Week 8: Goodbye sea creature, hello baby!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 8: embryo in second month Woohoo! You've got one whole inch of baby inside of you! Your little embryo has finally reached the one-inch mark (30mm). And if it were possible to take a peek, you could actually see your tiny baby without a telescope! What’s more, your baby is finally starting to take on some very distinct human features. For starters, their little tail (really just the spinal cord) has disappeared completely. It’s nice to know your baby can no longer be mistaken for a sea creature! Additionally, both their toes and fingers are prominent with very little, if any, webbing. Upper and lower limbs all show recognizable joints (elbows and knees) and the lower limb bones are starting to ossify. But don’t expect your baby to resemble either parent quite yet. Right now, your baby’s head is disproportionately larger than the rest of their body--making up almost half of your little one’s height and weight!

And how's mom doing? Your slightly-larger-than-a-cherry embryo is also starting to have a physical impact on you this week—and not just hormonally, as you may be noticing a slight bulge at your midline-- mostly from water retention. Most people won't even notice the subtle change to your belly's shape, but since you’re tuned in to every little change in your body, it hasn’t slipped past. Good news for the hormonally tortured: if you have been extra moody lately, that may start to subside this week, as the placenta is beginning to take responsibility for your baby’s hormone production. This means your body will soon be able to relax a bit from its over-production of hormones as the placenta starts to regulate your baby’s hormones-- allowing your body to focus on producing more normal levels of hormones for yourself.

Wanted: one home...

with a nursery for the baby and a backyard for the furry kids!

I just wanted to put this out tonight. Michael and I, although always in need of your prayers, are asking for more prayer. We went and looked at a house in Waxahachie on Saturday and have decided we really want that house. We had toured the house this last summer and it is still on the market. After deciding to put our faith out there, we applied for financing and we are waiting to hear what they say. Another benefit of Michael being a school teacher is there are programs out there that we might just qualify for. So, please pray that we are able to get approval for something, anything! Even if it means we have to find a different house. Just pray someone is willing to lend us the money. I'd get on my knees to beg but that just looks desperate. So instead of begging, I will pray. Anyone want to join me?

The picture, by the way, is of me on my first day of kindergarten. I was such a ham! Don't you just love the hair? LOL :0)

Week 7: Welcome to the hormonal rollercoaster!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 7: embryo in second month Your baby is really beginning to develop more physical definition this week – their oversized head isn’t just large and oblong anymore, it’s actually a little bit pointy. The tiny receding tail bud is now starting to be overshadowed by the growth of their legs, which are now complete with knees and the beginnings of toes. Their eyes and ears are the most visible features on their head and their miniature bones are starting to harden throughout their body. You also have some variation on a boy or a girl at this point, although their genitals won’t be visible enough to determine which color cigars you’re going to buy until around the 16th week.

And how's mom doing? Your hormones are still out of whack because the placenta won’t take over hormone production for your little one for another couple of weeks. So until then, expect more of the same. At this point any close family or friends have undoubtedly noticed you’re a little more moody and/or irritable than usual. And there are probably times where you’re ready to tell the world off (maybe you already have), but it’s always worth the time and effort to explain to yourself and others the reason for your current emotional rollercoaster; you don’t have to be a monster just because you feel a little whacked out. Focus on your breathing and energy levels. Take naps if you feel fatigued but don't forget the stress-reducing benefits of long walks outside for fresh air and exercise. Sit down if you start to feel nauseous, and take the time to eat healthy vitamin-rich foods when you’re hungry. Even though there’s no bi-weekly paycheck or boss, pregnancy is harder work than you might think and you need lots of positive physical and emotional energy to provide your baby with the safest strongest home possible.

We have a new due date!

We had our second appointment on Tuesday the 22nd. They said this was the official confirmation. After doing another sonogram he decided that we weren't as far along as we had thought. I'm only seven weeks and the new due date is now September 9th.

The sonogram pics were so much clearer on Baby Dot. I'm having trouble scanning them in, but I will keep trying. She is measuring at a whopping 10.5 mm and the heartbeat is at 144 bpm. (Some would say that sounds like a girl.) Michael predicted a girl the day after I took the first test. He said Jesus told him. How do you argue with that?

I just had to share this picture with everyone. It is one of two posters that hang on the ceiling above the bed in the ultrasound room. I thought it was very appropriate for our blog!

The Huffstetler adventure begins...

We're having a baby!!

Now that the doctor has medically confirmed it, I want to shout it from the rooftop!
"I can't believe God has blessed me once again!"

Michael and I have been trying to get pregnant for two and a half years. At the end of October I had a chat with God to see what the hold up was. Basically, He told me to stop being such a control freak and to let Him take care of His business. Well, as hokey as you think that sounds I finally stopped whining and listened to what He had to say. My Father was scolding me once again for not having faith in Him to take care of me. He told me to give it to Him and not take it back, again. So, I did. I focused my thoughts on other things and got a beautiful surprise.
On Wednesday, Jan 2nd I came to realize I hadn't had a visitor yet! So, I took one of three tests, yes I said three. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the results. All I could keep saying, with tears running down my face, was "Thank you God! Thank you for this gift. You are so good to me. Thank you!" Michael and I are both excited beyond belief.

We had our first appointment Jan 8th. I am seven weeks pregnant and due August 28th, give or take. The first sonogram was still too early to detect anything more than a small dot in a sac. Michael and I have been calling the baby, "Baby Dot". Funny enough, Dot is a nickname for a special girl name we are considering. Michael is predicting a girl! He told his dad he's gonna need his shotgun. I'm honestly hoping for a boy. But, at this point, it's just amazing to be pregnant at all. I will keep everyone posted on our progress.

LOTS OF LOVE TO EVERYONE!!