Week 19: Munchkin is a MANGO!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Week 19: Munchkin is a MANGO!!
I have been a little more tired this week, but other than that, feeling pretty good and enjoying the 2nd trimester! Unfortunately, still no real cravings yet, although I am enjoying foods that I didn't really like before like fried foods and pizza (which I try not to eat that often since they aren't very good for Munchkin). Here are two pics of my belly today:

J.D. and I are so excited for Wednesday where we will hopefully find out if Munchkin is a boy or a girl. I really think it's going to be a girl and have felt that way all along....who knows, just a gut feeling. J.D. says he's not sure what he thinks it is, but is hoping for a boy.....although we both just really want a healthy baby. After taking some polls about what people think that baby is, 70% think it's a girl and 30% think it's a boy. I guess we'll just have to wait and see! Here's a picture of us (check out the maternity clothes) hanging out with some friends last weekend:
Yesterday my friend Lauren took me to Buy Buy Baby to help with the overwhelming task of registering. Unlike registering for a wedding, you have to worry about things like safety and function. It can't just be something pretty and fun. This makes everything much more difficult. I have been reading lots and doing tons of research online, but nothing compares to having an experienced parent walk you through the store and explain the ins and outs of the 50 strollers that the story carries.

Here are some of the things that are happening this upcoming week:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting.
Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

• Your baby has the same awake and sleep patterns of a newborn. He has a favorite position for sleep and recognizable active and rest periods.
• Throughout baby's body, nerves are being coated with a fatty substance called myelin, which insulates the nerves so that impulses can flow smoothly.
• Scalp hair becomes apparent this week. It has sprouted and continues to grow.
• The milk teeth buds have already developed and over the next few days the buds for the permanent teeth will begin to form behind the milk teeth.
• If baby is female the uterus starts to develop. If you're having a girl, the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes are in place.
• If it's a boy, the genitals are distinct and recognizable.
• Your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and his or her kidneys are making urine.