Kumquat?

The 10 week mark has arrived! Our baby is now the size of a kumquat, about 1.25 inches long. Baby B is now swallowing fluid and kicking like a bucking bronco. I cannot feel the kicks yet. I've been told that at first it will feel like a flutter. All of the vital organs are in place and are starting to function. Tiny nails have now grown on the fingers and toes and there is peach-fuzz hair growing from the skin. Limbs can flex and extend. And the outline of Baby B's spine is clearly visible. Also, spinal nerves are starting to stretch out from the spinal cord. Baby B's forehead temporarily bulges as the brain develops (which is where most of the length of the baby lies... in the developing brain!)

When Matt and I were in Las Vegas, we went to the Luxor Casino where on display they had the Bodies Exhibit. Very cool! A must see! We came to one section which gave a warning sign. Caution: due to the content and nature of the next section, you may wish to skip said portion of the exhibit. Okay, it didn't say that exactly, but it was something to that effect. I thought I could handle it, so we pressed forward. We were upon the reproductive portion of the bodies display. In this section, they showed the various stages of development of the fetus. Yes, there were real fetuses that did not make it and had been preserved in the name of science. I found it fascinating to observe. I could see every stage of development that our baby would go through! Actual size and all! I was amazed at the early stages when the skin is transparent and you can see every vertebrae in the spinal column. I was also amazed at all the little red and blue lines that showed where bones were developing. At the same time I was viewing the exhibit, I was a little sad. I actually cried. Because somewhere in the world, a mother lost her baby. It was such an emotional experience for me; I was really moved. The Bodies Exhibit was definitely a highlight on my Vegas trip. Photography was prohibited, and I think that might be a little morbid anyway, so I don't have any pictures of the Exhibit. But I do have a picture of the Casino!

The Luxor

Don't forget: Tomorrow I have my first ultrasound appointment! Hopefully I'll get plenty of pictures of Baby B to post! We'll be able to see our little one for the very first time! So exciting!