Preggers...zzz

Blogging on the other site...

2007-10-12T12:25:00.001-07:00

I'll probably be blogging on my original site, Catpeople - since, as Prarie Biker brought up months ago, I'm not "Preggers" anymore...

Birth Story

2007-10-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm...where to start. Well, remember that list the doctor gave me? "Ways to Initiate Labor"?

I tried the castor oil. What can I say? I was desperate. And it worked. Or at least my trying it coincided with the right timing to have the baby. The doctor was going to induce me on Monday and I knew didn't want that. So, the girls and I went out at lunch on Friday and bought the ingredients. Root beer and castor oil. I think the recipe was supposed to include ice cream for a root beer float type mixture but I skipped that.

I remember it like it was yesterday. Makes me want to gag just thinking about it! (So, I'll type fast.)

Drank the mixture. Tried to keep it down by lying on the couch for an hour...I thought: "If this feels this bad going in..." And I gave in to my nausea and threw the rest of the mixture up. Felt better immediately and decided to go to bed. The other effects kicked in and I visited the throne a few more times before getting a pretty good night's sleep. I woke up around 7:00 a.m. for another bathroom break and...my water broke!!! Yayyyy! I actually don't remember feeling (or at least recognizing) labor pains/cramps until that point.

I told Mike that my water broke. He asked me if I was sure - "Sure, I was sure!" And I've never seen us get ready so fast. He took a shower and got everything ready to leave the cats for a couple of days in less than an hour. This process normally takes us both several hours but I guess we were motivated. I was trying to time my pains and it felt like about 5 minutes apart but what did I know really...I just knew it was getting more intense so I wanted to go in. I took a shower and made sure I had everything and away we went. And was able to call everybody on the way in to the hospital...

We got to Carle at about 8:45 or so. I was admitted and they confirmed that - yes, indeedy - my water had broken. They checked me and said I was about 2cm. Hmph. We settled in...looked around the place because she had suggested I walk a bit. I quickly tired of that and wanted to rest. We waited...

My timing seemed perfect - we were there early on a Saturday morning. I hadn't missed a day of work! I'd even worked a week longer that I'd ever thought possible. But, my doctor wasn't in on the weekends. He has a place in Chicago that he stays at every weekend...so, I had the on call physician. No big deal really.

We met the doctor - she thought we should try some pitocin. My contractions seemed infrequent and not regular enough to make any progress. I'd heard that the administration of pitocin normally results in some fairly strong contractions so I asked for an epidural...They thought it was probably too soon. Again, I wasn't far enough along. Well, I wanted something. So, they gave me a little nubane and I conked out for a while. Could not keep my eyes open.

When I did wake up it was to realize that I was feeling some pretty strong contractions. They decided I could get the epidural and the anesthesiologist would be there in about 15 minutes. That time came and went...

I told Mike I needed something - could he go get them? Then - - I just knew that I had to push. RIGHT NOW. I asked Mike to go get the nurse. He had the ingenious idea to press the nurse call button. The nurse got came very quickly and said that I was, indeed, about to have the baby. Something that did and didn't surprise me.

I'd seen that lady on the birthing video. I'd seen them telling her she had to wait to push. I even remember the birthing instructor teaching us ways to keep from pushing. Well, there wasn't anything that seemed to keep me from that uncontrollable urge to push. I had a fleeting freak out thought about giving birth without the epidural. You hear so much about epidurals - and I wasn't sure I wanted one - but I knew that I probably needed one. Right?

I remember the nurse telling me not to push and my acting like that whiny lady on the video: "I have to push!!" Thankfully, the doctor came quickly and with a couple of pushes, Matilda was born. They placed her on my tummy and I looked at her. Decided right away that I thought she looked like her dad and I was very pleased. Mike cut the cord and said that he almost dropped the scissors on her head.

Not at all like I'd expected. Much easier in some ways. But, I'm a bit disappointed they only checked me once at 8 something in the morning and then upped my pitocin until - "Poof!" she popped out without checking my status again. But, I didn't have to think about hear about the seemingly slowly increasing centimeters...didn't have to anticipate labor really - it just sprung up on me. I was in labor for about 10 hours so I know I'm lucky. And now I can say I didn't have an epidural (maybe even pretend like that was my choice). :0)

And, what did all of that matter? I had a healthy little girl.

Hiatus

2007-10-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Wow. I definitely didn't mean to quit blogging. Had the baby...wanted to blog the news but just couldn't find the time. AND we had dial up at our old place that was painfully slow...had a new baby to take care of and a house to pack up. The Woofs have moved!! We're in North Carolina...lots and lots of changes here...lots to blog about. Soon...

