The Baby, 29 Weeks

At 29 Weeks, here is how our precious little one is developing:
Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about half a pound more than he did last week (about 2 1/2 pounds total) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester. To keep yourself and your baby well nourished, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium. (Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening.)
On a side note... I am currently trying to upload images of the 3-D Ultrasound, and blogger is not cooperating with me. I am frustrated right now, so will try again (for the 6th time) later to share these awesome photos with you. The 3-D experience was INCREDIBLE! Even more exciting than the first ultrasound, and you can actually get an idea of what the baby is going to look like! (My favorite part is the chubby little cheeks you can already see!) Kris' mom, sister, and grandmother got to attend with us, and it was definitely a day of bonding for the family! :) If pregnant, I stringly suggest you get this done...it was amazing!!! I will share photos as soon as I figure out the blog problem, I promise! :)

Belly Photos, 28 Weeks

A few friends and family members have requested to see what I look like pregnant. :) So, here are a couple of pictures that have captured the baby in making. :) I can't wait to share pictures of the baby AFTER his or her arrival...those will be much cuter!!!!!!!!

We are in full swing with the third trimester, can you believe it?! Here is what is going on right now:
By this week, your baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and measures about 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. Her fat layers are continuing to build up as she gets ready for life outside the womb. The big news this week is that your baby can open and close her eyes which now sport full lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won't be long before she's batting those beauties at you! Well, we went to the doctor on Monday, and I have finally gained a few pounds, 5 to be exact since the last visit(4 weeks ago). I am now only a few pounds shy of where I was before pregnancy. I measured right at 28 weeks, and the heartbeat was still nice and strong at 150 beets per minute. Tests have come back, and I am cleared of any gestational diabetes and the possibilities of birth defects were all in the 1 in a thousand type ranges. This has really been a great pregnancy thus far, God is blessing us every day! I did have a slightly high blood pressure, so pray that does not become a problem. It was 140 over 72, and they would really like the top number to be closer to 120. Kris is checking it at home, and it is closer to 130, but we just want to make sure I am not in danger of preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure that could be dangerous for the baby and the mother).
We will be having our 3-D ultrasound on Monday! I am so excited to actually see this little one's face and features! No worries...I am confident the ultrasound tech knows what she is doing, and will avoid finding out the sex. :) I will try to share any pictures we get as soon as possible! For the whole process, we only have 12 weeks left until the possible arrival date of this awesome blessing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Baby, 27 Weeks

Your baby is really starting to fill up your uterus. This week he weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?

The Baby, 26 Weeks

We are only a week away from the 3rd trimester, can you believe it?!?! I sure am glad the holidays are coming...something to distract me from the baby! I think about it too often, and find myself getting impatient! :) Here is what BabyCenter says is going on this week...
Your baby now weighs a little less than 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches from head to heel. Her weight will more than triple between now and birth as she rapidly lays down baby fat. She'll need that fat to help adjust to colder temperatures outside the womb and as a source of energy and calories in the first days of life. It's not uncommon for newborns, especially those who are breastfed, to lose weight (sometimes as much as 10 percent of their birth weight) in the first week after birth.
The nerve pathways in your baby's ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days. I have had a few people ask to see a picture of me pregnant...I will get Kris to take a picture and post it soon. :)