The Whislers.net

Here's what's going on this week with Whisler Baby Boy 2009: 

Baby Stats:

Size: 16 inches
Weight: 3½ pounds

Baby Developments:

From this week on, baby will continue to gain around ½ pound a week until shortly before birth. Due to increasing space constraints, his arms and legs stay drawn up close to the body now, known as the fetal position (oh, so that's where that name came from). Plus, he can now process information from all five senses—so he'll be all set to smell the pureed peas, taste them, feel them as he mashes them into his hair, hear us crack up and then see the flash as we grab the camera to take the picture.

By now, little man's lungs are the only system not fully mature. His lungs need a little bit more time to bake before they can kick it in the outside world. Baby weighs about 3½ pounds and measures a little over 16 inches, about the length of the necklace Laura's hoping to finish making before The Arrival.

What We're Doing:

My first baby shower was on Saturday and was hosted by my good friends and co-workers, Laura and June.  It was beautiful and a wonderful opportunity to spend time with work friends outside of the office.  A few clients and vendors also came and it was a lovely time.  Mark and I now have a great start on our new collection of baby gear and we're both amazed how much STUFF the little guy requires.  Next Saturday a few friends are hosting a shower for me and I'm looking forward to my parents coming in town.  My mother-in-law and Mark's grandma will also be there so it will be nice to all be together before the little guy arrives.

On Tuesday, Mark tried his hand at being a farm hand at our local CSA.  Accompanied by storm warnings, cloud-to-ground lightning and torrential downpours, Mark's first experience was quite memorable as he picked cucumbers, baby lettuce, radishes and squash drenched head to toe.  I guess it's better than picking vegetables in 90 degree temperatures.  We now have a new appreciation for the way produce gets to our dinner table.

Here's what's going on this week with Whisler Baby Boy 2009: 

Baby Stats:

Size: 15½ inches
Weight: 3 pounds

Baby Developments:

Big news for baby's brain this week: It's starting to wrinkle and fold and looks like something that grew in the back of the fridge. This is due to the rapid growth of our little genius's brain cells.

Fingernails and toenails are finally finished—causing his parents great fear and anguish the first time we try to cut those little daggers. Plus, the bone marrow is completely in charge of red-blood-cell production now. Trust me, this is a good thing. Baby is starting to shed his lanugo—the downy hair that was covering his skin. Now that he's chubbier and better able to regulate his body temp, he doesn't need to sport a fur coat 24/7.

When the baby is awake, his eyes are now wide open and he's whittling away the hours looking around, checking out his rather dark, limited environs. Baby hasn't gained much weight or height this week, as most of his energy has been channeled to the brain. He weighs about 3 pounds and is approximately 15½ inches long, about the size of a Yorkie terrier. Of course our baby is less hairy and way cuter.

What We're Doing:

We saw the surgeon on Wednesday as a follow-up to the gall bladder ultrasound.  The pains continue to intensify and come more frequently so he feels that although it could be caused by a non-functioning gall bladder, the more likely cause is the big boy inside me.  He explained that because of my frame and short torso, baby boy '09 could be causing the ligaments around my rib cage to separate, causing moments of intense pain.  Whether it's the gall bladder or tearing ligaments, the pain is expected to get worse as I get bigger and further into the pregnancy.  Because I'm so far along already, he suggested that we manage the pain with medication for at least another 2-4 weeks and then possibly take the baby a little early.  If the pain is caused from the gall bladder, they can remove it immediately following delivery.  If the pain is caused from the tearing ligaments, they will begin to heal after little guy is out in the real world.  Either way, I should get relief from the pain after delivery.  I have a follow-up appointment with my OB on Tuesday and she will have the surgeon's notes so we can discuss her thoughts on that idea.  I, personally, would like to keep him in as long as possible so I will rest often, take my meds and be a good patient.  At least I'll TRY to be a good patient.  :)  Thanks for all your prayers and concerns  over the past few weeks.  We feel them and appreciate you.

Farm Report:

Week 30's vegetable is a radish.  Radishes are rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid, and potassium. They are a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper, and calcium. One cup of sliced red radish bulbs provides approximately 20 Calories or less, coming largely from carbohydrates, making radishes, relative to their size, a very filling food for their caloric value.

Mark's rating: 7 out of 10

Laura's rating: 7.5 out of 10

Stay tuned for next week's report following Mark's day working at the farm.

Here's what's going on this week with Whisler Baby Boy 2009: 

Baby Stats:

Size: 15 inches
Weight: 3 pounds

Baby Developments:

Baby's brain can now control his breathing and body temperature.  Little dude's skin is looking less wrinkled as he packs on the pounds. He's starting to look more like a Pampers model and less like a Depends model. He's now beefing up on the energizing and insulating white fat he'll be born with (unfortunately, white fat is not energizing and insulating for adults).

And speaking of energy, our little Energizer Bunny is on fire these days. Laura is feeling her share of kicks, punches and elbows, especially when lying down.  This week, little man is a little over 15 inches long—about the length of a loaf of bread—and weighs about 3 pounds, as much as a Macbook Air laptop.  That was for all you Mac folks out there.

What We're Doing:

Laura passed her glucose test with flying colors.  Sweet.  Typical results range from 70 to 120 and she scored a 71.  It means her body processes sugars well and she won't be prone to gestational diabetes.  Unfortunately, that positive light is shadowed by her chronic pain that has the doctors stumped.  These sharp, shooting pains were thought to be gall bladder related, but the ultrasound showed her gall bladder within normal limits.  We have been referred to her surgeon for another opinion and see where things go from there.  That appointment is next week.

On a side note, during the ultrasound, the technician is not allowed to show the baby unless ordered by the doctor.  However, he was positioned close to the gall bladder so as we watched the screen we were pleasantly surprised to see a chubby, right arm pass through our field of vision, which of course Laura immediately felt in the rib cage.

Oh, and by request from my father, here are the latest baby bump photos.

Farm Report:

Week 29's vegetable is arugula.  It has a rich, peppery taste, and has an exceptionally strong flavour for a leafy green. It is generally used in salads but also cooked as a vegetable with pastas or meats. In Italy, it is often used in pizzas, added just before the baking period ends or immediately afterwards, so that it won't wilt in the heat. It is sometimes used as an ingredient in pesto, either in addition to basil or as a (non-traditional) substitute.

Mark's rating: 9 out of 10

Laura's rating: 8 out of 10

This is a must have leafy green for salads. Try a small handful mixed with romaine lettuce, spinach and other mixed greens. I will try this on pizza soon.