Week 31--Changes and Developments

This week is the lovely time when I started back to work after the winter vacation. It's crazy to me how vacations are never long enough, and you never get quite as much done as you had originally hoped you would. Oh well! This week, the baby's growth is actually supposed to slow down a little bit, but that doesn't mean it will stop by any means! Slowing down the growth allows the body to focus more on creating the connections between the nerve cells and other areas. Also, rather than just hearing random stuff the baby can now comprehend distinct sounds, and can even pick out voices and music! Other little developments to expect:

• The lungs and digestive tract are nearly mature
• The baby can see in the womb
• The eyebrows and eyelashes are complete.

Other than that, things are pretty quite this week for both baby and us. Next week we have a couple small things going on, but at the end of the month is the baby shower, which I am REALLY excited for! Other than that, we play the waiting game.

Week 30--Changes and Developments

Welcome to week 30 of our baby's development. Yesterday was a pretty crazy day with the ultrasound surprise, and this morning I got a call from my Dr. office that said that the due date interpreted from the ultrasound was February 21!! Despite all of that, I'm going to stick with my original due date, and if he/she comes earlier, then great!! I guess though that this means I'm back to having to use he/she and the baby to explain things since we really don't know what to expect! Now that I've got that out there, on with the show!! This week there are a few developments still being made:

• The baby's head is getting larger.
• The early lanugo is disappearing. There are still patches on the back and shoulders.
• The eyelids open and close. But usually the baby should have its eyes open and looking around.
• The bone marrow is now responsible for making red blood cells.

So that's what's new this week. Sorry it's short today, but I'm still pretty freaked out after yesterday!! Who knew that we would become less sure of what we were having and even WHEN we were going to have it as the time got closer. Ugh!

Ultrasound #3---Utter confusion

So today has been a SUPER crazy day for us. We went in for our 3rd ultrasound and my were we surprised. We went in expected only to see some growth in our baby girl...but found one that we definitely were NOT expecting....a potential penis! That's right, my daughter may be my son. We're REALLY confused and not sure what to expect now, so we're back to not really knowing what the sex of the baby is for sure. Damn the confusion. I'm very glad that most of what I have got so far is pretty neutral, and it looks like it will stay that way until our little one arrives. My cousin is also planning a baby shower for the end of January, but I'll post more on that when I know anything else. I'm ready for bed now because it's been a CRAZY day.

Ahh the confusion

Week 29--Developments and Changes

Wow..29 weeks!! It seems like only yesterday I was peeing on a stick for the third time in utter disbelief. And now Christmas is literally days away. It's amazing how time flies sometimes. I got myself graduated, so that's one more thing off my list. We're in the homeward stretch!! Now for the important stuff. This week there is still growing and developing happening:

• The baby will be able to turn her head to find the source of a bright light and is continuing to become more sensitive to sounds, tastes, and smells.
• The fat layers will continue to form.
• The head is in proportion to the rest of the body.
• The eyes can move in the sockets.
• The bones are fully developed, but they are still soft and pliable.
• She will also begin to store iron, calcium, and phosphorus.

Tomorrow we head back west to see the family, and then on Monday we have our "final" ultrasound so we can check where the baby is and make sure everything looks good. I'm super excited. So I'll have another update for you on Monday!

Week 28 -- Developments and Changes

Week 28. Oh how fast time goes. Finals week is almost over and graduation is approaching, which gives me little time to think about all the great things that the baby is accomplishing this week. While I am putting on my cap and gown, she will continue growing and stretching, not to mention:

• Brain tissue continuing to develop
• The folds and grooves of her brain will continue to develop and expand
• Her very first dreams can begin
• She'll be blinking and batting those newly present eyelashes.
  
• Eyebrows are present...unless she looks like me..then they'll be nearly invisible forever.
• gaining more and more body fat, while increasing her muscle tone

She's working out in there in order to be a healthy baby once she comes out of there. Let's just hope she behaves well while I finish up my finals, graduate, and finish (err...maybe start) my Christmas shopping! Our next Dr. appointment is December 23rd and then we will schedule the next ultrasound. That's what's happening in our neck of the woods. Let us know how you are all doing!

Week 27--Developments and Changes

Welcome to the 3rd and final trimester of this thing we call pregnancy! So far I have loved nearly every moment of this trip, and can't believe we're getting so very close to the end already. The baby is moving more and more, and is definitely getting stronger. The muscles should be developed enough now to allow her to suck her thumb, and do other small refined movements. Other developments this week:

• The network of nerves to the ear is completed
• The baby takes some practice breaths to strengthen the lungs
  
• Eyelids begin to open, and the retinas begin to form
• She may be also able to recognize me and Seth's voices. How cool is that??

So that's about all I have this week. Sorry to cut things short, but it's finals week so I have a TON of stuff on my plate. Have a great week!!