Week 28 Names

We've taken some more names off the list! And they are:

Parker

Logan

Mason

So, that would take us down to four names except that we've also added a name. Total possible names left on the list = 5. We're getting closer people! Oh, and we realized that we haven't mentioned it on the blog yet but we are set on a middle name which means we're two thirds of the way there.

Bump Photo Number 5

This is a special holiday edition bump photo as it was taken Christmas Day! Here you will see Robert showing off his own bump. A lot of people said Robert should expect to gain weight right along with me but he hasn't. Personally, I think he's jealous of the bump I'm rocking these days.

Week 28

Better late than never! We were in Texas for Christmas and since Christmas day was the beginning of Week 28 we were a little busy to post. Here is what BabyCenter.com has to say about this week:
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can open and close his eyes, which now sport lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won't be long before he's batting those beauties at you.

On December 19th we had another doctor's appointment. I had gained 9 pounds since the last appointment and the doctor is feeling better about my weight. I had my glucose test the same day and am waiting for the results. They also did a quick ultrasound to check Sudsie out before we left on our 15 hour drive to Dallas.

After our appointment we drove down to Walsenburg and spent the night at Robert's aunt's house. We left early Saturday morning and arrived in Richardson, TX that night in time for dinner. We had a great week with Bob & Geri and they gave Gus lots of attention while we were there. We also got to see some of our Texas friends and have some relaxation. We drove all the way back to Denver this past Saturday and spent Sunday unpacking and catching up on things around the house.

Week 27

Time is really flying lately and it's already been another week! Here's what BabyCenter.com has to say about this week:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Hiccups...hmmmm. I don't think I've felt these yet but I'm going to start paying closer attention.

This past weekend we finished our Christmas shopping and relaxed. We went to Baby S.J. Fannin's baby shower on Saturday. It was a lot of fun but I'm sure Sudsie will have more fun with S.J. once they're a little older. Saturday night we had dinner with Mikey & Sarah and then went for ice cream. Sunday we had dinner with Grandpa Mark & Grandma Monica at Rioja and then went to see Jersey Boys. It was a great show and Sudsie seemed to enjoy the music, he was kicking a lot.

Overall, it was a busy but fun weekend. It's been extremely cold here since Sunday. We have to bundle up whenever we leave the house. It was so cold on Monday that we had some frozen pipes at our house. Good thing Papa Crandell is a plumber and he came over to help Robert take care of the problem. Good news is that after just a few small holes in the garage ceiling they got the pipes thawed and we had no leaks!

Week 26

Week 26 and less than 100 days to go! Can you feel my(Natalie's) excitement? I can't tell you how much better it feels to see that ticker down to two digits. Here's what BabyCenter.com has to say about this week:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take two to three days.

Over the last week Sudsie went to the annual Smith cookie bake last Saturday at Grandma Monica's house. We also had a Beijo Holiday Open House at our house this past Sunday. Tuesday and Wednesday of this week he was kicking a lot. I was wondering when/if he was ever going to take a little nap! Yesterday Robert went to sign the contract and leave the deposit for Sudsie's daycare spot. He will be going to Little Chicks (aw! how cute is that?!?!) near our house. Another thing checked off the list. We're starting the nursery after Christmas so I better stop my indecisiveness and choose fabric and paint colors. Tomorrow we go to Baby SJ Fannin's (another one of Sudsie's utero buddies) baby shower.

Cravings: Hot, fresh french bread from Safeway, string cheese, pumpkin pie

Week 25 Names

So the other day I was talking to two coworkers about the baby and they were asking about names. I told them that I wouldn't say the names on the list. Then Megan said "Well if the baby comes a few days early on St. Patrick's Day then you have to name him Patrick!"

I mean really! This child will more than likely be born with bright red hair and we're going to name this poor kid Patrick if he's born on St. Patrick's Day! And for the rest of his life, our sweet boy will spend his St. Patrick's Days looking like a little Irish Leprachaun and have people say "It's your birthday? And you're name is Patrick?!?!" And then they will think "What were you parents thinking?!?!?"

So, no, our wee one won't be named Patrick - no matter what day he's born.

But thanks for the suggestion Megan!

Week 24 Names

People continue to ask "Do you have any names?". We started the list of baby names when we found out we were having a boy. After going through the baby name book we had 11 names on the list. Since then we have eliminated 4 of the names and currently have 7 names on the list. We won't tell anyone the names still on the list but we have started to tell people the names that have been eliminated. Here are the elimated names thus far:

Carter
Lincoln
Caleb
Connor

Yes, we do think we will be able to agree on a name for our son however it won't be one you see here on the blog!

