Dear baby,
This week has been super busy and your dad and I got quite a bit accomplished in your room. We put together your crib, organized your closet, and bought some wall hangings - it looks quite nice and classy if I do say so myself!! I have felt you moving more and more each day - you really like to swim around at night, which has been a really special ritual. However, once you get a little bigger you might just be strong enough to keep me awake!! Your dad is still talking to you each night and I think he really likes the times he can spend talking with you. He is very anxious to be able to feel you move himself and tries every day, but with no luck so far!
This week: Your baby's blood circulation is completely functional. The umbilical cord system continues to grow and thicken as blood travels with considerable force through the body to nurture the baby. The placenta is now almost equal in size to the baby. Your baby will be getting much larger during the second half of your pregnancy. Your baby's crown-to-rump length at this time is 7.2 inches and she weighs approximately 10.5 ounces. Your growing baby is about the size of a large banana. You should be able to feel your uterus about a half of an inch above your navel. Your weight gain so far will be around 10 to 15 pounds. Your baby's different organs and systems are maturing. The fetal digestive system is functioning in a simple way and your baby can swallow amniotic fluid. After your baby swallows the amniotic fluid, she is able to absorb water and sugars from the fluid and then the waste is passed as far as the large bowel. Your baby swallows the amniotic fluid in order to prepare itself for life outside of the womb. Some babies consume as much as 17 ounces of amniotic fluid in a 24-hour period. Your baby already has a high number of red blood cells and the white blood cells are beginning to be produced. Taste buds are being formed on your baby's tongue this week also.
So you are quite bigger than even last time I saw you -- how exciting!! We are so excited for your arrival and each Friday I know that the week changes and we keep a very close count on how many weeks old you are. Soon and very soon you will be in our arms, and we are very excited for that day!
Love you with our whole being,
Mommy and daddy
