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?