26 Weeks: Cucumber

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. 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. (Babycenter.com)

Bagels. Toasted, with a little butter. Mmmm. I can't get enough of them this week. I would seriously eat them for every meal, and snack time, if I could. For some reason, my inner mom voice tells me that would not provide enough nutrients for little Poppsters.

I have been feeling a little sick this week, which could possibly be something I picked up in Mexico. My tummy was extremely queasy for a full day accompanied by a throbbing headache. The following few days have been comprised of occasional sharp abdominal cramping. I cannot tell if the cramping is in my uterus or stomach though. It stretches right across the middle of my belly. I have been trying to take it easy and not overdo it until I feel restored.

I have also been completely exhausted lately. When I sleep, I sleep hard. I nap almost every time Sophia does, and still fall into bed at night, worn out. I think my ideal day would be: eat a bagel, take a nap, eat 2 bagels, take a nap, eat a bagel and yogurt, play outside, go to bed. But that is definitely not how it goes! Sophia keeps me so busy and running all day, which is good for me and baby. We also try to get out on a walk everyday when possible.

Poppy is such a mover! I know I talk about this every week, but it such a huge part of the pregnancy that I can't neglect it. I feel Poppy moving, thrusting, kicking, poking, punching, wiggling and flip-flopping around at least once an hour, generally more than that. There has even been the occasional kick that is painful, and always in the same spot (lower, right abdomen). Sometimes I stop in my tracks, clutch my belly and yelp. Even Jared recognizes what that means now. Yesterday when that happened, Jared looked at me and asked, "Poppy kicking you again?"