The Pregnancy

December 30th
Doesn't look like there's a tax-break in my future. After a whole evening of soccer watching, car rides and dinner on the town, Baby has stayed put. Baby was active and squirming in the wee hours of the morning as I read him several Dr. Seuss books. I'll be glad when he's out, I won't have to scream so loud for him to hear me.

December 27th
OK, things better start happening 'cuz there are only a few days left for Daddy to get his tax break. I dragged Chris to a fantastic Cajun/Creole restaurant named Alligator Soul. The food is spicy and it's a 30 minute car ride. After that, she dragged me through Wal*Mart for an hour (not sure what I did to deserve that). Still no baby.

December 26th
Christmas came and went, no baby. Today's doctor visit was pretty uneventful. We've been there so often that Chris has run out of questions, except one... When am I going to have this baby?!? The big news of the day: Doc says baby is about 8 lbs. 5 oz. Doc also says that spicy food helps move things along so we went out to dinner at a Thai restaurant and piled on the stars. Baby refuses to cooperate.

December 25th
It's Christmas and Week 38! Chris is getting uncomfortable and we've decided that it's time to move things along. Trips out of the house are increasing in frequency, we spent 40 minutes walking around Costco yesterday. No dice, baby is staying put.

December 23rd
Chris swears the baby dropped another notch yesterday, her profile has definitely changed since last week. We also spent yesterday setting up our room for baby. There's nothing left to do. Baby, where are you?

I've posted the list of Dr. Seuss books we currently own and the ones that are missing from our collection. I've always been partial to Seuss (and Richard Scary) but please feel free to share your favorite childrens books (both ideas and/or the actual books).

December 20th
First update in quite some time. Just haven't been able to bring myself to post anything since my father, Soon-to-be-Grandpa Tony, died on November 25th. I'll post retroactive updates as well so you can read about everything that's been going on since the last update on Nov. 15.

Everything with Baby is going great, he's big, active, and still in the oven. Chris is finally up and around but not moving too quickly. She's a little weak from the bedrest and still adjusting to walking around with a baby strapped to her front. Today, she's even been doing a bit of baking!

December 18th
Baby is full-term today, 37 weeks! Ten weeks ago it looked like a longshot but we've made it! We definitely couldn't have done it on our own and want to thank everyone for their cards, calls, visits, gifts, food, kind words and all the other support we've received. At today's doctor visit, all Christine's restrictions were lifted. No change to the cervix so she's free! Free to do whatever she wants! Too bad that on the way up to the doctor's office she started waddling. She says it feels like she tried to do the splits and pulled something. Ouch.

December 15th
What's this? It's Chris in the hot tub! Her back was hurting so we thought it'd be nice for her to soak it. Don't worry, we didn't boil baby, the water is only 102 degrees, and we kept Baby above water most of the time.

December 13th
We actually left the house to eat out. Our first dinner out of the house in over 2 1/2 months. It was fun but Chris really had a hard time sitting up for that long. Her belly is so big that she couldn't eat off her plate and needed to put her food on a little bread plate that she could rest on her belly. How cute.

December 11th
36 weeks today! Yes, another visit to the doctor. Cervix is still thin and about 2.75cm dilated. Doc says we're almost normal now and predicts Baby is about 7 lbs 4 oz. We caught a glimpse of his leg during the ultrasound and it's chunky! Doctor thinks we'll have Baby by week 38 but, hey, she also thought we wouldn't make it to week 30. At this point, we take all predictions with a block of salt.

December 6th
Chris swears the baby dropped. Could be anyday now...

December 4th
35 weeks today! Another week, another doctor visit. This is Christine's first excursion from the house since she was released from the hospital. Pretty uneventful, status remains the same but we have another week under the belt!

November 30th
Dad's funeral was today. He would've loved the service, a captive audience forced to sit through a fiery sermon on Love, God and Country. It was cold and windy at the cemetery but about 250 people braved the weather for about 30 minutes before we all headed off for lunch and shared stories about Dad.

November 29th
If there were any doubts about how loved my father was, they were erased today. More than 60 floral arrangements were sent and about 1000 people showed up for the wake. Viewing started at 3:30pm and there was a line out the door (and around the building) until almost 9:30pm, viewing ended around 10:30pm. It was amazing.

November 28th
Chris is spending Thanksgiving at home with her sister, sister's boyfriend and a couple of friends that have been fantastic through our whole hospital ordeal. Real food for Chris today, I'm glad she doesn't have to spend Thanksgiving in the hospital eating hospital food.

