21 weeks

During this week our Jaxon will weigh in at about three-quarters of a pound (12 ounces) and is measuring at 10 1/2 inches. (or a large carrot) So while there wasn't much of a length gain...he added on about an ounce and a half in weight. His eyelids and eyebrows are now present on the boy's face, though the eyelids will remain shut for some time. He continues to practice swallowing amniotic fluid and studies suggest that he is able to taste the differences in amniotic fluid depending on what I eat (sweeter, spicy, etc.) I guess that means I really should be eating all those veggies they've been suggesting! ;)
The cute little tickles that first introduced Jaxon and I have turned in to all out Tai Bo thanks to the neurons making a complete connection between his brain and his muscles. I am also beginning to see a definite sleep/awake pattern. He is generally active around 6:15 am (right before my alarm goes off) 10:00am, and various time during the afternoon. He is by far the most active between 8-9pm. This is when we can not only feel the acrobatics--but SEE them. Justin has been able to feel Jaxon kicking for about a week now...which means its only a matter of time and the opportunity for all of you to get your first kicks too!
We hope all is well with everyone! We can't wait to see you for the Holidays!!
much love,
Justin, Robin and Jax

The 50 yard line....

This week marks the midway point in this amazing pregnancy. We've made it safely through 20 weeks and have 20 to go! I can't believe how fast time is moving--and how long it seems we have left to go.
Another growth spurt happens this week--Mr. Jax has gained about 2 ounces...bringing him to a total of 10 1/2. He has also gained in length (about as long as a large banana)- 10 inches! Okay--thats a little misleading--at week 20 the fetus begins to be measured from head to toe since he's now big enough and can stretch out enough for full measurement. (he's about 6 1/2 head to bum)
He is still practicing swallowing and various gross motor movements (hitting, kicking, squirming...etc.) Also new and fun this week...his body is producing meconium-a black, stick by-product of his digestive system. This tar like substance will continue to accumulate in his bowels until he's delivered. However, some babies will "release" in the womb--which can lead to respiratory problems after delivery. So we're crossing our fingers (and legs) thats there's no poo-ing in this uterus! =)
Over the next few weeks and months Jaxon's main job will be to grow in both length and weight with the majority of major development under his belt.
much love,
Justin, Robin and Jaxon

Talk to me!

Some research suggests that this week our baby boy (still makes me smile to say it...) has developed enough to hear sounds occurring outside his warm little home! He is now sensitive to light, sound and touch (ok so its closer to poking but whatever). During this time the brain is still busy at work designating specialized areas specifically for touch, taste, smell, sound and vision. Jaxon is know weighing in at a whopping 8 1/2 ounces and about 6 inches long head to bottom. (Next week he'll be measured from head to toe since he's grown big enough to stretch out a little.) That would make him about the size of a large mango or heirloom tomato. Jax's arms and legs are now proportionate to each other and the rest of his body--although they will continue to be on the short side until he's ready to start being mobile. His skin is also coated in a greasy, cheese-like coating (vernix caseosa) to protect him from becoming pruned and pickled by the amniotic fluid. Depending on when he decides to arrive he may still be covered in it (early arrival) or the coating may be completely gone (late sleeper). Underneath that grease...hair is beginning to sprout on his little head.
On the parent front...things are moving--quickly. Justin has just started his training for Arson Investigator. We will be closing escrow on our house in the next week or so. And I am deep into the teacher mode. My belly is growing daily (it seems) and am still feeling well.
till next week...
much love,
Justin, Robin and Jaxon

BABY BOY!!

The most exciting thing that has happened in the past week is knowing that I no longer have to use gender neutral terms and pronouns and can begin using boy words!! The ultrasound was an indescribable experience (one of many thus far and yet to come) but I'll give it a shot. With us for the appointment were my Mom and Sally, my Dad, Beth, Bob and Kelly. Bob-o and Kim were with us via speaker phone! The room was warm and inviting and looked more like a tv room than an office. There were comfy looking over stuffed couches, big tv screens and a projection screen so everyone got a good look at the ultrasound. Seeing the BOY again was nothing less than amazing. With the 3D you could see his facial features, arms, fingers, legs, umbilical cord (ok you get the point...). With the 4D we were able to see him in motion--stretching his neck, throwing an arm over his head, moving his legs, opening his mouth and smiling! It didn't take long for the technician to give us the verdict--BOY...all boy. Against all of my worrying--the little guy was very willing to cooperate and show us his stuff. The rest of the time (25 min or so) was spent watching him. Thankfully we have it all on DVD (which we've made copies to share)! We were also given a dozen pictures and have copies as well.

Time for the serious stuff....

Week 18- This week buddy boy is about 5 1/2 inches long-the length of a bell pepper- and weighs about 7 ounces. So while there wasn't much growth in length, we've definitely packed on the ounces. He continues to flex his arms and legs (which I can feel now!) and his ears are finally done moving. He'll also begin to practice yawning and may even hiccup now and then. A thin layer of myelin (a protective coating) begins to form around his nerves and will continue to do so until a year after he's born. Finger prints have also fully formed by the end of this week.

This pregnancy continues to be a wonderful experience! Thank you for being so involved and ready to share it with us!

much love,

Justin, Robin and Jaxon =)

Gimme a Hand....week 17

Take a look at your palm--the baby is big enough to be cradled in your hand, about 5 inches from head to rump and 5 ounces in weight. This week the baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone...sounds much heavier and quiet frankly--more painful--for me! The umbilical cord is also growing stronger and thicker...this is the lifeline to the placenta, which provides all the the nutrients for the baby. All joints are movable and sweat glands are beginning to develop (cause I guess peeing inside of me isn't enough?? gross) The baby also practices sucking and swallowing. And the heart is now regulated by the brain--anywhere between 140-150 beats per minute (which is about 2 our heart rate).
The end of this week marks the fourth complete month of pregnancy...in 2 weeks we'll be half way home!
Friday is G-Day(gender day)!!! Keep your phones close!
much love,
Justin and Robin

Week 16

This week starts the beginning of a serious growth spurt. Over the next few weeks, the baby will double in weight and and add inches to its length!! (this could explain why I seem to be eternally hungry!) And continuing our tour through the produce section--this week we are on to avocados--about 4 1/2 inches bum to nugget and weighs in at about 3 1/2 inches. The legs are much more developed, back muscles are strenghtening which causes the head to move into a more erect position than previously. The eyes and ears are also continuing their migration to their final resting spots. Toenails, eyebrows, eyelashes and hair pattern on the scalp (no hair there yet) have all begun to make their apperances this week. The circulatory system is busy this week as well...the baby's heart pumps the equivalent of 25 quarts of blood a day.
Next week, Justin and I will be going to a 4D ultrasound to finally (fingers crossed--but baby legs wide open) find out just who's inside of me. We're both extremely excited and because of this the days seem to be taking their sweet time. Expect a phone call next Friday evening with news!!
much love,
Justin and Robin

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