Passenger update - 21 weeks

From whattoexpect.com:
Your baby is grazing on whatever you are right now, but those stretch marks are yours alone, Mom.
How big is your baby? About the size of a large banana — and speaking of bananas, if you eat one this week, there's a good chance your baby will get a taste, too. That's because he swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so he eats whatever's on your menu. In other (not so welcome) news, you may start to notice some stretch marks as your body expands and your belly and breasts just keep on growing. These pink, red, or purple streaks appear when the supporting tissue under your skin gets torn as skin stretches (and stretches and stretches) during pregnancy. Not every woman gets them, though you're a likely candidate if your mom had stretch marks during her pregnancy or if you've gained weight rapidly.

From babycenter.com:
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

Baby is at 21 weeks! It's been a great couple of weeks for both of us... few annoying symptoms and plenty of belly pats (from loved ones and strangers alike!) and the emergence of spring and... well, springtime maternity clothes!

I was just out taking the puppies out for potty time when I was caught off guard by my shadow in the bright afternoon sun. There was a bump in the shadow that never used to be there and I just sat there smiling at that shadow, at the bump and at the thought of our wonderful little boy.

The movement feelings are becoming more frequent and stronger and I no longer wonder if I just pulled an ab muscle or ate too much chili.

Our little man and I get checked out by the doctor (a different one this time) on Monday. We'll have updates then on weight, heartbeat and all the medical things that will (hopefully) let us know that everything is going well and that the little carrot or banana baby is healthy as can be.

Until then, we head to NJ this weekend for Easter celebrations including an Easter egg hunt with our niece and nephew and much-needed time with loved ones... not to mention relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather forecast for us.

Happy Easter to all!

PS -- Who wants to do some guest blogging??? Send me an e-mail with anything you care to share and I'll post it.
PPS -- I appreciate you all reading our thoughts as we go about this journey. I get all of your comments, whether on here or by e-mail and, even though I can't respond to them all, please know I appreciate them and have them tucked away in their very own folder in my inbox.