or inside my blouse or somewhere where only other people will notice but I will have no idea. This extended belly has caused me to lose things I drop very easily.

Next up, sugar. For some odd reason the past few times I have gone to the grocery store I keep thinking I am out of sugar.  I now have THREE LARGE BAGS of sugar in my pantry.  I have got to get a hold of this pregnancy brain before I completely lose it and buy out all the sugar in the entire grocery store! Apparently I am not alone. My pregnant neighbor did the same thing recently. (I tried to give her a bag and found out).  She’s lucky she caught herself at two bags…

Anyone need any sugar?

Catching you up! Weeks 18 & 19

We go in for our big ANATOMY SCAN tomorrow (one day before 20 weeks!).  I cannot believe we are almost halfway! You better bet I will make a long post for that!  Until then, let me catch you up with some pictures!

Here is my baby bump @ 18 Weeks!

I AM 19 Weeks Pregnant!! One more week till we are halfway!

Here we are @ 19 Weeks!

Stay tuned for the 20 WEEK post! :).

Confessions of a Pregnant Woman: Running While Pregnant

Writer's Note: I felt the need to write this post to reach out to other pregnant mothers and those who are TTC and let them know pregnancy does not always go as planned.  Also, I have really enjoyed reading other blogs and their experiences throughout pregnancy so I plan on documenting a few of mine throughout this pregnancy.  It is reassuring knowing you are not the only one going through certain situations and kind of fun to read what other pregnant women are experiencing.  So here it goes...

I remember when Andrew and I first started TTC (Trying to Conceive... just trying to help you all get caught up with the lingo if you are not already up to date with it! ;) ) I always imagined myself being pregnant. It was so exciting to imagine how this entire pregnancy would go (yes there were rainbows and unicorns in my daydreams as well).   I pictured a smooth and easy pregnancy, eating healthy the ENTIRE time, only gaining the appropriate weight in my belly, oh, and running marathons! Yes, that's right.  I planned on keeping up with my training (they say that you can stay in the same fitness state you were in before you were pregnant and it should be perfectly fine for the baby). I read article after article about pregnant women who ran marathons and/or kept up their running during pregnancy. I was so inspired and I just knew I would be THAT pregnant woman--healthy, fit and running marathons.  In my perfect pregnant fantasy world, pregnancy was going to be a breeze and I was going to glow.  After hearing all the horror stories about raging hormones and morning sickness from friends and reading about them on blogs, I remember telling Andrew I would never be like that. I would have the ideal pregnancy, and he would enjoy being around me 24/7. HA! Now that I am 17 week into this pregnancy, the reality of it all is that you don't have control over how your body will react.  The way you imagined it would be doesn't always go as planned.  I guess that is the body's way of preparing the mother to be flexible and ready for anything.

When we found out I was pregnant, this plan was still in full effect.  One week in, I had to completely alter my plan.  There was absolutely no way I could muster up the energy to get outside and run, nor did I have the time to. I was working a full-time unpaid internship teaching, working part-time for my dad in the afternoons, 2-3 times a week I had Junior League obligations in the evenings and on Wednesday nights bible study. Not to forget, I felt like I had been run over by a car and nauseous 24-7.  I felt like a walking zombie and was lucky if I could manage to get two runs in a week (which only happened on weekends).  Some weeks I couldn't even run once because of other weekend commitments and lack of motivation and energy.  Anyone who knows me knows that is not my normal self.  Before being pregnant I would have considered it a bad week if I didn't get a minimum of 5 runs during the week.  The weird thing was, I was perfectly okay with not running that much during my first trimester.  With all the other horror stories I heard about miscarriages during the first trimester and the link to overworking the body made the lack of interest in running alright for me.

Eating healthy pretty much went out of the window too.  All I wanted was red meat and carbs... oh LOTS of carbs.  I have pretty much been eating whatever I want and not really caring about it.

About a week ago I was sitting with my friend, Julie, at the movies waiting for the movie to start and she asked me "Doesn't it feel weird running while pregnant?" Without hesitation I responded "No, not really.  It just feels like I have a few extra pounds I'm carrying." The weird thing is, if she asked me that exact question less than a week later today, I would reply, "It ABSOLUTELY feels weird!".  I am not sure what changed within this past week but I do know something has.  Maybe Riley has grown quite a bit, maybe its the fact that I have run more this week than I did in the last five weeks combined.