Week 25

Today's another Thursday and so begins another week of pregnancy. Here is what BabyCenter.com has to say about Week 25:
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

This week we've been decorating the house for Christmas. Our tree is up and the other decorations are scattered around the house. Sudsie has been moving a lot more lately but continues to stop when people try to feel him. I'm feeling great and continue to have energy. In the later afternoon and evening my back starts to ache a little bit but it's still nothing compared to the arthritis flare ups I used to experience. It is now obvious to strangers that I'm pregnant and I get a lot of "When are you due?", "Do you know what you're having?", "Have you picked out a name?" All of this is better than the "Is she pregnant or just fat looks".

Cravings this week: Pumpkin pie (had to make another one when we ran out of Thanksgiving leftovers!) string cheese and mexican food. This kid is going to come out saying "Yo quiero Taco Bell!"

Bump Photo Number 4

Here's photo number four for your flip books. Ahh, a maternity shirt. Gotta love elastic. But at least they look nice and Natalie doesn't have to wear a burlap sack for 4 months. Its pretty clear now where the baby is located and it is neat to feel him more and more. It was nice to find out the baby is growing just fine and hopefully won't be too big. More pictures coming soon.

Week 24 Ultrasound

Yesterday we had an ultrasound to check Sudsie's growth. When we started the ultrasound Sudsie's toes were touching his forehead! So flexible. He measured at 24 weeks and 6 days which is exactly what he was yesterday and his belly measured at 25 weeks. Toward the end of the ultrasound we were able to see Sudsie's face (see above). He was opening and closing his mouth and although his eyes were closed, we could see his eyeballs moving behind his eye lids. Then, while we were watching him, he yawned! It was fun to see him moving around on the screen and doing so well.

Doctor's Appointment

Last Tuesday we went to the OB for our monthly check up. I had gained 3 pounds since the last time we had been in. The doc felt my weight gain was a low and was a little concerned. So, this Wednesday we're having another ultrasound to check Sudsie's growth and see how he's doing. We're excited to see our little guy moving around on the screen and will post the ultrasound pictures once we have them.



Otherwise the appointment was fine. We go back on the 19th when I will have my glucose test and hopefully will get cleared to drive to Texas for Christmas!



My belly has grown over the last couple of weeks so I will have Robert take another bump picture sometime during the next couple of days.

Week 24

Thanskgiving Day was also the beginning of Week 24! We went to my Aunt Mary Carol & Uncle Dave's house for dinner with the Crandell side. The food was great and the company was nice. Robert made a pecan pie which was a hit. Friday we went shopping and got some great deals. We also purchased a new computer and a camcorder. So once Sudsie is here we will be able to post videos on the blog so all can watch him grow. Friday night Dena & Scott (Robert's sister & brother-in-law) threw us a suprise baby shower at their house. It was a book shower so Sudsie now has lots of books and other things for his room.

Here's what BabyCenter.com has to say about this week:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent(insert joke here), but that will start to change soon.

Grow Sudsie, grow!

Negligent Posting

So we weren't very good about posting last week. Robert's parents were in town from Texas and we were busy visiting with his other family that was also in town.



People have been asking about this. Robert was able to feel the baby kick on November 21st! Since then numerous friends and family members have also felt him move. Sometimes he's a little tease and will move a lot until someone puts their hand on my belly and then he stops.

Pregnancy Quote of the Weekend

I thought this was awesome and although not totally indicative of how Natalie has been acting, is very very funny.
Let me set the scene: Natalie and I are sitting on the couch on Friday night watching the recorded episodes of "The Office" and "30 Rock" from the night before when the topic of cupcakes comes up on "30 Rock" and Liz Lemon proceeds to ramble off a slew of different locations in the city to buy cupcakes. After which, Natalie commented, "Cupcakes. That sounds good. I could wash this chocolate milk down with some cupcakes."
Awesome.


In an unrelated weekend note, the movie "Sleuth" is weird and stupid. I didn't follow it to well and it was pointless. Pass.

Week 23

Week 23 brings more development for little Sudsie. Here's what BabyCenter.com has to say about this week:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With his sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that he's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see him squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb.

