8 Weeks

It seems like it's too soon, but we're already at the 8 week mark!  The baby is as big as a raspberry (0.6 inches long and 0.04 ounces).  However, my uterus has already grown from the size of a fist to the size of a grapefruit.  I'm not sure if it's the uterine growth, or the bloating, but I swear I can feel a difference in my lower abdomen's shape and size.  And Eric agrees.  ☺️

The baby's fingers and toes are still slightly webbed, but the tail is gone.  His or her taste buds and retinas are forming. And facial features are becoming more defined - nose, upper lip, eyelids, and ears are identifiable.  The baby's heart is likely beating between 150 and 170 times per minute.

At the end of this past week my nausea started to increase.  I'm still most nauseous at bedtime, but I even woke up nauseous several mornings and I have moments throughout the day that aren't the most pleasant.  Eating and drinking doesn't seem to have much impact - even though that has helped in the past.  Sleeping is my favorite treatment for the nausea.  Today I also have a stale taste in my mouth that I can't get rid of.  And Eric was concerned I was going to pass out after grocery shopping this morning.  So, in short, we're having a lot of fun.  

My school year ramps up slowly beginning this coming week.  I will meet with the building leadership team on Tuesday and Wednesday, with kindergarten orientation Wednesday evening.  The following week all staff returns on Wednesday, so it will be a 3-day week of pre-service meetings, professional development, and prep time.  And then we hit the ground running with a full week (4 days with students).  That will be Gavin's first week of school, too!