Let me break it down for you...

First of all, my shirts are getting a lot more "snug" and almost not covering my belly.  I only have about three running shirts left that are long enough to make me feel comfortable enough to run outside and not have to worry about my bouncing belly showing.  Insecurity while running is definitely not a fun feeling.  I am still at this awkward point in my pregnancy where I just look chubby and not quite pregnant yet.  I know in the next few weeks it will change, but I would like for that to happen sooner than later.  My snug shirt shows my growing belly extended a little past my shorts and it is definitely not a motivating factor to go out and run in public and show it off.

The newest feeling I have experienced while running is Riley doing summersaults the entire time I am running. (I am not really sure if she is actually doing summersaults, but I can tell she is very active while I run.) I hope that she gets used to the bouncing rhythm and it will put her to sleep. (Wishful thinking I know). I am sure I will feel her more and more as she grows, so I suppose I better get used to the feeling.

Did I mention I am already feeling her pushing on my bladder?  I am 17 weeks and this girl sits right on it.  From the second I leave the house I feel like I have to go to the bathroom BAD!  I have made sure to go to the bathroom right before I leave the house to reassure myself that I do not actually have to go and that its just Riley pushing on my bladder.  The feeling does not let up the ENTIRE run.  Talk about uncomfortable.

The most important thing is that I listen to my body and not over do it.  I want to reassure you all that I am doing just that.  Now that I am finished with my internship and into my second trimester, I have a lot more time to take care of my health and have a lot more energy.  I have a feeling that I wont be able to keep running throughout the entire pregnancy, but I plan to try to run as long as Riley will let me. I never feel like I am putting her in danger while running and have been given the "okay" by my doctor to do so.  I am just running three miles at a time and do not plan to increase the distance at all during this pregnancy.

My hope is that my desire to keep running while pregnant will not only pay off for my health, but Riley's health and future, too. You know the only reason I run is so she will be an olympic runner one day right?

17 Weeks (tomorrow)

How far along? 17 WEEKS

Total weight gain: Meh, 5 lbs so far but after the entire 12" burrito I just ate from Chuy's... probably 10 right now. (Hopefully it will pass...)
Maternity clothes? Not yet! :) Although today I put on these pants I have been DREADING to put on in worries of them not fitting anymore.  I was very surprised they still fit, BARELY! I think that might have been my last time to wear them.  I am going to have to start shopping for maternity clothes in the next few weeks. 
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Same ole, same ole. Get up once a night to use the restroom. Other than that, I want to throw my cat across the room nightly (but don't have the heart to do it). She is the only other reason my sleeping pattern is terrible waking me up throughout the night for attention.
Best moment this week: Finding out sweet baby Barnes is a GIRL and feeling her kick for the first time!  
Miss Anything? Margaritas!
Movement: Yes!  Feeling baby VERY lightly kick. I definitely have been feeling her move around a lot!  It doesn't feel strong but I just feel lots of "bubbles" moving around in my stomach that is definitely NOT gas.
Food cravings: Nope. Not this week.
Gender Prediction:  No more predicting! (This is the last week I am going to keep it as "prediction" because ITS A GIRL!  
Labor Signs: N/A
Symptoms: Completely exhausted every day. I just ignore it, try and get over it and go about my day.  If I let it win, I would be in bed all day, every day. Not too much round ligament pain this week. 
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: So happy.  We are thrilled we are having a girl and that we have a healthy baby.  
Looking forward to: Seeing Riley Grace for her 20 week ultrasound! Can't wait for the anatomy scan. 