November 27th
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 47
It's the end of an era. Chris came home from the hospital today after 7 long weeks. She called me to tell me that she couldn't believe she was actually home and that it felt like she was "floating on air".

November 25th
My dad, Soon-to-be-Grandpa Tony, died this morning due to complications from a motorcycle accident on November 9th. He had made it through 2 surgeries and we were expecting a full recovery with a long rehab, needless to say, this is a shock. Obviously, this is tragic for the enitre family but one of the hardest things for me to deal with is knowing how much he wanted a grandchild and that he'll never get a chance to hold him. He would've been a great Grandpa. My brother and I are leaving today to be with our mother and the rest of the family. Chris wishes she could go back with us but she has some important and pressing reponsibilities to deal with here. Hopefully, she doesn't have the baby until after I get back, I'd really like to be here when my son is born.

November 15th
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 35
Thirty five days down, twelve to go. No updates for the past two weeks but there hasn't been much to report, we've just been hanging out in the hospital and watching the clock tick. Wednesday marked week 32, our second milestone, and everything is still looking good. She's not on anymore medication, is only monitored a couple times a day and rarely sees a nurse anymore. We're starting to wonder what we're doing here. The belly continues to grow and people have begun to comment that she finally looks pregnant. I'll post a belly pic if I can get her to pose. If nothing changes, we'll be home for Thanksgiving... here's hoping!

October 31st
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 21
I was able to bring Chris outside in a wheelchair for the second day in a row. The weather has been fantastic, sunny and dry, very unlike October in Seattle. Chris didn't think it would do anything for her but, once outside, she really enjoyed herself. Hope the weather stays nice so she can keep going out.

October 30th
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 20
We've hit our first major milestone, 30 weeks today! This past week has been MUCH better now that they aren't constantly monitoring Chris or the baby and have started honoring her requests for undisturbed blocks of quiet time. Today's doctor visit was very encouraging, Baby is still growing well (currently 3 lb. 8 oz) and has turned head down, the amniotic fluid level is perfect, and her contractions have quieted. In fact, they are loosening some restrictions so I can take her outside for a few minutes a day. The doctors also said that they're more confident that she'll make it to 34 weeks. If that happens, they'll discharge her. (That's Nov. 27, just in time for her to cook me a proper Thanksgiving dinner. Hey, only kidding!)
So, overall, the news is fantastic the only downside is that we're still looking at 4 more weeks of hospital time. At this point, it looks like Baby will be fine but Mommy and Daddy will need a shrink.   ;)

October 23rd
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 13
Finally, some good news! We're officially 29 weeks today (the "In the Womb" counter is off by a couple days), one more week until our first milestone of 30 weeks. Today's ultrasound shows some stability, the cervix is the same as last Friday and the doctors are happy with how the new medication is working. On our way back from the doctor's visit, I was able to break up the monotony and took Chris on a mini-hospital tour (in a wheelchair of course). It was the first time she's been out of her room for anything other than an appointment. We'll have been here 2 weeks tomorrow. Wow.

October 21st
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 11
We're off the "flu" and onto a different medication that seems to be more effective and not so harsh on my lovely wife. The weekend was absolutely miserable, don't think I'd wish that on an enemy. She's feeling better and is in better spirits now but has finally started to become bored with sitting in the hospital.

October 20th
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 10
Poor Chris, more of yesterday...

October 19th
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 9
To keep the contractions to a minimum, and hopefully stop further thinning of the cervix, they put Chris on Magnesium Sulfate last night. What is it? The nurses nickname it "Flu in a Bottle." Sounds like fun huh? It has cut the contractions by about half but the side effects seem to cancel the benefits. She was throwing up all night, can't eat, can't drink and must sit more upright in bed so she doesn't get sick. Then they gave her something to combat the nausea but it really just knocks her out.

October 18th
Back to the Womb Hospital Tour: Day 8
Another day, another ultrasound. Unfortunately, we're on a downward progression as far as the cervix is concerned, it's currently at .37 cm. That's pretty darn thin. Luckily, there's no dilation but that won't mean much if it keeps getting thinner. They've restated the need for bedrest but Chris has already been doing that. Just trying to keep everything calm so Baby stays in there as long as possible.

October 15th
Hospitalized: Day 5
Today's ultrasound was to check the amniotic fluid levels in the uterus. She's full. Actually, slightly over full but it's no biggie. Baby's still doing great and he's started "breathing," honest, I saw it!