The last week has been pretty relaxing and low key. Sunday we went to meet Kate & Damion's new little baby girl, Iris. She is adorable and has so much hair. I'm sure someday she and our little Sudsie will be great friends. In other news, Sudsie is moving more and more as he grows bigger. Robert still hasn't been able to feel him move but I'm hoping that will happen soon. It's crazy how much more aware I am that he's his own little person in there.

Cravings this week: Mexican food and Starbucks hot chocolate

Week 22 Names

Last night Sudsie and I went for our weekly visit to Grandma & Grandpa Crandell's. While we were there Grandpa asked what we were going to name "George" (what he has been calling the baby since week 13 or so. LOL) So I tell him two of our top names and he didn't like them! Can you believe that?!?!? Anyway, here they are:

-Rudolph

-Barack (no link is necessary)

What do you think?

Bump Photo Number 3

Here's our latest picture of Natalie's mid-section. As you can see, Sudsie is really begining to sprawl out and expand his living quarters. The day is supposedly on the horizon when Natalie's inny becomes and outie. I am holding on to the hope that that won't happen. Time will tell.

Week 22

It's already been a week? Time is flying by. Here's what's going on with Sudsie this week according to BabyCenter.com:

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

Sudsie made his presence known at the end of last week. I now definitely have a bump (another picture will be posted soon). This past weekend we went to my Mom's house for her birthday dinner. This coming weekend there's a lot of hanging out and relaxing planned.

Cravings this week: Nesquick Chocolate Milk (still!) and Dickey's BBQ.

Week 21 Names

This week's name suggestions come from the city my boss lives in. Washington, DC. Since that is the case, it makes perfect sense that these two ideas have been slightly influenced by historical precedence. Thank you Josh for your interest in this difficult decision we face. I give you Week 21 name possibilities:

Rutherford Birchard Sudar
or
Millard Fillmore Sudar

Notice how the former uses the 19th President's first and middle names, and the latter uses the 13th President's first and last names. Way to mix it up, Josh. I like it.

Musings of the Future Father

• I have been told by people that as a father-to-be, I will go through a process of "nesting" in which I try to do things to fix the house up, ready the nursery, etc before the baby arrives. This seems to be true. Aside from the obvious work of repainting the nursery, putting up chair rail and repainting the rocking chair. In my head I have already repainted all the trim in the house and installed hardwood floors in the downstairs in preparation for the new carpet in the upstairs and living room. Just in time to install the ceiling fans in the bedrooms. It's weird because I didn't really realize I was doing this until someone mentioned "nesting." wtf.

• I have said it before and I'll say it again, Mac'n'cheese and chicken nuggets is a great meal.

• Since yesterday was Veteran's Day, here's a big Thank You to all the Veterans who are reading this post. Your service to our country is very much appreciated.

• You may have read in a previous post that I conceeded in the Battle for the Stroller. I realized my reasons for wanting the one I wanted weren't really all that important in the grand scheme of things. I know, surprising isn't it?

• It has been nice that Natalie is in this good stage of things where she is not sick and not tired and is really doing well. I hear this won't last into the 3rd trimester so I am soaking it up while I can.

• I have decided that my life right now is pretty damn good.

• I am looking forward to one of the tastiest holidays of the year. It is only 2 weeks from tomorrow.

• Entourage may be the best show I watch on DVD.

• Satisfying tidbit: When your wife makes you watch reality shows, and then you start to get into them, it is a super-sweet feeling when the person you hate gets their cumuppins. Really satisfying. It's happened twice in the last week or so. That skank, Heidi, got fired from her job on The Hills and the evil couple on Biggest Loser had the tables turned on them and the husband got sent home. Take that suckers!

• If someone can find me a legal way to make the same income I currently make without actually having to do anything; please let me know.

• I think it is about time that Natalie craved some Dickey's BBQ.

Have a great day everyone.

Bump Photo Number 2

Here's belly photo number 2 in our series. It is starting to show more now and Natalie is getting past the "that girl looks fat" stage and into the "she looks pregnant" stage. Robert thinks she is beautiful as ever. Yep, there's a little Sudsie in that belly.

Week 21

Today is the beginning of my 21st week of pregnancy. Only 133 days of pregnancy remain! Here is what BabyCenter.com has to say about this week:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like he's practicing martial arts as his initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to his activity as you get to know him better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.

I was amazed when I read 10 1/2 inches and actually had to get a ruler out of my desk to visualize. No wonder I've been feeling him more, the kid is running out of room!

