Week 25

We had a great week traveling to Kansas to visit Rachel's family for Christmas. Hopefully, she'll get some pictures up to her blog soon (Story of the Smiths).

Noah is intermittently doing a lot of moving around. We've been reading bible stories to him each night and last night after reading he became a little wild man!

We're starting to into development time that will change Noah's outward appearance from little fetus to little boy. His skin continues to get more opaque and will start to straighten some of the wrinkles out. He is also going to start putting on some cute little baby fat to plump up his little cheeks. He's also starting to grow some hair that is similar in texture and color to the hair he will have when he is born!

What an amazing time this has been! Spending time with Rachel's family reminded me how priveledged we have both been to grow up in such wonderful families. We are so excited that Noah will have wonderful great-grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, amazing grandparents fun aunts and uncles to help him to grow into a terrific young man! We just pray that we can be half the parents to our son that our parents have been to us.

Psalms 127:3 Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.

Week 24

Well, it's been a pretty busy few days as we traveled back to Ballinger to visit my grandmother because she was in the hospital. Things are looking better here and I have some time to sit down and jot a few notes down on the blog...

Week 24-60% of the pregnancy behind us and a big 40% left to go. Noah has been moving around alot. He kept Rachel up 'till 3AM last night doing some late night exercising.

Noah's brain continues to develop extensively. His taste buds are beginning to develop. Hopefully he's developing a taste for Mexican food and barbecue because around our house those are necessities.

We'll be traveling to Kansas tomorrow to see Rachel's family. So, pray for safe travel there and back.

Luke 12:23-Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

Week 23

Short post this week. We were in Austin over the weekend where I went to a conference about becoming a team physician. It was a lot of fun to hang out with a lot of other doctors who are interested in fitness and sports. We also went to see our friend's football team (Hightower) play in the 5A state semi-final. They won and will be playing next Saturday in the championship game. My parents and Rachel's parents also came into town to celebrate my birthday which was a lot of fun.

This week is a big week for vessels to begin developing in Noah's lungs. His lungs are currently filled with fluid but he will eventually need to know how to exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide across vessel walls. This simple but amazing process is essential to allow Noah to be the strong boy we want him to be!!

Genesis 5:29 He named him Noah* and said, "He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed."

We're about to read the story of Noah to our little guy so I better run!!

Week 22

Noah has been moving more and more. I've been able to feel him pretty easily as his movement has increased.

At this point, Noah likely weighs close to 1 pound!! His eyelids and eyebrows are fully formed.

This is a big time for brain development. The germinal center forms which begins to form and send brain cells throughout his developing brain. The germinal center disappears before birth but should get credit for a lot of work it is doing right now to help Noah's brain develop.

We're going up to Austin this weekend for a conference I am attending in order to learn more about being a team sideline physician. This is something that I would love to be able to help out with when we get out to Abilene. Both of our parents are planning on meeting us to make a quick weekend trip out of it.

Pray for Noah's developing brain and for safe travel for us as we travel out to Austin.

Week 21

Well, it's been a busy week here. I worked overnight a couple of nights and Rachel had the whole week off. I was able to sleep alot despite being on call last night so we went and did some registering. It's crazy how much stuff there is out there and it was quite overwelming despite the fact that I have a little knowledge about babies. I can already tell how this experience is going to make me a much better pediatrician.



Noah has been moving around a whole over the past few days. He is getting more and more active and I was even able to feel him some the other night.



Notable developments this week: Noah's skin is starting to become more opaque. This process started a couple of weeks ago but is getting closer to complete as he prepares to make his debut.

In addition, this week is a big week for the development of white blood cells. These cells are involved in fighting off disease once Noah is exposed to all the germs that live among us. I'm sure Noah will be exposed to his fair share with daddy being a baby doctor and all.

Noah and I are both going to our first professional football game tomorrow night (at least first one I can remember-don't think we ever went when I was younger). We decided to go see Reliant one time before we leave and couldn't think of a better time than Texans Monday Night Football. It's actually part of my birthday present from Rachel.

Please pray for Noah's skin and his immune system to be up and running in just 19 short weeks.

Gen 3:21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

Week 20

Well, we're half way there!! How fast things have gone so far. I can't wait to have the little guy in my arms for the first time!!

Now that Noah has grown tremendously over the past 20 weeks, it's time for him to shift his focus more towards the finer points of development to finish out his time "on the inside."

Noah's heart is growing stronger in preparation for having to do all the work on his own before long. I'm in Hurst taking a test for my medical license now but can't wait to get home and bust out my stethoscope as 20 weeks is the first time you could possible be able to hear the heartbeat with it. That's the danger of being married to (or the son of) a doctor, lots of unnecessary physical and developmental exams. (Hey, I gotta keep learning somehow!)

In addition, Noah may be beginning to recognize noises from the outside world. Definitely, he startles to loud noises but it's not clear whether he would respond to calming noises at this point or not. But, I figure it won't hurt to put on some music while I'm trying to listen to him to at least try to return the audible favors.

