Popcorn Pops at 16 Weeks

This past week was so exciting…I finally felt Baby Peanut move and it feels like popcorn popping in my belly!  It was the best present for Christmas and little Peanut even got quite a few gifts as well.  We also had another quick doctor’s appointment where we finally got to hear the baby’s heartbeat.  Dr. Placide found it really quick, but then Baby Stafford played hide and seek with him and moved all over away from the doppler.  This week we should be scheduling a Level II ultrasound at Duke where they’ll check out all of the baby’s organs and we will find out if it’s a Boy or Girl. In the next few weeks, our baby will double its weight and add inches to its length. Right now, our baby is about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. The legs are much more developed, the head is erect than it has been, and the eyes have moved closer to the front of the head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He or she has even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his or her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as our baby continues to develop.

How far along? 16 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: 2 pounds
Maternity clothes? Maternity dress pants for work and occasionally jeans although my favorite pair of pre-pregnancy jeans still fit with the Bella Band
Stretch marks? none
Sleep: Much better now that I have a Snoogle
Best moment this week: Feeling Peanut pop around inside and hearing the heartbeat!
Movement: Little popcorn popping every other day or so!!
Food cravings: Skittles, salad, cherry popovers and more SKITTLES!
Gender: No idea
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? Still in
What I miss: Being regular still…Colace, apple juice and Metamucil every day!
What I am looking forward to: scheduling our Big Ultrasound
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy time with your husband!
Milestones: Feeling peanut move…I never thought this day would come and I look forward to more!