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December 15, 2003
Weeks 31, 32, & 33
There's a good reason why I've slacked off on the weekly updates. There isn't much to report! Most of the kinds of things that are developing during these weeks are more like "fine tuning." It's only so interesting for me to say... "and... the lungs continue to develop...." Darn those lungs. I mean, how dare they take so long modifying themselves from aqua breathing to air breathing. I mean, Aquaman didn't have these problems! And it's not like it took years of evolution for this kind of thing to develop... er....
Anyway, for the most part, the baby is concentrating on getting fat. Yep. That's the deal. It's the one time in life this child will be able to lie around, drink untold amounts of highly caloric fluid, and never hear a single comment about "My! You look like you've gained weight!" Whereas Little Rhody's skin was still pretty whitish to translucent before week 31, by the time week 33 finishes, his/her skin will look pink and healthy. It also looks something like an old man's wrinkle suit... so the extra fat layers the baby puts on for these last few weeks will fill out his/her skin and turn Little Rhody into a plump, little, heat-regulating person.
Also of note, the languo (soft white hair that covered the body starting around week 25 or 26) has fallen off in the amniotic fluid. In fact, that baby will go ahead and ingest it, along with a slippery, whitish substance called vernix. This substance will become part of the baby's first poop--more formally referred to as meconium. Meanwhile, the kidneys have just about kicked into full gear. Of course, unlike his/her mother, the baby will be urinating *less* frequently because there's less room in there for much amniotic fluid. Little Rhody's mother, however, has decided to take over the bathroom as a second office.
So, that's it from Babyland... or rather Fetusville... I will try to update the site as interesting things happen; however, I'll try not to bother you with mundane information... like that this week, the average baby is 16 inches long and 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 pounds.
Posted by Lisa at December 15, 2003 10:12 PM
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Comments
Kathy and Chip,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
But we also send our condolences and sympathies to your families for your losses during these days. Jason told us about the deaths of his Great Aunt Grace and his great Uncle Henry. We will remember them in our prayers.
Posted by: Grandmom Annette at December 26, 2003 10:10 PM
Annette - Thank you for your kind thoughts. We've been talking with cousins on both sides of the family much of today. Everyone seems to be doing well enough. Neither death was a major surprise - just a sad separation.
Looking forward to seeing you next week.
Chip
Posted by: Oopaw (How do you spell it?) at December 27, 2003 12:06 AM