27 Weeks - Third Trimester!!

How many weeks: 27 Weeks - 7 Months! 

Baby Size: Size of cauliflower head. Over 2lbs and 14.5inches long

Weight gain so far: About 17 pounds (I gained 4lbs in Texas last week. That BBQ and Mexican was good!) 
Stretch marks: Not yet!

Sleep: I'm sleeping well and not getting up to go to bathroom until the alarm. It's been like that since beginning of the second trimester actually. However once I'm in bed, I stay. It's getting harder to roll over and get up. I'm sleeping on my sides and trying to ease my back pain as much as I can.

Best moment this week: Going to a prenatal yoga class! I have been wanting to attend this Sunday class for so long. It was great and relieved my back pain and stretched my stiff body! There were five young girls there and I was the second farthest along. 
Also, we finally purchased things for the babies room! We went to a antique store in Salem and got a white dresser that is so cute. We got a little chandelier from Home Depot (Darrin wanted this) and a mirror that will go above the dresser. We are picking up a rocking chair tomorrow too!

Missing Anything: Shaving my legs, which is difficult now. Also, I gave myself my last pedicure. I will splurge and go somewhere because it really hurt bending. 

Movement: Jabs have turned into full punches and turns in the last few weeks. Darrin can totally feel her now! Love it. We've been playing music on my belly and for some reason she likes Lil' Wayne?! I get so much movement. We put on baby Mozart and I get no kicks. I can't believe we are exposing her to such lyrics, but we think she'll be a dancer and likes the beats, ha! 
Food cravings: My same carbs and dairy. I am eating way more now. I guess I have to make up for my first trimester, ha!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore!

Gender: It's a GIRL!

Labor Signs: I had some braxton hicks a few weeks ago, but haven't felt it lately. Didn't feel great.
Symptoms: Just my lower back pains still and her butt is in my ribs. Ouch!

Belly Button in or out? It's now flush with my tummy, hoping it won't pop!

Mood: Pretty good and I'm not that tired at all. I know that will change when I get huge! Darrin asked me tonight if I'll get emotional and just cry in the third trimester. Had to tell him, it could be with any trimester. I really haven't cried at all or been a crazy preggo;) 

Looking forward to: My glucose test this week and my sugar levels are all good. Also, in two weeks my Mom comes and can't wait to show her the things we bought for the nursery. Then it's Baby Shower time!

Things to do still: Again, READ MORE. Signup for birthing classes at the hospital. 

Due Date: December 29th! Christmas/New Years baby!

The Alamo, San Antonio

Last Day on the San Antonio River Walk. More mexican food.
With Darrin's boss Jim and his wife Melissa. Us girls had to
meet our men on their business trip!

We hiked to a spring 30mins outside of Austin. Gorgeous.

At the famous Allen's Boots. Soo many!

Austin's famous food trucks

The BEST brisket ever at The Salt Lick BBQ!
Famous on the Food Network.

24 Weeks–NY Trip/31st Birthday

Things have been belated on here lately, but I'm trying to catch up...

I'll just post some highlights from the past couple of weeks:
- I finally had my friends visit me!! Laura, Kataneh, Morgan and their 15month son Emerson stayed for 1.5 days. It was sooo nice to have them and a little surreal they were actually here! We had a blast! 
- We then flew to Albany and stayed three nights at a beautiful farmhouse in Hudson, NY. During the day we pool sided it and had such a relaxing time. We attended my friend Mari's and Andrew's gorgeous wedding on Saturday and partied late! Never been to a wedding that lasted past 2 a.m.! 
- The next day, Darrin and I left early and took a two hour Amtrak ride into NYC. We stayed a night near Grand Central and this preggo walked a lot! We couldn't spend that much time in Central Park due to an afternoon rain storm. But, it cleared up and I introduced Darrin to the best pastrami sandwich from the famous Carnegie Deli. 
- I turned 31 on Labor Day weekend and we took a drive to Charlotte for the afternoon. I just really wanted to go to Trader Joe's, ha! I did find some more maternity clothes at Old Navy and then we had a great time at a beer garden that was dog-friendly! 
- Football is back on in the house and Darrin's gone to two free VT games already!
- My Mom ordered us our crib last week and we have it up all ready! We couldn't wait!

How many weeks: 24 Weeks - 6 Months! 

Baby Size: Size of a cantaloupe. Over 1lb

Weight gain so far: About 11 pounds (I've had some good food lately) 
Maternity clothes: Bought a few new items and some comfy pj's on my b-day.

Stretch marks? I'm putting Palmers Stretch Mark lotion on everyday and I like it so far. 
Sleep: If the cat didn't wake me up sleeping practically on my neck, I wouldn't wake up as often. However, when she does I catch myself on my back, which I can't! Also, my left side of my back hurts and is not going away. 

