Monday, August 21, 2006

First Ultrasound

We had our first ultrasound on Friday, August 18.

I wasn’t prepared for the intensity of emotion upon seeing our baby for the very first time. I knew it would be a special day, and it certainly was.

The first pictures were breathtaking. We could see the profile of our baby, and he was waving his arm and sucking his thumb!

Chris grabbed my hand and tears starting spilling down my cheeks.

I’ve seen so many ultrasound pictures that have rarely resembled a human being, that I was amazed and awestruck by this experience.

After the initial ultrasound, a doctor came in to perform a more thorough ultrasound to confirm that the baby’s heart is developing properly. Our OB recommended us for an early ultrasound (12 weeks rather than the standard 16 weeks) because Chris’ brother was born with a congenital heart defect.

The doctor performed another ultrasound and the pictures were even more astounding. Since the doctor performed the ultrasound internally, we were able to see the baby in amazing detail.

We saw his spine, nasal cavity, and tooth buds. The most amazing moment was when we were actually able to SEE our baby’s heart beating.

It was also amusing to see the baby swing his fist and arch his back in response to the doctor’s prodding.

The baby is developing normally and I am left with a memory of our child that I will never forget.

On a humorous note, the doctor told us that he could determine the gender of the baby if we would like to know. I groaned in agony and explained that I would love to know, but Chris would like to be surprised. Since I could never keep a secret from him, we will both be surprised at the birth.

The doctor chuckled and told us that he wouldn't disclose the gender of the baby, but he would tell us that "the baby will strongly resemble one of the parents." He also told us that "this baby will most certainly be born naked, so we will know the gender immediately following the birth."

Chris eventually said that he would like to know the gender, but at that point I insisted that we wait because I didn't want him to forego his surprise just for my benefit. I also explained later that I had read a story of a woman that had six ultrasounds and she had been told the wrong gender five times! I'd rather be surprised...

I can’t wait to touch him!


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