Weeks 26 and 27

Well, the second trimester is coming to an end after this week! I can't believe it! TIF is weighing in just over two pounds now. From head to toe, she measures 15"- big enough, if you ask me. Her eyes are starting to open so she can react to light. Also, she has more taste buds now than she will ever have again in her life! I am not sure why her sense of taste is so heightened right now. But, this means she will respond to what I am eating. I think she likes the sweets....

Between my growing belly and the stretching of my muscles, I have been experiencing some lower back and hip pain. Nothing major, it's just uncomfortable. I think walking more will help. My dance classes will start back up again in a few weeks too. Also, my feet have begun their infamous swell. I have been drinking lots of fluids and keeping my feet lifted. Other then that, I am felling good! I have not had any weird cravings or big mood swings.

Nate and I have been thinking about the nursery these past few weeks. I visited a baby store last weekend to look at cribs, dressers, and gliders. There are so many options! I will eventually put together a registry; if for nothing else, a shopping list for us! A charity will be by in a couple weeks to take the last of the adult furniture out of the nursery so that we can start filling it up for our little girl!

Week 25

This week TIF will be growing up to 9" in length. While her weight will not be increasing very much this week, she will still be busy growing. She will develop capillaries under her skin and air sacs in her lungs. She will not be able to breathe until she is delivered, but she will be practicing. Her nostrils will open up and her vocal cords are functioning. This is kind of a weird thought, but I don't think she will make any sounds in there...

I am feeling really good these days. I am used to moving with a big belly (it is no longer easier to get through a tight spot by turning sideways). I am sleeping through the night with minimal wake ups now that I have learned how to get comfortable. I am really watching what I eat since little TIF is developing her palate. But yes, she will like ice cream, just like her mom :) Sometimes my belly is sore from stretching out so quickly, but I am trying to stay comfortable by keeping moisturizers handy.

This morning at church, TIF was really getting into the hymns! Dancing queen! Nate even got to witness one of her big kicks. It is so incredible to be able to feel her move around! I like to picture her face from the ultrasound picture and imagine what she will be like when she is ready to meet us.

Nate and I will be in Durham, NC all this week, so the next blog post will be delayed. See you in Week 26!

Week24

This week TIF will grow to be 8 1/2" long and 1 1/2 pounds! She will gain 6 ounces this week as she puts on some fat and develops her bones and organs. She is also hard at work on her good looks- eyelashes, hair, and eyebrows come in this week! Watch out boys!

I am felling really good at this stage. TIF is super active during the day (and night). She is practicing for the olympics, I think. I am a very light sleeper now, waking up about 5 or 6 times a night to turn over due to an achy back or hip or to go for my nightly bathroom break. I still have way more energy than I did the first trimester. My book says this is good practice for me for when the baby comes.

TIF can taste everything I eat now, so I am always thinking before I eat. Did anyone hear the story about this on NPR this morning? I think it is so cool. TIF is definitely going to love fruit after she is born. I eat about two pieces of fruit a day plus 2 or 3 glasses of juice a day. Maybe I should eat more veggies...

TIF took her "first swim" in the pool yesterday and will be going on her "first flight" next week. Very exciting times for her! Swimming was so nice- I felt so light! In the mean time, TIF enjoys listening to statutes and NPR. Hey, it worked for Olivia!

Week 23

I have no entered into the sixth month, which is the last month in the second trimester. This week TIF is working on building up some fat. Right now, her skin is loose and a little see through. Her fat buildup will continue through the eighth month. Cute baby cheeks, anyone? (And yes, I mean the ones on her face and her bottom!)

There is no question I am pregnant. I find it no longer advantageous to turn sideways to get through narrow places. Everywhere I go I am getting a little unsolicited advice. I will get better at deflecting or accepting it. I just never know what to say. Fortunately, people don't touch my belly!

I will have my next doctor's appointment in a month and another ultrasound one month after that. In the mean time, I keep eating all day long. ... And try to limit my sweets!

Here is a recent picture of my belly: