Doctor Visit: 12

Stef had two Doctor's visits this week. The first was an ultra sound which confirmed that the Monster is in the correct birth position (head down, facing Stef's spine), and the second was an uncomfortable and long visit with the OB. Unfortunately there were no good pictures from the ultrasound - he's actually too big and squished to get a good picture, but the nurse reading the device said that he looks healthy and has all the necessary parts. This is better news than a picture. We can't wait to meet him!

And the winner of the Middle-name contest is...

Beckett.
In a nail-biting, 9-7 victory, Beckett beat out Scott in your hearts and votes for best middle name. And, amazingly, Stef and I agree. Or, rather, we really like Scott and Beckett as the Monster's middle name, but since Bekott or Sckett wasn't doing it for us, and we had to choose just one, we decided (just like a majority of you!) on the one with more cultural significance. Now we just have to hope that Theo doesn't trade Beckett in the off season. You can expect a post on how to change a Monster's name if he (Josh Beckett) ever becomes a Yankee.

Monster Update: 37

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Tummy Monster is officially full term! This means that he pops out now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though Stef's due date is still three weeks away. It also means that spicy food is on the menu and the trampoline will be arriving any day now! (Just kidding. We're not going to induce - or even try and homeopathic induction methods - unless the Doctors tell us to. We're all about having a healthy Monster and just forget about the "inconvenient" timing of the thing.)

Anyway, the Monster weighs about 6 pounds now and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard (pictured)). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 0.5 inch to 1.5 inches long (and possibly in color not at all similar to the parents), but I was bald when I was born and Stef hasn't had any indigestion yet, so it's unlikely the Monster has any hair at all right now.

Text adapted from Baby Center.

Doctor Visit: 11

Stef went to the Doctor's again today, and she will be going back a lot more in the coming weeks. At this visit she and the Doctor mostly talked about logistical issues, but the important thing is that everybody remains healthy. It looks like the OB Stef has had throughout the pregnancy likely won't be around for the delivery, but we'd rather have a different doctor on the big day than induce early, so what are you going to do?

Next week, Stef's getting her second ultrasound to get a better idea of how big the Monster really is, and which direction he's decided to face. And it also looks like she'll be stopping work for the year in a few weeks. Already, a normal day is too taxing for her, and the availability of early TDI means we can worry about keeping Stef and the Monster happy and healthy and not worry too much about our finances.

There Can Be Only One

1. The boy's name Scott (skaht) is of Old English origin, and its meaning is "from Scotland, a Scotsman." Mainly used in the 20th century, it reached peak popularity in the mid-1970s. Famous people with the name Scott include actors Scott Glenn and Scott Caan; authors Scott Peck, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Scott Turow; and musician Scott Joplin. It can be derived as "Scottie," which rhymes with "hottie" (good) and "snottie" (bad). Initials: "ASH". It would go nicely with a nickname of "the Great" - both because of this guy and this phrase (H/T Josh Summers). Try it on for size:
   
   Alexander Scott Howell



2. The name Beckett (BEH ket) is of English origin, and its meaning is "beehive." In comparison to it's opposition in these finals, "Beckett" is neither historically nor currently popular. However, in their 2005 book “Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side Of Everything,” authors Levitt and Dubner predicted that, among a few others, "Beckett" would be one of the most popular baby boy names of 2015. So far, their prediction has been spot on, as the name went from being off the map in 2005 to debuting on the SSN top 1000 list at number 758 in 2006. And that was before this guy (pictured) had the super-amazing-awesome season he had last year with the World Champion Boston Red Sox. Initials: ABH. Try it on for size:
   
   Alexander Beckett Howell

Make up your mind and vote, people! This is the last chance for you to have any say whatsoever in the Monster's middle name. Both of these names are viable options - actually they are our two favorites - so your vote MIGHT ACTUALLY DECIDE what Xander's middle name will be. Of course, it also might not. This isn't a Democracy, people.

Monster Update: 36

The Tummy Monster is gaining about an ounce a day, now. He weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon (pictured)) and is more than 18.5 inches long. Nevertheless, Stef's being a trooper, even though the Monster's clearly staring to weigh her down and tire her out quickly. Inside, the Monster's shedding most of the downy hair that covered his body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected his skin (like a round of cheese!) during his nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, the Monster will be considered full-term, so the nervous, anticipatory waiting has begun.

Text adapted from Baby Center.

Who Ya' Got?

The Semi-Finals are here, and I've broken them into two separate polls (conveniently located on the top, right-hand side of the blog (this way! --->)). So go ahead and pick your poison. Two underdogs (Jackson and Evan) against two battle-worn contenders (Scott and Beckett). The one you pick may end up being the middle name of my first born son. Or, you could just call him that when I'm not around. Your choice, punk. Who ya' got?

Monster Update: 35

The Tummy Monster doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5.25 pounds (the heft of a honeydew (pictured)). Because it's so snug in Stef's womb, he isn't supposed to be doing somersaults anymore (although he hasn't gotten that memo, yet). He's still kicking a ton and hanging out on Stef's spleen. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic monster development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. That extra helping of turkey and mashed potatoes? All him.

Text adapted from Baby Center.

VOTE NOW!!!!

Polls are open for the Elite Eight of Monster Middle Names. As always, you have a week to determine who goes to the Final Four. Right now I'm just jazzed that "Beckett" (pictured above, also jazzed) did so well against strong contender "Ryan".