Since the last post Robert and I have been working on our baby name list. We have gone through the boy's names section of the book we bought and we have a list of 11 possible names. We're going to think about them for the next month or two and then try to narrow it down a little more. We've also begun to talk about the nursery, which will have a train theme. And big news in the Sudar household is that my gracious husband has agreed to let me register for the car seat and stroller that I want. The war is over, for this I am very grateful!

Week 20: Name Possibilities

Name possibilities for this week come courtesy of Kerri Driscoll (an ex-coworker of Natalie's):

Tarquin
Voltaire
Percy
Lord Byron (equals Bad Ass)

Do you think anyone would make fun of these?

Week 20!

I think Bon Jovi said it best "Whooooooa we're half way there, whoa - oa livin' on a prayer". We are halfway through the pregnancy and I couldn't be happier. I feel great, we've checked a bunch of things off the to do list and we're having a baby boy! Plus, everyone keeps saying "I thought you'd be bigger by now" (including Daddy-to-be) so I guess that's a good sign. This weekend we are going to continue our name search and narrow down the daycare list so we can start touring. Tomorrow night we're going to a Halloween Party at Grandpa Don and Grandma Teresa's house.

Here's what BabyCenter.com has to say about Week 20:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (The way your baby is measured changes now.) He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (although some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

Cravings over the last week: Mexican food, gummi savers and I can't get enough water!

We will post another belly shot this weekend.

Week 19: Name Possibilities

Well, we think we can now focus on boy suggestions only. This week's suggestions come from great-grandparents-to-be Carol & Bernard Smith (Natalie's Mom's Parents)

Boy: Bernard James

Boy: Thor



Okay people, I think the search is over.....

It's a...

We went to the OB today for our 20 week check up. The baby is measuring at 19 weeks and 5 days which is exactly what I am today. The placenta was nice and high so they are no longer worried about the previa and all restrictions have been removed. What a relief that is! I had gained 3 pounds so they are no longer worried about my weight and all is well. During the ultrasound the technician was able to determine the sex of the baby.

We're having a baby boy! We're very exctied and can't wait to meet him. Now it's time to start working on the nursery and a name!

Week 19

Week 19 is here! Here is what BabyCenter.com has to say about Sudsie's development this week: Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a mango. The hair on her scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, taking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

On Wednesday, Sudsie and I went to visit Grandma & Grandpa Crandell. We go for a visit most Wednesday nights. They are excited about their first great-grandchild. Grandpa is in the process of stripping the family heirloom crib (they call it a crib but it's very small and more of a bassinet/cradle set up). This is the same crib that my Grandma Crandell used when she was a baby. All my dad's siblings, me and my cousins have all used it. Grandpa is taking all the old paint off and then he is having it repainted. Our little one will sleep in it, in our room for the first months of life. We're very excited to see how it looks once it's finished.

Only 4 days until we find out the baby's gender. Our appointment is first thing next Tuesday morning. Thank God, as I don't think I could wait all day for that news! Anyway, better get your votes in before the word is out.

Week 18: Name Possibilities

For this week's name possibilities we would like to share an email we received from our friend Mike Flick. Most of you will know him as Mikey. Here it is:

Just thought I would stick my two cents in. . .

• Question 1.) Robert was found by Natalie during her quest to find which person on Robert's floor?


• Question 2.) Who takes credit for hooking Robert and Natalie up (and totally deserves the credit)?


• Question 3.) Who is completely responsible for the unbreakable and endless love that is currently on display in the marriage of Robert and Natalie?


• Question 4.) Which child should be named after the creator of all this love and happiness?
  


• Answer 1.) Michael Thomas Flick


• Answer 2.) Michael Thomas Flick


• Answer 3.) Michael Thomas Flick


• Answer 4.) Michael Thomas Sudar (or Michaela Thomasina Sudar if it is a girl)

That is all. Continue on with your eternally happy lives of love together (brought to you by Michael Thomas Flick).

What do we say to that? That's quite an argument...

Week 18

Holy cow, 18 weeks?!?! I think Cerissa said it best "the time goes so fast while going so slow at the same time." Here's what BabyCenter.com has to say:

Head to rump, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, although he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Since the beginning of Week 18 Sudsie has hung out with the Medinas and gone swimming. We have pretty much decided on all the "big ticket" items we're going to register for. Except we're down to 2 strollers - which is the current battle at the Sudar home. Who knows, maybe this will be our next poll. Now we have to tour daycares.

