Welcome to Week #26!

There's plenty progressing around here lately. What with the house, the baby's room, and around our neighborhood. Here's the progress in my belly:

During this week, your baby is spending more time preparing for life after birth. Nerves around the mouth and lip area are becoming more sensitive now, preparing Baby for that all-important task of breastfeeding. At a pound and a half and a length of about eight to 10 inches, Baby is growing at a steady pace. The umbilical cord is thick and resilient now, covered in a firm, slippery substance that prevents kinking and knotting and may regulate the blood flow between placenta and Baby. This week, you could expect the baby to begin curling her fingers into a fist. Baby's dexterity will continue to develop and she'll continue to explore her surroundings, including the umbilical cord. Your baby's spinal structure will begin to form, and Baby's nostrils beginning to open.

We are getting another ultrasound next month, so we will pretty much see the baby step-by-step throughout this whole pregnancy. It has been very cool to have that opportunity, despite the causes behind it. I know there is a plan for everything and this baby will come out just the way s/he's meant to. And if I have to take a few extra weeks of bedrest to ensure that, it's a small price to pay.