19 weeks

Not much has been changing week to week, so there's really not a lot to talk about this week. I feel good, the baby seems to be doing great (if the constant subtle jabs are any indication!), and all is well.

I received the results from my Quad Screen Marker and everything appears normal. In short, a Quad Marker Screen tests the levels of 4 different substances normally found in the baby's blood, brain, spinal fluid and amniotic fluid. Abnormal levels could indicate fetal defects. Though I am not at high risk for any such defects or genetic disorders, Dustin and I were happy to hear the news. It's just one less thing to worry about.
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How your baby's growing:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
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I thought you'd like to see what, according to babycenter.com, the baby looks like this week. Comfy, no? I tend to sit in that position often throughout the day.



And my 19 week belly picture. You might not be able to tell, but there is definitely a difference from week 18. More so in the evenings, though this picture was taken this morning.