21 Weeks

This week:

Denver gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing & digesting. And these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. We had an appointment last week to check on baby D, and he was doing very well! Growing according to schedule and so is my belly! I've only gained 2 pounds since conception (I've really been trying to watch it), and we get to go back next week for an ultrasound (the Dr. had to rush out to deliver a baby last time). Can't wait to see our sweet baby boy again!

Growing!

Denver must be growing, because I am!

This picture was taken almost a week ago. D and I could tell that I was growing (some) but it seemed like the day before Easter, I woke up and it kind of had happened overnight.

It's exciting because I actually feel more like a pregnant woman now! It is uncomfortable after I eat - I feel like everything is squished and I get short of breath, but I'm enjoying it!

19 Weeks

I'm 19 weeks pregnant today! I have my 5 month check up next week. Can you believe it? The last time we had a Dr's appointment (a little over two weeks ago) everything was looking good. Denver's heartbeat was 147 and the Dr. was very pleased with the way that he is growing and the way that I'm doing.

Things have been pretty good with me other than my anxiety is back. I'm sleeping ok, but not great. I'm getting up a LOT during the night. Sometimes 7-8 times a night! Our mattress is firm and killing my back so I talked D into putting our air mattress on top of our regular mattress and I have to tell you - every time I walk in our room or get in bed, I just laugh. It's so ghetto, but so much more comfortable! Since he works nights and I work days, we are rarely in bed together at the same time, but we do get to sleep together Sunday nights (our favorite night of the week). We talk and cuddle and watch movies like we used to when we were on the same schedule. Sunday is when he put the air mattress on and I kid you not we laughed for a good 30 minutes. We were both afraid that we would fall off the bed, its so high now!

Anyhow, I know this munchkin is growing because he is the size of a mango now!

Here's what's up with him this week:

Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells now coat his skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. You might actually see the vernix at birth, especially if he comes early. The placenta is continuing to grow and nourish him!