19 Weeks

What’s Will up to? He’s about 6.02 inches long and 8.47 ounces - about the size of a tomato. The word for this week is "poop." Baby is starting to make meconium, a tarry, dark-brown substance that you won't see until his first poop. As he ingests and excretes amniotic fluid and other substances in his watery world, the meconium begins to form in his itty-bitty "large" intestines. Meconium is made of amniotic fluid, mucus, bile, lanugo (the feathery hair we talked about in week 14), and a bunch of other icky stuff that you don't want to know about (all of which is actually sterile and odorless and doesn't stain, so don't worry!). Although Baby has an exponential amount of weight to put on and growing and lengthening to do, he's actually so well formed by now that the biggest growth changes are over and he's less vulnerable to exposure to toxins, like alcohol.

I feel very fortunate to feel Will’s every movement and kick. Most mother’s are busy getting things done and the normal hustle and bustle of their lives that they probably only would feel 25% of the movement I feel. I am so happy to have this time with him. 

Appointment:  Our appointment on 2.10.12 was with Dr. L. There has been no change with my cervix which is wonderful news – full bed rest is definitely needed at this time. Will’s heartbeat was 159 – a little higher than normal but I treated us to a little coffee! Chris was able to come with, his hours at work changed to 4-10’s and has Friday’s off (lucky). Since the purpose of the weekly appointments is for the cervical checks, we didn’t get to see Will, just his head.

Bed Rest: I am enjoying the yummy meals our family and friends have been delivering and have enjoyed the company even more. We are so thankful for all the meals and gifts received. Being on bed rest is extremely lonely so it’s very nice having visitors. I feel bad for Chris because I never want him to go anywhere because I want the company all the time. I am still working full time from home, I am so thankful that I have this option, I can’t imagine trying to fill an additional 45 hours a week of pure boredom! I have quite a bit of acid reflux from being in the laying position all the time. I am trying different things to see if I can eliminate certain thing to reduce this.

Highlights: This week, Chris found a cheap bonded leather recliner chair that would work for me so he picked it up and put it together yesterday – I like it a lot better than the couch. Plus, it opens up more room on our sofas when we have guests.

My body: I am up 10 pounds total and my tummy has grown 10” total. My tummy is starting to appear more out front. I love looking down and seeing my tummy. I am a lot bigger than I was with Breeanna so this is new for me and very fun and exciting.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,  and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6