14 Weeks--Second Trimester!

Ah, into my second trimester. A lot less worry now, at least in general. I think I've been pretty laid back about the pregnancy so far. My worries are more about when the baby gets here -- will I keep my sanity? How will the other two kiddos react/behave? My hope is that they'll have each other to keep company and won't mind if Mommy needs to spend a little extra TLC with the new little one. Carter will be in preschool three days a week (half days) and Lauren's on a great schedule already, so I'm hoping things will be easier than I fear. I know they were with Lauren! Maybe this one will be as laid-back and easygoing as Lauren was as a baby. We can only hope... :)

Here's what's going on with baby: This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

And with Mommy: Welcome to your second trimester! Your energy is likely returning, your breasts may be feeling less tender, and your queasiness may have completely abated by now. If not, hang on — chances are good it will soon be behind you (although an unlucky few will still feel nauseated months from now).

The top of your uterus is a bit above your pubic bone, which may be enough to push your tummy out a tad. Starting to show can be quite a thrill, giving you and your partner visible evidence of the baby you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.

I'm definitely showing now, and will start taking weekly pictures of the belly next week. Something to look forward to in upcoming blogs! I have my next doctor appointment on Monday afternoon -- just a routine check and listening to the heartbeat with the doppler. Then we'll schedule the next one four weeks later -- the big ultrasound!! Any more thoughts on the sex? Maybe I should start a poll... :)