Heartbeats

I'm in the heart business.  I literally see them everyday.  I know the heartbeat, EKG, rhythms...I know what makes them tick and how to stop them.  It's what I do.  But the first time you hear your baby's heartbeat is life changing.  No longer something to analyze, looking for imperfections, its the life source.  It means there is really a little person growing inside of you, it makes everything more REAL.

At my first doctor appointment there were background questions, blood screening, family history, an exam and yes, the ultrasound.  Everything was perfect... I am young, healthy and from here on out, considered low risk!  The doc said I can live my life normally, with just the well known adjustments - prenatal vitamin, no alcohol or sushi.  I would follow each rule by the book.  I was feeling great and so was the baby, according to them.

When it came time for the second ultrasound, we had told our families (finally) about the baby, and my mom came with Trent and I to the "reveal" ultrasound.  We all sat in that little room as the ultrasound tech showed us all the little parts - spine, heart chambers, head, feet, hands, aminiotic sac, fluid, placenta etc, etc, etc.  She was taking FOREVER to show us the good stuff.  Finally, 45 minutes later she says, "oh, did you want to know the sex?"  UH....YEAH.  So about two seconds later, she says, "Its definitely a BOY!"  Since we all thought it was going to be a girl, the three of us took a collective gasp.  We were shocked and so excited to know that we were having a boy, who we immediately named Gabriel James.  And once again, we heard his heartbeat....Not knowing that in the upcoming weeks, it wouldn't just be his lifeline, it would be ours.