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'*?"