I'm getting bigger!

Beginning Week 23

The baby finally weighs 1 pound and is just over 11 inches long. Baby's nostrils are unsealed and baby is capable of muscular breathing, but the lungs need a little more time to mature. The other organs are almost in full gear too. The pancreas can now produce insulin but the brain is still growing rapidly inside the skull. As you can tell from the photos below, the lips are more distinct and baby's eyes may flutter open occassionally.

This week was a strange sleeping week-- I've been waking up so darn early!! That also means I fall asleep early, which makes me part of the early bird special. Besides that, I feel great. The belly is growing and I'm very happy I purchased two pairs of maternity pants. They are quite comfortable to wear (and yes, I'll be wearing them to Thanksgiving to get in a few extra pieces of turkey).

Because of the kitchen remodeling project, my diet has been lacking, so I am really focusing on making sure I get enough veggies in my diet. I have noticed a difference without holsome meals each night. I'm also feeling as hungry as people say pregnant women usually are. I can't eat big meals, but I sure am eating often. Still watching my weight, I've gained 10 pounds so far, which is right on for a healthy pregnancy.

My book also mentions forgetfulness-- yes, sign me up! I thought I was just becoming more blonde each day. They say it's temporary, usually from the hormones, and thank goodness. I feel so spaced out lately, like I'd forget my arm if it wasn't attached. They say it's also due to thinking about baby and imaging what will be. Whatever it is, I hope it comes back soon!

Week 22 photo!

The appointment went very well today. I saw the other male doctor because mine was sick. So, at least I've met 3 out of the 4 OB/GYNs in the office. Who knows who may be delivering the baby.

Baby's face looks good the doctor said. No cleff lip, there are 4 chambers in the heart and the face is good. As you can see at the right, the bottom photo is a close up of the side profile. You can see all the little parts! The top photo is a 3D photo of the face looking directly at it. I know, the photo looks like something that should be a Halloween costume next week.

Beginning Week 22

I see the doctor again on Tuesday, so hopefully we'll have a good baby photo! Baby's inner ear is developed enough now to detect vibrations so we better start talking to the belly. Some people say the baby feeds more vigorously if you read to baby in utero, so we may as well try. Get those smart genes working right away.

Baby is also exploring other sensations, stroking the face as baby gets to know herself. The fingernails now cover the nail bed too. Baby is swallowing and opening and closing the jaw to work the muscles. Baby's taste buds are now developed enough to taste difference flavors. I better continue to watch what I'm eating.

Belly is getting bigger. I'm starting to do some shopping and maternity pants are just strange! They are a little too big yet, but my normal pants are too small. The in between stages. Overall, still feel good, just hungry. Kevin seems to be getting excited. It's more fun now that he can physically see the baby. Now we just need to feel some kicking action and we'll be all set!

Beginning Week 21

I am officially halfway through my pregnancy! Amazing. Baby is halfway to its birth size too, measuring around 9 inches long. Everyone says by now I should be feeling baby moving, but I haven't noticed anything that screams out "the baby is moving!" I suppose I'll start to notice soon enough.

Baby’s eyelids have finished forming this week, and baby is very busy moving around and swallowing amniotic fluid. As baby swallows amniotic fluid, the digestive tract is continuing to mature. Baby is also receiving some of the caloric intake from the amniotic fluid. Hard to imagine, but baby's senses are developing, so much that baby is becoming aware of my eating and sleeping habits and of light and noise outside my body. I guess I better keep playing my classical music and practicing my cello.

As noticed by the photo (with a shirt on), I have also officially "popped." You can tell I have a bun in the oven. I'm in between normal pants and maternity pants. I also received a bunch of baby items from my neighbor toady. Soon this house will be full of baby stuff. I still feel healthy and need to remember to watch what I'm eating. Let's hope the last half of this pregnancy goes as smoothly as the first half did.

20 week doctor visit

On Wednesday Kevin and I went to see Dr. Lipinski for our half-way visit/ultrasound. Leave it to our baby to be stubborn. Because baby was in such a curled up position, we didn't get a very good photo of it. I have to go back in two weeks for another one so the Dr. can see baby's face.

From what we did see, the spinal cord is perfect! The skull is joined well and we also saw kidneys, bladder, 2 arms, 2 legs (kicking!!) and the belly. Baby looks pretty healthy and she said the measurements mean it is growing good.

I haven't felt any kicking yet, but everyone says I should feel something soon. Well, I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I do. My pants officially don't fit. I have a band that I wear to keep my pants up, so not quite in maternity jeans yet.

Beginning Week 20

My does time fly! Our big 20 week ultrasound is on Wednesday, however, the sex of the baby will not be revealed! Hang in there, February is right around the corner.

Up until this point baby’s length was measured from the crown of their head to the bottom of their rear end. Now baby’s length is measured from crown to heel. Baby is about 8 inches long and weighs 9 ounces. Not even a pound yet.

Baby is beginning to produce meconium, a dark green or black sticky substance that constitutes a baby’s first messy diaper. A few babies pass meconium while in the uterus or during labor. Meconium consists of cell loss, amniotic fluid that has been swallowed, and digestive secretions. That's pretty gross, but at least my body has found ways to handle such things. It sure is amazing.

This weekend I was thinking about how much MORE growing this baby has to do in such a short period of time! I love thinking about the mechanics of this whole baby thing. It sure is exciting.

Wait for news on Wednesday. We'll have some new photos as well.