Feeling Riley Kick for the FIrst Time

I just felt Riley kick for the first time! I am 16 weeks and 3 days.  Andrew and I were laying in bed listening to her heartbeat with the fetal doppler, and suddenly we were hearing a lot of other noises.  We both knew she was moving around in there quite a bit.  I recently read that at 16 weeks babies can hear our voices, and that studies have shown that if you sing to them in the womb they seem to recognize the song when they are out of the womb. This past weekend I decided to pick a song to always sing to her in hopes that she will recognize it when we finally meet face to face.  I couldn't find any song more fitting than "You Are My Sunshine".  As Andrew and I were listening to her sweet heartbeat and commotion (movement), we started to sing her song together to her. She suddenly started to kick stronger because I felt it about five times as we sang the song over and over. The fetal doppler matched the kicks with noise of movement so I knew I was feeling her kick.  I don't think I would have felt it if we didn't have the doppler pushed up against my uterus, but it was such a beautiful feeling. God is good.

Riley Grace Barnes--

I don't know many people that have known the name of their first born since they were 16... except for me.  When I was 16 years old I worked at a Montessori school part-time in the afternoons.  Although I tried hard not to pick favorites, there were a few children that stood out.  I will never forget Bailey Jay (although I apparently forgot how to spell her name because I remember is wasn't Bailey but something more like Balie or something like that), a 3 year old, blonde hair lightly curled at the ends, blue eyes, sweet smile.  Her manners were ADORABLE!  I could tell that her parents always called her, "darling", "princess", "sugar plum", etc.  I remember she would say things like, "Excuse me darling, but can you please pass the purple crayon?", or, "You're my sweetheart, what am I?" in the SWEETEST little girl voice EVER!  I always told myself that I would be sure to teach my kids manners like that at a very young age... it just melts my heart.  Every time her parents asked me to baby-sit, I never hesitated to say yes.  She had a little sister about two years younger than her.  Her name was Riley Grace.  I absolutely ADORED these two girls.  When I heard Riley's name for the first time, I absolutely fell in love with it, and her too.  I knew I always wanted to name my first born Riley.  I just had to somehow convince my future husband this.

I was so fortunate that Andrew agreed to Riley Grace without a fight. The first time he heard the name he fell in love with it as much as I did.  There was no hesitation and I was so full of joy!  When we told the name to Andrew's family, they informed us that Andrew had an uncle named Raleigh but everyone called him Riley.  So they, of course, loved the name, too.  My parents were pretty thrilled with the name as well.  We have been so fortunate that everyone loves the name as much as we do. Even before we were expecting our entire family knew that if we had a girl, we wanted to name her Riley Grace.

Now, I just have to work on my patience because I still have another 24 weeks before I get to FINALLY meet this sweet girl! :)

It's a...

Three ultrasounds later we FINALLY know the gender of our baby!  We went in last Monday for our "16 week" check up at 15 1/2 weeks.  Baby did not want to cooperate.  In fact, baby Barnes was quite modest.  I was so bummed about it that my doctor let us try again about 45 minutes later in hopes that BB had changed positions. Sure enough, baby did a complete turn around but just would budge moving that foot!  Doc said not to worry that we would definitely find out at 20 weeks.  Anyone who knows me, knows I simply couldn't wait that long to find out the gender.  I scheduled a 3d/4d ultrasound the next week.  The ultrasound company recommended that I get the doctor's signature.  When I called the doctor they told me they don't like to sign off on those until I am around 22-26 weeks because I would see a lot more, then she told me to just come in for another FREE ultrasound the next day.  Without hesitation I accepted her offer.  She prescribed that I drink LOTS of water to be sure to come into the ultrasound with a full bladder and that I eat a Snickers on the way over to the office.  Of course I HAD to follow the doctor's orders.  (I forgot how amazing Snickers are!)  When we went in for the ultrasound my bladder was DEFINITELY FULL! It seemed to work because baby Barnes was in PERFECT position for us to know the gender.  I am sure you are anxious to find out the gender.  Baby Barnes is a ...

...well, I'll let the boards explain it themselves...

It's not Oliver or Zoey...

Its not Olivia, Ryan, Zack, or Hadley...

It's a...GIRL!

YAY! Riley Grace Barnes... 16 weeks!

We couldn't be more excited to welcome our sweet girl, Riley Grace, into this world in May! I absolutely cannot wait to spoil her to death. I am already obsessed with Etsy, Baby Gap, and Pinterest... bring on the bows, tutus, and leg warmers.

Stay tuned for how we picked her name!

What will "IT" be? A HE or SHE?

