Knit Together

Soooo long!

2009-07-08T21:59:00.003-05:00

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Daddy's been so busy with his move and getting ready for his new job that he hasn't given me any time on the computer. It's been a busy past couple of weeks between all the visits with my different families in the metroplexes of Dallas/Ft. Worth and Lawn. I'll put a few pictures on here so that everyone can see what I've been up to...

First off, I have to show you this thing!! Can you believe they put me in this every night? Look at me, someone rescue me!!

While daddy was finishing up work I got to visit with some of the Dickerson clan out at Cornerstone Lodge. Here's me and Granny (great-grandmother) and Grandpa. Can you believe we got Granny in a picture? She only did it for me.

Next we traveled to Lawn to set up shop in Nannie's house. Here's a picture from me at the Smith family reunion, this is Daddy, my cousins Davis and Cody and me in the swimming pool. Look out mom and DeeDee, this spells trouble...

Well, sorry it's been so long and that this post is short. Once I get my wireless router back and daddy has a work computer, I can finally entertain Daddy and take some time to blog at the same time.

MeMaw and PePaw for Daddy's Graduation

2009-06-08T07:50:00.005-05:00

Well, things are wrapping up here in H-town. MeMaw and PePaw came into town for Daddy's graduation this week. Here's me and MeMaw, I can't figure out what daddy's doing with that little metal box...

Take a look at my family, no wonder I'm so good-looking. During the banquet I hung out with my good friend Nathan. Since we both slept the whole time in separate rooms, I haven't actually met him yet but I just get the feeling we'll be good friends.

The highlight of the week was watching Roger finally get his French Open victory. You can see him in the background with me laughing that the first set only took 23 minutes. He let the other guy have a few games in the 2nd and 3rd sets, just so the fans wouldn't get angry but I knew he had it under control the whole time.

In two weeks we'll be visiting Abilene for Daddy's high school reunion and the next week off to Dallas to meet some of the Dickerson crew...

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T17:40:00.003-05:00

Well, things have been pretty great around here! Mommy is getting to stay with me all day and daddy loves to come home and play with me...

Last week Mommy graduated with her Master's degree. I was so proud of her! You can see pictures of it on Mommy's blog (justinandrachelsmith.blogspot.com).

Daddy has been at work all week taking care of other babies. But, because of the Memorial Day holiday, he was off Sunday and got to come home early today. Of course, holidays also mean that he often doesn't keep his beard short and sometimes it gets a little prickly! Yikes, like at my face in this one!

One more month until the big move to Abilene!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T20:29:00.011-05:00

First of all, yesterday was my four week birthday! Here's a picture of me in my new hoodie. I've graduated on from my newborn clothes into 0-3 months.

Today was the first Mother's Day for Mommy. Granny D sent me a great shirt to celebrate the day in. First thing this morning, Daddy and I went to the Colache shop today for cinnamon rolls. Then we all sat around and watched some TV. In the afternoon, daddy and I hung out and watched golf and basketball while mommy went to get a pedicure. Next we went to the park for a quick photo op on our way over to some friends house for a Mother's Day dinner. Here's a few pictures from our visit to the park.

And below, find the greatest Mother's Day Present I could give mommy from last night. The video is a little dark and a little long but you'll have to see the end to know what the present is!!

2 Week Birthday

2009-04-26T20:35:00.004-05:00

I celebrated my 2 week brithday yesterday!! Here's a picture of me after daddy sang "Happy Birthday" to me. Daddy please don't do that again.

At the top of my birthday list: Rockband 2 Check it out on Amazon.com) and a Keurig 1 cup coffee brewer for those late nights mom has me up studying Algebra...

Daddy's cousins Alan, Michelle and Tiffany came out to visit me today. I had just had a big lunch so I pretty much slept the whole time they were here. Hopefully they didn't get their feelings hurt because I was taking a nap. I'm pretty sure they didn't mind...

Tiffany and Alan sure seemd to have fun while they were here...

Here's a picture of me and my beautiful mommy! Can you believe she just gave birth to me 2 short weeks ago?

Daddy goes back to work for real tomorrow but thankfully MeMaw had a little easier time getting into Houston and she's going to stick around with Mommy to give her some help...

Maybe Baths aren't So Bad

2009-04-20T10:57:00.005-05:00

Welcome home to me! Mom and dad brought me home about a week ago and for the most part, it's been great! I spend most of my time eating, sleeping and pooping but every now and then I have the energy to look around and figure out everything that's going on in our house.

