22 weeks are gone, only 18 (or fewer) remain...

...until Sophia arrives.

She now looks like a miniature newborn, at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

Our doctor told us today that the ultrasound pictures from November looked perfect. Sophie's developing organs look just right. He also told me that the 8 pounds I've gained so far were good too...that 10 are actually recommended by now, so I've stopped feeling fat for today :)

I just feel so much 'bigger' than I felt with Maya. Probably the fact that my muscles had just over a year to go back to where they belong and back into shape... makes my now five-month pregnant 'belly' less able to hide Sophie as I could Maya.

I wish I had more time to just sit and think about Sophie's arrival. It doesn't really seem like it's only 18 weeks away! My mind is unable to focus on much beyond the many upcoming deadlines and performances ahead for Christmas.
But in just 9 more school days (3 weeks), I'll be home with Ryan and Maya, celebrating Christmas, enjoying visits from far away siblings, and dreaming about April.

For now though, I have a program order to type, several forms to fill out, a kitchen to clean, a diaper bag to pack for the morning, and a bed that is calling my name.