Week 25

Today marks the 25 week of our pregnancy. I believe most of my family can vouch that my belly has grown tremendously since I've been home!

Here is some information on what is going on with Ella Grace this week.

Ella Grace is about nine inches long and more than a pound and a half in weight this week. Her skin is turning pinker as small blood vessels form under the skin and fill with blood. Lungs and nostrils are also growing at this stage of fetal development.

She's taller than two juice boxes stacked one on top of the other, and almost as heavy as four of those little boxes (an analogy you'll find particularly apropos in a few years, when those juice boxes start taking over your refrigerator, your pantry, your car.…).

Small blood vessels, called capillaries, are forming under the skin and filling with blood. Later this week, blood vessels will also develop in her lungs, bringing them one step closer to full maturity — and one step closer to taking that first breath of fresh air. But at 25 weeks pregnant, those lungs are still very much works in progress. Though they are already beginning to develop surfactant, a substance that will help the lungs expand after the baby is born, the lungs are still too undeveloped to sufficiently send oxygen to the bloodstream and release carbon dioxide when she exhales.

The lungs aren't the only system that's gearing up for air intake. Ella Grace's nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open this week. This actually allows her to begin taking practice breaths. (Of course since there's no air in there, she is really only "breathing" amniotic fluid, but it's the practice that counts, right?)

I'm doing pretty well. The 15 pounds I've gained are starting to take their toll on me. My upper back is always bugging me and I have pains in my lower back from time to time. I feel like I'm 100 years old some days! My stomach has to be the size of a pea b/c it takes very little to fill me up. Knowing this, I still eat as much as I usually do causing me to gripe after every meal due to me being so uncomfortable that I can hardly breathe. Haha! My mom has said many times that she can't wait to hear about the next few months because I'm probably going to be a bit grouchy:) Poor Brian! Although, he's been a good sport so far.

We head back to Seattle on Saturday and have to immediately work on the house packing. We move next Saturday, January 10th. Also, we have our next doctor's appointment on Tuesday, January 6th and first birth preparation class on the 8th. Talk about an insanely busy week! Life is going to be a bit crazy starting now until say....the next 18 to 20 years!

The next chapter of our lives has officially begun...

Have a Happy New Year!

Ella's Goodies

Since we laid out all of Ella's gifts for relatives and friends to stop by and see, I took a few pictures for all of you who couldn't be here to see them. Along with many day gowns, dresses, bloomers, lovies, blankies, shoes and more, we also received her stroller and car seat - Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Meewes!! - as well as her 3 in 1 play yard and another surprise on the way to Seattle from my friends.

Click on the pictures to enlarge and get a better view:)!!

Lots of handmade dresses

My grandparents gave this daygown to Ella. She will wear this home from the hospital.

Look at all of these cute booties!

The first box of dresses Mom's shipping to Seattle. The one in the middle (light green) was my Mom's.

Ella the Elephant clothing set

My dad calls me "LP" for Little Princess. Ella will be LP2.

The framed picture of Ella that all of my girlfriends & some family signed with messages to her at one of the showers.

All of Ella's little lovies

Cute piggy bank from aunt Emily

I think she's set for awhile! What do you think?!

Christmas at Home Sweet Home

This year is the first time I've been home for Christmas since I graduated from college! 4 years! Of course, this is my favorite time of year - being with family and friends and enjoying all of the Christmas decorations.

Kelley kids

Emily and Remy dog

Phillip and Dad

Opening presents as soon as we got home Christmas night

Brian opening our video camera!!

P and his new Martin

The 24 week bump...I've gained 15 lbs so far.

Emily wrapping up her UGGS before she headed out in the thunderstorm

Can you believe this? All of the handmade baby dresses I went through for Ella Grace. These were mine, my sister's, my cousins, even my moms!! I don't think Ella will wear anything twice and I may have to change her 3 times a day so she can wear everything!

This serves as the 25 week bump! Emily was chasing me around trying to get me to lift my shirt for a belly pic. No more of those!

Beautiful Bella! Gran and Pop's dog.

Below are some of my parent's Christmas decorations this year. Mom decided she wanted 4 trees! As always, everything looked beautiful.