19 Weeks (Almost Halfway!?!)

This pregnancy seems to be zipping right along (most days, anyway). We had another monthly check-up Wednesday and Munchkin is growing right on track. He/she had a heartrate of 161 and was moving all over the place to avoid the doppler. Took 3 tries for the OB to track the little mover and shaker down long enough to measure the heartrate. 11 days until the BIG ultrasound!

As for this week...

How far along: 19 weeks

Baby's size: a large heirloom tomato; 6 inches long, and 8.5 oz.

What Munchkin is up to (according to Babycenter.com):

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

Symptoms: Lower backaches/popping at the end of the day. Problems sleeping at night. I can fall asleep easily, but wake up at least once for anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Total Weight Gain: 11 lbs.

Best moment since last update: Having another doctor's appointment to hear Munchkin move around.

Movement: Yep. However, by 20 weeks, Mia's movements were aggressive enough to be easily felt from the outside on a regular basis. This baby seems to be a little more subtle in his/her movements.

Food cravings: Nothing specific this week.

Gender: Stay tuned! Appointment scheduled for July 18th!

What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach. .

What I'm looking forward to: Mia is headed to Oma and Opa Camp (aka my parents' house) for a few days beginning this Thursday. Kevin and I are using the time to start scouting out a changing table/dresser for the nursery, possibly do a little antiquing as an anniversary gift to ourselves, and eat at a few restaurants you just can't take a toddler to (Melting Pot, here I come!)

Weekly picture: