9 Weeks, 2 Days

Baby at 9 weeks.

Baby is nearly an inch long — barely the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce, but is poised for rapid weight gain now that the basic physical structure is in place. Baby is also starting to look more and more human. The embryonic "tail" is now completely gone and the body parts — including organs, muscles, and nerves — are kicking into gear. The eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. Baby has earlobes, and by week's end, the inner workings of the ears will be complete. The upper lip is fully formed, too, and the mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The mouth can now be opened. The tips of the fingers are slightly enlarged where the touch pads are developing. All major joints — the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles — are working, enabling the baby to move its limbs. As for the heart, it has divided into four chambers now, and the valves have started to develop. It beats strongly already. External sex organs are there, but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.

I've started experiencing the sinus congestion that I had throughout my entire pregnancy with Maya. At this point, I can still smell and taste about 75% of the time, though that percentage may decrease if my last pregnancy was any indication. No physical discomfort at this point, and the ravenous appetite that usually accompanies early pregnancy for me has started to diminish (thank goodness!) Baby dreams have started already. In the last one, the doctor examined me and told me that he was sorry, but there was no baby there. I wasn't terribly surprised, but I was a little sad. I think that dream spawned from the fact that I don't really feel pregnant yet. K took me in to his office for a dating scan a week and a half ago, and I was half afraid he would tell me there was no baby there. There was though, and the heart was happily beating away. According to K, though, judging by the baby's size, our due date may be off by a week. My argument is that I'm certain of the date of ovulation, so he pointed out that it might be a little early for an accurate scan. I suspect he'll be taking me back for another scan within the next few days.