"TOMORROW! TOMORROW! I LOVE YA, TOMORROW! YOU'RE [ONLY] A DAY AWAY!" Well I am possibly only a day away,  you all are a few more days!  Yep that's right. Tomorrow we go in for a check up on baby Barnes.  Unfortunately, they wanted me to come in before 16 weeks (when they said they usually can tell the gender) just because they want to keep the appointments 4 weeks apart.  Therefore, tomorrow I will be 15 weeks, 2 days.  There is still a possibility we will find out baby Barnes's gender!

If we find out the gender tomorrow I will post each day erasing one name until we reveal the gender and name!  Stay tuned...

15 Weeks

So excited to be fifteen weeks today. If only baby would make more of a belly entrance into this world. It will come, it will come.  I know its a little early to be saying this, but I have been feeling a lot of "bubbles" in my belly! I can't help but wonder if I am feeling kicks?!  The past few weeks I have had to remind myself that I am pregnant.  I am feeling so normal (minus being crazy lethargic) that I have had all of these crazy thoughts running through my head. I am talking crazy stupid y'all.  These crazy stupid thoughts have gone as follows:

What if I'm not pregnant?  Am I pregnant or just getting really fat?  I HAVE been eating really bad! OMG maybe I should take another pregnancy test... Andrew would be so annoyed that I would be dumb enough to take a pregnancy test at 15 weeks. Maybe I just will take one secretly?   This is stupid, I am pregnant. LINDSAY YOU ARE PREGNANT!

YUP.  Pretty sad huh? I made a realization about myself this week.  I have realized why 95% of the time I am such an optimist on the outside--because on the inside, I am constantly worrying myself of all the possible negatives.  So, I find it much easier to focus on all the positive things in life.

Just to reassure everyone (more importantly myself) I ordered a fetal doppler online about a week and a half ago.  I was so excited when I first heard baby's heart beat! I couldn't wait to show Andrew. IT WAS SO EASY!  ...too easy.  When Andrew heard the "baby's heartbeat" he helped me realize it was my own heartbeat.  DANG IT! I had no idea that I would be able to hear my heartbeat in my stomach! The human body is so amazing.  It took a while but sweet Andrew was so patient and spent the time with me to help find baby Barnes' actual heartbeat. It was TRULY amazing. No worries, this time we were definitely sure it was baby's because we felt my pulse at the same time and baby's heartbeat was almost twice as fast! Such a sweet and beautiful sound.  So goodbye pregnancy tests and hello fetal doppler.  I am sure Andrew is relieved that I wont be wasting anymore money (at least for a few years) on those pricey tests.

Alright before I give all the answers away in this post above, here is the weekly (or biweekly for now) survey:

How far along? 15 WEEKS! (There is just something about "5"s that I LOVE. My birthday: 05-05. Baby's due date: 05-25.  Andrew's Birthday: 05-28.  05's are just great so 15 weeks exciting for me. )

Total weight gain: Ugh, I REALLY don't want to talk about it, but since I am trying to participate in all these questions so that I can look back and remember... I don't want to say. ::DEEP BREATH:: 7 pounds!  As soon as I stepped off the scale the other day I got on GOOGLE and searched "Normal weight gain 15 weeks pregnant".  From what I read, most girls have gained 5-7 lbs by this time in their pregnancy. WHEW! I understand that weight gain is inevitable, normal, and healthy during pregnancy, I just want to make sure I do it at a normal rate and don't lose control!  From what I read, at this time in my pregnancy half a pound to a pound a week is very normal.

Maternity clothes? Well, surprisingly my jeans STILL FIT.  I think that are "hanging" on me a little lower but they fit without me feeling uncomfortable.  My running shirts are a little higher making me feel uncomfortable about my mid-drift showing while I run.  I think it is almost if not about that time to purchase some maternity clothes. I keep thinking about that Modern Family episode where Gloria is bulging out of her tight clothes and in denial. Maybe I am in denial? I know I am not bulging out NEAR as bad, but I foresee purchasing maternity clothes in my near future.

Stretch marks? Nope.  So grateful for stretch mark cream.

Sleep: The usual.  I get up once or twice a night for restroom breaks but other than that... sleep pretty well.  That is, until the sun begins to rise and my cat thinks it is her life calling to be the most annoying cat in the world.