I take the last part of the exams I have to take to finish getting my Texas medical license today. The questions are about all different types of medicine (including adults with all kinds of medical problems I haven't seen in 3 years-I can't wait to be done and never have to think about these again).

Psalm 94:9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?

God definitely sees our needs and hears our prayers! Pray for my test and for little Noah as he continues preparing for a life "on the outside."

Week 19

Well, things are coming along well here. Rachel went to see my brother and his family in Tennessee this weekend. While she was gone, she felt Noah move some!! I can't wait until I can feel it too but I'm sure it will still be a while.

A couple of neat development points. By this time, Noah is displaying sleep and wake cycles just like a newborn baby and probably already has a sleep position of comfort.

In addition, the insulation that covers the nervous system (myelin) is beginning to develop which will allow impulses to travel smoothly and rapidly throughout Noah's body, giving him cat-like reflexes.

Pray for a great nervous system! In addition, we're going to have to decide soon when to put our house on the market for sale. Please pray that God would lead us to the right conclusion.

Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Week 18

Well, what an exciting week. If you haven't checked out Rachel's Blog, you should! It's so exciting to know that Noah Ray is on the way and so far looking great!! The pictures and videos we got were amazing.

Two major developments this week. #1-Noah's lungs are developing along. The alveoli, which are the smallest airway and the place where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen, are beginning to develop.

#2-Noah's vocal cords are developed and, if you looked just right, you could see him going through the motions of crying but not having much success through all that amniotic fluid.

From what I hear, if Noah takes anything after his mom, we'll be able to hear his screams well soon enough. Of course, I never cried because I was the perfect baby and, don't worry, I'll be blocking comments from my family that tells of anything different.

Praying for well developed lungs and can't wait to hear that first cry!

Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Week 17

Sorry that this is a day late. Things are going well here, Rachel is feeling better and has a little more energy. I was the one falling asleep last night on the couch about 8:30. Tomorrow is a big day as we go for our ultrasound to determine if we are having a little princess or little prince.

Lots more new systems being developed this week so there's lots to talk about. Pads are beginning to form on baby's fingertips that will eventually become the unique whorls and swirls that identify all of us. Also, baby's skeleton is also beginning to transform from cartilage to bone.

Finally, the baby is starting to form meconium in the in its bowel which is composed of cell loss, digestive secretions and swallowed amniotic fluid. This wonderful concoction will be the makings of those first few stools. Finally some doctor will be asking me "Is the baby peeing and pooping OK?" Who knew when I chose pediatrics I was choosing a life of discussing bodily wastes ad nauseum. Fortunately for Rachel, there's a rule in pediatrics that if you see it dirty, you have to change it. I'm not going to lie, I've closed many a dirty diaper when things were busy, but I've also changed my fair share as well.

Matt 21:16 "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, " 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'*?"

Week 16

Well, we had a great visit from Rachel's parents this weekend and my parents are coming into town next weekend so it's been pretty busy around our house. Rachel had a doctor's appointment on Thursday and heard the heartbeat which was around 160 bpm which I think is supposed to mean girl but I'm not sure that has ever been studied. Nov 4 is a big day. Of course, t's ielection day but also Rachel will have a sonogram done to answer this question after all.

In week 16, baby begins laying down fat to protect itself from the outside world. At this point most things are formed and the remainer of the time is preparing the baby to be presented to the outside world. Along the same lines, if you looked, you could see baby's chest rising and falling in an attempt to "breathe." Of course, the lunges are filled with fluid at this point but this rising and falling is an important step in the full development of baby lungs.

Please pray for well developed lungs and and that baby wouldn't be too shy to show us the important stuff on Nov 4th.

Acts 17:25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.

Week 15

Well, another week down, 25 more to go. I was looking at my schedule this week and realized that this baby is going to be here before you know it! This makes me excited but also a bit nervous.

At this point, the baby is doing lots that it will eventually use to display it's personality. If you look closely, we can see squints, frowns and grimaces. I can just see that smaller version of Rachel's grimace whenever I make a joke about some people in biblical times not having ears (He who has ears let him hear.) I'm sure that grimace will be followed by an, "Oh Dad!"

Praying for a warm, caring personality that endears everyone around him or her.

Rachel has another appointment this week but the big ultrasound is on election day.

Mark 4:9-'He who has hears let him hear."

Week 14

Well on a slightly boring note, Baby's thyroid is developed and is producing hormones just like the ones it will need to regulate temperature, metabolism and multiple other functions at birth.

Something a little more exciting, around this time many babies are seen sucking their thumbs on ultrasound.

Babies at this point are completely covered with lanugo which is a very fine hair intended to protect the skin from the amniotic fluid which surrounds it. The skin is still very thin and transparent.

Pray for good thyroids, cute thumb sucking and healthy skin.

Praying Psalm 5:11-But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Week 13

This week is a big week for development of the gastrointestinal tract. By now, the pancreas is producing insulin and the liver is beginning to function. It's amazing how something that is so small is already beginning to function in the way it will be required to whenever the baby is born.

