Long awaited

          I've been waiting for this day for 5 weeks.... my first appointment with the maternal fetal medicine specialist. Looking back on my pregnancy with Hank, the first sign of pre eclampsia was at about 17 weeks when his arms and legs were measuring 1 to 2 weeks behind in growth. Pre eclampsia causes increased pressure in the blood vessels... including the ones delivering nutrients to the baby which caused Hank to be small. 
         
            I was so excited that this appointment was here. That is until I got to his office. Then, I was terrified. All my excitement was taken over by fear. We got called back to the room and the tech squirted gel all over my belly. I couldn't even speak to her. My stomach was in a knot. That sweet image of my baby came on the screen and I could barely see it through the tears welling in my eyes. 

          And then, she started measuring. And the measurements were 18 weeks and 2 days, 18 weeks and 4 days, 18 weeks and 3 days. I couldn't believe it... my baby was measuring just right. She began looking around at organs. I was just watching the screen, unable to ask her anything because I was still just so fearful. She took a picture and labeled it kidneys.... yes kidneys with an s. I thought yes! There were two kidneys just like there is supposed to be! Then, she looked at the heart, and let us hear that sweet heartbeat. What a wonderful sound. What a wonderful sight. I saw four chambers just like there should be!

           
           The tech pointed out feet and hands, and a sweet little nose. She knew we wanted her to put the gender in an envelope for us. So, she had us look away, she looked between the legs and typed on the picture the words we will be seeing on Saturday. She said the baby weighs 8 oz, which is half a pound and very good. Then she said the most relieving words.... " You can wipe the gel off with the towel."
She was done, and the doctor didn't need to look some more himself. That meant everything was OK!
Thank you Jesus that my baby is healthy and growing as it should be right now! And my blood pressure is good. And he said the chances are that won't happen to me again. He was so very nice and reassuring and promised to watch me very closely and take good care of me. He will see me every two weeks to make sure the baby continues to grow as it should. Thank you all for your prayers this far and I ask that you continue to pray for us and the little one. I am now 18 1/2 weeks.... 21 weeks to go! 

Here are some pictures of this sweet little one....

          
         This weekend, my sweet sister is throwing us a little party. A little party with some big news..... Nathan and I, with all of our family and friends, will find out if we are having a little boy or a little girl. I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it!

Thank you Lord for this blessing of good health today and for your amazing creation. I am in awe of the way You made our bodies to create life, to grow and sustain it. I give You the glory... for Your creation. And this baby I will give to You, and teach this sweet one to to live for You.  I am thankful, but so unworthy of Your gifts.


1 Chronicles 16:8 - Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.