Best moment this week: Putting the crib together with Darrin. Well, he did most of it and I cleaned up the floor. The animals are probably wondering what this jungle gym is all about;) Also, Darrin and I went on a beautiful 3.5 mile hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway this weekend and I think it will be my last for awhile. I was proud I did it.

Missing Anything: My friends. We had such a great time together and it was fun to see them. They made my belly hurt from laughing so much!

Movement: Jabs throughout the day.
Food cravings: Carbs. I don't have weird cravings, but I am eating a bit more now, eek!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore!

Gender: It's a GIRL!

Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Some lower back pains still and stomach tightness.

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but it's not as deep anymore:(
Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: Pretty good!
Looking forward to: To flying to meet the hubs on his business trip in Austin, TX next week! I got the green light from work to go yesterday and we booked my flight right away! Austin is one of the city's I've been wanting to check off my list for awhile. I can't wait for our last little "babymoon." 

Things to do still: READ MORE. I need to get through my baby books faster! 

Due Date: December 29th! Christmas/New Years baby!

23 weeks on the day of VT's first home game

Emerson Loved the life jacket!

Thanks for driving us Trish!

We made it to Albany, NY!

Had to make this for E

Pool siding it at the house we stayed at 

D's first back flip!

Mari and Andrew's wedding! Catskills, NY

Mari's Mom in a beautiful Kimono. 

LG girls

Gorgeous bride. Dress #1

The goats loved us

Central Park

Tomorrow will be 25weeks!

A belated gender reveal!

I typed this post a few weeks ago and I never sent it...Very belated! 

On Friday August 10th we found out we are having a little GIRL!!!

Darrin and I had an ultrasound at our hospital and we were amazed how big and real our baby is now! Seeing the baby move and actually wave to us, was unreal! Her nose, lips, hands and feet are just so adorable! We told the tech that we didn't want to know the gender in the appointment and I'm so glad we waited. We had to drive to DC right after, but we stopped at a really nice restaurant in downtown Salem for the reveal! The place was so quaint and a perfect spot for our special moment together. After ordering a glass of champagne (for Darrin) we unfolded the ultrasound picture that had "GIRL" written on it! We both looked at it for a few seconds in shock and then there were happy tears. We just couldn't believe it! The whole restaurant staff knew what we were doing and came over to congratulate us. We had a great dinner and then we were off to tell Darrin's family the news in person. Then the next day, I flew to CA for the weekend to tell my family and friends! 

How many weeks: 21 Weeks - 5 Months! 

Baby Size: Size of a long carrot. 10.5 inches. Over a 1lb

Weight gain so far: About 7 pounds
Maternity clothes: Belly band still, tank tops and I just got a lot of used maternity clothes from a family friend!

Stretch marks? I just bought Palmers Stretch Mark lotion, but I haven't done research on special lotions. We'll see if the standard one will work?

Sleep:  Even though I got the flu this past week, I was sleeping well. I had to take Nyquil PM some days;( The doctor said it was okay to take regular meds now... Its still really hard sleeping only on your sides though! 

Best moment this week: Flying home to CA and telling my family and friends the gender news! We were all in shock because we thought it was a boy. We are sooo thrilled it's a little girl though! My sister and Mom helped me register for the first time and it was a breeze. My sister told me all the things we really needed and all the things that would be a waste of money! She knows since having three kids what is crucial. 

Missing Anything: Saying goodbye to my family and friends again in Los Gatos. My nieces and nephew are growing up too fast!... Also, sleeping on my stomach and back!

Movement: I felt like she calmed down when I was on cold medicine, but she moves more in the morning and an hour before bed. The flutters are more like jabs now. I felt hiccups yesterday too!

Food cravings: I forgot to mention about carbs last time... Carbs, fruit and dairy have been a staple for me during my pregnancy. Pasta, cereal, cottage cheese, waffles, bagels and quesadillas, etc... are the usual. Before, I had a lot of salads and I need to get back to eating them more! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Well having the flu and being pregnant was not fun;(

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Some lower back pains still and stomach tightness.

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but it's not as deep anymore:(
Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: This week I was sooo tired and took my first sick day in a while. I needed to rest as much as I could to get rid of my flu, but still managed to keep busy doing house projects. Unfortunately, work has been super busy too. 
Looking forward to: To having my friends coming to visit for the first time! Kataneh, Morgan, their 15 month old son Emerson and Laura are staying for two days! They flew to Nashville and are driving to VA. Then we are all flying to upstate New York for our friend Mari's wedding! Then Darrin and I are taking Amtrak into Manhattan for a night! It will be busy, busy, but what a great trip we will spend together. 

