Enjoy the Simple Things in Life...

Baby is growing quickly... Baby 'Pat' is about 13 - 14 inches long and weighs approx 1.5 - 2.5 lbs (the size of a cauliflower)! The baby is starting to look more like a newborn, the tiny hands are fully developed, and the skin is getting some color. This week the spine is beginning to form as well. Things are getting a little more crowded in the uterus so I am really feeling the baby kick these days.

I am excited to experience the simple things in life...flying kites in Springtime, picnics in the park, ice skating, playing with chalk on the sidewalk, water balloon fights, tag, and hide & go seek.

I am excited to see the world through our child's eyes. I visited my best friend in September and we went to a fireworks display. We sat there watching Ainsley as her face lite up while watching the fireworks in the sky for the first time. It was more fun watching Ainsley's reaction then watching the firework. My heart smiled for Jenni and Joel and I was excited for them to be experiencing that with their child. At that moment, I couldn't wait to experience that with our child someday.

I am excited to see James transition from husband to father. I know he is going to be an amazing father.... James teaches me new things every day and I can't wait to watch him interact with our child as he teaches them things.

Spring has Sprung!

Well today is the first day of Spring... although it doesn't really feel like it. I am celebrating by bundling up in a winter coat and drinking hot tea with a spoonful of honey to fend off a cold. Yay!

At week 24 the baby is about the size of an ear of corn (measuring approx 12 inches long and weighs over 1 pound). White blood cells are beginning to develop. The lungs develop branches this week, and the inner ear is completely developed.

Couple of fun things to talk about this week...

Normally the baby will twist and turn around 2:00 in the afternoon and then a little before bedtime. It lasts for a few moments but nothing too wild and crazy. That was a different story on Saturday night! James and I attended the symphony to listen to Tchaikovsky "Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36". The baby jumped and danced to the classical music for a whole hour!

We are not going to find out whether we are having a boy or girl. But it's fun to hear people's predictions. I saw an old wives tale the other day. It said that if a woman is craving sweets during her pregnancy she is going to have a girl; if she is craving meats, she is going to have a boy. Well... I have been craving a lot of meat during this pregnancy. Maybe that's an indication that we are having a boy?!

Only 3 months to go...

During week 23 Baby 'Pat' is about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces (about the size of a papaya). The babies face is fully formed and even listening to my voice and heartbeat.

Lots of thoughts running through my head this week. I am not sure where they are coming from. It may be that we only have 3 months to go (technically 17 weeks) and that I am still in shock that I am pregnant. Or it may be that daylight savings time is making my brain fuzzy and anxious.

As I sit and daydream I start to wonder who is in there? Who is making me smile every time I feel a kick?

I think about my mother and the unconditional love she has given to my sister and I. The mother-child bond is the purest form of unselfish love that exists and I can't wait to feel that kind of love toward a child that my mother has toward me.

Who will we become as a family? Who will we become as parents? I know we will always be learning together, growing together, and experiencing together.

We can prepare the nursery, prepare the finances, and buy clothes for when the baby arrives, but you can never truly prepare for what life holds in store for you as new parents. All we can do is take is day by day, love the child unconditionally, support one another, and just enjoy every minute.

Week 22 ... moving right along!

This week Baby 'Pat' is the size of a papaya. During month five, the average baby measures about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces. I read that the baby sleeps in cycles and sleeps about 12-14 hours per day. I notice the baby kicking in the afternoon around 2 and 3 PM. I will even notice some moving in the late evening before bed. The kicks are becoming more frequent which is a fun feeling.

My sleep continues to be disrupted by arms falling asleep, leg cramps, regular visits to the bathroom, and congestion. I swear this is natures way of preparing me for midnight feedings with the little one. Another "fun" side effect... I am getting an 'outtie'. That's kinda weird to see.

I am getting cabin fever and am craving walks outside, malts at the local ice cream shop, and feeling the warm sunshine on my face. We are on the downhill slide of winter... only a few more weeks to go!

Science!

Baby 'Pat' is about 10.5 inches and about 12.7 ounces... that's the size of a pomegranate and the length of a carrot.

I read on the Endowment for Human Development website, that at 21 weeks the babies breathing patterns, body movements, and heart rate begin to follow daily cycles called circadian rhythms. Basically it refers to a biological "clock" with a cycle of 24 hours. I did some more research on this and what is interesting is that the baby is exposed to my rhythms in the womb through my temperature, food intake, and melatonin. The creation of life absolutely amazes me!

James said we are now officially closer to birth than we were from the start.... our little bundle of joy is going to be here before we know it! My body continues to change to accommodate the little baby and I welcome every stretch of the belly, shortness of breath, and frequent restroom breaks. I am in awe of the human body and what it's capable of doing. I mean I am creating a human being for crying out loud.... a human being!

Halfway There!

20 weeks down... 20 to go! It's amazing how time flies when you are planning for a new arrival in your family. It's a good thing we get 9 months of preparation because there is so much to do!

Windows are installed, registry is complete, and the painter is scheduled. Once the painting is done we can start buying the furniture.

Baby 'Pat' is about the size of a banana this week. Baby weighs about 12 ounces and measures about 10 inches. I am feeling the baby toss and turn in my belly...feels like little champagne bubbles. Speaking of the French, 'Pat' has taste buds now... I wonder how old a baby has to be before I introduce it to fois gras? :)

My dreams are on serious overdrive lately... I am dreaming of people who turn into transformers, me turning into a renaissance knight where my body becomes a permanent shield, and Sunday drives on the Moon to go look at a giant statue of Abraham Lincoln made of gold. Anyone want to take a crack of what those dreams mean?!

Making "Sense" of Modern Art

We are moving right along... nothing too new or exciting for week 19.

Baby Pat is the size of a small mango or a large tomato. The baby is approximately 6 inches long and weighs about 8 ounces. Sensory development starts this week and inside the babies brain certain areas are being specialized for all the senses. Still have not felt any of the movements yet, but I am sure I will in the coming weeks.

We need to get the nursery painted soon, then we can start purchasing all the big-ticket items and getting the room set up. Our artist friend Deb has graciously accepted to paint some artwork for the babies room. James and I have plenty of ideas running through our head, but I am almost leaning toward my favorite kind of Modern Art "White" collection. Think Baby Pat will enjoy looking at the white art as much as me?