16 Weeks

I'm 16 weeks along today and feeling pretty good. I've noticed that I've been a little more tired the past few days, but it's mostly after being busy or the end of the day. I still have way more energy than I did a couple weeks ago! I have started to feel some baby movement -- just little flutters here and there. It started this past Wednesday night, and mostly happens (or is more noticeable) when I'm lying still. I've gained a total of 2.5 pounds and have been trying to eat well. I haven't run or done real exercise for a while, but I do keep moving with my kids. I've also been to the pool once a week for the past four weeks. Not that I do a lot, but being out and moving a bit with Lauren does me good. I've got a nice little tan going on my upper body! :) Things are going well with both baby and me, and I hope they continue to do so.


(First pic is me today; second pic is me 16 wks with Lauren. I look bigger this time, but my shirt was also much more flowy.)

Here's what's going on with baby: "Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop."

And with Mommy: "The top of your uterus is about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel, and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows. You're probably feeling a whole lot better as you settle into pregnancy, too. Less nausea, fewer mood swings, and "glowing" skin contribute to an overall sense of well-being. Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, many don't feel their baby move until about 18 weeks or more. (And if this is your first baby, don't be too impatient — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so.) The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll grow stronger and you'll be able to feel them much more frequently."