Best moment this week: Feeling little bubbles in my tummy. Oh and we have officially picked both boy and girl names!! The announcement will come with the gender reveal! :) 

Miss Anything? Surprisingly I haven't really missed alcohol this week.  I think I am finally getting use to not having a glass of wine or margarita every other day. 

Movement: As I mentioned, bubbles.  It could be gas... no telling. I have a feeling I will be feeling movement in the next few weeks.

Food cravings: Hasn't changed. Cheeseburgers, cheeseburgers, cheeseburgers. But the usual... I just don't eat them but like once every other week.  I always want one but never follow through. (See the Youtube Veggietale tribute I posted below this survey. Yes, I have every word memorized. I don't know why but I always have loved children's music. This is an all time classic!)

Gender Prediction:  PEOPLE-- IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:  We MIGHT find out the gender at our appointment on MONDAY!! I am not sure when I will announce it on here, but as soon as my family knows, you bet I will announce it on here!

Labor Signs: N/A

Symptoms: FATIGUE & round ligament pain <--it always hits unexpectedly, and boy is it painful!

Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! Life is just better this way. 

Looking forward to: Finding out baby's gender this coming week. So ready to give baby a name instead of the thousands of nicknames we have already given it.  Oh and ready to stop calling Baby Barnes an "it".

So now I leave you with one of my favorite songs that I think is very appropriate with my continuous single food craving--Cheeseburgers.  Enjoy.

13 Weeks Belly Photo

It doesn't really look like baby grew this week does it?

13 Weeks!

Today is the second day of my second trimester! Wahoo! I finally am out of the first and am not looking back.  I feel truly blessed to have had such an easy first trimester compared to most pregnant women.  No vomiting--I MEAN NONE, ZIP, ZILCH.  Many times I felt as though I might, or I thought I would feel better if I did, but didn't. I am not really feeling nauseous after eating anymore either. I have developed a new pregnancy symptom though that I will tell you about in the survey below.

How far along? 13 WEEKS! YEEHAA!

Total weight gain: I am not sure.  I haven't weighed myself in a long time.  I don't really want to either.  Its just easier that way. At least for now.
Maternity clothes? I think I am about to have to trade over to maternity pants.  I am tired of pulling my pants up because they are falling below my growing belly. (I used to have to pull my pants up because they were too big... funny how things change.)
Stretch marks? Not yet, thank goodness. 
Sleep: Much better lately. I am getting used to getting up in the night to use the restroom.  It is pretty neat how the body prepares the mother for the future late night disturbances.
Best moment this week: Fixing these terrible roots on my head.  
Miss Anything? The usual, but I have really been missing margaritas this week. 
Movement: You know, not yet. But I have been feeling a little different things happening in my stomach and I keep thinking it is movement.  I have a feeling in the next week or two I will feel a kick or hiccup.  (At least I hope!)
Food cravings: FINALLY satisfied my cheeseburger craving!! FINALLY! Union Kitchen had the BEST cheeseburger! I halved it too so I got to enjoy it TWICE!!  Hmm... maybe I will order another for dinner tonight. ;)  No other cravings really. 
Gender Prediction:  Well, everyone is predicting boy. I don't think anyone has guessed girl yet.  I still have no clue. 
Labor Signs: N/A
Symptoms: Fatigue of course hasn't disappeared.  The newest symptom which my OB/GYN warned me about is round ligament pain. It is supposed to start in the second trimester, and sure enough it began last week.  It is a sharp jabbing pain felt in the lower abdomen and/or groin area.  It doesn't happen all the time, very randomly. 
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY!!  I felt so happy earlier this week just thinking about the future and whats to come.  
Looking forward to: THANKSGIVING! I cannot wait to eat DELICIOUS food and be around my wonderful family.  This is the best time of year.  There is nothing I would rather do, no place I would rather be than with my family which I am so thankful for. 

12 Weeks!

One more week and I am FINALLY out of the first trimester! WAHOO! This tri has felt like it has been going by so slowly.  Probably because I am so eager to know the gender of sweet baby Barnes. Regardless, one more week and GOODBYE first trimester!  Hopefully the next two wont go by so slowly.

