Sweet Koorn

Thanks to those of you who participated in last week's poll asking what you want Primo to be, boy or girl. 3 out of 4 readers are hoping for a girl, and that's what we're getting! Jan & I are very excited that we're having a daughter and look forward to spending the next 20 weeks trying out girl names and picking out items for her nursery.

For now we are still calling her Primo - the nickname stuck! - but we are curious if any of you have name ideas you'd like us to consider. If you do please add a comment to this blog post below with your ideas! We have a couple of favorites in mind for now, although we won't reveal any until we have a baby in February. We really would love to hear your suggestions.

We have enjoyed some gorgeous weather this last week while on vacation. Pictures in today's post are from a hike up to the Hunter Creek Valley above Aspen on Friday and a cruiser bike ride down to Carbondale this afternoon. As you can see, my belly is filling out - I am definitely pregnant!

What's baby up to at 19 weeks?
Your baby is between five and six inches long and weighs about seven ounces—about the size of an apple. If the baby is a girl, early ovaries contain follicles with forming eggs. Soon, half of the genetic material for your potential future grandchildren will be formed. Pictures of babies at this age show them touching the membrane of the amniotic sac, touching their own faces, reaching for the umbilical cord, pedaling their legs, and sucking their thumbs. Your baby may already have a preference for the left or right hand. In the brain, areas of the nerve cells that serve the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing are becoming specialized and are forming more complex connections. Loud sounds as well as any feelings you may have of stress or alarm may be communicated to the baby. The baby responds to these stresses by becoming more active. Practicing yoga and meditation can be good for your sense of calm and balance.

Don't forget to enter your favorite girl names in the comments! Lots of love to you all - XO