Things are going well here. A big decision was made in our family over the past week. After much prayer and consideration, it looks like the little baby growing inside Rachel will grow up in Abilene! We made the decision to forgo my year as chief resident in order to start my career as a general pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of Abilene. This is the practice that I grew up going to as a child. We are very excited about being closer to both of our families. Instead of being 6-7 hours from my family, we will be about 45 minutes (and even closer for some) and Rachel's family goes from being 5-6 hours to being 2.5 hours, which means, much easier access to instant babysitters (you know who you are).

So, on that note, I think it's already time to start prayer that our house will sell when the time is right; otherwise, someone should expect to have a 3 month old living in a spare bedroom for a little while.

Week 12

Well, sorry I'm a day late but I've been working in the ER three nights in a row which means I pretty much go to work and sleep.

See Rachel's blog from this week for pictures of the little bean (which actually looks like a baby now)!!

At this point, Baby Smith weighs about the same as 4 quarters.

The baby's neck is growing as well as development of the chin. Pray that the baby has a normal chin with a normal bite as Daddy Smith was not blessed in this area. Some of you know, some of you don't that I had a major surgery to correct my underbite about 1.5 cm. That's why some of my family call my smile the $80K smile. Let's pray that Bean's smile comes with a slightly lower price tag....

As I thought about smiles, happiness and true joy I found this verse:

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I pray this for you all and also pray that our child will know the joy that can only from God's hope.

Week 11

Well, things are going well here. I think Rachel is starting to feel less sick, a little less often.

This week is a big week for kidney development as they begin to function and make amniotic fluid. In all my studies of medicine, the kidney is by the most complicated and fascinating organ. I have studied its function in high school biology, at least two classes in undergrad, two classes in medical school and had to review multiple times while caring for patients and I still can't remember all the complicated systems that work to eliminate waste from our bodies. So, basically I just pray for working kidneys, period.

Another interesting thing, this week the baby's fingers and toes will be completely separated and look amazing! I'll try to attach a picture.

John 13:5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Pray that in remembering those feet that Rachel and I will be great parents, willing to serve baby and all of those around us.

Week 10

Well, the most critical organs are developed at this point. It's now time for growth; pray for good weight gain and length (although Rachel probably asks for moderation and temperance in this prayer). The baby is about 1 1/4 inch long and weighs about 1/10 of an ounce.

Another big development this week, the irises of the eyes begin to form. Pray for blue, like daddy. Pray that God would not only give baby beautiful eyes but also that one day his/her spiritual eyes will be opened to the riches of God.

Eph 1:18-The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints...

In case you're wondering, the Rachel and I, Lucy and Linus and the house are all fine; although, we're thinking of naming the baby Ike (or not).

Week 9

Well, another week down and Baby Smith (aka Lima) is getting busy in there!! This week is the first week of movement for the baby. Hopefully, he/she's getting rhythm from mommy! (Prayers for this would be appreciated.) These movements are of course too small for Rach to notice but with high quality ultrasounds it is very clear that the little one's are moving at this point.

Another interesting development, babies at 9 weeks already have something called a grasping reflex. This is that great little movement where they will squeeze anything that is placed in their palm. You continue to see this at birth and up to 4 months of age which is the motivation for many close-up pictures (look he's holding my hand-don't worry, we'll have it too). But in reality baby's saying, "This trick is so old, I've been doing this for 31 weeks (but look how excited it makes them)."

Rachel has felt much better over the past couple days so keep the prayers coming. We've been having some car trouble so just pray that Bean has a car to put his/her seat in (I'm sure there are some grandparents/great aunts who would like a visit every now and then).

Job 31:15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?

Week 8

Well, Week 8 starts today! That means the baby is 20% finished cooking (40 weeks is term) and things are changing quickly.

This week is a big week for eye development. They kind of start out on the side but by the end of the week they will have most of the structures in place that Baby Smith needs in order to see!

Please pray for 2 good corneas, lenses and retinas. Maybe the baby won't need -8 diopters to correct his/her vision at age 27 like daddy.

Another interesting fact, this week the baby should break the 1 gram mark!! The average term baby weight about 3500 grams. For reference for you guys who are metrically challenged, 1 gram is the weight of a single paperclip!

Continue to pray for Rachel as she continues to have some pretty significant morning/afternoon/evening/any time sickness but we're told it will get better!

Ecc. 11:5 "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed* in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."

We have learned so much about the development of human while they are in the womb from a "what" viewpoint; however, we are just starting to learn the "how" and how very complicated it is. There are likely thousands of chemical involved in forming even the "simplest" parts of the human body. Not only does every chemical have to be present, it has to the present at the right times and in the right amounts.

Week 7

Well the weeks are going to start on Sundays so that will be the day I will try to post around each week. This week, Baby Smith's elbows and fingers will start to develop. Please pray for five fingers and a strong forehand!

If you could also pray for Rachel as she has been having some significant "afternoon/evening" sickness. She has to start school so it would be nice if that would simply go away.

For the first verse I'll use my title verse:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

Just drop your name and location into a comment so I can track prayers for the little bean (see Rachel's blog for more details).