Doctor appt. update

2007-07-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Back from the doctor.

He offered to induce me on Wednesday! (Wow - that's quite an offer and it was hard to refuse.) He said he wouldn't let me go any later than Monday, so we're on the schedule for then. Hopefully, she'll come on her own before that time!

I'm at 2cm and 80% effaced. (I'm not sure if he had time to fib today - he had to go deliver two babies!)

They put the monitor on me and determined that Baby Woof is not stressed. So, we wait...

Why didn't I go with Wednesday, again?? ;0)

Still here!

2007-07-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

She's still in here...and I'm here at work this morning. I have a doctor's appointment this morning...we'll see what he says. I don't want to induce - I've never thought of that as an option.....buuuuuut I am getting somewhat impatient. Although, I'm not so uncomfortable that I can't stand it. My hands and feet have been swelling at night and that drives me a little crazy, but I really can't complain. I mean, here I am at work a day after my due date. I never thought I'd work this long - thought I'd be propped up on the couch or something by now.

A definite date would be good. I know I can't ask for that though...and the due date passing this weekend was a bummer...

I hope I don't let him talk me into something...but I am a very impatient person too. I also know that inducing doesn't always work, can make labor more painful, creates a higher risk of having a C-section, etc., etc....

I still hope that this appointment will bring some clarity or something. I know we'll talk about options...and I know he's going to give me some speculation (any guess on a cm? I'll say that he'll probably say 3...whether it's true or not!)

Bellah pics...

2007-07-20T14:09:00.001-07:00

at 39 1/2 weeks!

This next one is pretty shocking for me! I'm surprised I'm even posting it - but here goes nothing!

39 weeks

2007-07-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been what I will call "downgraded". Went to the nurse practitioner this morning and I'm at 1 cm now (instead of the 2cm the doctor said last week).

I'm pretty disappointed. Prior to last week's appointment, I had myself psyched up that the baby would come on the due date or, most likely, be late...and then he told me she'd be here by today. I knew, knew, KNEW that wasn't the truth but somehow my gullible brain let me start believing it.

I guess the plus side is that the baby's room is ready. Everyone at my work is ready. Essentially, everything is ready. I keep picking up more items here and there - but I honestly can't say that there's anything I need. Maybe some rubbing alcohol in a bottle...but I already have alcohol wipes - which would work, right? I don't need the q-tip and the bottle if I have wipes, right? These are the crazy things I'm thinking about/doing now. Undoing things...and waiting.

I really did not want to be this person.

Baby steps...

2007-07-13T13:02:00.001-07:00

I bought the Evening Primrose Oil capsules at lunch. So far I've had one...

And I'm drinking raspberry tea...two cups already...

She's kicking - but I think that's about it.

We shall see!

I hope she comes!

Wait - I'm not ready...

Initiation of Labor

2007-07-11T11:46:00.001-07:00

As PrairieBiker mentioned in his comment on my last post, there are ways to try to induce labor. Ironically, I was planning on blogging this list the doctor gave me the other day because we got such a kick out the castor oil recipes! Of course, please let me give the disclaimer that no one is supposed to try these tips unless their doctor recommends them and their body and baby are ready!

Initiation of labor

Prior to labor beginning, the cervix softens and goes through changes we refer to as ripening. The following interventions will help ripen the cervix:

Nipple stimulation: this can be done as foreplay -with your partner, using warm compresses on the breasts to get circulation there, then do nipple rolling 5 minutes on 10 minutes off for 20-30 minutes at a time, 1-4 hours between episodes.

Prostaglandin: (natural form) there are prostaglandin in semen that will help ripen the cervix, stay laying down (on your side) for about 20 minutes after intercourse (this helps keep the semen close to the cervix to aid in the effect).

Evening Primrose Oil: 500 mg three times a day

To initiate labor once the cervix is ready you can try the following things.

All of the above

Castor Oil: use any one of these three recipes

Best done in the morning

1) ½ glass of pineapple juice, add a pinch of baking soda, when it bubbles up stir in 3 oz. castor oil, stir well, drink down, catch a breath and drink the rest. Chase with a Reese's peanut butter cup.

2) ½ glass of root beer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, put in the blender with 3 oz. castor oil, blend, drink and follow with a Reese's peanut butter cup.

3) 3 oz. of orange juice, add 3 oz. castor oil, blend, drink and chase with a Reese's peanut butter cup.