First things first, when we first got home they made me watch "Dancing with the Stars." I'm not really sure what I thought about that but I'll let it slide. Then these two little creatures came running around checking me out for just a second but pretty much they just left me alone. Mom and dad call them Lucy and Linus but I think they're just dogs...

Daddy had to go back to work on Wednesday. He said he had other kids to take care of. I'm not quite sure I understand what that means, but maybe some day.

I'm so glad that Granny D. got to stay with us for the week. She took care of all the cooking and even washed all the clothes that I peed all over whenver mommy and daddy didn't get my diaper on right.

The second night I was home mom and dad tried to flush me down the garbage disposal but I wouldn't let them so they just gave me a bath instead. Let me tell you, I wasn't too excited about it. There was so much water and I got so slippery I thought that daddy might drop me but thank goodness he didn't.

The rest of the week went pretty much uneventfully. Grandpa D came into town and MeMaw and PeePaw tried to come and see me but between Dallas and Houston got routed around a big storm and landed in Lafayette, LA so they didn't make it on Saturday for their day trip like they were supposed to.

Sunday daddy strapped me into some bizarre torture device. It had all these crazy straps and I could barely move. I wasn't quite sure what he had in mind but then he took me out to his really cool black truck and I realized we were going for a ride.

The ride took us to Target where a really nice lady began taking lots of pictures of me. At first I thought she was a photographer, but then she started giving daddy all kinds of parenting advice so maybe she was a doctor...confusing.

I smiled alot and had a big time and even peed all over her sheets. I thought this was pretty funny until she put the sheets back up on the shelf to use again (Maybe Baths aren't So Bad).

You can check out the pictures on this website (Click here.) Type in Justin Smith.

The best part of the day came when we got home. I had a great nap and was having some pretty active dreams. There were happy moments and sad moments and very, very focused moments. Daddy got some pictures...

For the last part of the night, daddy got a phone call from PeePaw and they were on their way back home from Louisiana and were now going to get stuck in Houston for the night! That means I got to meet PeePaw for the first time after all!

TaaaDaaaa!

2009-04-11T18:58:00.012-05:00

I know you all have been patiently waiting on me but I wasn’t quite ready yet. Life “on the inside” was soooo great. It was warm, dark, quiet and I didn’t have to do anything but lay there.

Every now and then I’d have to poke and squirm to get mom’s attention but I didn’t do it too much because sure enough dad would start poking me back trying to figure out what body part it was and what position I was in. I mean, good grief, can’t a guy get some peace in quiet in his own womb.

Then today, I started getting all this squeezing and poking. I tried to hold on for dear life but then some old dude stick 2 spoons around my head and yanked me out.

Anyway, I was finally ready today, 4/11/2009 and decided to make my appearance at 4:18 PM. and weighed in a whopping 8 lbs 9.5 ounces.

Life out here isn’t so bad. There were lots of people standing around when I first came out. I was a little mad when dad cut my feeding tube but I figured out soon that there was more to the story.

Mommy couldn't stop being close to me. It was amazing that after all that labor she still smelled like strawberries! If only I had two great aunts to kiss all over me with strawberry lip gloss too!

Granny and Granpa D were here when I came out too. They were so excited and it was great to have Grampa D's strong hands holding me so tight and Granny D watching over me while the nurse jabbed that nail into my foot to check my blood sugar.

Well, they’re about to wheel me off to the transitional nursery so I better go, stay tuned for more pictures of me and my visitors over the next few days...Here's a last picture of a great big happy family!!

39 weeks

2009-04-05T15:22:00.003-05:00

Well, not much more going on around here. Mom is taking a nap and me and the dogs are watching the Mavericks. I'm hoping that the Mavs climb into 7th place so that Noah's first experience with them won't be seeing them get swept by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs...

I know that one of the experiences that I enjoy most with my both my dads (in-laws count too) is watching sporting events. In person or on TV, it doesn't matter, there's just something about watching people compete that is exciting and relaxing at the same time. I hope that Noah and I are able to enjoy watching many games together over the years!

I also hope that I can use sports to teach him about life including how to handle success and failure. I wasn't exactly the best at handling failure but I should be able to teach from the experience of not handling losing very well...Hopefully, I have grown up some over the years although I still get a little frustrated when things aren't going exactly me way now.

I Cor 10:31-So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

38 Weeks

2009-03-29T22:41:00.002-05:00

Well, here we sit "patiently" waiting...A few contractions today but nothing really consistent...Noah is still hanging on before making his debut.

Not a lot more to add over these last few weeks in the development front. I'll continue to post under this format until he is born so you'll have to stay tuned for how the blog changes at that point!!

I'm pretty pumped about the little guy showing up. I think Rachel is getting excited too but she has a little something more to be worried about than I do! Continue praying for a healthy momma and baby at the end of the process!

