Dear Baby Boy... 27 Weeks

Dear Baby Boy,

Boy, did we have another exciting week! You've been with us every step of the way this football season (including that game you caused me to miss because I couldn't stop puking) and I'm convinced you've been our little good luck charm this season. And last Sunday was no exception as we watched the Seattle Seahawks WIN THE SUPER BOWL! Daddy and I are so excited about this once first in a lifetime experience!! He really wants to make sure and collect as much memorabilia as possible to show you when you're older. We're getting you some onsies, t-shirts for when you're older, newspapers, making photo collages, and even ordering a commemorative football. And you experienced it all with us, my little sports fan! Yesterday was a long cold day, but the Seahawks homecoming victory parade and rally were totally worth it. I'm sure you were snug as a bug in a rug, anyway.

I spent Saturday morning with my dear friend Cailin, who is generously throwing us a baby shower and also offered to help me register for all the crucial items that will help us keep you alive and happy following your arrival. I was so incredibly grateful for her help! I had no idea there was such a plethora of items available... holy moly!! But I think we picked out only the best stuff, don't you worry.

This week marks the end of the second trimester, and I have gained 21 pounds. It pains me to even say that out loud, although I'm right on track for weight gain and I know it's all for your ultimate benefit. But it's scary for Mommy to see numbers like that on the scale, so looks like it's back to the gym more frequently for us!

Also, I feel like a little bit of a failure this week because the results of my glucose screening test came back higher than normal. This means that I need to have another, more extensive glucose tolerance test done to determine whether or not I have developed gestational diabetes. Even though I know this is nothing I "caused" (it's the result of hormones from the placenta blocking insulin reactions in my body), I still feel guilty for not remaining 100% healthy throughout this pregnancy. That being said, we'll wait until the results of the second test come back before jumping to any conclusions...

This week you weigh almost two pounds and are about the size of a head of cauliflower. You sleep and wake at regular intervals, opening and closing your eyes and maybe even sucking your fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your brain is very active now and I can definitely tell when you're feeling restless in there. Your lungs are still immature, but you practice inhaling and exhaling and would be capable of living and breathing (with a lot of medical help) if you were born now.

I haven't developed any new symptoms this week, but continue to experience pretty consistent stress and anxiety, which I'm trying to get under control by eliminating some of the less crucial activities from our lives. Mommy and Daddy just really need some time together to bond, nest and prepare for your arrival. This weekend we have big plans for shopping, painting and research...

We're heading into the home stretch now!

Love Always,
Mommy