I have been looking at belly pictures of other pregnant women (Google searched)  at weeks 13, 14 and 15 and I definitely see baby bellies on them.  This makes me feel a little better because I feel like I am showing quite a bit (pretty much just look like I ate too many donuts).  Can't wait to actually look pregnant and not fat.

To celebrate coming out of the first trimester I made a hair appointment next weekend to fix these two-inch roots on my head.  FINALLY! I couldn't be more excited about it.  I have been feeling so blah lately and I think most of it is due to not feeling "put together". It always feels good to get my hair colored, nails painted... you know the normal things girls like to do to pamper themselves.  Maybe I will go get a mani/pedi soon, too.  :)

I don't know about you guys, but I am so excited for the holidays.  I feel so fortunate that my parents and in-laws live so close together. Andrew and I usually get to spend the holidays with both sides every year.  In fact, this year we are all (both sides) going out to my family ranch to spend Thanksgiving together.  Then Andrew's side of the family and I will head up to Ft. Worth the next day to see Andrew's brother, sister-in-law, their two year old, Dylan, and the new twin girls, Anna and Emma!  It is going to be a wonderful holiday!  I absolutely love spending time with family! It is crazy to think that this time next year we will have a little six month old of our own getting to experience his/her first Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Oh and the holiday music! Boy do I love the holiday music.  I know a lot of you are tired of it (I mean it is the SAME music EVERY YEAR... I get it) and don't want to hear it as early as November, but there is something about that first holiday song I hear come on the radio (usually around November 15 ... just a few days away). I feel my entire body rush with excitement and joy.  Oh man... I just got so excited about Christmas music that I had to put it on Pandora as I type this post.  First song, "You better watch out".

Can you tell that I am an optimist yet?  No, I am not oblivious to the bad things in life, I just prefer not to think about it and focus on the happy and exciting things.  Its much better that way.

Alright enough about the holidays for now. (No worries, much more to come over the next few weeks!) Lets talk about Baby Barnes.  I haven't had time to update the chalkboard this weekend yet (I am in San Antonio while Andrew and my dad are running the Rock'n'Roll Marathon as I type this).  As soon as I get home this evening I will make a 12 week board and who knows... maybe take a picture of my donut belly next to it! ;) Here's what has been going on with BB.

How far along? 12 Weeks

Total weight gain: 4 lbs I think only because I am eating so poorly.  I think I can only attribute one or two pounds to the baby... the rest is all me! :/
Maternity clothes? Two maternity shirts... only because they are so long in the body.  I seriously think I am going to keep buying maternity shirts post baby just for the length.  Is that weird? lol
Stretch marks? No, just bought some stretch mark cream so hopefully wont have any. 
Sleep: Not sleeping very well... never really did pre baby. Now I find myself waking up on a weekend around 6 am and not able to go back to sleep, so I just get up.  I get up at least once a night, usually around 3-4 am, to use the restroom.
Best moment this week: Took a few pictures for random things and baby Barnes has decided to make his/her debut in the pictures.  (My belly definitely showing in the pictures.) 
Miss Anything? Goat cheese, wine and margaritas.  
Movement: Not yet... but hopefully soon.  I read on other people's blogs that they felt movement as early as 14 weeks!!
Food cravings: Still wanting a cheeseburger.  I keep getting them and eating them, but for some reason it just doesn't satisfy the "cheeseburger craving" I've been having.   I think I am adding too much too it like onions and jalapenos, etc.  I just need to get a normal burger with meat, cheese and mustard... nothing else. Maybe that will do it? WHO KNOWS!   Anything making you queasy or sick: Surprisingly, minty things.  It just doesn't do it for me.
Gender Prediction:  I have absolutely no idea.   If I had to make a prediction... looking at pregnant bellies online, it seems that the ones that are pregnant with girls, the baby sits higher than the girls that are pregnant with boys.  It might be a myth but I heard if its a boy, the baby is usually lower  and girl, higher.  This baby is definitely lower, so I predict BOY!
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: FATIGUE FATIGUE FATIGUE!!!  That's mostly it.
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: in
Looking forward to: I know I already mentioned it, but the holidays!!  Christmas music, delicious food, cozying up by the fire, hot chocolate, etc. etc.! Bring on the holidays~

Weeks 10 & 11

Weeks ten and eleven have come and gone. So much has happened so let me fill you in...

