Ultrasound

hand

face

spine, etc.

foot

more face

I can't really explain it, but I was completely freaked out about this ultrasound. I kept trying to remind myself that God knew what was going on in there and me seeing in there didn't change a thing but I didn't do a very great job of remembering that most of the time.

For starters, I am old. By reproduction standards anyway. Every doctor's appointment is another discussion of another test to determine whether the baby is likely to have this abnormality or that genetic issue, etc. My stand has always been that they can do any test that they would need to know the results of to help the baby at birth. However, I would not terminate a pregnancy so none of the other stuff really matters. Many of the tests just determine if you are more likely to have a baby with certain defects, not a for sure answer until an amnio, which I personally would not have (because it's risky AND I'm a wimp!). Besides, God gives you the baby He wants you to have. I have known plenty of people my age to have healthy babies. I have also known of plenty of 25 year olds who have babies that are not well, have genetic issues, etc.

All that said, I did let my doctor (who is also my age and pregnant) talk me into a more extensive ultrasound, which has to be done at a specialist's office. The appointment starts with a consultation with Debbie Downer (as I am choosing to refer to her). I understand it's just her job but she started out explaining all the terrible things that could be wrong based on my age and really tried to force the amnio issue. We let her do her job and then informed her we didn't want one. I said yes to the ultrasound in the first place, knowing there are some soft markers for chromosomal issues that would be looked at during the ultrasound. But selfishly, I knew for me it was a longer peek inside there to see what was going on. Well, the baby did not disappoint! I was nervous going in as I really couldn't feel any movement (okay, I was only 18 weeks and a couple of days but still!). Well, baby did a complete somersault mid-ultrasound, flipping all the way around (and I couldn't feel that either). We looked at the heart, the heart rate, measured upper arms, lower arms, looked at blood flow, etc. The tech declared this was a really cute baby. Of course, I agreed, but really the baby looks a little, well, skeletal on an ultrasound! Then came the doctor to interpret the results. My doctor's office had scheduled the appointment for me so when I got the packet in the mail and found out our appointement was with the head of the department I figured he'd be all business. He didn't disappoint either. He walked into the room, sat down, and said, "Everything looks great. Any questions?" Yes, that was the extent of the actual doctor's visit.

So, without further adieu, I introduce you to baby BOY McNichols (or Little Mr. No Name as he is affectionately being called). Here's where I give a little shout out to Jill, Janel, and Simone - all moms of 3 boys who are still very feminine, enjoy girly time, and love love love their boys!