26 Weeks Update

I can't believe how fast time has gone. Since the day we found out we had conceived on our own, without the use of fertility drugs, it seems to have flown by. The first 10 weeks were the longest where each day felt like pins-n-needles hoping and praying this new life growing inside me would be strong and survive. And here we are now... 6 1/2 months pregnant, a viable pregnancy, a human life moving around inside of me. I love to feel him move; I love to know that he is there; I love that I am never alone. First I will share with you what pampers.com says is going on this week, then I will share my most recent Dr visit and Glucose test results from this week.

Practice breaths. This week, your baby's nostrils are starting to open up, which gives him the chance to practice breathing using his muscles and lungs. There's no air to take in, of course, so instead he "inhales" and "exhales" amniotic fluid. By the time he's born, he'll be a pro.

What a sucker! Your baby is also flexing some of his feeding muscles— his lips and mouth. His sucking reflex is so strong that if his hand floats by his face, he'll suck on his thumb or fingers. Ultrasounds often show babies in utero sucking their thumbs. In fact, some babies are born with sucking blisters on their fingers, thumbs, lips, or hands. Sucking is just one of the 70-plus reflexes your baby will have when he's born.

Up for grabs. "Grasping something—like my umbilical cord—is my newest trick." Grasping is another of those many reflexes. If you hold out your finger to a newborn, you'll be amazed by the strength of his clutch. Your baby is practicing his killer grip right now. His favorite pull toy is his umbilical cord, which he likes to yank and tug. Don't worry; the cord is up to the challenge.

Face Time. More facial features are evident by this stage, including lips, eyelids, and prominent nose and chin. The external ear is more developed and is assuming a position higher on the head.

Isn't that SO precious!! I can only imagine the little facial expressions our boy is making. I hope he doesn't think I'm looney for talking to the dog the way I do ;)

So my Dr appt on Tuesday went good. I gained another 2 pounds (8 in total) and am doing good in that department. Dr. Kaldas measured me and I measure in at 31 centimeters. I asked if that is normal and he says, "Well, it's at the top of the range right now. If you measure the same next month, we'll be at the top yet, but if more, then I want to order an ultrasound and see just how big he is." Dr. Kaldas believes he is a big boy, and I certainly agree. Both Tom and I were almost 9 pounds at birth, so I wouldn't be one bit surprised if our little miracle is growing to be a big boy as well. I just hope I will be able to walk without falling over in the next few months...! And my glucose test -- I passed it with flying colors! My body can effectively metabolise sugar, so guess what that means?? YES! I can eat my candy and love it too! I told Dr. Kaldas about my little obsession with sweet candy and he affirmed that it is perfectly normal and OK as long as I maintain my weight like I have. I'm so relieved because who else is going to eat all the pixie stix, nerds, smarties, and pop rocks I just bought at Wal-Mart??? Oh yea, that's for trick-or-treaters... Right, I bought Halloween candy already. It was all on sale, and how could I pass it up?! Initially, I had hid it in the pantry downstairs to keep Tom out of it, but I've busted in it twice so far... and thinking about it again right now... Hmmmmmm.

So here are a few pictures Tom took of me this past weekend. I had loaded them in my new Photoshop Elements, made some edits, and saved them, but I must have done something wrong cuz they didn't save or they would transfer on my jump drive from my laptop to my desktop. I don't know. I've got some tutorials to go thru so I can learn how to use the program.

We'll have to try some new pics in another few weeks. My sister (the photographer) will be coming home for my shower at the end of October, so I'll have to take advantage of her then, and maybe we can get some good pics of me and Tom and Theo, too! :)

Until next time, *HUGS* to all!!!

Roxanne