29 Weeks

This week the baby is as big as an acorn squash (about 15.5 inches long and 2.5+ pounds).  It's hard to believe the baby will triple in size before birth.  That seems crazy (and is it really necessary?)!

Muffin is developing more fat and his or her wrinkled skin is smoothing out.  The baby will likely develop hiccups occasionally and may even begin to smile in the womb.  The most notable development is just growth and the continued "tightening of the baby's living quarters."  Kicks are feeling stronger and I can often see my belly moving.  This past week I began counting kicks and I'm consistently able to feel 10 kicks in about 15 minutes.  They are even beginning to keep me awake at night!  

Eric and I have been narrowing down our baby name list.  As of yesterday, we agree on our front-runner for a boy (but we each have a second favorite that we'll keep in mind in case our first pick doesn't seem like the right fit).  We might also agree on a front-runner for a girl, but once again we each have a different name that we would choose as our second option.  We'll keep thinking on it (at least I will!), but it feels good to have some solid options that we love.   Gavin is suggesting Hank for a boy and Ashima for a girl - he's currently playing with his tank engines.  So I guess we actually have 4 names to consider for each gender.

We've also been practicing social distancing this week.  Other than 2 trips to Hy-Vee and necessary appointments, we haven't left the house.  Our first week of "cancelled school" starts Monday, so it will seem strange to stay home (this week was spring break).  The weather has been less than spring-like, so we're hoping that it warms up in the next few days and we can enjoy more fresh air.