Ultrasound

I finally have a minute to sit down and write about the ultrasound. I had some fear before going in for it. I just felt anxious and unsettled. The more kids we have, the more fortunate I feel for 2 healthy kids, and the more I worry that the ultrasounds will reveal something that we just aren't expecting. How reassuring to know that the Lord created this life inside of me, and no matter what happens, this baby is His and created for Him.

With Ella being anemic in the womb and being in the NICU after birth, I do have fears of repeating her birth again. I am so thankful that the Lord protected her and gave me that maternal sense that something was wrong when I stopped feeling her move as often. But all of that does bring up fears as I prepare for another baby with the knowledge that things don't always go as planned.

It was so relieving to see our baby wiggling and moving around, and even more wonderful to hear the specialist tell us that everything looks wonderful. He also shared with us that as we move into the third trimester, he can monitor the amount of blood flowing through the arteries, which will help show if the baby is anemic. They still aren't sure if it's a chronic condition or if it was a one time case. If the baby is anemic, blood will be pumping through the arteries with a greater force, trying to get more blood to the heart and brain (I'm not sure if all of this is exactly right, but it's what I remember the doctor telling us). It's pretty amazing what an ultrasound will reveal to expert eyes! Praise God for modern medicine!

What a beautiful thing to see our baby! I think it gets more amazing with each child we have. To know that this little person will have a personality, character and spirit so different than each of our other children. It brought a lot of excitement to my heart :)

Now I just have to wait another 20 weeks to hold our little boy (By the way, each time we have found out we were pregnant, Joel has successfully guessed the gender of the baby. He's 3 for 3 right now). Yesterday I had a sudden desire to pack for the hospital and start washing our newborn boy clothes. I was SO not prepared for Ella's birth, that I really want to make sure I have things ready this time around. Especially a hospital bag. Nothing like writing a list of "needed" things for your husband to go home and retrieve for you. It's hard to pick out the right "black pants" when you own like 3 pair. Ha. At least he tried!

Well, I guess I need to wrap this up. I have a few birthday presents to wrap before Elijah wakes up from his nap!