I'm feeling pretty good and there haven't really been any cravings lately. Oh, except I had cheese and crackers for breakfast one day because that's what sounded good.

Week 17: Name Possibilities

Ahhhh, Week 17 and were getting close to halfway through this pregnancy. Outside, the leaves are changing, the days are getting shorter and Fall is upon us. It's a good time of year, the weather is pleasant and it's a great time for sports. Our names this week roll off the toungue and I am sure you will enjoy saying them as much as we will enjoy not putting them on the birth certificate.

Girl: Esmerelda
This name comes to us from a map at Natalie's work. That's right, a map. Other map name options: Sahara, Danube, Gibraltar. But seriously, is this how America Ferrera's parents came to their decision.


Boy: Epiphino
Now unfortunately our child will be born a few months after the Epihpany, but the name is pretty fantastic. Sudsie's Great Uncle John was this close to being named this. Isn't there a Saint named this? No? Well, it sounds like a good Saint name, so maybe if we use it, Sudsie will get beatified someday.

Have a great weekend!

Bump Photo Number 1

Here's the first post in a series of posts with photos of Natalie's belly.
As time goes on you'll be able to see the transformation that is taking place in Natalie's mid-section. Maybe when its all done you can print out all the pictures and make a flip book of the exciting several months.

Week 17

Week 17 is here and Sudsie is the size of an onion. Here's what BabyCenter.com has to say about this week (again, we don't know if we are having a boy or a girl but BabyCenter is referring to the baby as a girl):

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

Only 2 weeks until we find out Sudsie's gender!

Changing of the Weeks

Last week when we were at the doctor she said that we were 15 weeks and 5 days. So, now instead of "changing weeks" on Mondays we will change weeks on Thursday. Sudie's tracker above has already been updated.

Week 16: Name Possibilities

Girl's Name: Melora

Boy's Name: Dwight or LaDanian (it's a tie at this point)

Week 16

Sudsie just keeps on growing and now we're on Week 16. Here is what BabyCenter.com has to say about week 16:

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length . Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too.

I am feeling better although the heartburn has picked up a little bit and I have this mysterious muscle pain in the middle of my back. Things that we have read say that I should be able to feel the baby move anytime between now and week 20. Every once in a while I think I feel something but I'm sure it's all in my head. I can no longer sleep flat on my back and must now sleep on my side. Last night was the first night trying and I think I did a pretty good job! We're looking for a pediatrician right now and we're getting ready to start touring a few daycares so we can get on some waiting lists. We're also beginning to research car seat, stroller and crib safety. Finally, a bump is definitely starting to form! A picture will be posted soon so everyone will have a frame of reference as the belly grows!

Other news since we posted last week....We had dinner with Damion, Kate and Baby Iris last Friday night. Iris is one of Sudsie's in-utero buddies and is due on November 8th!

Doctor's Appointment

We had another ultrasound and an appointment with the doctor yesterday. The placenta is no longer over my cervix but is still low. The doctor seemed very confident and would "bet money" that it will have moved higher by our next ultrasound (at 20 weeks - in 4 weeks). Sudsie is doing great and is measuring normal. During the ultrasound Sudsie was waving at us. We also were able to hear the heartbeat during this visit which was exciting. I'm having a few side effects but everything is fine. Our next appointment is on October 28th, when we will have another ultrasound to check the placement of the placenta. We should also find out the gender of the baby during that visit. So, get your votes in before the end of the month! Here's one of the photos from the ultrasound showing Sudsie's profile view:

Week 15: Name Possibilities

Week 15 names are brought to you by Grandma-to-be Teresa. Grandma Teresa had an epiphany of the perfect name! That's right only one. Because with a slight variation this name is suitable for a girl or a boy. And it's a family name! We think our search is done people:

Girl: Bobbie Dawn

Boy: Bobby Don

The Bobby part after Robert (and his dad) and the Don after Natalie's dad. What do you all think?

Ambiguity!!!

Week 15

Today is the beginning of week 15! I was hoping I would feel better today but alas the pregnancy gods are not done torturing me. That's right people, still having "morning sickness" when I brush my teeth. Oh well, let's focus on the positive. So, every week we get an email from babycenter.com talking about what are baby is up to this week. These emails are more informative than thebump.com so I'm going to start using these. Please note, we do not know the gender of the baby yet! Babycenter.com alternates between refering to the baby as a boy and a girl every other week. We do not know if we are having a girl. So, here's what Sudsie is up to:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an orange). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam.

