26 Weeks

I've mentioned before that my body pillow is a fantastic and comfortable bedtime companion, but I got real proof of that last night when I caught Jeremy snuggling with it! It's just undeniable. It will be hard to part with when this pregnancy is over with, but now that Jeremy has experienced the ultimate comfort that it provides, maybe he won't beg me to discard it when I'm back to my normal size.

Lately the weekly pregnancy updates are a little less exciting than they were previously, since the baby is now basically fully developed and is just gaining weight and growing at this point. Nevertheless, we thought there were some things worth sharing for week 26!

From What to Expect When You're Expecting:

What's up with your baby? She now weighs a full two pounds and measures nine-plus inches [crown to rump]. And this week, her eyes, which until now were developing under fused eyelids, start to open. Of course, there's not much to see in there, but if your baby spots a bright light (or hears a loud noise) near your belly, you may notice an increase in fetal activity. (“Hey, I'm in here, Mommy! Where’s the party!”) What accounts for that response? Her brain is more developed and sophisticated.

Feel like you're carrying the Karate Kid with all the kicking going on? Your baby is actually practicing all kinds of movements that will eventually be used in life on the outside — including pedaling against your belly, a sort of prewalking skill. As your baby's nervous system becomes more developed, the movements will become much more coordinated. And as the baby gets bigger and stronger, the movements will become much more powerful…and occasionally, even painful to you. If your baby lands a good one, that tiny left hook might hurt — a lot. Another trick she may try — stretching that leg out so far that the foot becomes lodged between your ribs (ouch).

And I will leave you with a funny story... today a guy at my office heard me talking to another coworker about being pregnant, and then he pulled me aside and told me that for the last few months, he thought I was just getting chubby! Ha!!