Things to do still: We have been working so hard getting projects done in the house for my friends visit and the baby coming. Now, that Darrin finally painted our last room (guest room), we can try to focus on the babies room in the next couple of months. It helps that we know the gender now!

Due Date: December 29th! Christmas/New Years baby!

YAY!!

The reveal

Right after dinner. A double rainbow!

Telling my family! 

Pink sugar cookies for the reveal to my nieces and nephew

19 weeks – 5 days until gender day!!!

I have been following a cute blog, Schue Love for awhile and she posted a questionnaire weekly throughout her pregnancy. I was inspired, but I wasn't diligent in my first three months. Now, that I'm back to my normal self, I really want to keep track of my next five months. So, here I go!

How many weeks: 19 Weeks. - 5 Months! 

Baby Size: Size of a large mango. Six inches.

Weight gain so far: About 5 pounds - Finally have my appetite;)

Maternity clothes: Belly band is helping me wear my regular pants and I have a few maternity tops/pants. I never knew that maternity shopping was so hard.

Stretch marks? No, but I need to find a good lotion just in case.

Sleep: Sleeping well. Sleeping on my sides with my other boyfriend (full body pillow;) 

Best moment this week: Feeling more baby flutters

Missing Anything: A good margarita, coffee and sleeping on my stomach and back!

Movement: More movement this week from the little one!

Food cravings: I haven't had too many "pregnancy" cravings. The normal, thai, sushi and I was craving calamari last night.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Since, I've haven't been sick in a few weeks (thank goodness), I still get yucky with coffee aroma and the cats food/litter. 

Gender: We find out this FRIDAY!!!!! 

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Some lower back pains throughout the day/night and my belly is tighter. 

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but it's not as deep anymore:(
Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: Darrin tells me I've been pretty good throughout this whole pregnancy. So that's good! I haven't cried for anything. I have more normal energy back, yay!

Looking forward to: Finding out what this little berry is! It's amazing what a huge life change we will be experiencing this week. Also, I'm flying home to California to tell my family/friends in person and finally going baby shopping!

Things to do still: Lots to do in five months! Registry, baby shower venue in CA, finally attend a prenatal yoga class, finish reading baby books, and try to find more decor for the baby room. The list will never end...

Due Date: December 29th! Christmas/New Years baby!

Miss Maddie will be a great sis to her little brother or sister.

A little belated pic.

Summer's already half done?

Or as Darrin says, "his summer just ended since, 'The Dark Knight Rises' came out!" It was an incredible movie and sad that a sicko had to take innocent lives in Colorado. Very tragic. 


Recap of the beginning of July: The weekend of fourth of July was very memorable. Darrin and I, his brother, and Aunt and Uncle drove to Bluefield, WV to an outdoor country concert. We had been looking forward to the show since we went to it last year. It's the Best people watching Ever!! We were suppose to see Eric Church and Jake Owen until we had a rare type of tornado storm. We were in the football stadium no more than 30minutes until everyone had to evacuate and leave. We hoovered under the bleachers for some time, but finally drove home. The worst was when we got home. Our area was hit really hard. Fallen trees and power outages everywhere. Luckily, our house had power and thankful since it was sooo hot and humid that week. It was a big deal on the news and I'm still not used to these crazy thunderstorms here!...We spent the fourth at Claytor Lake like we do every year. Boat rides, swimming, corn hole, great food and ending the night by watching the guys blow up Tennessee fireworks! The coolest was seeing sheets of lightening across the sky at the same time.


I was finally feeling more like myself in the second weekend of July, thank goodness! So, Darrin and I took an improptu mini "babymoon" to Outer Banks, NC. We both had never been there and were anxious to see what the beaches were like. We got the best deal at an Inn on Roanoke Island, just outside of Nags Head. We stayed in the honeymoon suite of an old house right on the water. It was perfect. However, the humidity and heat was insane and my prego belly got burned on the beach:(... The Outer Banks was different than I expected, but so glad we went!

The last two weekends, Darrin has been hard at work painting! It's difficult to just watch him since I can't help, but I've been doing other projects throughout the house too. Our master bedroom and the NURSERY is finally painted and we now have cute curtains on the windows. We cleared out the baby room and are in the beginning stages to filling it with baby stuff. It's still a little surreal that I'm almost half way done with my pregnancy!


Pregnancy Milestones: We heard the babies heart beat again last week and everything is looking good!
Two total strangers asked about me about my pregnancy while shopping this weekend. Yep, I guess I'm showing!
Last, I felt flutters today! It was like butterfly wings scraping the side of my stomach.

Bluefield, WV – Right before we ALL had to evacuate 

Motorboatin' on the fouth

At 15 weeks, now 17.

The Booth House Inn, Manteo, NC

Right on the water

Our Honeymoon suite – The Innkeepers family antiques

Bath water

Darrin got his seafood!