Week 25

During this week, your baby is spending more time preparing for life after birth. Nerves around the mouth and lip area are becoming more sensitive now, preparing Baby for that all-important task of finding a nipple and getting nourishment.
At a pound and a half and a length of about eight to 10 inches, Baby is growing at a steady pace. The umbilical cord is thick and resilient now, covered in a firm, slippery substance that prevents kinking and knotting and may regulate the blood flow between placenta and Baby.
This week, you could expect:
* Baby will begin curling her fingers into a fist.
* Baby's dexterity will continue to develop.
* She'll continue to explore her surroundings, including the umbilical cord.
* Your baby's spinal structure will begin to form.
* Baby's nostrils beginning to open.(verybestbaby.com)

At church on Sunday I received several comments about how noticeable my belly has become recently. One gal was particularly encouraging by saying she thinks I'll have to be wheeled into the hospital in a wheelbarrow by July 15! Nice! :)

I continue to have Braxton Hicks contractions on a daily basis. They're actually getting a little stronger and sometimes even a touch painful. I was supposed to have my 24-week check up tomorrow morning but the clinic called to reschedule. So now I have to wait until April 7th! I'll also have my second ultrasound that day so I'm looking forward to that. But I do want to ask my doctor about these darn contractions. I just pray often for this baby to be healthy and to stay in there until he's fully cooked! If you'd pray too I'd appreciate that!