Week 16

We're 16 weeks pregnant! That means I'm almost 4 months pregnant, and am 40% of the way through the pregnancy. I had to buy maternity pants a few weeks ago because my normal jeans started feeling uncomfortable. In the past week, we've really started noticing a difference. I'm excited that a few people are saying they can tell I'm showing now! I've been saying I've been showing for a few weeks now, but apparently up until now, I was the only one who could tell (or, people thought they had to be nice, which is silly - I'm suppose to have a belly!).

We had a doctor's appointment last Wednesday. All is well! We thought we'd come back in two weeks later for the ultrasound (a very important appointment, since they make sure everything is developing as needed - and, we get to find out the gender!), but she said we need to wait a bit longer to make sure we get a clear read. So, we're set for 9am Wednesday morning on March 9th. I might have a business trip that day, but am hoping it will work out so that I don't have to reschedule. Jason and I don't want to wait any longer!

Anyhow, below is the summary of what's going on with Baby Jordan in week 16, per Babycenter.com.

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

Week 15

Wow, I can't believe how fast time is flying. Two weeks from tomorrow we get to find out if we're having a boy or a girl! We'll keep you posted.

We have another check-up tomorrow morning. It's pretty general - checking on my weight, taking a urine sample and taking my blood pressure (not sure if we get to hear the heartbeat at each appointment or not). If there's any news to share after the appointment, I'll re-post tomorrow. So feel free to check back to this blog if you're curious.

And now for what's going on this week per BabyCenter.com. Enjoy!

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

Week 13 Update

Today we're starting the last week of the first trimester! Below is the update from babycenter.com. I might not get to post next week since we'll be on vacation at Steamboat Springs (where I will make every effort possible to avoid computers). Don't worry - this momma to be will not be skiing. I would, except all I do when I ski is fall, and that's not good for the baby!

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.