weeks 14 & 15

So sorry that I missed you all last week...things got crazy, I got lazy and you know how that goes! So let's catch up....
Week 14 (last week)- The babies facial muscles begin to get their workout as the baby is now able to grimace, squint, and suck the thumb! The baby is practicing grasping things by making grasping movements. Finger nails and hair growth all over the body (lanugo) also began this week. The kidneys are fully functional and "relieve" themselves into the amniotic fluid-this will continue for the remainder of the pregnancy (yay?) The liver began making bile and the spleen started helping in the production of red blood cells. By the end of the 14th week the baby measures 3 1/2 inches, and about 1 1/2 ounces...or about the size of a lemon (mmm...lemonade). And even though I Still can't feel it...the baby spends more hours awake and moving, kicking, tai bo-ing than sleeping.
Week 15(this week)-This week is marked by some serious growth---we've gained an inch in length and an ounce in weight...about the size of an apple! To help the air sacs develop in the lungs, the baby spends time "breathing" in amniotic fluid through the nose and upper respiratory tract. The legs are growing longer than the arms (keep on growing!! you're gonna need the height). All limbs and joints are fully movable and are getting much use. And while the eyelids are still fused shut, the baby can sense light. More excitedly...after this week, the baby's gender can now be determined, although not easily. It will depend on the quality of the machine, the clarity of the picture (it can differ between patients--something to do with thickness??) and the cooperation of the baby (it needs to be willing to show the goods!!)
And on that front--Justin and I are planning on getting a 4D ultrasound as soon as the place can fit us in. We will (very obviously) let you know as SOON as we are able to start shopping with a purpose!!
much love,
Justin and Robin