The inconsistent blogger...

I am obviously not a good consistent blog poster. Maybe it is because I have not narrowed down exactly what I want to post about! I mean, I love to cook and craft, so there are options. Maybe as I embark on this adventure of being a mom, I will be inspired to blog about mommyhood, who knows! Or you may just get an update of the adventures and going ons of the Riley household. As is obvious, I have not quite narrowed it down yet, but I would enjoy to blog more.

That being said, I announced previously that we are having a baby and I figured I would go ahead and share the gender as well! Finding out was an exciting adventure because our immediate family joined us for a 3D ultrasound for the reveal. Everyone thought that we were having a boy, with the exception of two of my gal pals and I do not think I was ever convinced personally. They all fell into the trap of believing in the old wives tales. Since I did not experience any sickness or cravings (except for healthy food) and did not show or really gain weight until about 20 weeks, that meant that I was having a boy. 

Surprise!

It's a girl! Here is our announcement that we posted to share with the friends we had not yet told.

The best part about finding out was James' response. He just sat there for a good long minute and did not say anything! His first words were "I need to get more guns" and "She already has me wrapped around her finger"! So we have been embarking on this adventure of decorating the nursery and preparing for little Emery Grace Riley to join us. 

Next, I will share some photos of the nursery because much of it has been the handy DIY work of my sweet husband. Emery and I our lucky girls to have him! 

Musings of a Pregnant Woman!

So I have not blogged in ages and ages. Since then, James and I have had many adventures including continuing to build our photography business, getting me through graduate school (I am officially Rachel Riley, MSW!), and now we are having a baby! We are not divulging all of the details yet, but yes we do know the gender and we will share it along with the name of our little one here soon! Thankfully, this baby is so sweet to me as I have not been sick at all. I am a little over 21 weeks--more than halfway there! I figured it would be entertaining to share my random musings that I have experienced thus far.

1. It is quite awkward to be judged by the size of your stomach! Many people kept telling me they did not believe I was pregnant and ask when I am going to start showing. I get many awkward looks when people find out I am pregnant. It is odd to have one area of your body focused on so intensely.
2. On this same note, I have been told by my midwives that I need to eat more food and can basically eat whatever I want (which they say they do not tell anyone). This is because I only crave healthy foods, especially vegetables and cheese sticks. Therefore, I have now been tasked to gain a pound a week from now on. I did not think I would be told I need to gain weight.
3. I have discovered that the world of fashion is against us preggors. A few of the trends this season appear to be shorter shirts, dresses that are shorter in the front than the back, short/tight skirts and basically anything that is short! Searching for cute sundresses in the junior section has been quite an entertaining experience.
4. While on these shopping adventures mentioned, I have heard multiple women in fitting rooms say "Ugh, I just don't want to look pregnant!"  Hey now!
5. I have also found that I feel a little vulnerable as I walk around with my pants unbuttoned half of the time and I have to completely rely on a hair tie, belly band, or long shirt to cover up the gaping space of my open zipper!
6. I googled what type of bathing suit to wear while pregnant to see what people were saying on forums (I know, big nerd). I found one posting that asked men what they think about pregnant women wearing two pieces. A few men said that it was gross and thought moms should do a better job protecting their little one!
7. Speaking of summer, when people find out I am due mid-September they respond with something like "Oh girl, it's going to be a hot summer for you!" Yes yes, thank you for the reminder.
8. Lastly, James and I are thrilled to say that we are delivering at the Charleston Birth Place. This means that I will have a natural delivery which I am hoping takes place in the form of water birth. This decision has also yielded interesting responses from friends and family and I am surprised that so many people think it is a crazy idea!  I believe I am strong enough and am so thankful to have an extremely supportive husband.

So there are a few of my musings thus far. I am sure there is much more to come and am so excited about this adventure! I will be sure to share more with you, especially the gender of our sweet little baby!