26 Weeks

Here's what Baby Center says about this week:
"The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days."

I have read that leg cramps can come with the territory of pregnancy, and sure enough, I have had some. I have learned that if I can "poke my heel" out instead of pointing my toes to stretch the muscle, I can stop them pretty quickly. This morning I woke up yelling: OWW, OWW, I CAN'T POKE MY HEEL, OWW!! I didn't realize I was yelling. I didn't realize I was awake. Todd came running and laughing. I know I must have sounded just pitiful. He asked me what was hurting because he said that what I was yelling didn't make any sense... All I could say was, "I can't poke my heel!" Luckily he remembered from previous, and much less intense cramps, that it was my leg. He tried to rub the muscle, but said it was as hard as a rock. I think that all this stuff that is somewhat expected with pregnancy and actually happening to my body is hilarious. I'm really living up to the stereotypes.

This picture makes me laugh because Todd told me to put my hands on my hips... What hips? I couldn't find them!

We had a pretty calm 4th of July around here. I'm not into fireworks and don't like crowds, so we didn't even discuss going anywhere. My dad was available to come over for dinner, so I invited him, Aunt Pat, Greg (Todd's dad), and Kay (Greg's wife) over and we grilled some hot dogs & hamburgers. We really enjoyed the company and had a fun time just being together. I know that when the boys come I will have to be more with-it and let them actually experience fireworks and crowds. That will be fun, too. :-)

Greg, Todd, Kay

Aunt Pat & Rollei. Rollei's getting by with murder by being on the furniture, but he was getting loved on by his Aunt Pat, so it's a special case. (We have poked at and pulled on Rollei so much since he was a puppy that stuff like lifting his ears doesn't even phase him.)

I got an amazing gift that I have completely fallen in love with. It's a swivel glider recliner that I was able to choose from my favorite furniture store and select the fabric and details. It was delivered on Friday. I cannot say how comfortable this chair is for me. I honestly want one in every room of the house. It's sooo perfect! So, gift-giver, THANK YOU!!!

Pictures 1: The recliner 2:Me posed in the recliner according to Todd's directions 3: The real way to enjoy my fits-like-a-glove recliner!

I have a lot more to report on, but will save some room for later. Have a great remainder of the week!