21 Weeks

Baby's First Kicks

Jeff and I felt the baby's first kicks last Thursday night! It was so amazing! I have felt flutters before, but this was the first kick I felt. It so happened to be Jeff's first too. Jeff had his ear pressed against my belly, listening for the baby's heartbeat. He didn't hear the heartbeat, but after about 5 minutes, we felt this karate kick from the inside! I saw Jeff's head bounce up with the kick, and his eyes got as big as saucers. He was like "whoa!" and rubbed his forehead where she had kicked him. She did it again a few minutes later and this time the kick was stronger. So now every night before we go to sleep, we have tummy time - he lays his head on my belly and talks to her to see if she will move or kick.

Over the weekend, we went to KC for my high school reunion. We stayed with Mom and she got to feel the baby move too! It was more of a bounce than a kick, but she felt her - a few different times. I'm so glad baby became active right before our visit! So now, I feel her a lot. Last night Jeff was wanting to feel her kick again. I've gotten pretty good at knowing where the baby is when he presses his head on my tummy..after a few minutes she had moved b/c I could no longer feel that pressure or resistance. She had moved a little lower - I guess for more room!

20 Weeks

How far along? 20 weeks
How much does Baby weigh?: 10.5 ounces
How big is Baby? 6.5 inches (head to rump); 10 inches (head to heel)
Maternity clothes? Yes!
Stretch marks? No new ones since 18 weeks
Sleep: I've slept great this week. Last night I only had to get up once.
Best moment this week: Jeff's nightly ritual of putting his ear on my belly to listen for the heartbeat. He hasn't been able to yet, but it's possible around this time. He did hear a thump at the same time I felt her move - that was cool.
Movement: Not much. However, she's moved a few times and it's tickled.
Food cravings: Honey Nut Cheerios
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: no
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: Being able to take deep breaths. Some days are better than others.
What I am looking forward to: Hearing the heartbeat at tomorrow's OB appt.
Milestones: Pregnancy is halfway over!

It's a Girl!

Meet Baby T
Due Date: December 8, 2009
Age: 18 weeks
Sex: Girl!
Personality: Shy?



There has been much anticipation over the sex of Baby T. Would it be a boy, as Thompson tradition promises? Or would a roll of the dice change things?

According to a recent poll, 14 out of 22 people thought Baby T was going to be a girl. Turns out they were right! Even though Jeff and I have had this feeling for several weeks that this may be true, it still was (and is) a shock.

The moment our little girl popped up on that screen, our jaws just about hit the floor at how big she had gotten. She didn't even fit in one view this time. We would see parts of her at a time with the head the first thing we saw. They took a bunch of measurements, determined that she wasn't at risk for Spina Bifida or Down's. Her hands, at first, were up by her face and Jeff thought she was sucking her thumb at one point.



Here's her spine when she was facing down.



The technician didn't have any trouble determining the sex. Thankfully, Baby T cooperated!



Once baby girl spread out her legs (they were initially curled under her rump), she crossed her ankles for us. It was so cute. Here are some photos of her legs .. cue ZZ Top..



The tech had a difficult time getting a shot of her face. Every time she would find her face with the probe, Baby T would turn over and we would see the back of her head. I think she was a little camera shy! Finally, the tech was able to get this photo of her laying on her side, looking at the camera..



A 3D photo..She is facing to the right with her hands in front of her face. The umbilical cord is going from the belly, near her face, behind her head.



Her profile (laying on her back, facing the ceiling)..



And finally, my belly picture taken at 18 weeks, the day of the big ultrasound.

18 Weeks

Baby T's development this week:

They can hear sounds and may be startled by loud noises.
Recognizable active and rest periods.
The skin is building a protective wax layer (vernix).
Vernix (a white cheese like protective material) forms on baby's skin with the lanugo, a soft lightly pigmented hair covering the body and limbs, both help to protect your baby's skin during the months in water. Your baby may hear your heart beating, your stomach rumbling or blood moving through the umbilical cord. He or she may even be startled by loud noises.

Tiny air sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs and the vocal chords are formed. Baby goes through the motions of crying but without air doesn't make a sound; yet.

Your baby may have the same awake and sleep patterns of a newborn. Baby will have a favorite position for sleep and recognizable active and rest periods.

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How far along? 18 weeks
How much does Baby weigh?: 7 ounces
How big is Baby? 5.5 inches
Maternity clothes? Yes, though I'm still able to wear pre-pregnancy t-shirts.
Stretch marks? I think I found my first from the pregnancy
Sleep: I have a boppy snuggle pillow that I've been using for a few weeks. Just last night I tried wedging another pillow under my back to stay propped on my side..not so comfy
Best moment this week: Seeing my belly take shape. :) And, hearing a lady "oooh and ahh" after my aerobics instructer announced I had a baby in my belly.
Movement: It's felt like he/she has rolled a few times. I had lots of movement a week ago, but has been kind of quiet lately.
Food cravings: Mexican food (doubt this is a pregnancy craving - must be my old tastes returning!)
Gender: Logic tells me boy. Gut says girl! We'll find out on July 9!
Labor Signs: no
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: my Mom
What I am looking forward to: Thursday's ultrasound!! Praying the baby cooperates and that he/she is healthy!
Milestones: Jeff being able to tell that I'm showing.