34 Weeks: Names, Update, & NSTs

We still have no name for Baby No. 3. I've been trying to convince my husband to let me name him after my favorite Seahawk quarterback, Russell Wilson. I've begged and pleaded but he is just not budging. So until an actual name is decided, I've just been calling the baby Russell Wilson in the hope that it just sticks. It's a long shot. A hail mary fourth down pass. But just maybe it will pan out. :)

My number one name choice right now is Eli. But my husband doesn't like it. Actually, I take it back. If I had my way, the baby would be named Roger after my dad. I know it's not a popular name but (1) it's my dad's name (obvious sentimental value), and (2) I really, really like uncommon/old-fashioned names, especially from the 50's (Betty!). Sadly, my husband hates this name more than any other name on the planet. My other top favorites are: Adam (which is a recent addition to my name list but has instantly clawed its way into my heart), Ethan, and Marcus. I'm also liking Edward. But guess what? My husband doesn't like them (are you sensing a pattern here?! ARRRG!).

Today I had my 34 week OB check-up. I've surprisingly only gained 21 pounds so far! And I only have 4.5 weeks to go, so unless DQ has a two-for-one deal on Blizzards for the next 4.5 weeks, this will be the least amount I've gained in a pregnancy. It might have something to do with the fact that I've been running regularly. I've been doing 4 miles at 8:45 minute pace about three times a week. My time has been amazingly consistent. And running isn't hard or uncomfortable at all. In fact, it feels GOOD, which is weird considering I have 18 inches of baby squished between my ribs and bladder. Running is the only activity I still enjoy. And it makes me feel great. And (despite a ridiculous looking mid-section), my legs look uncommonly muscular.

Unfortunately, at my appointment today my doctor asked me to stop running until I have a growth ultrasound. At my very first ultrasound, baby was diagnosed with Single Umbilical Artery. That means instead of two arteries in his umbilical cord, he only has one. This usually isn't a big deal and just means closer monitoring. For example, I get extra ultrasounds and weekly non-stress tests. Today my doctor said I was measuring small. I usually measure right on target but today I measured almost two weeks behind. Just to be safe, my doctor wants me to pause my running and have an ultrasound to check amniotic fluid and baby's growth.

I'm not too worried. I've learned to brush off the extra precautions that my doctor has taken this time around (as well as with my last pregnancy-- she thought Ryan also had SUA but when he was born we discovered his cord was normal) as procedural CYA efforts. It's just going to be really hard not to run.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing my baby on another ultrasound and enjoying the non-stress tests as excuses to lay back and take a nap! Lounging in a leather recliner with crackers and cranberry juice is pretty much a pregnant lady's version of laying on a sunny beach with a margarita.