I'm not brave enough to say this, but I guess Paul thought that he knew enough about childbirth to make this comment:

Gal 4:19-20--My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

37 weeks

2009-03-22T18:25:00.002-05:00

Today Noah reaches that magical day in the pediatric and obstetric world known as FULL TERM! That means that any time he is ready, he is welcome to make his appearance into the world.

Not a whole lot more to be said on the developmental front. Noah is pretty much fully developed at this point. He will likely continue to grow about 1/2 pound per week but he could make it on his own if he were to come out right this second.

I think he was just waiting for perhaps my favorite weekend in the whole world which is next weekend's Sweet 16 and Elite 8 weekend of the NCAA tournament. If he's not here next weekend then I guess Duke will have to win so that he and I can watch them together in the Final 4.

As we near the end of this journey, we've been amazed at all the support and encouragement of family and friends that we've received. We cherish all of you so much and can't wait for you guys to get to meet little Noah!

I Thess. 1:2-We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

Week 36

2009-03-15T15:06:00.002-05:00

Well, 36 weeks and we're down to the home stretch. Just next week little Noah would be considered "term." And, if you ask Rachel, she gets more and more convinced that she's 2 weeks off and more like 38 now but I'm not so sure.

Nearly all organs are fully developed at this point. The liver is filtering waste products and the kidneys are almost fully functioning. The only thing left is the final part of lung development which will basically continue until just a few minutes after birth.

We're starting to make the final preparations around the house...Rachel has washed all of Noah's clothes that we got from all of you and I'm starting to move things around in our bedroom to make room for a bassinet. With all the planning we've been doing you can't help but think about what plans are in store for little Noah after he is born. One thing I know for sure is that the Lord has his entire life planned out for him and we all can't wait to see what He has planned...

Jeremiah 29:11-For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Week 35

2009-03-10T11:38:00.002-05:00

Sorry this is so late, we had a busy weekend with lots of family in town and a big shower for Noah at my cousin's house. It was a lot of fun getting to see a broad mix of different people who we have met during our time in Houston.

Week 35, we're almost there. Back in the day, doctors used to call babies who were born weeks 35 and 36 "near-term." We've gotten away from that because we feel like they can have just a few more problems then 37 and on so we now call them "late pre-term." Most babies born at 35 weeks do very well so I'm excited because for the most part we've passed up the severe issues related to prematurity. I think when you're in pediatrics it's hard not to assume that all the things you have seen along the way might happen to your child some day.

Average weight this week is something like 5.5 pounds. He was already packing on the pounds a few weeks ago so I would imagine that he's even bigger than that now. In addition there is lots of fat being laid down in the arms and legs so that he will be able to manage his temperature better whenever he is born. Not a whole lot else going on in the development department which is a good thing because if he was born now he would probably be just fine.

So, now we're just beginning to pray for a healthy delivery for both Rachel and Noah.

I can't wait for this "gift of the Lord" to be here...

Psalm 127:3-Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Week 34

2009-03-01T17:03:00.003-06:00

Week 34 of Noah's stay at the Motel 40 in Rachel's Belly, Texas. I'm in Ballinger this weekend for a sad trip for my grandfather's funeral. My mom's father passed away this week so I drove up her without Rachel since she had reached the point in her pregnancy where the doctor didn't want her traveling. It was a beautiful service and we saw a lot of family that we hadn't seen in a long time.

Well, it's time for Rachel to start dumping antibodies into Noah's system so that he will be ready to face the mean world of bacteria and viruses that will surround him after he is born. I've about decided to install a state-of-the-art decontamination room in my garage to keep from bringing all kinds of nasty germs home from work. Rachel will continue giving him antibodies until week 37. This is one of the main reasons that doctors consider babies to be full term at 37 weeks and why Noah needs to stay in for a few more weeks.

Noah has also started to open his eyes during awake times just like when he's awake (and most likely screaming) when he gets to the outside. Somehow, the Smith boys have figured out a way around the requirement of having your eyes closed to sleep as I'm pretty convinced that both me and my dad can sleep while watching TV with our eyes wide open. I don't know at what stage of development he picks this up but I'm pretty sure it's post-natal. However, I pray that when he is both awake and asleep he will have vision for his generation and that he will be a leader after God's own heart!

Acts 2:17-" 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Kristi, just write, "This is me." on the blog comments so that I will know you came by...

Week 33

2009-02-24T21:03:00.002-06:00

Sorry this is a few days late! I worked nights all weekend which basically makes me pretty much useless during those days because I pretty much just come home and sleep the day away. I finished my last overnight shift of my residency which is GREAT! Unless I get called in for backup I should never have to spend the whole night away from home again!!

