26 weeks

9/3/08

The network of nerves in the baby's ears are better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both George and I as we chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
I had my check up with the midwife yesterday, and everything went well. I will now start going every two weeks. At my next check I have to do the glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes. I have to chug like 10 ounces of this nasty orange, very sugary substance in 5 minutes, and one hour later they will draw my blood. I just about threw up last time, I hope this time goes better. The baby's heartbeat was strong and loud.

Why am I constantly burning up??? I do not have a fever, I am just always hot. This is coming from someone who normally wears fleece pants, socks, and a t-shirt while hanging out in the house even in the summer. Now, I am constantly stripped down to shorts and a tank top and am still burning up. When I was pregnant with Owen I never experienced this. The only other time I have had a problem with being on fire was when I was taking all the shots for in vitro. For about the past month or so, I have constantly been craving sweets. I want ice cream, candy, and cookies. Plus, I have even eaten two of George's ice cream sandwiches, and I don't normally like chocolate. With Owen all I wanted was citrus fruits; lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges. I feel like everything is so very different, I am almost totally convinced this baby is a GIRL! Only 14 more weeks until we find out. Whooohooo!

Just in case I am wrong, we are still searching for a boy name. Some new names that are being thrown around are Preston, Holden, Parker, and the same old ones, Jack and Grant. I still think with our last name of Shultz, he needs a first name with two syllables. George is still just so set on Jack. He said he thinks Preston is for nerds and not athletic jocks (who he thinks are children are going to be). I reminded him that the U of L basketball team had a player named Preston, so maybe he will reconsider.

We have another ultrasound appointment tomorrow. I will keep you posted on how everything goes, and hopefully will get some more pictures.