The Whislers.net

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.

It’s a BOY!!!

Mark and I are very proud to announce that we are having a baby boy in August.  We had our first ultrasound this morning and baby looks very healthy.  Some of you know that I’ve been experiencing severe pain in my lower abdomen the past week and have been on bed rest since Thursday.  We were very anxious to get the results of the ultrasound to find out if my bed rest would be permanent.  Thankfully, our ultrasound tech was very diligent and found a potential source of my problem.  I have at least one ovarian cyst on my left ovary that is causing me great pain.  The good news is that it’s not baby-related but the bad news is that because I’m pregnant I can’t take anything for the pain.  I’m still supposed to take it easy and not over-exert myself but I can return to work if I feel like it.  I plan to go in tomorrow and see how I do.

Now, back to the important things…our baby boy!  He is a very healthy 9 oz. and heartbeat was 143 this morning.  The tech did all the standard measurements and check-ups and after each one, we were relieved to hear her say “that looks good.”  After her exam was complete, she asked us if we wanted to find out the gender and we unanimously said “YES!”  Unfortunately, baby didn’t want to cooperate.  He’s already showing signs of being stubborn.  I can’t imagine where he would have gotten that.  After a lot of twisting and turning (for me), the umbilical cord finally moved from between his legs and we were able to get several shots that clearly indicated that he’s my little man. 

As you can see from the pics, he’s already very active.  Although I haven’t felt him move yet, he likes to suck his thumb, kick and put his arm above his head while he sleeps (very much like mom likes to do).  Mark and I are so very thankful for this huge blessing in a tiny package and we look forward to the next few months as he continues to develop and grow.  We appreciate all of your love, support and prayers and are very grateful to share this journey with our family and friends.

To view the pictures in a high-resolution slideshow, you can view the ultrasound pictures here.

Profile:

Arm Raised:

Sucking His Thumb:

Boy Confirmation #1:

Boy Confirmation #2:

We had our monthly doctor visit on Monday of this week.  Everything seems to be right on track.  Laura hasn't gained any weight since last month, which is surprising; however, the doctor wasn't concerned at all.  "You will", was all she said.

Each visit we get to hear the heartbeat which is always exciting.  Whisler Baby 2009 clocked in at a solid 163 bpm.  The musician in me was tapping the floor and counting the whole time.  My imperfect internal metronome said 155 so not too far off.  At one point, we could hear two heartbeats at the same time.  Don't get excited, one of them was Laura's, but the way they sounded together was quite remarkable.  One would fade in while the other faded out and then repeat.  The sound engineer in me was impressed with the subtle control of the faders.  You can quickly see in what context this child will be raised.  No apologies.

In mid-March, we will have another appointment similar to this one, but on March 23rd we will have our first ultrasound.  If Baby cooperates, meaning turns the right way for show-and-tell, we should know the gender at that time.  Yes, we will post that information as soon as we know.