October 11th (part 2)
Baby's latest batch of ultrasound pictures are here. You can actually start to see what he's going to look like, the poor kid got my nostrils.
:)

October 11th
Chris spent the night in the hospital on a fetal heart rate/contractions monitor. Everything looked good but at our perinatologist (preemie) doctor's exam, they found that the cervix has thinned further and is now approximately .8 cm thick and less than 1 cm dilated. Chris won't be leaving the hospital until the baby is born. Hopefully that means she'll be there no less than 3 weeks, and preferably 2 months or more. (Sounds odd to wish for a lengthy hospital stay doesn't it?) The good news is that he's ahead of schedule in the growth department which will be helpful when he's born, the bigger the better. Everyday he can stay inside Mommy helps and we're really hoping he stays in past 30 weeks (Halloween), after 30 weeks things look pretty good for him. I'll post some new ultrasound pics soon, he's got my nose!

October 10th
We've made it through one day of bedrest but after the doctor examined her and found that her cervix was also dilated 1 cm (in addition to being 1 cm thick) she admitted Chris to the hospital for observation. Looks like there's a good chance Baby will be here much sooner than expected. More tomorrow...

October 9th
Another ultrasound today. Baby and Mommy are healthy but her cervix was measured at 1 cm thick (anything less than 2.5 cm puts you at an increased risk of premature delivery), soooo... Chris is on moderate to strict bedrest until Baby is born. We'll know more after our doctors visit tomorrow.

September 30th
Only 100 days left!

Baby Urban wants to give a big "shout out" to little Olivija. Our friends Tom and Deanna have a new arrival. See you in 3 months Olivija!
(Daddy's note: Special thanks to all our friends who are busy supplying Baby Urban with his future girlfriends, you'll make fine in-laws.)

September 28th
Mommy broke down and bought a "maternity support belt" to help support her ever-growing belly. It looks like a weight belt for pregnant ladies. She likes it, but Baby reacts to the constricted space with swift punches and kicks.

September 14th
Chris was having Braxton-Hicks contractions every 15 minutes last night and it continued into the morning so we went in to get checked out. They monitored Mommy and Baby for a while, said everything is ok and turned us loose. Apparently as the baby grows she'll feel these contractions more. Lots of fluids and a bit more rest seem to be the antidote.

September 12th
Baby knows and responds to my voice now. When I start talking to him he starts getting active. I can't tell if he likes it or is just trying to get me to shut up.

September 10th
This whole "baby" thing is getting crazier and crazier... Now I don't even need to touch Chris' belly to tell if the baby is moving, I can just watch it from across the room!

September 8th
Chris begins playing "Simon" with the baby. She presses one one spot of her tummy and the baby responds with a kick. Press in another spot and get another response. Baby got 3 out of 4 correct.

September 6th
Alright, it took me a little longer to get these pics up than I thought but here they are, Baby's August 21st ultrasound! I really will post a video as soon as I get the software to edit it.

September 5th
The first of our belly pictures is here! This is what Chris' belly looked like on August 21st. She's gotten bigger since then, I'll post another soon.

August 22nd
The message boards have been moved to a new service, the old one is out of business. It looks pretty empty so go fill it up. (I'll try to add all the old messages soon)

August 21st
We had another doctor visit today, complete with ultrasound. Baby and Mommy are doing great and progressing as scheduled. We've hit the 20 week mark which means we're halfway there! I'll post the ultrasound pics soon, maybe even a video so stay tuned.
Oh yeah, we found out the sex and it's a BOY!

August 18th
Baby continues the workout and has put Mommy out of commission for the past few days with a bout of sciatica. Damn it Baby, settle down! (Look, it's Baby's first scolding!)

August 14th
Holy moly! This morning, I felt the baby deliver a swift punch/kick to Christine's innards! I thought it would be a while before you'd be able to feel the baby on the outside but not so. If Baby keeps swinging like that, Chris will be black and blue...

August 10th
We have movement! Chris actually felt Baby jumping around this morning. There were four rhythmic movements that felt like bubbles. If it weren't for the consistency, she might have written it off to gas. Another couple weeks and I should be able to feel it too!

August 9th
Yes, yes, it's been awhile since the last update. Sorry about that, I'll try not to let it happen again. Chris has started to show, if she lets me, I'll post a pic of her belly soon. She hasn't felt any "definitive" Baby movement yet but it should be any day now... You'll be the first to know, promise!

