Sunday, February 17, 2008

16 weeks

How your baby's growing: At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.

Well the big news this week is definitely that I felt the baby! I'm convinced that I did. It really makes it all feel more real. I feel more of a connection with my baby. It's not quite so abstract now that I've felt my little one move. Pretty cool stuff. My next doctor's appointment is on Tuesday so hopefully they'll find everything is progressing nicely.

7 comments:

  1. My favorite part of pregnancy was feeling the baby move. When I was 8 or 9 months along and the baby was so big, I loved to just watch my stomach and see him move.

    I'm so excited for you.

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  2. Amazing how that makes it feel real, huh? Sweet.

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  3. I wish you the best at your appointment tomorrow. I loved the feeling the baby move part - you are just going to love it even more as time goes on - it is magical. Take care Sweetie - see you soon. Kellan

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  4. That is so so so exciting! I remember that feeling...seriously I thought it was the best thing in the whole world. Just wait till you get to see your little friend at your ultrasound. All these little pieces we get of our baby are such a gift! So happy for you.

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  5. I'm sorry I never leave comments when you post about this... I kind of don't know what to say since I've never been there. I can only imagine what it must be like to feel a baby inside of you. {i guess I must be a little jealous} is that bad?

    I'm REALLY excited for you to find out what you're having. Is that soon?

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  6. So exciting! I can't wait 'til you find out what you're having...

    You should write a post and have people guess! You could do one closer to the birth and do a giveaway to the person who's closest in weight and lenth, hourse of labor, etc. I already have my guess ready.

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  7. We'll find out next month what the gender is. I can't wait!

    Kate, please don't feel bad about not commenting!

    Nicki, that's a great idea.

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