The Shape of Me and Other Stuff: Week 22

This past weekend was wonderful! My grandma and grandpa Holmes came to visit us from Illinois and I was so glad to spend some time with them:) They came in Saturday night and we had such a good time catching up and sharing family stories. My grandpa also gave me the barn he made for me. This was such a special gift because he made me one when I was little, but Daniel said he was not about to give that up- so my grandpa being as great as he is built me a new one complete with animals and tractor, John Deere of course. I have such good memories playing with Daniel and the barn and I can't wait for Jackson to start playing with this one. My grandma also gave me my first Mother's day gift, a blanket for Jackson and a card! Sunday we got to take them to our church and out to lunch and one of my favorite places to eat- the Tea Room. It was delicious as usual and the perfect way to spend Mother's day. Monday they left and we were so sad to see them leave, but we both had to get back to work and start preparing for our cruise trip this coming up week!! Zach and I are leaving Saturday for a 9 day trip with Zach's family in the Carribean. We both feel like this could not be more perfect timing because we have both been so busy with work that we have not had much down time.
Now for sweet little Jackson! Zach felt him kick!!!! Saturday night we were laying in bed and he was moving like crazy so I told Zach to try and feel him. It took a few minutes but then he got to feel him kicking a couple times. I was so excited to be able to share that experience with him. This week Jackson is almost one pound and is about 11 inches long- about the size of a papaya, spaghetti squash, or a small doll, but one with developing senses like touch, sight, hearing and taste. Jackson is grabbing anything he can get his hands on, like his umbilical cord. Jackson is also starting to perceive light and dark, even though his eyelids are still fused. He can now hear Zach and I's voice, my heart beating, the whoosh-whoosh of my blood circulating, gastric gurgles in my stomach and intestines, the dogs barking, and a loud tv or radio. Jackson is also tasting everything I am eating, which I hope is a good thing:) He is also sleeping in cycles now, about 12 to 14 hours per a day. I still cannot believe we only have 18 weeks left or 126 days until we get to meet him!