15 Week Update

Here is the info from the weekly email about Critter Walsh's development! Below is my blabbing on and on so you know what's actually happening to US.


At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help the air sacs in his lungs develop. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you were to shine a flashlight at your tummy, he'd be likely to move away from the beam.
If you're scheduled for an ultrasound in the coming weeks (most women have one between 16 and 20 weeks), you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! Don't be disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down the gender depends on how clear the picture is and the position of your baby during the ultrasound; he may be curled or turned in such a way as to keep you in suspense.
Your baby's taste buds are beginning to form now, too, and a study at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia suggests he may be able to taste what you've been eating. Researchers found that flavors from the food pregnant women ate ended up in their amniotic fluid. They also found that eating healthy foods during pregnancy may help your baby develop a preference for those foods that could last a lifetime.

I've gained about 6 pounds, all (or most of it) focused in the belly, so I have a little "pooch" and I've had to get new pants! Dan, on the other hand, has gained about 10 sympathy pounds. :-)

We heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time yesterday! It was very cool. 153 beats per minute - boom, boom, boom. So strong! We're scheduled for an ultrasound on March 5th, when we can find out if Critter is a boy or a girl...but we're still not sure we want to ruin the surprise!

I'm in the process of switching Obstetricians. My current OB is part of a huge group practice, fairly robotic with her answers to my questions, and on a totally different wavelength from me. When I go into labor, with this group practice, whoever is on call will deliver Critter...and there is no way for me to meet any of them before hand. Yuck. I have a preliminary appointment with another group next week - one MD, one DO and a midwife. All women. Small, small, small, which to me means they are able to be more personal. Dan asked me "What are the potential drawbacks to a smaller practice?" I couldn't think of any...do any of you have any answers to that question? Anyway - the doctor I choose at this new practice is the one that will deliver Critter. I will meet all three practicioners at my various appointments, so the entire practice will - get this! - actually KNOW me. Wow.

We moved downstairs last weekend with the help of Mom, George, Mike & Deborah. We took over the back bedroom, which is refreshingly large, cozy, and close to the bathroom! The nursery will be the front bedroom (the old guest room). It's currently green, like a hosptial room or a bowl of pistachio ice cream. It will be painted before Critter arrives!

We are still trying to decide on a name for a boy Critter. Any suggestions? Greg has told us how important it is for a child to have a unique name in this over-populated world...so his current suggestions include Tinsel, Titanium, or any mineral or tree. I asked him if "Salt Walsh" sounded good. :-p What boy names do you like?

I hope you are all well!

Love,
Lindsay,