The Sweetest Sound

April 5, 2012 – I have sat in this waiting room so many times, but never with such eagerness. Three home tests, three blood tests and now we wait for a first look. The door opens and a nurse calls me back. As we wait Keith inspects the ultrasound machine. I’m not accustomed to him being with me and it’s making me extremely nervous.

Dr. H walks in with the ultrasound tech. It’s “J” today. (I know most of them by name at this point.) He congratulates us. He seems just as happy as we are. I lie back on the table. Seconds later there it is on the screen. Not much to make out at 7 weeks and 3 days, but we are staring at our baby on the screen! “J” types in the word “BABY” and draws an arrow. Over the next few minutes she takes some measurements.
Then there it is…the sweetest sound. I had read that the heartbeat is not always detected this early and I am not expecting to hear it today. The swoosh is loud and strong. Dr. H asks, “How does that sound?” “Pretty awesome,” I respond.

Moments later “J” hands me a blue envelope full of pictures and we walk into Dr. H’s office. He gives us a due date of November 19, tells us everything looks great and releases me from his care for the time being. I am to make an appointment with my “regular” GYN/OB. He tells us to be sure to send them a birth announcement once the big day arrives.

As we walk out of the office I see the canvases hanging on the wall covered in colorful handprints of babies and children. I have walked by these beautiful pieces of art numerous times, but this time it’s different. Our baby’s handprint will soon be on this wall.

We spend the rest of the day together and it is wonderful.

We are so full of anticipation,

so full of hope.