29 Weeks 3 Days

Nearing 30 weeks, we're amazed at how large my stomach is as Newest Neilly continues growing. Her kicks now feel more like she's rolling around in me. At nearly 15 inches in length and approximately 2 1/2 pounds, she is big enough to reside under my ribs some allowing me to feel a few kicks to the ribs...those have startled me as I'm amazed at how strong they are. For some reason, she likes giving me those startling surprises in the middle of meetings! Daddy (Brad), has felt her kicks and movements more and has been surprised at times that it's her he's feeling as she gains strength. Every now and then if we're watching long enough, she'll give a good kick that has my stomach "bouncing" - giving both of us a good laugh. However, she seems shy at times as if she recognizes people's hands, as mommy and daddy get the most privileges of feeling her move under our hands. We've taken some classes to learn about how to prepare more for her at home as well as how to stimulate her both now and after birth. Newest Neilly can now open and close her sweet eyes and even detect varying brightness' of light. She can also hear outside noises much better and definitely gets an idea of how much her daddy loves having music playing throughout our home! As we're educated on her little world right now, we're consistenly reminded of how amazing God is in how he created people, the experience of being pregnant, and provides for us both before and after birth. We've got just under 11 weeks until her due date..time has flown!