Smells Like Teeny-Tiny Spirit

Our little guy is kicking his way through Week 25 this week. It's amazing how much he is moving around these days. The doc says that at this point, he is swimming around in his fluid cocoon having a grand time. I have been able to feel him "kick" me in the back at night if Laurie's belly is touching me. He seems to stay busy most of the time.

This week, his skin is becoming opaque and the blood vessels in his lungs are developing. At our first Lamaze class last week, we learned that he could likely survive outside the womb after Week 25, so this week is an especially important milestone.

His nostrils will open this week as well. Nostrils are strange and interesting body parts. For example, did you know that your nostrils smell odors differently at varying times? In fact, at any given moment, your right nostril may be "dominant" and pick up smells that your left nostril cannot. Then, your left nostril can be dominant just hours later. Read more about nostrils from Indiana University and Stanford U.

So, this week, our little one shall be called Yates Basham. This is a combination of the most prominent noses on both sides of our family. The Vance side knows about the Yates nose and its prominent place in history. The Basham nose is legendary as well. It earned brother Neal the nickname "Yoshi" from his Little League All-Star team (the dinosaur from Mario brothers). Our boy may get some hybrid of the Basham/Yates nose and wield a power unseen since Sauron crafted the One Ring. Or, maybe he'll get Laurie's cute, little, perfect nose.

In other news, the transformation of the guest bedroom into the nursery is underway! Now, visitors will have to sleep in the front room with the morning sun, computer, and bookshelf. There are some pics below. Paint should go on the walls sometime this weekend.

Also, we have Lamaze class #2 tonight, so slow your breathing to 6-9 breaths per minute and say a prayer for us.

We forgot to take a true "before" pic, but here is one from midstream move.
















Here is the crib that we purchased and put together last weekend.
















Here is Laurie next to the changing table. She is sitting in the rocker that will undoubtedly rock many a mile in the coming months.