Baby Names

One of my favorite things to do is to think of names I like. And since babies are on my mind a lot lately, I am sure there will be much more to come on this topic! For now here is a list of the most popluar baby names.
It is always a little bit of a disapointment when I see a name I love on this list!

Boy’s Girl’s
1 Jacob Emily

2 Michael Emma

3 Joshua Madison

4 Ethan Isabella

5 Matthew Ava

6 Daniel Abigail

7 Christopher Olivia

8 Andrew Hannah

9 Anthony Sophia

10 William Samantha

11 Joseph Elizabeth

12 Alexander Ashley

13 David Mia

14 Ryan Alexis

15 Noah Sarah

16 James Natalie

17 Nicholas Grace

18 Tyler Chloe

19 Logan Alyssa

20 John Brianna

21 Christian Ella

22 Jonathan Taylor

23 Nathan Anna

24 Benjamin Lauren

25 Samuel Hailey

26 Dylan Kayla

27 Brandon Addison

28 Gabriel Victoria

29 Elijah Jasmine

30 Aiden Savannah

31 Angel Julia

32 Jose Jessica

33 Zachary Lily

34 Caleb Sydney

35 Jack Morgan

36 Jackson Katherine

37 Kevin Destiny

38 Gavin Lillian

39 Mason Alexa

40 Isaiah Alexandra

41 Austin Kaitlyn

42 Evan Kaylee

43 Luke Nevaeh

44 Aidan Brooke

45 Justin Makayla

46 Jordan Allison

47 Robert Maria

48 Isaac Angelina

49 Landon Rachel

50 Jayden Gabriella

More about Conner

New Baby, New Blog

 Well, I’ve done what every good father is expected to do now a days…I bought connor-lamb.com.  Yes its true my son is a big geek and does not even know it yet.  Sharon and I want to use it to keep everyone up to date on all things Connor, with out having to send out mass emails like this one.  So far there is a blog, photo gallery and discussion forums, I’m sure we will add more as time goes on.  

Please enjoy www.connor-lamb.com

It’s a Boy!

The story of Connor’s birth!  I love sharing things from my inbox!   Today I got the long awaited news from Sharon and Scott that their baby finally arrived.  And with the news came the story of the birth, and since it is an interesting story I thought I would share it here:

I apologize for not updating sooner; I know some of you have been in suspense since I went into labor last Tuesday, not knowing what was going on.  I am happy to report that the baby is here, and perfectly healthy, and Scott and I are doing great as well!  I’m writing our birth story below (a somewhat abridged (but still quite looooooong) version, and safe for those who are squeamish about “those sorts of things”… the complete version is available upon request!).

The basics:

Connor Daniel Lamb

March 26, 2008

8:33 pm

8 lbs, 8 oz.  (seriously!!)

21 inches

As some of you may know, I had a very smooth pregnancy until developing mild hypertension in the final two months.  Although not a major risk in itself, gestational hypertension can be associated with kidney and liver stress, which I began to show signs of in the last two weeks.  I was always within “safe” ranges of blood pressure and kidney and liver function, but was closely monitored as my condition gradually intensified.  Last Monday (the 24th), our midwife suggested we consider scheduling a cesarean if I hadn’t given birth within a week, because my condition could rapidly deteriorate with no warning if I went on being pregnant.  We knew the baby was doing great (based on some tests and an ultrasound we’d had that morning), but had to be concerned about my health at that point.  We were, of course, incredibly disappointed at the thought of scheduling surgery instead of going ahead with the natural birth we’d wanted and prepared for.

Unexpectedly, my water broke on Monday night!!  It is somewhat unusual for a first-time mom’s water to break without any other signs of impending labor (and I had no signs).  Nonetheless, our midwife was excited and told us to get some sleep and keep her updated.  Tuesday morning, I started having mild and irregular contractions.  By Tuesday afternoon, my contractions were steady and regular.  In a matter of hours, they went from being 10-12 minutes apart to 4-5 minutes apart, and much more intense.  We left for the birth center at 10:20 pm, and during the hour-long ride there, I labored in the back seat with extremely strong contractions coming 2-3 minutes apart.  We arrived expecting that we were nearing the end of Stage 1!

My body was apparently playing tricks on me, and our midwife reported that I’d only just started to dilate.  So, into the birth tub I went… I labored for an hour or so in the tub, while our midwife’s apprentice massaged my back and Scott cooked some couscous for me (which I later refused to eat or even smell!!).  After a while, I labored on the bed, and then on a yoga ball.  At 6:00 am, I began to fear that “the baby isn’t coming,” and announced this repeatedly.  Sure enough, the midwife verified my statement: I was only slightly more dilated and the baby’s head was still high in my pelvis. 

