25 weeks

60% of the way there and 105 Days to go - Mini is the size of an eggplant. I also read somewhere that my uterus is the size of a soccer ball. Thank you very much - way to make me feel sexy huh? Also Mini has been kicking or dancing alot more. It feels like I have Flipper in my belly practicing the backwards dolphin swim. I get weekly updates from here.
This was what I received Sunday regarding 25 weeks about dental hygiene: "Want to keep your baby safely inside you until term? Put your dental floss where your mouth is. Surprisingly, research links good oral hygiene with longer pregnancies. Sounds crazy — doesn't it? Crazy, but true. Something as simple as brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly can reduce the risk of g.ingivi.tis — a common condition in which your gums become inflamed, red, and even begin to bleed. Untreated gi.ngivi.tis (that's where the regular dental checkups come in) can progress to peri.odontit.is — a more serious infection of the teeth — which has been linked to pre.matu.re bir.th and even an increased risk of pr.eeclam.psia. Keep on top of your teeth, and that old (untrue) wives' tale — the one that claims that a woman loses a tooth with each pregnancy — can finally be put to rest." - Good to know- thought I'd pass it along.

Mini's development - "The spine is strengthening this week, as the joints, ligaments, and rings form to protect the spinal cord from any injury. The blood vessels in the lungs develop, in preparation for breathing. Your baby’s eyes can open and close now, and they will react to light. His mouth is developing in preparation for the sucking reflex, as well as for swallowing. His nostrils are opening this week, and he may even be able to smell. He is already practicing walking, as his feet pedal up against your uterine wall. With all his twisting and turning, it’s amazing that the umbilical cord remains uncompromised. The umbilical cord is built to sustain life even through all the twists and turns of your baby, as its tough anti-knotting capabilities keep it well intact." I also read the the nostril is opening and breathing is being practiced.

OK TMI inserted here - I am not sure exactly when it happened but reading Hilary's post today made me remember that some where along the lines, my ni.pp.les are the size of small pancakes. Let's not forget that they are as dark brown as i have ever seen. There are some weird things going on there. Size and colors aren't the only thing. This past week, they hurt very bad. They are insanely sensitive and throb. It's very uncomfortable. It's not constant, it tends to come and go in waves. Ok sorry !

Thank you for all the compliments on the crib. I tell ya, I never knew all these decisions and choices were so hard. (or maybe they are hard because of too many choices) I forgot to post the pictures I ordered off e.ts.y. Here is the link. We aren't painting the room. The room is actually pretty close to the color of the walls in the crib picture. Instead we decided to decorate by adding paintings and wall hangings and furniture. We are contemplating a blue/green changing table or dresser. I found a website to order wall letters from. There are 2 that I really like and I can not decide which on to go with. I am going to ask a few friends later to see what their opinion is. If we can't decide, I will post them here and do a poll.

Thank you all for being kind and patient with all the baby prep talk and week update. I do not know if I am able to communicate properly how all of this feels to me. It is very therapeutic, but in the same sense, it's extremely overwhelming and alarming. I still feel like I am just in a very long cycle preparing for something that seems to be out of my reach. But so close i can taste it. I have no idea if that makes any sense what -so- ever. I still recognize the bitterness that I carry around with me at times. Sometimes, It comes out of my mouth and into the open where I have to deal with it - or be confronted by it. Sometimes, it stays in the depths of my mind only to torture me and my thoughts. I feel I am getting more excited every week and i find new fears as well.