Usually it takes about 1-6 hours to work. Take a warm shower when the cramping begins.

That is word-for-word (unless there were typos in transferring it) the list that they gave me. You'd think they had stock in Hershey or something with the references to Reese's peanut butter cups...thankfully, I have a bag of those at home!

38 weeks...and counting

2007-07-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to be a person that freaked out near the end...but I may be turning out to be "one of those" people.

Went to the doctor yesterday and he says we might see Baby Woof by next week!! Wha?!?!?

He told me that I'm 2 cm and 80% effaced...is he making this stuff up as he goes?

He had previously admitted that he might fib to me to make me feel like there was progress, so I don't know whether or not to believe him. I think he's very, very generous with his guesstimates and this was without my even asking for an estimated time of arrival!

I told me husband that we can't believe him - but that I guess we should be prepared (though not expecting it to happen).

But now, I am starting to expect it. This is what it must be like to be "one of those people". Aaaaaah - I can't stand it!

I'm in a tizzy at work - - trying to figure out what I need to do. Do I tell my boss? I agonized about that all day today (because I'm afraid to tell them how long I want to be gone...maybe forever...shhhhhh!) But, did I do that today???? Of course not.

And I don't feel like anything's happening - like nothing is progressing. I'm not going into labor for at least 2 more weeks!!

Diaper Bag

2007-07-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

(For Leeanthro)

I really agonized over my choice for a diaper bag...I think I can be pretty practical at times (or can I?) but there are certain things that I like to splurge on. I like to have a nice purse for instance - so it just followed that I'd want a "name brand" diaper bag.

I looked and looked and gazed longingly at bags over $100...(the Fleurville brand being one of my most recent favorites) and finally decided to be practical and get one from my favorite store - Turrrrrget. I have soooo many other expenses to worry about and am trying to save extra $$$$$$ so I can stay home with the babeh for a while so I picked this one:

It was about $25.00 and I got free shipping. I checked out the brand, Kalencom, and found they had quite a few cute bags - but they were beyond my limit at the moment. This one is classic and simple and had the few items I wanted: an insulated bottle holder-thingy and a changing pad. AND, it's divided in three parts and has tons of pouches and cubbies inside. Now, I just want to buy a mini-wipes holder thing-a-mah-jig.

Other than that, her bag's packed and ready to go!

37 weeks

2007-07-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Ah, this week is almost over...I'll be 38 weeks on Sunday, I guess. I have my first, uh, "check" on Monday - I'll probably be dilated to a big, fat ZERO. :0)

Baby Woof's car seat is in my car now - waiting for her to come home in it! Her clothes are washed and ready. I got my diaper bag in the mail yesterday (yay!!) - it's pretty large so I think I'll pack her stuff in it this weekend and get myself at least partly packed.

Mike's been rearranging her room. And he's staining an antique chest that his parents gave us. It belonged to his grandma's brothers. It already looking great! I'll have to post some room photos soon...

37 weeks

How your baby's growing: Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs a little over 6 pounds and measures between 19 and 20 inches, head to heel. Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz. [Ok, anyone who knows me knows that I'm keeping my fingers crossed for peach fuzz...my sister and I didn't have any hair - and that's just what I'm used to. I would be astounded by a full head of hair!!!]

36 weeks (9 months!!!)

2007-06-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer! I think I'm going through some nesting. I did most of my baby laundry this past weekend so she'll have something to wear...she has mittens (to keep her from scratching her face since I hear they don't clip their nails at the hospital) and socks and hats and tons of blankets. The only thing I'm not sure of is her clothes. I mean, I think I have plenty but I just worry about her size. Will she be too small? And would that really matter? She could just float around in them I guess...I have some pretty small onesies so she'll be fine in those I guess. Whatever, right? As long as I get to bring her home.

I have my work shower on Friday so I'm very excited about that! (More baby laundry???) :0)
And next week I start my weekly doctor appointments so that's something to look forward too...something to break up the week if nothing else, I guess.

I still feel pretty good. A little tired at night...tossing and turning...and regular bathroom breaks but, no other problems really so that's good. It's hard to believe it's 3-1/2 weeks away!!!

I better get my filing done at work!!!

36 weeks

How your baby's growing: Your baby is still putting on the pounds — about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is a little less than 19 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the creamy substance that covered and protected her skin during its submersion in amniotic fluid.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term; a baby born before 37 weeks is pre-term and after 42 is post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position by now, which is optimal for a smooth delivery, but if she isn't in the next week, your provider may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying he'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position manually, by manipulating her from the outside of your belly. [Turn baby, turn!!!! We don't want no manipulations!!]

