18 Weeks

Ok, this is a quick post about Baby Nash's weekly progress.  I think I'm finally looking more pregnant than fat, at least in some clothes!  I've gone back and forth all week, but today's outfit showed off the "bump" in all it's glory! (Please excuse the "I've been at school all day" no make up face)

Sadie didn't want to be left out!

Just the belly :)

The best thing to happen this week happened Tuesday night.  I felt the "thump" again and I felt pretty sure it's really a kick after all.  So, I poked my belly and the baby kicked me back!  It was our first interaction and so cute!  I really have a baby in there! 

Here's what happening at Week 18:

We have a little sweet potato!!

At 18 weeks pregnant, your baby is hitting the height chart at five and a half inches long (remember, that's crown to rump) and weighs about five ounces (Baby Nash is a little big - at our 17 week ultrasound, he/she was 6 ounces!). (the weight of that boneless chicken breast you're making for dinner).

And now for the skill of the week (drum roll please…): The art of the yawn has been mastered by your baby (someone's sleepy!). In fact, you might catch a glimpse of that adorable yawn if you're getting an ultrasound this month. You'll also catch a glimpse of all the fetal movement your baby's doing — twists, rolls, kicks, and punches. And would you believe your baby is finally big enough for you to start feeling those movements now (or anytime in the next few weeks). So get ready!

Something you won't see on the ultrasound, but you'll know is in working order, is your baby's nervous system, which is maturing rapidly at this time. Nerves, now covered with a substance called myelin (which speeds messages from nerve cell to nerve cell), are forming more complex connections. And those in the brain are further specializing into the ones that serve the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. Talking about hearing, your baby's is growing more acute, making your little one more conscious of sounds that come from inside your body (which means you could both be listening to each other hiccup — a skill that your baby has by now).

Next post will be about the Pink or Blue Party!!  I'm so excited my family is coming down and can't wait to find out!