Entering the 2nd Trimester: Clearly Winter Break is Over

Gelatinous by-products aside, this little critter is really on the up and up. With the chin, nose, and forehead being much more defined now, Hankemma is starting to look like a real human rather than a tadpole (ew). With facial muscles in tact, this kid can smile at my jokes, turn its nose down at that rank bathroom spray people STILL insist on using, and wrinkle its little brow at life's tough questions (often posed by Corey). Measuring only about 3-6 inches in length and weighing no more than a slice or two of cheese, this little guy (or gal) has fingerprints of its own and rests comfortably in amniotic fluid that provides a fresh warm cushion every three to four hours. Those must have been the days of glory. Throughout the second trimester, there is going to be some Nascar-speed growth happening, for both mother and child. Pretty soon, Amy won't be able to walk through the grocery store without millions of hormone-hungry women reaching their arms out to molest her abdomen with unadulterated shamelessness.

In a more made-for-Oprah moment, Amy heard her baby's heartbeat for the first time last week. Tears ensued as the pitter-patter of new life resounded around the room. In all serious though, this was a very exciting moment because it was indicative of the baby's good health (as if we had any doubt)!

Learning about Amy's baby's development (almost) week-by-week has inspired me to more actively seek more knowledge on the miracle of life. On second thought, "actively" might be an inaccurate way of defining the research I've done-- from the sofa of my living room, I've watched hours and hours of baby shows on Discovery Health almost as if it's become a new hobby (read: obsession) of mine. I've learned all about the squishiness of a baby's head at the time of birth, the strange development of genitalia, and women who miraculously sense their pregnancy within hours of it happening (liars, maybe?). Check your local cable listing.