Half-time Show

Yesterday marked my 20th week. The family drove to Portland for our first-ever 3D/4D ultrasound appointment. Since this may be our last blessing, we wanted to do it in style. I was so nervous! I worried about seeing the baby on the screen - would it look weird? Would there be a problem? How would I react to knowing the gender?

The technician was a very sweet woman who was also pregnant. She made me feel relaxed and comfortable. The ultrasound began in 2D and we soon discovered that the location of the placenta was causing a problem viewing our little one. Also, the baby was breech and facing my spine. I think s/he was trying to hide from the camera. :)

So, we weren't able to get 3D/4D video or pictures, just the standard ultrasound. But, their policy is to allow a second visit to try again so we will go back in three weeks and see if baby is better positioned and has grown enough to overcome the obstacles.

We DO know the gender for certain. The baby was very cooperative in that area. :) And, we have decided to treasure this knowledge for ourselves for a while before we share with friends and family. With 3 girls, there are a lot of opinions on whether we're having a boy or girl and I want to take the time to allow our little family to get to know this new person and to imagine how life will be when s/he is born. Then there's the name to choose and we take that VERY seriously around here! I know everyone will understand our choice and it won't be secret for long. :)

Matters of the Heart

Last week I had my monthly visit with my mid-wife. I was 17 weeks. Everything has been going fine with this pregnancy - morning sickness is nearly gone, I started walking again, bump is growing, but not too quickly, weight steady (no gain, no pain) :)

Then it happened. My midwife had me lay down, slimed my belly with ultrasound gel, and began the search for the wonderful sound of little one's heartbeat. Only she couldn't find it. 15 minutes of prodding and searching and nothing. It is an understatement to say that I was freaking out. Where the heck could s/he be? It's not like there's a lot of room to hide. Another 5 minutes of trying after having me get up and walk around to try to move the baby. Still nothing.

Since my uterus was the right size, and there were no other indications of something wrong, she sent me home to "not worry." I have a 3D ultrasound scheduled in a couple weeks and we will find out then.

What, me worry?

I prayed and asked God for the faith and patience to wait and trust Him. I believe in the power of the body and blood of Jesus and have been partaking in Communion throughout this pregnancy. The life is in the blood. Rest in Him.

But, thankfully, my friend mentioned the situation to her doctor (she is due one day after me!) and her doctor generously offered to do an ultrasound/doppler on me for free. I have never heard of such an offer and I couldn't pass it up.

So, yesterday afternoon I walked into the doctor's office and waited for her to have an opening to spare a couple minutes to put my mind at ease. Praise God, the baby's heart was beating strong and I got to hear it for a very precious few seconds. There's no sound more beautiful to an expectant mommy's ears. :)

Hopefully this baby will stop giving me such grief and let me enjoy the rest of my pregnancy (hint, hint). I can't wait to see him/her at the ultrasound appointment!