We're Having a Baby!

That's right. Another Sanders baby is on his/her way. I am currently nine weeks along and feeling all the signs of early pregnancy. Slight nausea, exhaustion and picky eating. I seem to feel the best when eating cheese and carbs. So healthy, right? Grilled cheese sandwiches, mac n cheese, cereal, string cheese, buttered toast, etc. No cravings yet, just aversions to certain things. I have a hard time even thinking of chicken. It makes me sick. Although I think if it was placed in front of me I could still eat it.

Our 8 week doctor appointment was exciting, as we were able to see a strong heart beat and a healthy baby. Our doctor said the computer (after taking it's measurements) couldn't decide on a due date of 1/13/13 or 1/14/13. Richard, being the numbers person that he is, likes 13/13. So that's what we picked. Obviously he's not superstitious. My mom, who's birthday is 1/10, has already mentioned her preference for a birthday present on the 10th.

Here is our first picture of the new baby, taken at 8 weeks.

Here is what Babycenter.com says about the stage our baby is at right now.
Now, at 9 weeks, our baby is nearly an inch long, about the size of a grape, and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. His/her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Our baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do the tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Our baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. The eyes are fully formed, but his/her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. He/she has tiny earlobes, and the mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct.

I am always amazed at how God creates us inside our mother's wombs. It is truly amazing! There is no doubt in my mind that life begins at conception. Even the heart beat starts around week six, at which point many women don't even know they're pregnant yet. With today's technology, it's a blessing to be able to understand and take part in our baby's growth as we get closer and closer to being able to hold this little one in our arms.

Around our house, we have an acronym that we like to use as a fun way to thank God for his many blessings. TYJ. It means Thank You Jesus.