21 Weeks Down, 19 Weeks To Go

Time is going by too fast. I have tried three different samples so far of paint on the wall of the room that is going to be the nursery. We will probably try a couple more before Chris and I narrow it down to a color we like for sure. Once the room is re-painted I will feel better and can start preparing the room for Baby G's arrival.

Baby G is definitely getting bigger and stronger all the time, and showing just that! I was laying in bed the other night reading a book when I felt a rather large THUMP! I put the book down and pulled my shirt up to look at my ever-expanding tummy just in time to SEE another THUMP!

This little lump I was seeing was like something out of some sci-fi movie. Something moving, living, breathing (sorta) right under my skin. It was very bizarre and at the same time incredibly cool. To know my little one is getting bigger and more real . . . I can actually see with my own eyes that there is in fact something living and growing inside me.

I just laid there watching these movements roll from one side of my belly to the opposite side and lower . . . then back up. I think she was doing somersaults or something along those lines. These movements went on for a good 4 or 5 minutes. I was mesmerized.

Since the other night I have been feeling the kicks and movements on a regular daily (but mostly nightly) basis. They get stronger with every passing day. I find myself staring at my belly with any of the slightest movement in hopes to catch a glimpse of my little one moving around again. It still surprises me every time it happens . . . but I love it. I am enjoying it now while it's still "smaller" movements. In a few weeks/months I hear these kicks end up unpleasantly in the ribs or other random organs — Ouch!

I also get a little giggle when I realize Baby G has the hiccups! It has happened twice now and they don't last long but it always makes me laugh a little.

Update on Baby G —

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At week 21 Baby is stretched out enough to start measuring crown to heel instead of crown to rump so measurements from now on are crown to heel. Baby G is now 10.51 inches long. 12.7 oz (360g). The size of a large Papaya.

Her senses are developing, especially her sense of touch. She can feel her face and stroke her arms and legs. Baby's skin is now less transparent and more opaque. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) is also starting to take place in Baby G's sleep pattern, which is crucial for any healthy baby's sleep pattern and general development. Our sweet one is still a little lean, mean, growing machine! But the beginnings of what is commonly called "brown fat" is just starting to fill in to help her retain some body heat, which is crucial as she is not yet capable of regulating her own body temperature.

By now, your baby swallows at least several ounces of amniotic fluid each day — not only for hydration and nutrition, but also to practice swallowing and digesting — skills your baby will need as soon as she arrives on this earth. And keep this in mind: the taste of the amniotic fluid differs from day to day depending on what mommy has eaten that day. That smorgasbord of tastes won't be lost on the baby. That's because our little one has very developed taste buds already. In fact, researchers have noted that babies who were exposed to certain tastes in utero via the amniotic fluid were more eager to eat foods with that same taste after birth.

Let's hope mommy is eating her veggies!