Baby, Miracle

Today Papa and I went to see our lovely midwife and a few other medical specialists for our baby's 12-week prenatal visit. Honestly, I hadn't thought a lot about it; getting the boys ready to be out the door (by 6:58 a.m.! I couldn't believe we were on time!), over to some dear friends' home, and thinking about and executing all the logistics that had to take place prior to the appointment kept my mind pretty void of expectations. Of course, I got excited once I was on the table and the ultrasound began.

First glimpse--there's Baby! See the fist above the chin?

Then, before our eyes, a miracle. There was Baby, in perfect profile, heart beating regularly, little chest going up and down slightly. Head, eyes, nose, mouth, neck, ribs, arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes. Brain. Stomach. (These last two were pointed out to us.) Tiny; just about three inches long. Baby lay still while the sonographer took measurements and answered our questions. Then, as if on cue, Baby started moving, just in time for the sonographer to get observations--and pictures!--in more detail. We were enthralled. It was miraculous to behold.

Hearing--and seeing--Baby's heartbeat, at 160 beats per minute.

And what's even more miraculous is that this tiny child, complete with parts since conception, grows in secret, grows only in sight of our Heavenly Father, while we prayerfully wait for the day to see this child's face without the medium of an ultrasound. Aside from my little bump, this child is totally physically hidden to us. Yet heartbeats, millions of them, have already happened. Features are already becoming more pronounced. We are thankful, so thankful, to have witnessed a glimpse of God's amazing creative power today, and we pray God will continue to bless our child with good health, physical growth, and faith by hearing--because Baby has already begun to hear! Another fantastic miracle!

Legs, litttle feet, little toes!

My favorite--a wave to Mommy and Daddy!

Foot

Face

Hands

Hands