Start of twentieth week

Peanut, you are 19 weeks and a day, today.  Jared and I know your gender, and will share it with family tomorrow and the rest of the world on Sunday.  At your anatomy scan, we got an "all clear" on your brain, heart, stomach, kidneys, spine, facial features, and number of limbs, fingers and toes.  You are measuring on target for the first time--not four days older, like it has been.  You are about the size of a large heirloom tomato, or a small cantaloupe--9 - 10 ounces and 6 - 6 1/2 inches long.  If you're a girl, your uterus is fully formed.  If you're a boy, your testicles have started dropping from your abdomen.  This week, your brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. You're now able to hear voices, and Jared and I have started speaking to you.  You're moving often, although I haven't "officially" felt it.  This is because, as we found out at the anatomy scan, I have an anterior placenta--that means the placenta is adding an extra cushioning between your kicks and my nerve endings.  We love you very much.

I have been feeling some abdominal pressure and some brief pain called round ligament pain--it's just the uterus and muscles in that area growing and pulling.  And I have noticed that my belly is growing a lot faster, now.  I am still tired and cranky, but trying not to let it affect me too much.

Jared and I have made a few purchases--a crib, a pack n' play, and a breast pump.  And we started working on our registry this past week.  It's hard work!  A lot harder than our wedding registry was--so many choices and items that are needed.  I'll update again as we tell our family and friends Peanut's gender!