Week 36

My little ninja is now about six pounds in weight and measures slightly more than 20 inches in length. Growth will experience a slowdown now, both so she will be able to fit the narrow passageway to the outside and also so she can store up all the energy needed for delivery. By now, many of Ansley's systems are pretty mature, at least in baby terms, and just about ready for life on the outside. Blood circulation, for instance, has been perfected and her immune system has matured enough to protect her from infections outside the womb. Other systems, however, still need a few finishing touches. Once such notable example: digestion — which actually won't be fully mature until sometime after birth. Why's that? Inside her little gestational cocoon, she has relied on the umbilical cord for nutrition, meaning that the digestive system — though developed — hasn't been operational. So Ansley will take the first year or two to bring that system up to speed. If she’s anything like her parents food will be a very important aspect of her life so she may master digestion sooner than most:)

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon- an official update to come!