July 20th
It's our 6th anniversary today, the last we'll ever get to spend (semi) alone.

July 19th
Apparently, it's not wise to share your wife's age on the Internet...   Who knew?

July 16th
Birthdays Galore! Mommy turns CLASSIFIED today. Can you believe she's older than Grandma Donna? How does that happen? Happy Birthday Mommy!

July 13th
Soon-to-be-Grandpa Dennis turns another year older today, Happy Birthday Grandpa!

July 6th
Soon-to-be-Grandpa Tony turns another year older today, Happy Birthday Grandpa!

July 4th
Baby Urban says, "Happy Birthday, America! See you soon!"

June 29th
The best way to keep an aging mind sharp is to challenge it. I'm not saying you're old, but a quick game of Concentration couldn't hurt.
(Flash Player 6 required)

June 27th
Baby's first pictures have arrived. You wouldn't believe the gymnastics that were going on during the ultrasound! Due date has been moved back to January 8th (even farther from a tax break for daddy). Doctor says "Baby and Mommy are great."

June 25th
Today is Tony's Mom's birthday. Soon to be Grandma Kathy turns 29 today too! Isn't it great that Baby will have such young Grandmas? Happy Birthday, Mommy!

June 23rd
Today is Chris' Mom's birthday. Soon to be Grandma Donna turns 29 (and holding) today! Happy Birthday, Mommy!

June 22nd
What are we doing with a baby? Looks like you've been away from BabyUrban.com too long! Nah, it's just us with little Pearl. Hi Pearl!

June 21st
We couldn't keep up with all the questions, and quite frankly, peering into the future isn't our specialty. So, we've hired a psychic to answer your questions about Baby Urban and life in general. (Flash Player 6 required)

June 16th
Happy Father's Day, Dads!

Baby Urban wants to give a big "shout out" to little Pearl. Our friends Doris and Martin have a brand new arrival. "See you in 6 1/2 months Pearl!"

June 15th
X-Files entry: Chris and her sister Susan BOTH have a dream about Baby Urban on the same night, and he's a boy! Bizarre coincidence or evidence of paranormal psychic powers? You decide...

June 14th
Our first content submission, sent in by soon-to-be Uncle Joel, offers a possible glimpse into the future.

This movie in no way represents the views or opinions of anyone here at BabyUrban.com.
(Flash Player 6 required)

June 11th
BabyUrban.com is open for business! Stop by early and often to see how the baby's doing, look at pictures, talk the hours away on the message board, and play crazy baby games. This is your new homepage.

May 19th
Boy, it sure is getting hard not to share our good news with all of you! We are just bursting at the seams and secretly smile to each other, knowingly. We can't wait until our trip at the end of May to tell our families in person!

May 17th
Tony is so excited about the baby and his baby doll, that he creates a homepage for babyurban.com and sends Chris the link. When Chris goes to the URL, it is a picture of the baby doll on a blue blanket! (Chris is certain Tony thinks the baby doll is the real thing).

May 15th
Tony discovers the baby doll glows in the dark when he has us give it a goodnight kiss. It reminds us of Casper.

May 14th
Tony scares Chris half to death by saying "Holy crap!" every half hour. Chris thinks he must've seriously injured himself; Tony still can't believe we're having a baby!

May 13th
Chris decides to call Tony's bluff and calls her doctor. "Sure," they say, "Come on in. All you gotta do is pee in a cup."

It's positive!! Chris buys a small baby doll and wraps it up with the positive test results as a gift for Tony. Chris tells Tony she got him a present to celebrate his new job. Tony opens it and they're so happy, they laugh and cry in disbelief. Tony carries the baby doll everywhere and has us both kiss it goodnight.

May 12th
Happy Mother's Day, Mommies!

Chris suggests again to Tony that they could get a pregnancy test - "it would be a good Mother's Day present - don't you think?" Chris even looks for a test at the store and can't find one. "Where do they hide those things??"

May 11th
Chris seriously craves nachos, makes a special trip to the store for the fixin's, then makes them for dinner. Tony thinks, "Cool, nachos!! For dinner!!" Chris suggests to Tony that they go get a pregnancy test. Tony says, "Nah, you're not pregnant."



One day, Chris told me she was pregnant.

She gave me a baby doll so I could have something to play with until the real baby came. It was cute.

I was very happy that I was going to be a dad. I will be the best dad ever. I love my baby. I love my wife.

The End.