Izrail September 27, 2006

We decided to change Ronan’s middle name from Israel to Izrail, the Russian spelling. Izrail is also Inna’s grandfather’s name. We like the way it looks and it’s a little different.

AFI Back in Range September 27, 2006

The sonogram today showed a doubling in the volume of amniotic fluid.  This means we’re now well within normal range and there is no need to deliver Ronan early.  He gets to pick his time.

Amniotic Fluid Index September 25, 2006

During the sonogram last week we found out that the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) is low. A normal AFI is between 5 and 30 centimeters. We’re at 5.1 cm. While still in the normal range, it is borderline. Following the sonogram, we did some non-stress tests to see how Ronan [...]

37 Week Sonogram September 19, 2006

We went in for a sonogram today at 37 weeks. Ronan is fine and weighs approximately 6 pounds 2 ounces.  The top photo is of his foot. The center photo is of him holding his hands in front of his face. In the bottom photo, he is looking our way and showing us his face.

oh [...]

Doing the Baby Thing September 17, 2006

Cool T-shirt from Diana.

BABY – Get off Mommy’s bladder!!!!! September 16, 2006

So the doctor believes that Ronan has dropped and now his head is being cushioned, quite comfortably, by Mommy’s bladder. Most of the time its okay, but every once in a while he feels the need to adjust his headrest. Its at those times when the most polite words to come out of [...]

About the Name Ronan September 15, 2006

Ronan is an Irish name meaning “little seal”. It is associated with the legend of the Selkie. Numerous saints and a 7th century king of Leinster bore the name. Today, several popular musicians and writers bear the name.
Here you can hear author Frank McCourt pronounce the name Ronan and talk about the Selkie [...]

Baby Shower Photos September 14, 2006

Photos from the baby shower on August 26th are on Flickr. Here’s Inna giving me a look.  I can’t tell if that’s good or bad.

Genetic Screening September 14, 2006

Several months ago, Inna and I went in for genetic screening.  This helps determine what genetic defects might be passed to Ronan.  The two main ones we have to worry about are Tay-Sachs and Cystic Fibrosis.  Inna was tested for Tay-Sachs since it is more frequent among Ashkenazi Jews.  We were both tested for Cystic [...]

36 Week Checkup September 14, 2006

We’re going in for weekly checkups at this stage.  We listen to Ronan’s quickly-beating heart during each visit and check on Inna’s blood pressure, sugar levels, and fundus measurement.  At week 36 all is well.  Next week we go in for another sonogram to check Ronan’s weight.