Week 25
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.
Week 26
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
Week 27
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
Week 28
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
Twenty Five | Twenty Six | Twenty Seven | Twenty Eight
Week Twenty Five
July 11,2008
I am finally starting to enjoy this pregnancy. Interacting with the baby is amazing. I sing to him and sometimes after a pause or two, he responds with a kick or movements. Seeing my round belly is strange and comical. It gets in the way occasionally, but I can appreciate it's round beauty now, whereas before I was just feeling fat.
And random people out in public are starting to comment...asking when the baby's due or wishing me congratulations. But I do have to tell other people if the topic comes up...so maybe it depends on the outfit?
We also had another appointment today with the midwife. Everything is progressing as normal. I am excited about the route we've chosen (using a midwife) and while still nervous about birth, am not as fearful as I was a little while ago.
We also began the shopping! The first major purchases. We were asked if we were first-time parents...maybe because with all the questions we asked, you'd think we were buying a new car rather than a stroller?
I grew a half-inch in the last week! When I look at the progress photos, I wonder "Can I really get any bigger?" Apparently, yes, cuz we're only in week 26. Yowza.
The anxiety waxes and wanes along with the excitement. I truly believe that when Roo appears, the anxiety will be wholly overshadowed by the adoration...but meanwhile "Holy Schnikeys!"
Week Twenty Seven
July 25,2008
(This week's post is from the Daddy-to-be)
Seeing Alexis getting bigger has been so exciting. I don't have the luxury of feeling the baby 24/7 but do cherish the moments when I have the opportunity to feel little Roo throw a kick or two. I am very proud of my wife and mother to be, as she reads everything in sight to help her learn and prepare for the arrival of our new family member. She eats the proper diet and exercises regularly to help keep both her and Roo healthy.
I am getting anxious for the big day especially so that we can find out if we are having a boy or a girl. That being said, living in the moment is always a challenge and I want to make sure that I am as engaged as I can be since I am not actually doing the heavy lifting.
What I like most about the current stage of development is that our baby can hear us. I have been a bit uncertain of what to actually say, so I found the following poem that I plan to recite so baby can hear the father to be:
Sweet Dreams
Sweet Dreams my baby, the day is done.
The moon is here to say goodnight to the sun.
Gather your blankets and climb into bed.
Close your eyes and lay down your head.
Rest for now with peaceful dreams,
Of twinkling stars and shining moon beams.
Sweet dreams my baby, sweet dreams my love,
Sweet dreams my precious gift from above.
© Kimberly L. Brennan-Smith
Week Twenty Eight
August 1,2008
(This week's post is early since I will be out of town until late next week.)
I am spending the next week and a half at my Mom's in PA. I am looking forward to prepping with her by doing some baby shopping and just hanging out. The distance is now more difficult for me to accept, wishing that I could spend more time with her as we prepare for Roo. But, we do the best we can...so we plan to video conference lots and visit when time allows.
Andrew's been reading the poem to the baby at night. These first moments we spend together as a family are tender and filled with love. I've been blessed.
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