The BIG Announcement and an Urgent Request for Prayer

Last Thursday was the day, the big day, when we went for that 20-week ultrasound (and my 4th for this pregnancy)! We put Tennyson down for a nap, left him with my sister-in-law, Hannah, and headed out to the doctor's office. It was especially exciting because we had invited my parents to come along. Since my youngest sibling is 20 years old, I figured my parents would love to see how much ultrasound technology has changed and what a fun way to tell them what their next grandchild would be.

The ultrasound went well, and since I drank a soda on the way there the baby was very active! The ultrasonographer asked if we were finding out what we were having and we confirmed that we were. Well, she had literally just put the probe on my belly and said..........

IT'S A BOY!!!!!

Apparently he was more than happy to show it off! Hahaha!!! Of course, Tom and I could not have been more excited! It's SO great that Tennyson and his little brother will be almost exactly 2 years apart and they will share that special bond as they go through life together. Aside from it simplifying things (clothes, long-term living arrangement, etc.) it will be so nice to say "the boys" instead of "the kids." We would have been fine either way, but we are beyond thrilled that Tennyson will have a little brother!!!

The little guy has his arms AND his feet over his head most of the time, so that made it difficult for her to get some great shots of his face. The most adorable part was when he yawned and we could see his little tongue moving! AMAZING! He also tried his best to suck his toes!!! What a personality already! We saw his little heart beating away, his fingers, his 1o little toes, and his sweet little face. I laid there crying, thinking about what an amazing gift we'd been given in this baby boy.

Once the ultrasound was over and my parents went on their way we went for the routine doctor's visit. Of course, since we waited a few minutes we made a few hurried phone calls to share the big news! The doctor came in and said that everything looked fine, but..... (Now at this one little word my heart jumped into my throat.) "there was one little problem." A little problem!!!! Are you kidding me?! When it comes to my unborn baby no problem could possibly be "little." I looked at Tom sitting across the room and looked back at her, waiting, waiting for what she would say next. She proceeded to tell us that there was a white spot on his heart. That it could mean nothing or it could mean a chromosomal problem, such as Down's. She assured us that everything else looked fine, and that it was just that one issue, but still my heart was breaking. I don't know HOW I kept it together. She didn't make it sound urgent, by any means, but offered us the chance to go to UVA and get a more in-depth ultrasound, which I immediately responded that I wanted to do that.

While we waited for the girl who coordinates all the UVA appointments I broke down in the hallway and then again after we left the office. (Later that day they did call to confirm the appointment. We have to wait TWO weeks because they don't do the type of ultrasound we need until 22 weeks.) I spent most of Thursday crying and Friday in shock. Today was the first day I started to feel somewhat hopeful that everything was going to be okay. I know we serve a big God, an Almighty God, a God who can do ALL things, but I am still human. I am worried sick about my precious baby boy. I am trying to trust, but still find myself saying, "But what if he's not alright?"

So I am asking for anyone reading this to please pray. Please pray first and foremost for our little one. That he is okay and that the spot is GONE when we go to UVA. And pray for peace for Tom and I. Tom is "handling" it better than me. The blessings of a calmer, and perhaps more trusting in our God, husband. We will keep you all posted, but won't know anything until April 23rd. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

As I sit here typing I feel his strong kicks within me, and I like to think he's telling me, "It's okay, Mommy, I'm fine."

Psalm 139
¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

AMEN.


PS- For all you on Facebook, please do not comment on our baby's gender, as Tom wants to tell his fellow teachers when school is back on Tuesday. Thank you!