1. Get a good view of Baby Ritchie #1
2. Catch a glimpse at what was going on between Baby Ritchie #1's legs.
3. Have them tell me that everything looked "perfect" and send me on my way.
Yup. That was pretty much it. I mean, what else was there to be concerned about? I was healthy and my pregnancy had been pretty "by the book" up to that point.
When her little figure popped up on the ultrasound screen I was covered in goosebumps and had a smile plastered to my face. I remember looking at Matt like "are you seeing this!?"
She was beautiful...even in grainy black and white.
Being my first baby, I didn't know how long an ultrasound was supposed to take. It never dawned on me that something could possibly be "wrong." I didn't come prepared with any questions to ask. I just assumed that everything was as it should be.
Then they told us that there was something wrong.
Something with her heart.
Our world was forever changed.
Next week Matt and I will walk back into that same ultrasound room and have the opportunity to "meet" Baby Ritchie #2. We're excited. We're nervous. We're (or at least I am) slightly terrified. We know more this time around. What are my expectations now?
1. To find out if our baby and its little heart are healthy.
2. To see if there are any concerns about growth or development.
Yup. That is pretty much it.
Funny how priorities change.
To continue my CHD Awareness Week posts, I want share a document with you that EVERY expecting mama should read before a 20 week ultrasound. Share it with your pregnant friends. Have them print it out and take it with them. IT'S ALL ABOUT EDUCATING YOURSELF!
Click HERE for a list of questions to ask during a 20 week ultrasound.
On a separate note - I decided to make a quick trip to Charlotte's cardiologist's office this morning with some treats for CHD Awareness week. Vanilla Oreo cupcakes with Oreo cream cheese frosting. YUM. And yes, I was up until midnight making those little heart toppers. Sleepy, but worth it!
As hard as it is to walk through those doors without Charlotte, I'm always happy to see everyone who has been such a HUGE part of our life for 2 years. As much as I hate that we had to meet under the circumstances that we did...I consider us blessed to have each and every one of them as a part of our family.
What a WONDERFUL post -- and I completely understand the emotions you felt at the ultrasound. Hugs to you and your family -- and prayers for a heart healthy Baby Ritchie #2! Can't wait to meet you!
ReplyDeleteI love the sharing of this dichotomy between the first and the second time. Thank you for sharing the 20 questions document. I found my way here from a fellow heart mom's post on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteMany prayers for an amazing ultrasound coming up!
You are really amazing. And, you are right, a sono will never be the same. I think anyone with a CHD experience would agree there is a new depth to the response "I just want them to be healthy". I said that with both of my kids, but honestly, I was completely clueless what lay ahead. I assumed they were healthy. I truly did not care about the sex and truly desired they be healthy. I just never really believed something could be wrong.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you inspire me. Your family is in my prayers. And, I want that cupcake recipe :)
Brandi