It’s a… healthy baby! I exercised my will power again and we did not find out the baby’s gender. You can read more about why we’ve decided to wait to find out as I wrote when Doodad was 14 weeks.
I had an anatomical ultrasound on Monday, and Jared, my mom, and the boys were able to go with me. Magoo had no idea what was happening, but was entertained by all the equipment and display screans. Bebop was extremely excited to see the baby. We’ve watched this TED video showing conception to birth several times and I think Bebop really understands there is a tiny baby inside me. (Just a warning – this video starts with sperm and egg and shows MRI generated images of prenatal development through birth. It also includes a quite beautiful portrayal of birth. Preview it and be prepared for questions. I thought it was appropriate for my 4 year old, but I’m also very comfortable discussing sex and reproduction with just about anyone. Currently Bebop thinks I will go to the hospital and poop a baby. I’m okay with that view for now. We’ll expand on it when he’s older.)
Doodad earns the prize as our most uncooperative baby so far. The technician was trying to get all the pictures and measurements, and Doodad kept kicking and turning. We almost didn’t get a profile because Doodad was face down. (The profile picture is important because if the nose or lips are not formed properly it can be detected.) After getting her(him?) to flip over, the hands were in the way. This is the best profile. At least we’re sure there is a nose!
Our first technician was new, and apparently in the process of training (although we did’t know that at first). She left after about a half hour to check the images and came back with another, more experienced technician. The last time that happened to me, there was a debate as to the number of babies I was actually going to have. I have friends who found out about a wide range of issues, most related to heart deformities, at their anatomical ultrasounds. The adults in the room were all nervous for a few minutes until it became apparent we were in a mentor/trainee situation. I think the first technician was supposed to tell us she was in training but forgot. I thought she did a great job considering how much difficulty the second technician was having getting the required images.
This is one of my favorite ultrasound pictures of Doodad’s feet. On the last ultrasound Doodad kept kicking so I never saw all the toes. This time I counted all 10. I’m absolutely amazed at both the technology that allows us to see the baby, and how early body parts are developed and identifiable. The hospital gave me a copy of the ultrasound, but it only included 10 pictures; face, hand, and feet. I really wish I had all the images because it is unbelievable to to see the spine, heart, stomach, and lungs in their proper places, functioning normally.
Complete aside – I’ve noticed more commentary on the issue of abortion lately, probably because I’m pregnant and pay attention more now than in other seasons of my life and because of the recent bill in congress regarding gender based abortions. In some parts of our country (I don’t exactly know where, nor do I care to) it would be legal for me to kill and discard my baby at this point. I find that completely appalling. I’ve had it on my heart to address the issue of abortion for the last few months but can’t quite find the words. Instead I encourage you to read about abortion as written by my friend Jessi. She addresses the issue with great passion and eloquence. And she’s due with her second about a week after me!
I think this is a great picture of Doodad, but Bebop thinks it’s scary. Doodad measured just over a pound. Combined with all the other measurements taken, the estimated due date is about a week ahead of my actual due date. Bebop and Magoo both measured about a week ahead at this point, so I just expect another early delivery. Either Doodad will follow the pattern and be born on Friday, November 2 (my guess (s)he will be born at 39 weeks), or shock all of us and hang out until the end of the month (42 weeks, yikes!). What do you think?
[...] was able to go with me for Doodad’s anatomical ultrasound. Bebop is picking up more and more words everyday, and reading at a kindergarten level. He now [...]