Layers

Hello everyone! Hope you had a great week. Last Thursday, Mommy made Daddy some steak and artichokes and his favorite, white cake for working so hard at his new job. I have to say, I like steak-- it's in the genes (on both sides!). Daddy was off on Friday, so he spent the day working on his motorcycle (Mommy calls it his pre-mid-life crisis project) while Mommy finished up her schoolwork for this week. On Saturday, Mommy, Daddy, and I celebrated Uncle David's graduation (Congrats Uncle Dave!) then on Sunday Daddy and David went out with Grandpa Jim (waiting on name requests...) for an early Father's day dinner. I can't wait to meet my Daddy face-to-face! Mommy says he's pretty amazing (and pretty cute... so I have some good looks going for me!). This week I am the size of an onion, I hope Mommy doesn't cry all week!
Take a look:

Speaking of onions, this week, my "layers" are forming and maturing. My bones are hardening, from rubbery cartilage (like what your ear is made of) to hard bone. Fat is finally accumulating, something Mommy is actually glad to hear because though it means she's going to start gaining more weight, she knows it means I am healthy. My umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger so more nutrients and blood can get to my growing body. My fingers and toes now have a one of a kind print, from the swirling amniotic fluid and moving around the last few months. I have been practicing sucking and swallowing so I will be a pro eater when I enter the world (something Mommy cringes to think about, but tells herself it's a must-do to keep me super healthy and strong--burning those calories doesn't hurt her either). 
My heart is now regulated by my brain, which means no more random heart beats. Last time we went to the Dr my heartbeat was about 164. I think Mommy and Daddy love hearing my heartbeat, Mommy's heart beats faster every time the Dr lets her hear it. Mommy has a bigger appetite these days, mainly because I've been sending snack requests her way more and more. Me and Mommy's favorite snacks are oranges, apples, yogurt, and lots of water, watered-down apple juice, and anything Mexican. Mommy was getting pretty dizzy a few weeks ago, but I think she and I have figured out how to avoid that. Though now that three flights of stairs to get home is more like a full-on workout for her with all of that blood she has to pump through hers and my body. 
I hit a milestone last Sunday afternoon (June 12, 2011 around 4:30pm) when I was exercising, Mommy felt me move for the first time. At first she didn't know what it was (maybe the Mac 'n Cheese 'n hot dogs --greatest college student creation of all time, i hear--digesting), but then I moved again and again a few seconds later and she knew it was me, then she felt it later that night, too. Mommy can't wait until she can put Daddy's hand on her belly and he can feel me move, too. Mommy thinks it's an amazing miracle how God allows her to "grow" a baby inside of her. What a great HONOR it is to be entrusted with one of His most loved creations. She told me she is so excited to give me kisses in November, only about 5 more months to go, (and 4 weeks 'till half time!). They should know by the end of the month if I am a little boy or girl! Everyone's getting antsy to find out... maybe I'll switch positions so the Dr's can see... then again, maybe not. :-D
See you next week!