Twenty-Ninth Week

You keep growing and changing, Kathryn!  We want you to stay inside, but if born in the next two weeks, you have a 90-95% chance of survival.  This week you will grow to 2.5-3 pounds, and could be 15-17 inches long.  You are getting close to your birth length, but still need to chub up.  Your muscles, lungs and brain are working hard this week to develop.  Your eyes now have color--most babies' eyes are blue when they're born, but can change over the first six months.  You can distinguish bright light coming through my belly.  Your space is getting a little cramped, but you'll most likely keep up the kicking and stretching.  We love you very much.

When I write my next post, I'll only have one more day left of being a teaching assistant.  It's starting to feel real--the school has chosen my replacement and I received an "exit questionnaire" from Wake County today.    The students and parents still don't know--I intend to send a note home on Monday.

My acid reflux is back, but not as bad as it had been.  And I have stretch marks and the occasional Braxton Hicks contraction.  But, I feel blessed to be having what I consider a great time in pregnancy.  I don't have varicose veins, an itchy belly, back pain, trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, a popped belly button, hemorrhoids, or headaches.  Maybe those will all come next week, who knows.  But I feel confident and content in my body--I feel strong.

This weekend is busy!  We have birth class, a picnic with our church connect group, a baby shower, and a dinner celebration for my parents' 30th wedding anniversary.  And then Monday is our next appointment at the birth center.