How your baby’s growing:
Your new resident is nearly an inch long — barely the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce, but he’s poised for rapid weight gain now that his basic physical structure is in place. He’s also starting to look more and more human. His embryonic “tail” is now completely gone and his body parts — including organs, muscles, and nerves — are kicking into gear.
His eyelids are fused shut and won’t open until 27 weeks. He has earlobes, and by week’s end, the inner workings of his ears will be complete. His upper lip is fully formed, too, and his mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The tips of his fingers are slightly enlarged where his touch pads are developing. All major joints — his shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles — are working, enabling your baby to move his limbs. As for his heart, it has divided into four chambers now, and the valves have started to develop. External sex organs are there, but won’t be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.
How we’re doing:
Lori has mentioned that she feels sicker this past week than she has during the whole pregnancy. A few different pregnancy resources mention that as well. So, Lori is textbook pregnant! I’ve been doing my best to make sure that I help her out wherever possible. She hasn’t been taking the long naps at the end of the day, so that must be wearing off. I’m sure she’s a little nervous though about me getting ready to travel. I’ll be out of town all week (except for the weekends) for 8 straight weeks. I’ll leave when she’s 10 weeks pregnant and the traveling will stop when she’s almost 20!