Cravings: Jamba Juice and Mexican Food (but you already knew that!)

Thoughts of the future father....

I decided I would add a randomly recurring post to our blog that will give some insight as to what is going through my head during all of the goings on.



First things first, my poor wife.

I am lucky enough to have a job that I don't go to every other Friday. I know, it's sweet, but in reality, usually I just end up doing chores which makes the Friday moderately lame, but the weekends really nice. Pity party aside, this Friday I was off from work and I was laying in bed trying not to let the dog see that my eyes were open while I listened to my wife get ready to go to work. She has been doing pretty well with the pregnancy thing, and I'm not just saying that because she'll read this. It seriously hasn't been as bad as I prepared myself for. However, she has had one issue that has been ongoing and I feel bad for her, but what's worse is every time it happens I laugh a little inside. Brushing teeth. She gets sick when she brushes her teeth. We've tried different toothpaste and she says it helped some. For those of you that watch Family Guy, you'll understand why I laugh. There is a scene where Lois is talking about how bad she had it when she was pregnant. Then Peter chimes in about how he had it even worse. Flashback:He's watching "Three's Company" and then Lois starts getting sick off screen, and he has to turn up the volume to drown out her yaking. I always think of this clip when Natalie is getting sick and I laugh a little in my head. I know its mean, but it isn't intended to be, it is just funny.

Sometimes with everything that's going on, you have to be able to laugh, otherwise you'll feel so sorry for your wife that you'll be depressed all the time. And that will just make her depressed too.

There is a distinct difference between Spiderman Kraft mac'n'cheese and Scooby Doo Kraft mac'n'cheese.

Homemade Taco salad is delicious, and it seems nutritious.

I finally finished the Galaxie trunk this weekend. It was a three step process to finish it and I stretched it into 3 months. Here are some pictures, i know they're not great, I used my phone. I realize that the amount of time I spend on the car will only reduce once Sudsie comes along, so I guess I have been practicing working on it at a very slow pace.

Week 14 : Name Possibilities

We are going to add a new weekly posting about the name possibilities from the previous week. Some of them will be suggestions from other people, some of them will be our own ideas. You can rest assured, however, that the chances of any of these making it to a birth certificate are slim to none. Now without further ado....... Week 14 Names!

Girl: Gerlinda (yeah, you read that right)
Boy: Julius (middle name = Caesar. Or possibly middle name = Julius, first name = Orange)

What do you all think?

Week 14

Today marks the beginning of week 14! Yet another milestone. We've never really been a fan of Mondays but we are now as they mean we're a week farther. Actually Robert says that's a lie - he still isn't a fan of Mondays, except for the baby part.

Sudsie is now the size of a lemon. We're a little confused by this as we would say a lemon is smaller than a peach... but whatever.


This is what thebump.com has to say about week 14:

Your adorable little baby is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth.

Cravings: Mexican food (wanted it but never actually had any) & Orange Julius

Sudsie

So, we were trying to think of a name that we could call the baby instead of it/he/she since we don't know what it is yet. After much discussion - including: bumpy, lumpy, mumpy, etc - we settled on Sudsie. Robert's dad was called Suds in high school and some people have referred to Robert as Little Suds. Sudsie sounds cute and babyish plus it has family history. In all future posts our baby will be referred to as Sudsie.

FAQs About Natalie's Pregnancy

Here are some questions we've been getting a lot and our responses:

• Was it an accident? No, this is a planned and very much wanted baby.


• Are you going to find out the sex? Yes! If the baby will let us see. The earliest we could find out is around 20 weeks which will be the beginning of November.


• When is the baby due? Around the 20s of March


• Are you/Is Natalie showing? Barely a bump and only when you stare hard.


• Do you have names picked out yet? No, we're waiting to work on names until we find out what gender the baby is.


• How's the arthritis? Great! Went into remission the 8th week! I'm still a little achy when we have rain but other than that it's non existent.

Week 13

It feels so good that everyone knows about our little bun in the oven! It's so nice not to have to keep it a secret anymore.

The baby is the size of a peach this week! Here is what thebump.com has to say about week 13:

Your baby is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)

Cravings this week: mexican food, orange soda, Jamba Juice