BJ at Week 21...Over Halfway There!

The week of June 15th, 2009

BJ now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a banana. Sometimes I feel like she is practicing kick-boxing as her little butterfly fluters have now turned into full-fledged kicks and nudges. I think I am also starting to notice a pattern of behavior with her since we've had a while to get to know each other better. In other developments, her eyebrows and lids are present now. (Babycenter.com)

Speaking of activity BJ was very active this past weekend. I still haven't felt her kick on the outside, but her Aunt Keisha said she felt it before. Although, I have been feeling her move inside. I can't wait to feel her on the outside. So, the countdown is on to Father's Day. I have no idea what to do for Chip. I mean, he is a dad already, but now he is a soon-to-be father too :) So, I will have to think of something special for him, something from Tre and something from BJ.

BJ is grazing on whatever I eat these days, and I am doing my best to keep the stretch marks away or at least to a minimum! Lucky BJ, so won't get one stretch mark from all the growing she's doing. So, BJ is about the size of a large banana — and chances are if I eat one this week, she will get a taste, too. That's because she swallows amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so she eats whatever is on my menu.

In other (not so welcome) news, as my body expands my belly and boobs just keep on growing. I've had some anxiety over this lately, but then I realize, there's really a baby in there! Now that I've really started to look pregnant (and not just like I've been eating tubs and tubs of ice cream) and BJ's kicks can no longer be mistaken for other bodily functions, the reality of pregnancy is beginning to sink in. But, I am hanging in there. I know that this baby is a blessing and that God will surely work everything out. In talking with other moms, some said that at some point in pregnancy (usually when it becomes very visible) just about every expectant mother (and father!) begins to feel anxiety and fear as though she's on a runaway train — with enormous changes coming around every turn. They say it is completely normal to feel anxious.

Physically, I am still pretty comfortable. Ever since I got my pillow for work, my tailbone has been fine. I also started going back to the chiropractor every 2 weeks, and that has helped tremendously. I have noticed that my skin is producing more oil, so I am going through another round of acne, like a teenager. But all that is in it I guess, and I will be worth it to see her sweet face and hold her in my arms. So, that is how I am feeling these days. It won't be long until we're in the 3rd trimester and that's when all the real fun begins!