35 weeks

2007-06-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Soooo...went to the doctor on Monday and nothing eventful occurred there. I'm not having a cervical exam (or "cow appointment" as I like to call it) until the 38th week (I think?).

Whew! But my doctor did say those "checks" can be traumatic for some people...I'm sure that I'm one of those people and I've decided I don't want to know how dilated I am - just surprise me!!! (Pleeeeease!)

It's getting so close sometimes I worry I won't be ready. Still, I put off some tasks for whatever reason and it's hard to believe it's actually coming so soon! Of course, she can refuse to come on her due date and then we'll have plenty of time, right?

Right.

35 weeks

How your baby's growing: Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 pounds plus. Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

34 weeks

2007-06-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've updated my little e-mail system so it sends me info. about my weeks a little earlier...I don't want to ick anyone out by the details but the site had a different due date for me than my doctor. Add that to the fact that I'm growing slightly impatient and I want my time to go by faster and the extra four days was bugging me! (Even though she probably won't come until the later due date...)

Monday I have another doctor's appt. They're getting more frequent now...and I not excited about them becoming more "invasive" so I'm a little nervous.

We finished our birthing class and we toured the new rooms at Carle. I'm ready to go ahead and check in and get this thing going...and I'm paranoid that the day I have my baby - they'll be completely full. That'd be just my luck. They deliver tons of babies at Carle.

34 weeks

How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is probably almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her central nervous system is still maturing and her lungs are well developed by now. If you've been nervous about going into preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that 99 percent of babies this age can survive outside the womb — and most have no major long-term problems related to prematurity.

Another pic of the expectant parents:

Babeh Shower

2007-06-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

My family threw a lovely shower for me over the weekend. Everything went perfectly. I got lots and lots of clothes (which I kind of expected since everyone told me that's what I'd get and is the fit I usually like to buy) that I already have too many of but are always cute to look at and open so...she won't be nekkid that's for sure.

My mom was up ver-very early cleaning and cooking and working hard...my aunt got up at 5:00 a.m. to finish making the cake (she'd worked all week on the fondant decorations)...my grandma and her sister brought beautiful salads...my sister gave me a beautiful card that made me cry and got me a carrier for the baby...my in-laws came up from Tennessee and brought tons of gifts (including my crib net/bat/cat keeper outter!). I definitely felt special. Not to mention, Grandma and my aunt both made quilts for the baby!

[My Dad - wondering: "What the heck is this thing???]

33 weeks

2007-06-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh...getting closer all the time! I had a doctor's appt. this week and I'll be going every two weeks now. Fun, fun, fun! I'm almost done with my birthing classes. (Did I mention how much I like the teacher? She's hilllllllaaaaarious!)

I have my family shower this weekend - I'm very excited! It'll be nice to see everyone. Maybe someone will take a lovely picture of me that I can post here. If I approve it, of course...

33 weeks

How your baby's growing: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and measures 17.2 inches from the top of her head to her heels. Her skin is becoming less red and wrinkled, and while most of her bones are hardening, her skull is quite pliable and not completely joined. This will help her ease out of your relatively narrow birth canal.

8 months! (32 weeks)

2007-06-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Wow! 8 months...I get more excited everyday! There is still a lot of preparation that needs to be done. I have my family shower next weekend so I'll see what goodies I get and know more what I might need to shop for. I'm antsy to get everything bought - but I know I need to wait to see what we still need. But, I wanna buy it all NOW! And be prepared! I know I still have some time (7 weeks...or more!) but I also know that it could really fly by! I've started lists of what I still need to buy and what I need to pack for the hospital. I'm sure we'll get it all done. Then I'll probably forget my bag at home! :0)

32 weeks

How your baby's growing: By now, your baby probably weighs almost 4 pounds and is almost 17 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. She has tiny toenails now, and her fingernails have grown in, too [I knew I felt them scratching me! ;0) ]. Some babies have a head of hair already; others have only peach fuzz.

31 weeks

2007-05-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

8 weeks to go! (Maybe??? Who knows??) If I were a betting woman (and I am, aren't I?), I'd say she comes the first week of August...so that's 10 weeks. But, we're still gonna say 8!

A coworker brought in her 4 week old baby the other day. She was just beautiful! It was sooo hard to hold her and try to keep myself calm. I don't want to get too impatient. (It's already too late for that, but...) I held her and tried to downplay it...but she looked right at me and even smiled. (Could be gas, right?)

