16 Weeks

Here is my picture at 16 weeks, and I kinda wish didnt start to take these pictures in the AM, because I always feel like my face looks puffy in them. Or maybe it is just really getting puffy...I hope not!! We got our results from our alpha-fetoprotein test today and they were negative..YAY! It was a second trimester screening blood test for neural tube defects. Now we just have to wait for about 3 more weeks until we can see our baby again and hopefully find out the gender. I am really hoping to start feeling movement in the next couple of weeks. Anyway, just for the heck of it, I tried buttoning my work pants today and I couldnt even reach the buttons to eachother! I think I am starting to show a little bit more now, and Justin is noticing the "bump" more and more. Here is what is going on with the baby this week:

"How your baby's growing: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.