Noah has been very busy...The other night I laid down next to him before bedtime and I'm pretty sure he was moving around and snuggling up to get comfortable. I'm predicting he's going to be a very snuggly boy!

Noah's bones are getting more hard every day. They will need to support his body when he gets out of his own personal little hot tub and is placed out into the real world. Pray for strong healthy bones because with my history of wrestling and broken wrists and soccer and broken noses along with the (David) Dickerson 1/4 of his genes, he will need some serious injury protection. Maybe we should just go ahead and by his a full set of body armor!

My prayer is that Noah will grow up to be a healthy strong boy but that he will continually rely upon God's strength for his life.

I Corinthians 1:25-For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Week 32

2009-02-15T20:44:00.003-06:00

Well, I keep trying to make Rachel further along than she actually is but that only explains why I'm doing my second Week 32 post in a row...

If I continued going by the information that I read about fetal development, I'd start by saying that this week Noah weighs about 3 lbs 12 oz but since I actually got a look at how big Noah is getting (www.justinandrachelsmith@blogspot.com) I have to say that he is actually 4 lbs 10 oz. So far all of our prayers for a healthy baby have gone as planned but Rachel's prayer for a smallish baby have not been so successful. He actually dated out about 2 weeks ahead of where we thought. This either means that our dates are possibly off (not likely given that our first ultrasound concurred) or that he's just really big!!

I don't think Rachel mentioned that we also saw quite a bit of hair on the ultrasound! Rachel and I both had really blond hair as kids and although he probably won't be born with it, there's a pretty good chance he'll share those "Goldilocks" at some point as well.

Speaking of Goldilocks, it's time to mention another activity that I'm sure Noah will enjoy with Aunties Kris and Kelley. I'm imagining a "double" date (he gets both hot ladies!) consisting of lunch and a cookie or some pie at the famous McKay's bakery (http://www.mckaysbakery.com/index.html) followed by walk down the street to the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (http://www.nccil.org/index.htm) to see some fun books and maybe even sit for a reading! Once he falls asleep, they can pack him in the stroller and roll next door to Relic's Imported Home Furniture (http://relicshome.com/) which is where Rachel and I have bought a lot of our home furniture. They have lots of neat home accessories with big Texas Stars on them and probably even a purse with a cowboy and fringe on it!

Well, we just finished our childbirth class today and it brought out plenty of things to pray for. We were introduced to all the extra possible complications that Rachel and I want to avoid in addition to all the things that we want to go right. Ultimately, the final prayer is that Noah would follow in the footsteps of his namesake...

Gen 6:9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.

Week 32

2009-02-08T21:25:00.003-06:00

Well, we had a great weekend with Rachel's parents in town. David and I spent most of the weekend playing Tiger Woods on the Wii. Rachel had a shower with her cheerleaders which was a lot of fun! We had our first of a two part class on childbirth today. It was pretty informative and only added a little to our stress level so I think overall it was worth it.

Well, Noah has about reached his apex of height by now. He may still have a few more inches to grow but the majority of his growth from this point on is weight. He should be about 4.5 lbs now and average birth weight is just over 7.

Another big part of his development involves the absorption and laying down of calcium, phosphorus in his bones and the storing up of iron in order to make new red blood cells as he gets ready for his "life on the outside."

Once he gets on solids, he'll have plenty of other places to get his minerals from. One of my favorites is Joe Allen's (http://www.joeallens.com/) but I'm not sure when he'll be able to chew the brisket and I think mixing the barbecue sauce might be a little excessive. I don't know what Rachel's favorite will be, but I think some candidates are Jason's Deli or Rosa's.

There's also this great little tea shop called Hickory Street Cafe that's located in a house that must've been built around the 20s and is just a few blocks south of my office. They have the best chicken salad in the world and I think it will be a great place for Grannie (Rachel's grandmother) to come and sip tea with me and Noah on my afternoon off!

Week 30

2009-02-02T21:48:00.002-06:00

Here we go down the home stretch! After multiple trips over the past month, I think we are here in Houston for the long haul. It's great to know that our weeks left are almost in the single digits. My coustin Cody and his wife and my life long friend Cami and her husband both had their babies last week! It makes it seem even more real that Noah will be here soon.

Noah should be about 3 pounds this week. We actually have a sonogram next week so we can see just how big he is getting. His head growth accellerates in proportion to the rest of his body during the next few weeks and that growth will be filled with brain. We've been trying to exercise his little brain by reading bible stories to him...We hope that by starting early, we can set up a habit of instilling the Word into him so that he will always have that to rely on...

