Pregnancy Update - 19 weeks

This sweet profile pic is from today's ultrasound appt with the specialist. No big changes or news. We could tell that she does have a cleft palate (which seems a minor concern to me, but I guess it's good to know), the middle of her heart is not formed (which can happen in a typical pregnancy, too, it's just that combined with the chromosomal abnormality that makes it more of an issue), and she's measuring just a tad behind (18w2days) which is normal in our situation. She's about 8 ounces now.

We did see that the feet are forming fine (no club feet), her brain looks ok, her eyes have formed (some T13 babies may be born with one or not be born with them at all), and she was SOOO active! And we even got a picture of her holding on to the umbilical cord. It's crazy because with the untrained eye, she looks perfect. Just perfect. And she is to God. We already love her so much.

Baby is the size of: an heirloom tomato

Symptoms: Overall feeling good.

Maternity clothes? In some. I wear tank tops a lot. And still prefer dresses to anything else.

Sleep: Love it. Couldn't get enough this weekend!

Fun moment(s) this past week: Our house was painted. I love it!


Movement: Feeling little kicks & movements when I lay down at night. I have only felt her kick once or twice during the day when I am busy moving around. Bella & Farrah spent the night at GG's one night this week. When they got home, we immediately cuddled on the couch, one girl on each side. Then the baby kicked. It was like she knew they were home. It was kinda surreal. I didn't say anything right away to anyone, just had to think on that one. :)

Food cravings:: No huge cravings. I just feel like I have a license to eat whatever I want. Which isn't necessarily good.

Gender & Name: No names discussed yet. I have one that has been floating around in my head for a few weeks, but still thinking about it. Chris told the ultrasound tech today that we were "going to pick a name with meaning. Kinda like Native Americans. Maybe we'll name her Chief Running Bear."

Weight gained: ? Next appt on the 18th.

Belly Button in or out? No change this week.

What I am looking forward to: Hmmmm.... not sure. Maybe a slower week? Last week was crazy with the house painting and busy go-go-go weekend. I think we all need to catch up on sleep!
I've also started "Heaven is for Real". I don't read a lot at all, but I have a hard time putting this book down. So, I look forward to reading and getting good sleep this week. Lame-o!

Reflections on the past week: I had a harder weekend than week. I've realized that it's the smaller stuff that gets to me. Like my plate is full and I can't handle much else. Sometimes that comes in the form of deciding what to make for dinner or the plan for my day. Other times it's not enough sleep. Or just a kink in my day. So I am trying to learn how to cope with that stress/grief in a healthy way. I don't want to close down all the time; but sometimes that's exactly what I want to do. I don't want to be super impatient with my kids; but I know that they are at a hard age and it's bound to happen anyways! I've learned how to apologize to Bella. It's a good lesson for both of us :) This week I've learned that being too busy can be stressful - I like my kids being on a schedule and I pushed them a little too much this past week. It's not good when none of us get sleep.

I get messages on Facebook and emails, texts, and voicemails from many of you. Thank you. I am sorry if I'm slow to respond. I was reminded in one of these messages of something very important: all of our kids are on loan from our Heavenly Father. It is great that He shares these great blessings with us. So we will love baby girl #3 (name needs to come soon!) as long as she's with us. And we are thankful for the lessons of love, faith, mercy and MANY others that she is teaching us with her little life.