Week 18!

Yahoo! Week 18! PJs this week is the size of a sweet potato! I love sweet potatoes!! Since I couldn't find a photogenic photo of an actual sweet potato, I've substituted Mr. Potato Head. I am sure PJs does not have a bowler hat or a mustache, and no child of mine would be born wearing those hideous shoes! ;-)

Later this week we have an appointment with our Doctor and then we'll be able to plan for getting an ultrasound. It's nerve-wracking, all the tests and such, but we're both very much looking forward to getting a look at PJs!

I can feel PJs moving around - have been feeling flutters for about two weeks, and they're getting more definite. Not really hard kicks yet, but quite vigorous butterflies and wiggles! So exciting - it puts a big smile on my face every time.

What PJs is up to this week:
Your baby is approximately 14.2 centimetres long from crown to rump and she weighs about 190 grams. Her chest moves up and down to mimic breathing but she's not taking in air, only amniotic fluid.

Your baby is starting to sense the world, albeit for now this world is limited to your safe, warm womb.

• Baby can hear. The small bones inside the ear that transmit sound have formed. In addition, the part of the brain that processes sound has matured. So, begin to talk to your baby or play music regularly.

• Baby can see. Even though the eyes have been developing since the early weeks of pregnancy, and the eyelids are sealed shut, your baby's retinas have developed to a point where he or she can sense light. If you let bright sun shine on your bare abdomen, your baby will be able to perceive a reddish glow.

• Baby can move. Because your uterus is much larger than your baby, your baby can move around quite a bit. He or she might turn summersaults, sit Indian-style or suck a thumb while reclining. Starting this week, you may start to feel a lot of fetal movement.