Point. Blank. Mystery.: It's A... Turtle?!

Yesterday was my first OB appointment. I wasn't really sure what to expect, as I had bits of information coming at me from several directions. I was scared as to what we would have to pay and at the possible disappointment of not seeing our baby on ultrasound. (Someone with our same insurance told us we wouldn't have an ultrasound until well in the second trimester.) Regardless, I prayed for peace and got ready to go. Chris and I stopped to pick up my Auntie and headed up there.

After some research, I decided on Lexington OB/GYN, and I made my appointment. It wasn't until I got there yesterday that I found out I was accepted despite the fact they aren't accepting new patients. Praise Jesus! I loved the office staff, the ultrasound tech, the nurse, and the doctor. I will have ultrasounds at 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks, and 28 weeks. The 16 week and 28 week ultrasounds are no cost to us. I felt fully informed and a definite part of the decision-making team. Anyway, on to the details of the visit...

First stop: ultrasound. This is the moment I have waited for. I have had crazy dreams for weeks, and have had to pray to absolve random thoughts and fears about this baby. The tech stepped out of the room for me to undress, and I happened to look at her photos of her children. I graduated with one of her sons, so I made Auntie hold up my coat in front of the pictures while I assumed the correct garments. She complied with my odd requests before she realized how absurd I am and laughed at me.

The tech came back in the room and proceeded with the ultrasound. I looked at the monitor as if each millisecond took hours to locate the baby, and finally the screen was consumed by our little one! Chris, Auntie, and I looked in wonder and thankful relief at our tiny baby developing inside of me... a little wonder, an honest miracle.

At this moment, I uttered a silent prayer of thanksgiving, and in the next moment it struck me how much our baby resembles a turtle. A turtle with a big head. Blame it on my pregnancy brain or my random sense of humor, but I laughed. It was a welcome sign to escape the tension of my nerves that has built with each pain or thought over the past few weeks. We're having a turtle! I still laugh at the thought.

By the size of our baby and some other key pieces of information the internet doesn't need, the best guess as to when Bean shall join us is between August 8 and August 14, but August 14 is more likely as this is our first baby. It feels surreal to be able to place a date on when our child will be expected to arrive in this world.

We later spoke with both the nurse and the doctor, asking any and all questions we pleased. The nurse gave us a lot of materials to read and reference, including a book that my OB wrote (which is really awesome, by the way). Not many people get the seal of approval from Auntie, but they passed with flying colors.

I am looking forward to the next seven months, and I'm simultaneously frightened by the next seven months. I take comfort in knowing that the Lord wants this baby to be here. All the things I was supposed to do to become pregnant concerning my medical diagnoses, I didn't do at all. Yet, we have a little blessing on the way. And in no mindset could I ever believe that my God and Savior would make a physical way for this baby without also making the means to provide. So, we rejoice in this knowledge!

When I have the time, I will post an image or two of ultrasounds along the way, but for now, I want a small glimpse into our humble beginnings before baby...