Welcome to Week #25!

Well, now that the season for gift-giving has come, we are more and more anxious to meet our precious little gift. S/he will be a very belated Christmas present. Here's baby's life this week:

The structures of the spine - 33 rings, 150 joints and 1000 ligaments - begin to form by the end of this week. The blood vessels of the lungs are developing and the nostrils begin to open. This week Baby prepares herself for a big, lusty cry upon arrival. Her lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, a wetting agent that will help her breathe correctly and will keep her tiny lungs from collapsing or sticking together. Blood vessels and air sacs are developing in the lungs and will eventually exchange oxygen and circulate it to all parts of Baby's body. Baby still has a lot of growing to do. At 1.2 pounds and eight to nine inches, she should add at least another five pounds before birth for optimum health. The inner ear, which controls balance, will become fully formed. This means that your baby may be able to tell when she is upside down or right side up while floating in the amniotic fluid. Baby will continue to explore her internal environment, flexing her fingers and touching her surroundings. Busy week!

Geez, and I thought I had a lot going on! We are nearing the end of the second trimester, and I am hoping my boss will stick to her promise of letting me telecommute during the third trimester. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and will know if I will require bedrest at all during the pregnancy. Will let you know!