It’s been way too long since my last post. I took a break from blogging, reading most blogs and the internet except for research and baby stuff. Life has been more than wonderful for my family and me. Hubby got a promotion at work– working 7-4 Mon-Fri– much more of a normal schedule. Kyla is growing into a sweet little girl who loves her daddy and momma and grandparents so much. Baby boy [Asher Thomas-- for all you lucky people who read my blog!] is approximately 27 weeks gestation and a very active, handsome little man. My pregnancy has been smooth, stress free, and absolutely a blessing. My belly is growing [and moving] like crazy. I almost forgot how big it really gets! My extended family has also had many great moments and answers to prayer that are beyond words. I just can’t verbalize my thankfulness of this season of my life. What an appropriate time for this to happen as we have just finished celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, though I try to keep the attitude in my heart year around. Think of the many things in life which are good and not so good to be thankful for.

Kyla returns to the eye doctor tomorrow for a glaucoma exam. We’re praying for God’s wonderful grace to work in our lives once again. I don’t doubt His sovereigny and excellent will for our lives and situations.

It’s that time again. Yep, that’s right– another post. It’s been a busy summer and I don’t really have the time to blog good blogs every day. So, it’s time for an update post. Life has been good, Kyla’s almost 16 months old, Komet is still a wacky beagle, and we went to church camp last week. Tomorrow’s my NT scan at 2:00. I’m so excited to see Moxley again. It seems like forever ago that we last saw the baby. We don’t use the scan as a ‘I’m not perfect, so…” test; we use it as another opportunity to see God’s blessing once again! It’s finally summer! It’s been stinkin’ [if you don't wear deodorant, you will stink] hot out. 90 degrees doesn’t mix well with pregnancy or anything for that matter. Morning sickness/allday yuckiness still comes and goes, but oh well. I’m used to it now. Only another 28 weeks until d-day [delivery day]!  Until another update, Godspeed!

Your baby now weighs a little over one pound/ 500 grams and measures about 11.4 inches/ 29 centimetres from crown to heel. Her hearing is well established and she can make out a distorted version of your voice, the beating of your heart and your stomach rumblings. Loud noises often heard in utero, such as the barking of a dog next door or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won’t bother your child when she hears them outside the womb.

Numerous studies seem to indicate that the unborn prefer classical music, especially Vivaldi. Play The Four Seasons for your child and pay attention to her movements. Does she quieten down during adagio sections and speed up for the allegro portions? You may have a budding conductor in your womb.

In addition to advances in your baby’s hearing, her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. She’s swallowing but she normally won’t pass her first stool (called meconium) until after birth.

If your baby were to be born now, she would have a small chance of survival (about 16 per cent) with the right care. Every day in the womb makes a difference at this stage. If she was born at 24 weeks her chance of survival would rise to 44 per cent.

As for you, you may feel clumsy now that your centre of gravity has shifted. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and your belly button, once an ‘innie’, may now stick out. Don’t worry. It’ll revert to its pre-baby state soon after you give birth.