week twenty-six

Baby

is the size of a scallion, coming in at a whopping 14 inches long and weighing 2 lbs.
is able to hear outside the womb, including the distinct voices of mom and dad.
‘s growing body is supported by a strengthening spine which now has 150 joints, 33 rings and 1,000 ligaments.
is taking breaths of amniotic fluid as his lungs continue to develop, growing vital blood vessels and branching out new airways. Though it’s not air, it’s good practice for when he’ll breath air for the first time after he’s born.
‘s tastebuds are now fully developed.
has started developing some consistent sleep and play patterns, kicking and moving some nights until 3 am.
went to his first concert, Lizzo!

is nearing the end of her second trimester and feeling great.
is saying goodbye to her feet for a few months (see photo below).
is feeling and even seeing baby move regularly, waking up in the middle of the night, trying to capture the alien like movements and bulges moving across her tummy on video.
is planning for a natural birth if all goes well.
continues to do yoga twice a week, go on walks whenever she can, and cycle to work if weather permits. Though she is also taking sweet, sweet advantage of naps and Ubers when the time calls for it.
is sleeping like a baby, though surrounded by hundreds of pillows in bed to keep her comfortable and laying on her left side most nights. Sorry, dad!
has been lucky enough to have very little swelling, headaches, and leg cramps, though the heartburn can be vicious.
is planning a retreat for her Kindergarten team.
is writing reports.
has requested a letter from the midwife to officially travel home for Christmas at 28 weeks, woo hoo!
is picking up her permanent resident card from the immigration office- she’s officially a permanent resident in Europe!
celebrated her 33rd birthday.

just finished is first of many training sessions in a six year program to become a captain for KLM.
is researching flexible daycares in the area that might suit a part time teacher and inconsistent pilot schedule. We have plenty of time until this will be needed, but apparently the waiting lists are huge.
had a layover in Hong Kong for a few days and took Vinnie with him before he moves to Australia, hiking and exploring the beautiful city.
is also planning a trip to Singapore with his friend Frank for a few days.
brought in treats for the kids in mom’s class for her birthday.
went up to celebrate Opa Reint’s 65th birthday in Friesland! Gefeliciteerd, Opa!

Mom and dad have a busy week planned of thanksgiving dinners, a visit from John, Julie, Jordan, and Jess and mom’s friends Lauren and Liz.
Opa Reint turned 65 and Grandma Joe will also be turning a whopping 60 in a few weeks!
The Ducks beat the Beavers in the Civil War! GO DUCKS!
Mom and dad officially declared they will marry and picked a date: December 16th! By the next update, mom and dad will officially be married :) Read more about it here.