Quick Baby Update: Our Gummi Bear Turned Into a Peach!

Our fetus is now about three inches long and the size of a peach. But don't compare our fetus with the fetus next door. Starting about now, babies begin growing at different paces, some faster than others, some more slowly, though they all follow the same developmental path.

Growing at a universally breakneck speed now is our baby's body as it tries to catch up to the head in terms of size. Though our baby's head is about half the size of its body now, by the time our baby is ready to make his or her entrance into the world, the head will be only one-fourth as large as the body.

Our baby's intestines are also in for some big changes right now. Up till this point, they've been growing in a cavity inside the umbilical cord; but now they're moving to their permanent (and more conveniently located) address, in our baby's abdomen. And to serve our growing baby's needs, the placenta is also growing. It weighs about an ounce now and will weigh one to two pounds at birth (two pounds? Wow! Something else I'll soon be able to blame my weight gain on!).

Also developing this week: our baby's vocal chords. Because sound can't travel through fluid (our baby's current habitat), we won't be able to hear any sounds or cries just yet, but oh boy (or girl) — those vocal chords will get a good workout once that baby is born!

I have been feeling simply divine and not pooching out too much in the tummy region. There may be a little something there but it is still hard to tell. Josh has been great, too...with his "helpful" reminders to roll over when he sees me on my back or stomach...in the middle of the night...asleep...no matter what time. Yes, helpful indeed! But in all seriousness this will just help me adjust to side-only sleeping once I get a little bigger. I can't sleep on my back because it restricts my inferior vena cava and can decrease blood flow to both me and our baby. I can't sleep on my stomach because, well...that just won't work, as you can imagine.

I actually got out and planted some tomatoes, dill, parsley, and basil yesterday (thanks Michael and Tammy for the plants!) and I can't wait for some homegrown tomatoes! Tomatoes in salt and pepper and drizzled in olive oil is often an appetizer in my house. I am going to have to have a serious talk with that baby and tell him that not liking veggies is NOT an option in our family! And thank goodness for all the rain. Lake Lavon is well over our limit and so we should hopefully be ready for the July/August drought season. Please stay conscious of watering since most of our yards are soaked and will be good for several weeks!!

So, my quick update turned not-so-quick. Ooops. I guess the moment moved me! On that note-I am running off to lunch and guess what? I think I am splurging today and getting either tacos or a hamburger from the food court here at work! I am such a glutton for punishment--I guess I better get ready and take my Pepcid now. Ahh...

***Hamburgers with the works and Sunshine to All!***