MacNut Week 16

Technically, this is what's going on this week:

• MacNut is the size of an avocado (yum!) - ~4.57 inches and 3.53 ounces.
• The fetus is covered with a protective soft down to regulate its temperature.
• Fat begins to form underneath skin.
• Baby hears external voices, sleeps and dreams.

Physical:

• Weight: 126 lb (+0)
• Belly circumference: 33.75 in (+3.25)
• Oh boy, I feel like my belly is growing a lot.  And I finally made it back to my pre-pregnancy weight!
• Physically, I feel like I have a lot of energy.  I need to take a nap in the middle of the day once in a while, though :)

Spiritual & emotional:

• Because I feel better physically, my mood has been a lot better, too.  It also helps that it's Spring Break!!
• I've been doing a lot of unpacking & setting up the house.  It has been fun.  But I do miss Portland (and Donovan) a lot.

MacNut Week 15

My sister gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Donovan Mychal this morning!!

Technically, this is what's going on this week:

• MacNut is the size of an apple (Washington-grown!) - ~3.98 inches and 2.47 ounces. 
• He or she can move its arms and make a fist.
• Fingernails and toenails are present.
• Baby's skin is still very thin.

Physical:

• Weight: 124 lb (-2)
• Belly circumference: 32.75 in (+2.25)
• Pretty tired this week because of the move.  I had to stop to rest a few times because I was actually feeling a couple of Braxton-Hicks ctx.  Eeeps!
• Chin threw out his back, which is not good...but at least he's taking care of himself by taking it easy and going to a chiropractor/PT.

Spiritual & emotional:

• It felt a little strange to be in Factoria for maybe the first couple of days...but now it feels completely normal.
• I've been having a series of unnerving dreams about losing our baby.  Fortunately, I am completely calm in the dreams and I wake up feeling confident that I am being embraced by the Almighty.  It's only when I think about it more that it becomes scary ... I don't think I should think so much :)

Goodbye Seattle

After 2.5 glorious years in Seattle, we moved back to the Eastside when Richard decided to sell his house (and someone quickly bought it!).  We are VERY thankful to the multitude of friends & family members who were willing to come and help us move all of our stuff over!

One highlight of our new location is that we live across the street from an Old Country Buffet.  Although, we still haven't been there yet since our move.  Proooobably a good thing.

MacNut Week 14

Technically, this is what's going on this week:

• MacNut is the size of a lemon - ~3.42 inches and 1.52 ounces
• The eyes are slowly moving towards the centre of the face.
• The nose is more pronounced. The ears are fully developed.
• The cheekbones are visible. The first hair is appearing.
• The kidneys are producing urine.
• In girls, the ovaries are moving down towards the pelvis.
• In boys, the prostate gland is developing.
• For girls, the ovaries move into the pelvis.

Physical:

• Weight: 123 lb (-3)
• Belly circumference: 32.00 in (+1.25)
• So, I'm growing a lot this week, it seems like!  I'm glad to have some/most of my appetite back.  I can even eat bacon now :)

Spiritual & emotional:

• Last days in this Seattle house.  Lots to do.  Finals week and packing do not make such a good combination.
• We both feel sad to leave Seattle but are a little excited about what God has in store for us in living in Factoria.

MacNut Week 13

First week of 2nd Trimester!  And quickening (maternal perception of fetal movements) has occurred!  I thought I felt some bubbly movements in the belly last week but completely brushed off that notion because it was way too early.  Welp, I'm pretty sure I am feeling the baby.  I know gas...and this ain't gas, m'friends.

Technically, this is what's going on this week:

• MacNut is the size of a medium shrimp - ~2.91 inches and 0.81 ounces.
• Bone is beginning to replace cartilage and the ribs are appearing.
• The nose and chin are well defined.
• Movements can be measured.
• The child will begin to learn to suck its thumb.
• The child can open and close its mouth.
• The external genitalia are well defined making it is possible to determine the baby's gender.

Physical:

• Weight: 122 lb (-4)
• Belly circumference: 31.50 in (+1.00)
• It's confirmed: gagging & vomiting are gone!  Nausea has also ceased for the most part and I'm starting to get a little bit of an appetite back.
• I'm just generally more hungry! :)
• Quickening has occurred!  It's confirmed this week that I felt MacNut move!  Like my sister said, "At first, it feels like you're off balance."  I'm feeling the movements and I thought that they were gas at first (because it's SO early in the pregnancy), but I am now convinced that it's our baby.

Spiritual & emotional:

• We're moving!  We found a place to rent and we're just coming to grips with moving back to the Eastside.  It's a mixed bag of emotions.  Eastside living will be more comfortable.  It's also more "comfortable."
• As I'm getting more poochy, I feel a bit more bonded with the baby.  Especially because I'm feeling movements!