16 Weeks

This week the baby is the size of an avocado (4.6 inches and 3.5 ounces).  His or her eyes are perceiving light, but the eyelids are still fused shut.  Tiny bones in the ears are forming and the ability to hear in the womb will be developed by week 18.  The baby's backbone and back muscles are gaining strength and baby is able to stretch out more.  I have felt a couple of "flutters" this week that I think are movements, but they are very infrequent and fleeting.  

Baby had a new experience this week - jury duty!  I was summoned for federal jury duty, called for jury selection, and chosen to serve on the jury for a federal tax evasion/falsification case.  It ended up being a clear-cut case since the defendant denied legal representation and chose not to testify or call any witnesses.  But we spent three days reporting to the courthouse and listening to witnesses testify to the many crimes the defendant was charged with (13 in total!).  

My next appointment is in 10 days (I'll be 17.5 weeks) and it seems lije it's been a while since we've gotten to hear Chocolate Chip's heartbeat.  But I'm confident the baby is growing well as I can feel a difference in my belly and a big difference in my breasts.  They are itchy, sore, and heavy.  It's tons of fun.  

Chocolate Chip also gained a cousin this week!  Peyton Kay Tillis was born 9/29, weighing 6 lb 11 ounces and measuring 19 inches.  We can't wait to meet her!