The Grays

This week I measure 16 inches long and weigh just over 3 pounds – about the size of four navel oranges (naranjas)!  Now some of the amniotic fluid has been removed to make room for me and mom can feel my movements more frequently and intensley.  I can turn my head from side to side and every limb of my body is preparing for an upcoming growth spurt.  My brain is growing faster than ever. The brain cells are increasing at a rate of 100,000 cells a minute and 70% of the calories I get are used for brain growth.  Mom is being extra careful to keep healthy amounts of omega 3’s and iron in her diet.  Filet for dinner tonight and salmon tomorrow!

Mom is feeling very lucky because she is sleeping really well and feels good all around, although she gets out of breath more often and her legs and feet feel a big achy after a long day of work.  Dad has promised plenty of food massages during their last two weeks in Charlottesville!

Only 10 more weeks to go! Now my eyelids are open and eyelashes and eyebrows are visible.  I’m 2/3 of my final size!  I weigh about 3 pounds and am 17 inches long – about the size of a head of cabbage (una lombarda).  My level of infection-fighting antibodies is equivalent to mom’s and I’m surrounded by a pint and a half of amniotic fluid.  Lots of cushioning in here!

Mom had an appointment with Dr. Wolanski today.  He said that her weight is perfect and she is measuring exactly 29 weeks, which is consistent with the modified due date.  Only one more visit to Dr. Wolanski before we all move back to Michigan!

At this point my hearing is keenly developed and I am 3/4 the way through my development.  I am sometimes startled by loud noises and am getting accustomed to the sounds of mom’s pounding heart, digestive system, and rushing blood.  I can even make make a distinction between some voices.  I measure about 16 inches and weigh 2-3/4 pounds, about the size of a butternut squash (una calabacera).

Mom continues to stay active and is sleeping really well.  Just waiting for the ‘pains’ of the third trimester to kick in…

Today I enter the third trimester!  I weigh about 2-1/4 pounds and my brain, which was smooth up till now, has grooves and is indented on the surface (I am developing billions of neurons).  The hair on my head is longer and my body is filling out – I am adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.  I can also see more clearly the light that filters in through the womb.

Last night I went to my first concert in utero – Dave Matthews Band!  Mom was a little worried about all of the noise but I did just fine.

This week, I weigh almost 2 pounds and am 14-1/2 inches long – about the size of a head of cauliflower (un coliflor).  I am sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing my eyes, and perhaps sucking my fingers.  My brain is very active now and I can sense light and dark better than ever before.

Hiccups are increasingly common.  Each episode lasts only a few moments but mom feels them daily – they are an unmistakable rhythmic tickle against the abdomen.  Mom also says that I am kicking in some unusual places.