I can't wait to hold my little girl!

31 weeks

How your baby's growing: This week, your baby measures about 16 inches long. She weighs a little over 3 pounds and is headed for a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and she's beginning to accumulate a layer of fat underneath her skin in preparation for life as a newborn. As a result, her arms, legs, and body are filling out.

30 weeks

2007-05-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Time is flying! (Kind of.) Sometimes I feel that way...and other times I just can't wait! I'm very excited to see her and hold her for the first time. But, at the same time, I have stuff to do to get ready for her arrival. And, of course, I want her to be as healthy as possible...

We started our birthing classes. That's a little scary. But very informative and our instructor is really funny. (The cookies they had for snacks were verrrrrry good too! Is it any wonder I've gained nearly 30 lbs.???? I hope they have those again next week!)

I stare at the calendar (usually on my cell phone) and count down the weeks...it's 9 to go until my actual due date. I'm trying to prepare myself that she will most likely be late. Still, I do the countdown all the time. It's one of my favorite pastimes...

30 weeks

How your baby's growing: Your baby's a bit more than 15 1/2 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. [She already does! :0) ] A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and fills out your uterus. Her eyes open and close, she's able to distinguish between light and dark, and she can even follow a light source back and forth. Once she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have a visual acuity of only 20/400 — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face.

Sono pics

2007-05-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

We had the second ultrasound on Monday. It was really exciting. She weighs about 3 lbs. now and is right on track growth wise. Whew! I'm betting she'll be close to 8 lbs. or so...any guesses??

It was also reconfirmed that she's a girl so I'm relieved to not have to return anything. The pics didn't turn out too well...but we could see her on the screen opening her mouth and sticking out her tongue. Say it with me now: "Awwwwwww."

It's so surreal though. I still can't believe that's all happening inside me! I really can't wait to see her and meet her for the first time.

29 weeks

2007-05-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

The 29 week picture from babycenter is really starting to look more and more like a real babeh!

Speaking of pictures, on Monday I will hopefully have new sono pics of Baby Woof! I'm soooo excited. My due date is about 10 weeks away. It's all really mind-blowing. I think my belly grows everyday. I've gained about 27 lbs. now...it's getting ver-very close to 30...and I'm feeling it!

29 weeks

How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to accommodate her brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester. To keep yourself and her well nourished, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium. (About 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton — which is now hardening — every day.)

7 months!!! (28 weeks)

2007-05-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

We start our first class tonight - "Infant Illness". All I know so far is that the ladies that run these programs are super, super nice. I've spoken to them many times signing up for classes and changing class dates and - it'll be neat to meet them.

Baby Woof has been moving and flipping and flopping today. She likes my new caramel yogurt. Anything with sugar actually. I think she's going to come out of the womb and go through withdrawals...

28 weeks

How your baby's growing: By this week, your baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and measures about 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can open her eyes — which now sport lashes — and she'll turn her head toward a continuous, bright light from the outside. Her fat layers are beginning to form, too, as she gets ready for life outside the womb.

27 weeks

2007-04-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

"Your baby is really starting to fill up your uterus."

No joke!! I can feel her moving all the time now. It almost drives me to distraction sometimes. And I think I can feel her doing more than just "kicking" now. I can feel the rolling around that other moms have described to me. I have not gotten to the point of seeing a foot or arm drag across my belly or a wave of movement yet - but I can imagine that it will happen!

It's very exciting to feel her move. Sometimes it's almost like I forget and it reminds me: "Oh yeah, someone's in there!" It's really mind blowing. Even after seeing her on the sonogram - it's just hard to imagine that someone's really in there growing and moving. And that the food I eat everyday fuels a new human's development. I'll have to see it to believe it! And, even then, I'm sure I won't be able to figure it all out. It's amazing...

27 weeks

Your baby is really starting to fill up your uterus. This week she weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with her legs extended. She can now open and close her eyes, and she sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. She may suck her fingers, and although her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if she were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to her, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what she's thinking? [probably - "Mom, why are you eating so much chocolate?!?! It makes me crazy!!"]

26 weeks

2007-04-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

Every week that passes brings us closer to....a new person in our world. My mom visited this last weekend and bought us lots and lots of baby goodies. It was fun (and tiring) doing all that shopping and I'm so grateful for everything we got! I feel more prepared now. My brain is still spinning with items I need - but, thankfully, it's mostly small stuff now - whew!!

26 weeks

Your baby now weighs a little under 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches, from head to heel. The nerve pathways in her ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air.