16 Weeks! (+ belly shot!)

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his 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's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

Well, 16 weeks yesterday but either way, SIXTEEN WEEKS! That's approximately 37% of the way through the pregnancy. I know I seem shocked each week, but I truly am still. This pregnancy is just flying, and I still don't feel pregnant. I'm a bit tired, I gag easily when nothing is in my stomach, but overall I am feeling good. I don't feel as though my belly is growing much, but I took a belly shot yesterday and yes, compared to my 12 week shot, I am growing. I know Sprout is growing, but I expected my popping out so fast to mean there wouldn't be any real growth that I could see for ME, but there is!

It doesn't matter how many times one does this, whether it's their own baby or not, each time is so special. I still just sit back and think of how lucky I am to do this again, especially to have another couple want me to carry their child. It's really miraculous and it makes me feel very blessed, and just incredibly thankful to them for allowing me to help.

I laid in bed yesterday morning, feeling my belly, and focusing on the kicks and jabs I could feel within. It's so neat to think that there's this little person in there, growing like crazy, and he or she will be here in just a few months time. I will never take this for granted, that's for sure.

I forgot to post my belly shot on my blog at 12 weeks, I believe? So, I'll begin posting them from here on out. For now, I am doing them monthly, but eventually (third tri-ish?) it will turn into every two weeks or so. I like documenting this, as I easily forget later on how big my belly does get during pregnancy!