Yes, baby Barnes was once the size of a prune, but in just a week is now the size of a large plum! Our sweet baby is growing so quickly and we couldn't be more proud.  I am now nearing the end of the first trimester (FINALLY).  Morning sickness is getting better (either that or I am just getting used to it). I realized the prenatal vitamins I was taking was making me really sick and uncomfortable.  Since I have changed prenates, I have been feeling so much better and am MUCH happier!  I usually just feel a little queazy every time after I eat.  Other than that the only issue is ridiculous exhaustion 24 hours a day.  No matter where I am, I feel like I can just collapse and pass out!  Problem is, I have no time for my much needed naps.

Unfortunately, I did not have time to make an 11 week chalkboard, but you better bet I will make a 12 week and who knows, maybe I will take a picture in front of it, too.  My belly is starting to protrude a little and baby is finally making his/her belly debut. (Barely, but he/she's there!)  I keep finding myself softly holding my belly. I don't do it intentionally but it just feels comfortable to put my hands on my lower belly.

Baby Barnes weighs as much as half an ounce now and is around two and a half inches long from crown to rump!  His/her digestive system is now flexing and practicing contraction movements.  His/her pituitary gland has now started producing hormones, and his/her bone marrow is now making white blood cells.  Baby Barnes is now almost in full function!  SO EXCITING!

We got to see BB again about a week and a half ago.  Everything looked GREAT, heartbeat was healthy, we are right on schedule so far with baby's predicted due date, and baby looked happy (well I liked to think so although I couldn't really see his/her face features. ;)

While baby Barnes has been hard at work in growing, mama Barnes has been busy researching, Pinning on Pinterest, and planning.  I have started baby Barnes's first registry on Amazon, although since I don't really know what I am doing, I have a feeling it will change a lot over the next few weeks until we find out baby's gender.  I have the entire nursery planned.  (I said planned, not complete).   That deserves a post for itself.  It is so much fun to daydream about what baby will look like and plan for the future.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the most important thing: Baby Barnes got to vote with mommy today!  Such an  important day for our nation and I am so glad that BB got to be a part of the experience.  I was a little bummed that they did not give me a sticker though.  I don't know why but I was so excited about getting a sticker, and they didn't have any!  LAME!

Now I shall leave you with a little news about baby:
How far along?  11 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain/loss?  2 lbs (but that always fluctuates daily)
Maternity clothes?  Well not yet, but I did buy a pregnancy undershirt just because it is super long in the torso. 
Stretch marks? I am scared of them so I just ordered some cream online to make sure they don't appear!
Sleep?  My sleep schedule is pretty lousy.  Falling asleep is no problem.  Waking up throughout the night is another problem.  I think I usually wake up at least two times a night to use the bathroom, two more times because my cat wakes me up, and maybe one more time because I am hot or uncomfortable.  
Best moment last week? Seeing Baby Barnes for the second time.  Boy has he/she grown!  
Movement?  Nope.
Food cravings?  Burgers still.  I just always want a burger but didn't eat one for like three weeks. ( I have no idea why). Over the last week though I have had two. 
Gender? No clue.  I have no predictions either. 
Labor signs? I sure hope not.  Too early!
Belly button in/out? In.
What I miss: Running (just haven't had the time or energy) and margaritas. 
What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving in a few weeks and all the delicious food that comes with it. 
Milestones: Baby grew from a prune to a large plum! 

That's all for now friends.  Till next week... xoxo

~8 Weeks~

2 months!  We are officially 1/5 of the way through this pregnancy.  Right now Bebo is growing webbed fingers and toes.  Breathing tubes now extend from the throat to the developing lungs.  Our little tadpole's tail is just about gone at this point.  Nerve cells are branching out in the brain to connect to one another making neural pathways. Our little Bebo, now the size of a kidney bean, is now shifting and moving like crazy (I just cannot feel it yet). 

I have been in denial in taking a picture of my belly by my chalkboard.  I have been growing in every angle way too quickly and don't really want to document that.  I will start taking pictures of me when I actually look pregnant and not fat... deal?

