Posing for the Camera

The advantage to having many ultrasounds is that we get to see a lot of our son's development. Marveling at God's handiwork, I watch with such awe and wonder.

During our visit to the fetal specialists on December 18th (one day shy of 22 weeks), Ayden was 15 ounces. This first shot shows his profile. While this picture was taken, we observed his lips moving. My favorite part of an ultrasound is watching Ayden's hands and feet. A 2D ultrasound allows one to see the number of bones in the baby's hands and feet. When this picture was taken, Ayden started with his hand in a fist and slowly extended his thumb and forefinger.
Though it makes sense that a baby in the womb would be incredibly flexible, it's a whole other experience to actually see your son wiggle into unusual positions. I wish that this scan was better, but in this photo, Ayden has his feet side-by-side; however, on the foot shown to the left, you see Ayden's toes facing down, and on the foot on the right, his toes are facing up. (Try putting yourself in that position!)
This last picture is of Ayden's face. I know. I know. The orbits for his eyes kind of make him look like an alien. This mama thinks he is so beautiful!
Some other notes of interest:
1. We love Ayden's pediatric cardiologist at Vanderbilt. Not only does she have an impressive resume, but she also conveys medical jargon in a very personal and understandable way. We feel good about the fact that she will be the one caring for and communicating with our son into his teenage years.
2. Vanderbilt provides one with tremendous resources. We have a social worker that we are able to correspond with, get resources from, etc. This woman will also meet with us extensively to introduce us to the hospital, staff, etc.
3. My OB is a Baptist Hospital physician, so he will be referring me to someone so that I can deliver at Vanderbilt. While I am a bit saddened by this, I am willing to make the necessary changes to protect our precious kiddo. Assuming all goes well, I can deliver as normal. We do not have to schedule a C-section.
4. At my doctor's visit on Monday, December 28th, I had gained 14 pounds over almost six months. I officially have a baby bump. Finding a comfortable position while sitting/sleeping has become somewhat difficult, and we had to finally spring for a maternity winter coat. (I am becoming less and less able to wear my clothes.)
5. I have begun reading children's books to Ayden. His first book was I Lost My Tooth in Africa, and his second was Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late. I believe that I want to do our little dude's nursery in children's book fashion, though I am not sure what that really entails yet.
6. God is great. He is an awesome God, and He is able to take care of all things, big and small... like our Ayden. I am approaching our Lord with reverence and bold assurance: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).