Now, 36 hours after my water broke and more than 12 hours into active labor, I hadn’t slept in over two days.  Our midwife was concerned about the energy I was expending on a labor that was progressing very slowly, especially because my organs were not functioning at optimal levels.  She expressed that we shouldn’t lose hope and that I should continue to give my body a chance to give birth to the baby.  We discussed several options and their risks and benefits, and finally decided to transfer to the hospital where I would receive an epidural to allow me to sleep and conserve energy for the pushing stage.  At this point, we were a tad disappointed that our baby would be born in a hospital, but we felt it was the best choice given the circumstances.  Our midwife (Tracey) and her apprentice (Sabrina) led the way, and I was admitted around 7:30 am.

I got the epidural and settled in for a nap.  After an hour, Tracey woke me to report that my contractions had gotten very weak and spaced out since the anesthesia kicked in, and that she wanted to start a Pitocin drip to induce stronger, more regular contractions.  Scott and I were alarmed at this suggestion, since if you are planning a natural delivery you must avoid Pitocin like the plague (it greatly increases the likelihood that an operative delivery or cesarean will be the outcome).  We discussed it with Tracey and decided it was, ironically, our only remaining chance for a natural delivery.  The Pitocin would stimulate my body to do the work of labor while the epidural allowed me to sleep, so I would be able to wake up and get back in the game when it was time to start pushing.  The Pitocin worked immediately, giving me strong contractions practically on top of one another.  Connor, the little trooper, kept a strong and steady heart rate throughout, and even spent most of the day kicking.  He was working really hard to find the exit, as you can see in the nursery photo - look at how cone-headed he was!!

I remained on the Pitocin for the rest of the day, and only made two more centimeters’ progress.  Tracey brought her obstetrician to meet me, and discuss the now very real possibility of a cesarean.  Although I dreaded having surgery (both from a personal and a philosophical perspective), we knew we were putting my health (and therefore Connor’s health) at risk by continuing to labor indefinitely.  The decision to go ahead with the surgery was bittersweet… we were sad about it, but also extremely relieved to be done with a long and difficult labor, and so excited to meet our baby in a matter of hours!!

Tracey checked on my progress at the very last minute… literally as they were rolling me out the door en route to the operating room… just to see if there was any shred of hope remaining for a natural delivery.  No hope left, she said to me, “Sharon, I think we’ve done everything we can and your body has done everything it can.  I don’t think you should have any regrets about this, and even though I know it’s not what you wanted, you’re going to meet your baby in just a few minutes and that’s the important thing.”  I knew she was right, and was rolled to the OR feeling apprehensive about the surgery but knowing it was the right decision.  It was comforting knowing that Tracey would be assisting the surgeon and that Sabrina would be my secondary support person during the times when Scott was not allowed in the room or was with the baby.

Scott was with me during the operation, holding my hand.  We used the relaxation techniques we’d prepared for labor in order to keep me calm during the procedure.  Just minutes after the surgery began, we heard our baby’s cries!!  It was the most beautiful sound in the world.  The pediatrician brought the baby to Scott, who lowered him to my face so I could kiss him.  Then, they went to the nursery together for Connor’s newborn exam.  Sabrina took over for Scott and held my hand for the rest of the surgery.  I was given Demerol, and became totally loopy!  Days later, she told me all of the things I said, and it was indeed hilarious.

After the surgery was over, I went to recover and Sabrina stayed with me, massaging my legs to make the swelling go down.  When Scott and Connor were done in the nursery, they came to my recovery room and I got to hold Connor and nurse him for the first time.  I don’t even remember this, but luckily Sabrina took tons of pictures… our first family photos!

Afterward, we were transferred to a private room where Scott and Connor and I stayed for the next three nights.  The recovery from surgery has been frustrating at times, but I generally feel well.  Scott and I have spent the time falling in love with Connor… we can’t take our eyes off of him.  Scott has done pretty much all of the baby care, changing diapers and rocking and bouncing and giving baths, so that I can rest and spend my energy nursing.  We finally came home on Saturday morning, and have been resting and recovering and bonding as a new family.  We love our beautiful little blue-eyed boy, who is extremely sweet and inquisitive (and frighteningly strong for a newborn!!). 

We’ve attached a few photos below so that you can see what the little one looks like.  I apologize that we weren’t able to send these out sooner, but we had a long week full of unexpected turns, and are just now starting to catch up.  We really appreciate all of the well-wishes and congratulations messages we’ve received.  Your support means a lot to us as we recover from the surgery experience, and we know Connor is very lucky to be growing up so well-loved by our friends and family!!  Please forgive us if you’ve left phone messages and haven’t heard back yet… we will be in touch as soon as we can!

Thanks again for your love and support… enjoy these photos for now, and we can’t wait for you to meet Connor!

Love,

Sharon and Scott