26 weeks

Wow, it's hard to believe I've made it this far. I still feel like there's a ways to go, but it should be fairly smooth sailing from here on out. I feel like there is still a ton I need to do to get ready for Jack's arrival though. More clothes to wash, things to put away...basically just more cleaning and organizing. I have less motivation to do these things than I did before, but they still have to get done and I'll do what I can.

Here is what's happening with Jack in week 26 according to babygaga.com:
Fetal development in pregnancy week 26:
"At long last, your little swimmer can see the womb! Your miracle’s little eyelids have finally separated (they were fused closed previously) and they’re probably having their first moments of sight as you read this (or maybe it already happened while you were brushing your teeth or watching Oprah or something). In addition to seeing their little studio in your belly, they’ve recently acquired the ability to say “yes” and “no” in rudimentary sign language as they can now move their head back and forth. This is also the time where your little super star’s head hair is starting to grow! Also, their toenails have grown in and your little raisin continues to slowly pile up fat beneath their still-loose skin. Most importantly, brain tissue and neurons are all developing at a rapid pace, increasing their (genius-level?) brain activity and will continue to function at accelerated levels for the first seven to eight years of childhood!"

Nothing new is really happening with me. I'm just getting bigger and more uncomfortable as time goes on. Luckily I've been sleeping ok, which has surprised me but I won't complain! I know it won't last long. I still haven't decided if I'm going to take a birthing class. I'm reading a good book and people have said that as long as I do enough research, the classes won't be neccessary. I still feel like having the hands-on experience would be good though. I'm planning on trying for a med-free birth so I will need all the help I can get. I guess I need to make a decision sooner rather than later because spots fill up fast and I don't want to go any later than October.

I'm still researching circumcision. I've also been thinking a lot about my birth plan. I have very specific requests for both myself and Jack that I'm hoping the hospital staff will respect. For instance, I don't want any bottles or pacifiers of any kind given to Jack. Obviously things can't always go as planned and I am fully aware of that. But certain things are very important to me and I'm going to do what I can to make sure I get what I want. I'll post more about my birth plan and the experience I'm hoping for another day!