Anyway, this week is really pretty much the same as last week.  Nausea throughout the day, all day (and sometimes night).  I am realizing that I feel sick after every time I eat.  (No worries it doesn't stop me from eating... lol.)  Fatigue is definitely at its best.  I cancelled my plans this weekend just to rest, and I have done just that.  As soon as I wake up from my nap, I want to take another.  I just can't kick this exhaustion.  Its like a constant merry-go-round of nausea and fatigue!  If I am not nauseous I am incredibly fatigued. If I am not fatigued, I am incredibly nauseous.  Just a few more weeks and I will finally be out of the first trimester! 

Since nothing has really changed from last week to this week I have decided not to do a questionnaire.  Maybe next week!

On a side note...

Has anyone tried these?  My new sweet & salty obsession. Problem is I can't stop when I start.  I highly recommend that you temporarily step away form your computer right now, grab your keys, drive to the nearest convenient store and buy some peanuts and candy corn.  DO IT! Trust me, you wont regret it... unless you can't stop eating them like me and end up in a sweet and salty food coma.

7 Weeks

It is so hard to find time to post! The first three posts I wrote the first two days I found out I was pregnant.  This is the first chance since then I have had to sit down and write a post.  Week five consisted of no morning sickness so I was worried that I felt so "normal".  That quickly changed by week six.  It feels like a constant hangover.  Not fun.  I have been able to resist nausea meds and just suck it up but I have gotten very close.  I have it in my purse in case I really need it.  It is hard to teach full time and then go to work part time, followed by Junior League or bible study in the evenings.  Not much time to feel bad, blog or breathe.

Right now hands and feet are emerging from Bebo's developing arms and legs.  He/she has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long. Bebo's eyelid folds are partially covering her eyes, which already have some color.  Tiny veins are below his/her very thin skin.  Both hemispheres of the brain are growing, and liver is churning out red blood cells until bone marrow forms and takes over this role.  An appendix and a pancreas have already formed which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion.

So much is going on inside baby Bebo.  No wonder I haven't been feeling all that well lately.  The sad thing is the only thing that makes me feel better is very bad foods.  I need to find a different remedy or I will be the size of a blimp in no time.

I found this questionnaire online and thought it was a cute way to keep everyone updated.

Pregnancy Update/Questionnaire (7 Weeks)
How far along? 7 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Ugh... about 4 lbs.  (Too early to start gaining weight, but this is due to not changing my diet and not running for three weeks.  Hopefully this will change quickly since I have slowly started running again).

Maternity clothes? Nope.

Stretch marks? Nope. Not even showing yet. 

Sleep: So tired ALL THE TIME!  Wake up to use the restroom at least once a night!  

Best moment this week: hearing my baby's strong heartbeat at our first visit. Such a sweet and touching moment for both mommy and daddy. 

Have you told family and friends: YES! We told them early.

Movement: Nope, again still too small (size of a raspberry by the way!)

Food cravings: As of now, burgers, carbs and cheese! (NO GOOD!) Oh and pumpkin makes me very nauseas... WHAT?

Anything making you queasy or sick: Oops, jumped the gun there.  PUMPKIN. Just thinking about a bunch of different things... so weird.  Coffee BLAH! (I suck it up and drink a cup in the morning anyway for my sanity).

Have you started to show yet: Well possibly, but I think I am just getting fat.  Very bloated no doubt.

Gender prediction: we will find out (if baby cooperates) the week of December 10th!  No telling right now.  We would be thrilled with either.

Belly Button in or out? in. Hopefully it stays that way but I hear there is not much I can do about it. 

Wedding rings on or off? On! :)  Hopefully it will stay that way too. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Well I have my days of feeling really down about my changing body, but then I remind myself that I have a sweet baby inside of me and it will all be worth it. I can worry about my body after. All the matters right now is that I have a healthy baby.  :)  Happy most of the time though.

Weekly Wisdom: Listen to your body.  It knows what it needs and doesn't. 

Milestones: We met baby Barnes for the first time last Wednesday.  Healthy heartbeat and baby!! We decided to take the chance and share our excitement with the world that night!  Everyone is so excited for us and cannot wait to meet baby Barnes! :)