Noah's bone marrow has now started to take over production of his red blood cells. Red blood cells circulate and carry oxygen to the tissues so that they can use it to perform the work that they need to. This is one of the many reasons that Noah needs to stay inside to cook for a little while longer as premature babies have a difficult time keeping their number of red blood cells up and need blood transfusions.

And now to tie the two topics of the week together...

Hebrews 4:12-For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Please pray that word of God will be a prominent part of Noah's life.

Week 29

2009-01-25T18:47:00.002-06:00

Third trimester, here we come!

Noah continues to grow and develop new tricks every day. He can now move his eyes in the sockets from side and side and soon would follow a blinking light! This will be for watching the ball as it flies over the net at him!

His brain can now begin to control his temperature and primitive breathing. These will be important skills as he is released out into this cold, dry world!

We are going to start taking some of our classes at the hospital in the next few weeks so we can learn what to expect in the days to come. I'm not sure that any class can really prepare you for what all goes on but at least a little preparation can't hurt.

I pray that Noah's body will be ready for the physical world and that God will show how us to prepare his heart for the spiritual world.

Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.

Week 28

2009-01-20T15:48:00.002-06:00

Well, we had a great weekend traveling back to Abilene to look for houses and take care of some work stuff that we needed to before Noah locked us down in Houston for a while. While we were gone someone came and looked at the house, so we’re praying for some feedback from that soon…

Noah’s new trick this week: blinking. He’s beginning to open his eyes enough now that when you watch you can definitely see discrete episodes of opening and closing.

While we were home it was a great reminder to see my little cousin playing around my grandmother’s house. He parents are amazing and have done such a great job with her but they stay so relaxed and are able to laugh about the little mischievous things that she does! I hope and pray that we can find the balance that they have been able to find. She used to be very scared of me (and many men in general) but she and I had a great time taking our dogs for a walk and even did a little reading together (Noah’s ark-she picked the book, I promise). Having much of the family together was great and I know that having Noah around our families is going to be so much easier now that we are moving back to Abilene. Rachel’s parents are only about 2.5 hours (maybe quicker with David driving) away. I think that we can even try and sweeten the deal to get some of the Kansas crew down for a visit or two. I’ve heard that they are a hard sell but I’ve already considered this a personal challenge. Tony, we’ve got guns, hunting, warm weather and I’m sure we can find something for you to build (we need to get you and my brother together (check our Keith's barns). James, we’ve got great golf (check out Diamondback), real and Wii (bought the Tiger Woods game). I’ve decided to go after the uncles first but stay tuned for other Abilene attractions in future posts…

Deut 4:9-Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Week 27

2009-01-12T09:59:00.005-06:00

Nothing much new on the development fron this week. Retinas as formed, light/dark sensation is developed. Lungs continue to develop.

One note, growth is beginning to accellerate. We can expect that Noah will grow 1 inch in just this week alone. This is even a much faster rate that when he'll go through his pubertal growth spurt as a preteen!

We took our tour of the hospital so I'll know where to speed to when the big day comes. It made it so much more real and exciting! I can't wait for someone to put the little guy in my arms! I know that holding him will be even better than all the anticipation of waiting...

Ecc 7:8-The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Week 26

2009-01-05T19:24:00.002-06:00

Well, what a busy weekend we have had! We painted the front hall to our house on preparation to get it ready for showing it to sell. Our house should go on the market sometime this week!

Noah has been moving around alot! I was able to see his little foot or hand or whatever it was jam into Rachel's side!

Noah is about 2 lbs and 14 inches so far. A major development is the strengthening of his spine. It is about the length of an adult hand but has 150 joints and 1,000 ligaments. All that goes to support his little frame so that he can move and stretch and poke Rachel's ribs! Someday the spine will provide a structure for all of Noah's little movements; stretching, sitting, crawling, walking and running!

Pray for a well developed spine with a full spinal cord and that our house would be well received by all those people who come to see it.

Galatians 5:25-Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Week 25

2008-12-28T13:54:00.003-06:00

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

2008-12-23T12:17:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-14T23:00:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-07T18:04:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-30T21:27:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-23T08:41:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-16T18:04:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-09T16:51:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-03T20:58:00.002-06:00

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

2008-10-26T18:02:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-19T16:20:00.001-05:00

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

2008-10-12T17:02:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-05T19:00:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-29T11:36:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-21T22:30:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-14T18:46:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-07T23:09:00.003-05:00

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

2008-08-31T16:34:00.003-05:00

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

2008-08-23T10:29:00.005-05:00

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).