The Whislers.net

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

Baby Stats:

Size: 19-20 inches
Weight: 7 pounds

Baby Developments:

Because there is no air around the baby, when he practices breathing, it can cause amniotic fluid to get into his windpipe, resulting in those regularly spaced thumps that make Laura think she's carrying a jumping bean in her belly.

The lanugo that used to cover his body has mostly disappeared, but it's not unlikely to find a bit leftover on the shoulders, forehead and neck after he's born.

The color of baby's skin is changing from a red-pink hue to a white or blue-pink color. These changes are due to the amount of fat the little pudger is putting on. The circumference of his head and abdomen are about the same size now. The placenta is lending Mini antibodies that'll keep him strong and healthy after birth. That said, dad will still encourage folks to reach for that bottle of hand sanitizer.

At this point the little critter is about 19 to 20 inches long and weights about 7 pounds. That's just around the size of a large rabbit. What's up Doc?

What We're Doing:

The last remaining baby items arrived one of which is a baby gate to install at the top of the stairs.  I know what you're thinking and yes, infants typically don't walk out of the womb, but this gate is designed to keep cats out of his room.  During the installation of the gate, I was required to use a drill which evidently makes a high-pitched noise that the little guy didn't like.  Each time I used the drill he'd violently turn, twist and jab momma in the ribs.

After the third hole, Laura decided that she wanted to keep her pancreas and went in search of a quieter room in hopes to try and calm him down.  A few children's books later, he was fine.  Rest assured; by the time that little hand can hold a power tool, he won't be able to get out of chores by running to momma.

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.