Week 15
(The following text is from BabyCenter.)

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

Note to self: "Hide the laser pointer."

My next prenatal checkup is on Monday, March 30th. I'll be in Week 17 then. We want to find out the gender of the baby for medical reasons. Whether or not we'll let YOU know.... well... we'll see.

If you're having amniocentesis, it'll most likely happen after 16 weeks. This test can identify hundreds of genetic and chromosomal disorders. If you're getting very anxious while waiting for the results, it may help to know that most women who undergo amniocentesis get good news about their babies — bringing welcome relief from their worries.

In case you're wondering, my appointment for amniocentesis is on Tuesday, April 14th. I'll be in Week 19 then. It takes about 2 weeks for the results to come out, during which time we're also having an anatomical exam done. In other words, we're going to learn a lot about Peanut in about a month.

Q: What will those first movements feel like?
A: Women have described the sensation as being like popcorn popping, a goldfish swimming around, butterflies fluttering, a tapping sensation, and bubbles. You'll probably chalk up those first gentle movements in your belly to gas or hunger pangs, but once you start feeling them more regularly, you'll recognize the difference. You're more likely to feel these early movements when you're sitting or lying quietly.

"A goldfish swimming around". That's what I felt!

This Week's Activity: Talk to your baby
It's a great way to start the bonding process. If having an actual conversation seems odd to you, narrate your activities; read a book, magazine, or newspaper; or share your secret wishes for your child. This is great practice for after your baby's born. Talking to babies is one of the best ways to help them develop language skills.

What I most often say to Peanut is, "Uh oh, only 10 seconds left to cross the street. Hold on tiiiiiiiiiiiiight!" (Remember the Little Green Man? That's how I know how many seconds I have to get to the other side)